Q: Can I find and post home poker games on my mobile/iPhone?

Not at the moment but this is something we are working on! Please be patient and check back shortly... There are lots of other things that you CAN do on your phone with PokerDIY Mobile - have a read of our mobile/iPhone FAQs to find out more!

Q: What is Microsoft Silverlight and why do I need it?

MS Silverlight is a browser plugin for Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari etc. It was developed by the clever folks at Microsoft and works the same way as Flash, which you may have seen on the web. It allows feature-rich internet applications (a lot smoother and more powerful than normal web applications) in the web browser. It also means that any device that has a compatible browser can run Silverlight and therefore could run PokerDIY Tourney Manager. PTM is written in Silverlight which means we can take advantage of this web platform and create a great online app that can also be downloaded with ease. You can read more about MS Silverlight here and check if you have a compatible computer/device here. If you are running the latest version of Silverlight then you should be able to run PTM.

Question 1

I still need more help on PTM!

Accepted Answer

Ok, please start a new thread/support call on our forums and give us the following information so we can help you as quickly as possible!

Question 2

I can't download/install PTM - it's NOT WORKING!

Accepted Answer

Ok, firstly, in the words of the&#160;Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy; "DON'T PANIC"! PTM works on thousands of computers and has been used for many poker games - I'm sure we can fix your problem!
So, firstly, we need to identify the actual problem-
&#160;
A)&#160;Is PokerDIY Tourney Manager loading or do you see the "Silverlight Required" screen&#160;here?
If you can see PTM then that's good - Right-click on the background and see if you get the option to "Install onto this Computer". If you do and you click it and it does not install, please contact us. If you do not have this option then your computer thinks that PTM is already installed for some reason. The easiest way to check is to go to Add/Remove programs in Windows XP (Programs and Features in Win 7). If you have PokerDIY Tourney Manager already listed then you can uninstall it by double-clicking on it and then refresh the web page and right-click to install it. If you do not have it listed then please read the other options below and contact us if you still have problems using PTM.
B)&#160;Some people have said that it loads to 100% and then gets stuck. If this is the case, please try the following:

    Clear your browsers cache completely. Here are instructions on how to do this depending on what browser you are using to view this site. Refresh the page (Ctrl-F5 or Ctrl-R) and see if the problem still occurs.
    If it does, please try a different browser to the one you are using. For example, if you are using Internet Explorer, please try Firefox or Chrome. Is there still a problem?
    Lastly, if you have installed PTM before, please uninstall it completely (Add Remove Programs in Windows XP or Programs and Features in Windows 7) and reinstall it from here. Let us know if you still have problems!

C)&#160;If you do not see PTM at all, it could be a browser/system/Silverlight issue - we need to work out why it's not working. Firstly -&#160;go to the Microsoft Silverlight page&#160;and see if it thinks you have the latest version of Silverlight installed. Make sure you have the latest version before trying to run PTM.
&#160;
Now please contact us and tell us the following:

    What is the actual problem?
    Have you got the latest version of Silverlight installed?
    Are you&#160;running PTM online&#160;on PokerDIY or have you installed it and running it locally?
    What's your operating system version (e.g. Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Mac OS 10)
    What browser are you using? (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox etc.) and what version.

Please be as descriptive as possible and send a screenshot to support at pokerdiy.com (replace the word "at" with "@").
We'll have you up and running in no time!

Question 3

I deleted the PTM icon from my desktop and now can't start PTM

Accepted Answer

If you accidentally erase (not uninstall) the PTM icon and can't load it, you will need to uinstall and reinstall PTM (you will unfortunately lose your saved configurations - please contact us if this is a real problem).&#160;
Your computer sometimes gets into a muddle and you may not see the "Install onto this computer" option on the&#160;PokerDIY Tourney Manager web version&#160;whilst right-clicking.
In this case your computer thinks that PTM is installed and hence does not show you the option, so you need to uninstall it from your computer first.&#160;
To do this,&#160;uninstall it completely (Add Remove Programs&#160;in Windows XP or&#160;Programs and Features&#160;in Windows 7) and&#160;reinstall it from here.&#160;
Let us know if you still have problems.

Question 4

No Home Poker Laws for your country?

Accepted Answer

If your country or region is not listed here let us know on our Home Poker Law forums and we'll do the research for you!
Remember! We are not official legal advice - we are only trying to help guide you - please consult your local authority for more legal advice and you gamble at home at your own risk. Good luck!
Here are some other links that may help you:

    http://www.gambling-law-us.com/

Question 5

I didn't find what I was looking for!

Accepted Answer

Have you seen the other FAQs on the top right of this page? Have a read of those and if you are still stuck then let us know on our forums! We love to help and love good feedback!

You can also try some of the links on the right hand side of this page under the "Still Stuck?" section.

Question 6

I have a suggestion/feature request for PTM...

Accepted Answer

Great - please post it here and we can get votes on it to see if it will add value to PTM. If it does then we can discuss it and get it into an upcoming version. There is a slight chance that PTM&#160;can already do what you need - we aimed to make it as customizable as possible, but easy to use, so a lot of functionality is hidden behind menus etc. Lets discuss your requirement and see how we can help.
For the record, we LOVE&#160;hearing feedback - this improves our product for everyone and will one day hopefully make us rich!
You can dicuss our poker software on the poker forums too...

Question 7

Can I find and post home poker games on my mobile/iPhone?

Accepted Answer

Not at the moment but this is something we are working on!&#160;Please be patient and check back shortly...
There are lots of other things that you CAN&#160;do on your phone with PokerDIY&#160;Mobile - have a read of our mobile/iPhone FAQs to find out more!

Question 8

I have more questions

Accepted Answer

Contact us if you want to discuss anything with a human.

Question 9

Why does PTM need to use the internet for some features (and what are they?)

Accepted Answer

Some of the more advanced features in PTM need internet access.
For example, the default backgrounds are not all shipped in the download when you install PTM on your own computer. This is to make it a smaller and quicker install (we assume that you have internet if you are installing it!). When you first access a new background it will download it from the pokerdiy.com server (all in the background, you may not even notice).
Another example are the talking announcements. If you are connected to the internet then PTM will announce dynamic messages like "The blinds have gone up to 150 / 300" (or any amount you have specified). This is because it is hitting an online web service (Microsoft Translator in this case) to translate and encode the text. We could not store every possible variant of blinds/break durations of course! If you don't have internet access then it will just say "The blinds have gone up".
So if PokerDIY asks your Firewall to use your internet connection, don't be scared - we are not doing anything dodgy - it's just trying to access advanced features for your benefit.

Question 10

How do I uninstall PTM?

Accepted Answer

If you are running PTM on your own computer and would like to uninstall it, right-click on the top menu bar and choose "Remove this application". This will uninstall the application and remove the PokerDIY Tourney Manager icons from your start-menu or desktop.
If you are running PTM on a Windows-based machine you&#160;can also uninstall it via the Windows Control Panel -> Programs (Windows 7 - "Programs and Features") or "Add/Remove Programs" (Windows XP). Find PokerDIY Tourney Manager in the list and uninstall it.
This process will not uninstall Microsoft Silverlight as other applications may depend on it.
Note: When you uninstall PTM you will lose any Blinds/Chipset changes that you have saved.
You can always re-install the latest by going to PokerDIY Tourney Manager online,&#160;right-clicking on the main background and choosing "Install on this Computer".

Question 11

How do I download and install Microsoft Silverlight?

Accepted Answer

If you need to install Microsoft Silverlight (ie. if you cannot use PTM immediately and you get a message saying that you need to install Silverlight), just follow the instructions on the PTM page to download it. You can always get the latest here too. Remember that you'll only have to do this procedure once (it auto updates after this) and this is as tricky as it gets, so bear with us please.

Depending on your operating system and browser it may download a file called "Silverlight.exe" or it may install it directly (which is a lot easier). If it downloads the "Silverlight.exe" file you will then need to run it once it has finished downloading.

This is as simple as finding the "Silverlight.exe" file once it has downloaded (you can choose where to put it when you stadownloading or it will go into your "My Downloads" folder if you have that set up by default. Then you need to double-click on this file to start the Silverlight installation. Follow the instructions and at the end you'll be good to go (you may have to close and restart your browser). Go back to the PokerDIY Tourney Manager page and you should see PTM loading.

This is as tricky as it gets but if you have any problems let us know and we'll sort it out!
Troubleshooting: If your browser is not recognizing Silverlight then make sure you have the Silverlight browser plug in enabled in your particular browser.

Question 12

What is Microsoft Silverlight and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

MS&#160;Silverlight is a browser plugin for Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari etc. It was developed by the clever folks at Microsoft and works the same way as Flash, which you may have seen on the web.
It allows feature-rich internet applications (a lot smoother and more powerful than normal web applications)&#160;in the web browser. It also means that any device that has a compatible browser can run Silverlight and therefore could run PokerDIY&#160;Tourney Manager.
PTM&#160;is written in Silverlight which means we can take advantage of this web platform and create a great online app that can also be downloaded with ease.
You can read more about MS&#160;Silverlight here and check if you have a compatible computer/device here. If you are running the latest version of Silverlight then you should be able to run PTM.

Question 13

USA - Wyoming Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Wyoming home poker games are legally acceptable by Wyoming Statues definition of Gambling, which provides exceptions for “any game, wager or transaction which is incidental to a bona fide social relationship, is participated in by natural persons only, and in which no person is participating, directly or indirectly, in professional gambling.” Professional gambling would require someone to profit indirectly from the actual game, by charging an admission fee, taking a portion of the pot(s), etc.
[Reference: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title6/T6CH7.htm]

Question 14

What are the hardware/software requirements to run PTM on my own  computer?

Accepted Answer

PTM&#160;runs on Microsoft Silverlight, which is a browser plugin to allow feature-rich internet applications and cool programs online such as PokerDIY&#160;Tourney Manager! Silverlight is an exciting technology from Microsoft which is a lot like Flash, which you may have seen on the internet. You can read more about it here.
Once you have installed the Microsoft Silverlight plugin (you probably already have it installed as it is all over the web already) then PTM&#160;will load up automatically and you're good to go.
This means that any computer, laptop or device (like an XBOX!) that can run a browser (like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome etc) can run PokerDIY&#160;Tourney Manager.
Of course, not EVERY&#160;computer can run Silverlight, which means it can't run PokerDIY&#160;Tourney Manager. The easiest way to find out is to go to the PTM&#160;page and try and install Silverlight (if you can see PTM&#160;then it means you CAN&#160;run it offline) - the Microsoft Silverlight site will tell you if you have a compatible computer or not.
You can also see a Silverlight Requirements matrix here on Microsoft- this will tell you if your computer can handle Silverlight.
If you cannot run it, please let us know. We can't promise we can help but maybe we can..

Question 15

USA - Wisconsin Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In the state of Wisconsin, home poker games are illegal by default. The law states all forms of betting that are permitted, prohibiting all other forms of gambling. The only permitted wagers are those placed on publically licensed contests, bingo, raffles, pari-mutuel wagering and lotteries.
[Reference: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0945.pdf]

Question 16

Is there a Blinds Timer on PokerDIY?

Accepted Answer

Yes,here is a free web-based Blinds Timer that you can use to time the blinds. There are many free ones available and loads of different mobiles and cell-phones.

Question 17

USA - West Virginia Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are considered unlawful gambling in West Virginia. The law states that any person, at any place, public or private, is guilty of a misdemeanor for betting or waging anything of value on any game that involves chance. The penalty is a fine between $5 and $300, with a possibility of up to 1 year probation.
[Reference 61-10-5: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=61&art=10]

Question 18

USA - Washington Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The state of Washington has invoked laws that permit legal home poker games, defined as “social card games” in RCW 9.46.0282 (see Reference). So long as the players follow the basic guidelines of social gambling, meaning no player or host profits in any way aside from the gamble, the game is not promoted and all players have an equal chance, no crime is being committed. There are also laws in place to allow social card games within certain business establishments.
[Reference Social Card Games: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.0282; Reference 9.46.070: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.070; Reference Social card Games in Business Establishments: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.46.0325]

Question 19

USA - Virginia Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

You are allowed to play home poker games in Virginia thanks to an exception to the definition &ldquo;illegal gambling&rdquo; that states, &ldquo;Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator&hellip;&rdquo; (an operator being the home owner or host of the game who profits from proprietorship or hosting of the game).

Question 20

USA - Vermont Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are not legal in Vermont, but they do carry a very lenient penalty. The law states, “A person who wins or loses money or other valuable thing by play or hazard at any game, or by betting on such play or hazard, or sharing in a stake wagered by others on such play or hazard, shall be fined not more than $200.00 nor less than $10.00.”
[Reference: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=13&Chapter=051]

Question 21

USA - Utah Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Utah is another state where home poker games are considered unlawful gambling. There are no exceptions for private dwellings or equal opportunity gains. As defined by the Utah Code, all forms of gambling are illegal except amusement devices. This law dates all the way back 1953.
[Reference Utah Code 76-10-11: http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ngisc/reports/ut.pdf]

Question 22

USA - Texas Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In Texas, home poker games are legalized by specific exceptions in the unlawful gambling laws. The Texas Statues clearly indicates that social games are legal if a player “engaged in gambling in a private place”; “no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings”; and “except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants”.
[Reference: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/PE/10/47/47.02]

Question 23

USA - Tennessee Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In Tennessee, home poker games are outlawed by default, as they are not specifically mentioned anywhere in the state&rsquo;s legislation. The Tennessee Code only proffers legal gambling venues, which include approved, state-issued lotteries and annual, authorized charitable gambling events. Every other form of gambling is restricted.

Question 24

USA - South Dakota Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

South Dakota documents its unlawful gambling statutes in a very vague way, as to include all forms of gambling without actually stating each and every type of gambling prohibited. Because of this, home poker games are included as unlawful gambling activities in South Dakota.
[Reference: http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=22-25-1]

Question 25

USA - South Carolina Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are currently illegal in South Carolina, however, there is an amendment working its way through legislation that would allow for home poker games as “recreational activity”. The definition of recreational activity has yet to be given, since the amendment has yet to be approved.
[Reference H 3201, to Amend Section 16-19-40, Code of Laws, South Carolina: Link 1]

Question 26

USA - Rhode Island Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

No, home poker games are not legal in Rhode Island. No form of social gambling is permitted. After researching the lengthy (and by that we mean wordy) statues referring to unlawful gambling, we can shorten the whole thing into this simple statement. You may not provide a poker game without first getting permission from the state, and you may not participate in a poker game that has not been approved by the state.

Question 27

USA - Pennsylvania Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

It is not clear whether home poker games are considered “unlawful gambling” in the state of Pennsylvania. According to current legislation, a person may not do the following:
…allow persons to collect and assemble for the purpose of unlawful gambling at any place under his control
…solicit or invite any person to visit any unlawful gambling place for the purpose of gambling; or
…be the owner, tenant, lessee or occupant of any premises, knowingly permits or suffers the same, or any part thereof, to be used for the purpose of unlawful gambling.  However, there is no published definition of “unlawful gambling”.
Pennsylvania does not provide its statues online for viewing, therefore we cannot properly reference with 100% accuracy. Please be advised that our reference source cannot be guaranteed accurate at this time, and may or may not be complete.
[Reference: http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/crimes-and-offenses/00.055.013.000.html]

Question 28

USA - Oregon Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In the state of Oregon, home poker games are classified as “social games”, which are legal according to the provisions of the Oregon Revised Statues. Home poker games are permitted so long as all players qualify as “a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings…”
[Reference ORS Gambling Offenses Chapters 161 and 167: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/167.html]

Question 29

USA - Oklahoma Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma does not allow home poker games. The law specifically prohibits all forms of gambling, in or outside of a private residence. If convicted, a player is subject to a fine of $25-$100, or 1-30 days in jail.
[Reference OS §21941: http://law.justia.com/oklahoma/codes/os21.html]

Question 30

USA - Ohio Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

It is perfectly legal to play home poker games in Ohio so long as no person is profiting from ownership of the residence, or hosting of the game. The only time players are committing a crime is if they are considered professional gamblers, which basically means they are profiting more from home poker games than they are from any other source of income.
[Reference: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2915]

Question 31

USA - North Dakota Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

North Dakota home poker games are perfectly legal. There is only one stipulation regarding home poker games and social gambling conducted within a private residence, found in Chapter 12.1-82-02, Classification of Gambling Related Offenses; &ldquo;It is an infraction to engage in gambling on private premises where the total amount wagered by an individual player exceeds twenty-five dollars per individual hand, game, or event.&rdquo; In short, no hand can exceed a maximum pot of $25.

Question 32

USA - North Carolina Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are not legal in North Carolina. The state’s statutes provide legalization of state-approved lotteries, gaming, bingo and raffles, outlawing all other forms of gambling. Chapter 14-292 states that “any person… who plays at or bets in any game at which any money, property or other thing of value is bet, whether the same be in stake or not, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.” The chapter provides an exception from Chapter 18C, which regards legal lotteries. We’ve referenced both sections below.
[Reference Chapter 14-292: http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_14/gs_14-292.html; Reference Chapter 18C: http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_18c/gs_18c-130.html]

Question 33

USA - New York Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Social gambling is just as illegal in New York as professional (criminal) gambling. The only difference between the two is the severity of penalties, particularly for those hosting home poker games, versus illegal professional gambling. According to New York state law, a the definition of a “player” under gambling offenses includes a “person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants”.
[Reference: http://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article225.htm]

Question 34

USA - New Mexico Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are considered unlawful by New Mexico state law. Article 19, Section 30-19-2 of New Mexico Criminal Law clearly states that “whoever commits gambling is guilty of a petty misdemeanor”. Jumping back to Section 30-19-1, the law defines all gambling as placing a “bet”, which is thereby defined as “a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance, even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose anything of value specified in the agreement”. End result, social gambling is illegal in New Mexico.
[Reference: Article 19, Section 30-19-1 http://law.justia.com/newmexico/codes/nmrc/jd_30-19-1-c8e1.html; Article 19, Section 30-19-2 http://law.justia.com/newmexico/codes/nmrc/jd_30-19-2-c8e3.html]

Question 35

USA - New Jersey Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The criminal law statues of New Jersey prohibit home poker games and all other forms of social gambling that are not licensed or approved by the state. According to New Jersey Criminal Law, 2A: 40-1, “All wagers, bets or stakes made to depend upon any race or game, or upon any gaming by lot or chance, or upon any lot, chance, casualty or unknown or contingent event, shall be unlawful”.
[Reference: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S1000/746_I1.HTM]

Question 36

USA - New Hampshire Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Social gambling and home poker games are not legal in New Hampshire. The gambling laws specifically state that “A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully… permits gambling in any place under the person's control”, which eliminates the legality of playing in a home. Only licensed games, such as horse racing, boxing and raffles, are legal gambling activities within the state.
[Reference: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/647/647-2.htm]

Question 37

USA - Nevada Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are perfectly legal in Nevada. State law defines all unlawful gambling activities, but specifically excludes “games played with cards in private homes or residences in which no person makes money for operating the game, except as a player…”
[Reference: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-463.html#NRS463Sec0152 (specifically NRS 463-0152)]

Question 38

USA - Nebraska Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The only forms of gambling permitted by Nebraska state law are bingo games, lotteries and raffles designated or licensed by the state. Therefore all social gambling, including home poker games, are outlawed.

Question 39

USA - Montana Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In terms of unlawful gambling definitions, Montana law is opposed to any game of skill where one player or operator is given a distinct advantage over another. Therefore a social gambling game, such as a home poker game, is permitted so long as no player, host or proprietor is profiting in any way outside of participation in the game that results in winnings from the gamble itself.

Question 40

USA - Missouri Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In the state of Missouri, home poker games are illegal by omission. State law provides parameters for all legal forms of gambling, leaving all other forms as criminal activity. Unlawful forms of gambling are considered a class C misdemeanor in Missouri, unless the player qualifies, under law, as a “professional gambler”, in which case it is moved to a class D misdemeanor.
[Reference: http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap572.htm]

Question 41

USA - Mississippi Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are illegal in Mississippi. The current laws, as they were written in 1972, are somewhat disconcerting in fact, when you read them over. All forms of illegal gambling and wagering are listed, stating each unlawful activity, followed by the sole exception of “other than a fight or fighting match between dogs”. This appears more than once in the documentation. Apparently it is better to place wagers on the life of two or more traditionally domesticated animals than to play a quiet game of poker among friends in the comfort of your own home.
[Reference: http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/97/033/0001.htm]

Question 42

USA - Minnesota Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In the state of Minnesota, home poker games are an accepted form of gambling. Minnesota state law specifies that “Social bets are allowed only if they are done in a private social setting”. Social gambling is only illegal when it pertains to “organized, commercialized, or systematic gambling”, or when the owner/host of the residence profits in some way from the home poker game other than actual gambling profits from playing the card game.
[Reference: http://www.gcb.state.mn.us/PDF_Files/Illegal%20gambling.pdf]

Question 43

USA - Massachusetts Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The laws of Massachusetts are not clearly defined pertaining to social gambling situations. It is clear that a player who loses any money or thing of value may reclaim that loss, by law, within three months, but the actual legality of playing home poker games is not referenced in Massachusetts General Law.
[Reference, MGL Chapter 137 Sections 1-7: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-137-toc.htm]

Question 44

USA -&#160;Michigan&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Michigan does not condone home poker games. Social gambling, for the most part, is illegal in Michigan. There is an exception, however, for senior citizens within a senior citizen housing facility, where there are at least 15 members age 60+. There may not be more “guest” participants than resident/club member senior citizens, and it must be a “recreational” poker game, meaning no more than $0.25 per bet, and no single-hand pot exceeding $5.
[Reference: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/PA69_56070_7.pdf; Link 2]

Question 45

USA - Maryland Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The state of Maryland does not allow for home poker games according to the Maryland Code, section 12 on forms of legal gambling. Pari-mutuel gambling and some instances of charitable raffles are the only legal forms of gambling in Maryland. Any other form of gambling, including social gambling, is punishable as a misdemeanor with a minimum/maximum fine of $200-$1,000.

Question 46

USA -&#160;Maine&#160;&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are legal in Maine so long as they standard rules of “social gambling” are upheld. No player or other person may benefit from hosting the event. All profits must come from actual winnings from the poker game. No player may have an advantage over another. Etc, etc, etc… Maine does have strict regulations that prohibit unlawful gambling, but an exception is made for “players” in a “social gambling” situation.
[Reference: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach39.pdf]

Question 47

USA - Louisiana Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

In the state of Louisiana, unlawful gambling is defined as &ldquo;the intentional conducting, or directly assisting in the conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.&rdquo; A home poker game, where there is no profit made by any player or host of the game, aside from actual winnings derived from the poker game, does not qualify as a business. Therefore, yes, home poker games are legal in Louisiana.

Question 48

USA -&#160;Kentucky&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The legality of home poker games in Kentucky is somewhat confusing. When you read over the gambling laws, it specifically states that yes, gambling is illegal, but it also makes an exception for games in which the “ultimate winner is determined by skill”. Kentucky law does not define poker as a game of chance or skill; does not define the game at all. It depends on the interpretation of “skill”, and the “ultimate winner” being determined by skill.
[Reference: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/528-00/010.PDF]

Question 49

USA -&#160;Kansas Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

By definition, “gambling” is against the law in Kansas, including home poker games. The only forms of betting permitted in the state are licensed bingo games, state lotteries and pari-mutuel. All other forms of gambling, social or commercial, are strictly prohibited.
[Reference: http://kansasstatutes.lesterama.org/Chapter_21/Article_43/21-4302.html]

Question 50

USA -&#160;Iowa Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are illegal in Iowa, restricting all forms of social gambling within the state’s borders. The only forms of gambling allowed in Iowa are charitable bingo and legitimate racetrack betting.
[Reference: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/2001/725/7.html;
Reference to legal forms of gambling in chapters 99B (bingo) and 99D (racetrack): http://www.legis.state.ia.us/lsadocs/Legis_Guide/2009/LGLSL008.PDF]

Question 51

USA -&#160;Indiana&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are not legal in Indiana. The Indiana Code defines ‘Unlawful Gambling’ as anyone who engages in gambling, where ‘gambling’ is defined as risking anything of value on a lot, chance or operation of a gambling device. There is an exemption for skill games, but Indiana does not see poker as a game of skill.
[Reference: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar45/ch5.html]

Question 52

USA -&#160;Illinois&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The state of Illinois has specific laws in place that restrict home poker games and just about any other form of social gambling. Placing a wager, monetary or otherwise, on any game of chance or skill, whether you’re directly involved in the game or not, is illegal in Illinois.
[Reference: Illinois Law]

Question 53

USA - Idaho&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Idaho strictly prohibits most gambling activities within it borders, including all forms of poker – home game or otherwise. The only forms of gambling permitted in Idaho are state lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, and charitable forms of bingo and raffle games.
[Reference: Article III, Section 20 of the Idaho Constitution, http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Article_III,_Idaho_Constitution]

Question 54

USA -&#160;Hawaii&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hawaii condones home poker games as social gambling, again following the basic guidelines of “social gambling”. All players must compete equally. None shall profit in any way other than their personal gambling profits. The gambling activity must not be bookmaking, and must not be held in a business establishment or public area.
[Reference: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0712/HRS_0712-1231.htm]

Question 55

Do you have an iPhone app or mobile version of PokerDIY?

Accepted Answer

Yes, have a look at PokerDIY&#160;Mobile or read the mobile/iPhone FAQs.
You can record your poker league results live at the poker table on your iPhone!

Question 56

USA - Georgia Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are not legal in Georgia. Though the state’s laws do not explicitly outlaw “social gambling”, it does provide legislation that legalizes only three forms of gambling – bingo, state lotteries and raffles. [Reference 1: O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 12]
[Reference 2: http://gbi.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,67862954_88103912,00.html]

Question 57

Does it run on my mobile/iPhone? What is PTM for WP7?

Accepted Answer

Good news and bad news. We have a scaled down version of PokerDIY Tourney Manager for the the Windows Phone 7 mobile (WP7) but not for the iPhone or Android. We hope to change this soon - please let us know if you would like to see PTM on your iPhone or Android....
You can see screenshots of&#160;PTM mobile here&#160;or&#160;download it for free&#160;from the Microsoft Zune Marketplace.
Please&#160;use the PTM forums&#160;for any questions regarding the mobile version of PTM. It has fewer features than the desktop version (for example, resizing does not make sense on the mobile!) but it just as cool...

Question 58

USA - Florida Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

Home poker games are permitted in Florida so long as they fall under a few strict guidelines. The game must be held in a residential dwelling, and must be defined, by law, as a “penny-ante” game. The owner of the dwelling, nor any player, may profit from the holding of the game outside of any equal-opportunity winnings derived from the game. All participants must be 18+ years of age. The home poker game cannot be advertised in any way. The “penny-ante” rules states that the pot in a single hand of poker may not exceed a value of $10.
[Reference: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0849/SEC085.HTM&Title=->2009->Ch0849->Section%20085#0849.085]

Question 59

I run a league and want the advanced features - do all league members have to go Pro?

Accepted Answer

No! Only the league owner has to pay for the League Pro plan and can then customize the league with the additional features.
Hint: Get your league members to chip in for the cost...

Question 60

I have paid for my Pro plan - now what?

Accepted Answer

Once you have paid your PokerDIY account should be automatically upgraded to give you full access to all benefits on that particular plan.
However, every once in a blue moon there are integration issues with PayPal and they might not notify us that your payment has been successful. In this case PokerDIY might still think you have not paid - do not panic!

    To check; view your profile and look for the  label (near your profile pic) - if you see this then you are on your new plan and will have access to the new features.
    If you don't, log out and log back in to PokerDIY (sounds corny, but it works!)
    Check your profile again to see if you have been upgraded. If not, then let us know.

Note: If you paid by eCheck then your payment needs to clear before you can be granted access (of course, if you need access urgently before it clears let us know and we'll upgrade you manually).
If you are still having problems then let us know and we'll sort it out manually (we'll try to respond within 24 hours).

Question 61

How can I pay for my Pro plan?

Accepted Answer

We use PayPal which is a well known, secure and safe way to pay. You can see your subscriptions and payment history in PayPal. You can even pay by credit card using PayPal if you wish (we do NOT store your credit card details). Payments are NOT recurring so at the end of your billing cycle we'll offer you the chance to renew or not. It's up to you.
Contact us for more payment options if you can't use PayPal.
Note: You have to be logged in to be able to select a Pro plan and purchase it. If you cannot see the "Choose the Pro plan..." section please ensure you are logged on).
Just select the plan you want and click on "Upgrade to Pro plan" and you will be taken to PayPal where you can either log in to PayPal and use your existing funds or pay by credit card. You will then be redirected back here and your account will be upgraded and ready to use!

Question 62

Can other members of my league edit scores and add results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can promote your poker league members to be League Deputies which gives them the ability to add scores and manage the league. This is useful if you are on holiday or did not play a game and want to delegate some of the work.
You can read more about League Deputies here.
League Deputies can do everything the League Owner can do, EXCEPT:

    Delete the poker league
    Delete other League Deputies
    Promote normal poker league members to League Deputies.

It is very important that you trust the members who you promote to League Deputies as they could potentially cheat or maliciously damage your league. Choose carefully...

Question 63

How do I know my information is secure?

Accepted Answer

Rest assured your financial details are safe. We do NOT store any financial payment details about you - we do NOT have your credit card details if you use one. We have partnered with PayPal for payment processing, which is a trusted, secure site. You can read more about it here.

Question 64

USA -&#160;Delaware&#160;Home Poker Law

Accepted Answer

The state of Delaware does not have any laws that strictly prohibit home poker games or private, social gambling of any kind. However, the state does not legalize such acts either.
The only reference to the legality of home poker games in Delaware is found in Section 17 of Article II, Legislature, which states:
"All forms of gambling are prohibited in this State except the following:”

    “…Lotteries under State control…”
    “Lotteries … provided under Section 17B…”
    “…pari-mutuel machines or totalizators on horse races conducted at racetracks…”
    “Bingo games as conducted under the limitations of Section 17A.”

The lack of mention of poker, card games, or skill games leads us only to conclude that home poker games would not be legal in Delaware.
[Reference: http://delcode.delaware.gov/constitution/constitution-03.shtml#P264_33577]

Category: Laws and Regulations

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