Rules and Basics of Social Gambling

Social gambling is often differentiated from gambling in the traditional sense. In its simplest definition, social gambling is wagering among friends in a non-public area, while gambling is an individual act done in a casino or other public gaming establishment.

In some states or countries, social gambling is considered legal, while in other countries, debates are still ongoing on whether to legalize social gambling or not. At the bottom of debates and legalizing process are attempts to define and contain social gambling. We list down commonly held definitions of social gambling.

One, gambling fits the "social" classification if, again, the wagering is done among close social relations. This includes gambling between friends and family. By social relationship, this means that players must have a founded on common interests other than gambling.

Two, the wagering is done inside a non-public establishment such as a friend's house or your neighbor's lawn.

Three, there's no bookmaker involved. A bookmaker is one who takes bets and pays winners.

Four, the gambling is done not for the private gain of one person not involved in the actual wagering. In short, there are no commissions to be paid by players here, or commissions taken from winnings.

Even profit-making that does not directly come from the gambling activity, but arises as a result of the gambling activity would disqualify a gambling from being considered as social gambling. For instance, if someone sold liquor, attracted customers, and earned sales as a result of the gambling activity, then the gambling will no longer be considered as a social activity.

Five, all gamblers must conform to the minimum age requirement of the country. In most countries, the minimum age requirement for players is 18. In Australia, the age requirement is 16 and above.

Six, the chances of winning should be available purely among the participating players. The bets, antes, stakes placed in the game should not be used other than for paying players. Further, all players must have equal chances of winning.

Seven, no one person receives money other than what one has won. There are no bonuses to be won here, no jackpots (except in community poker) to be won.

Eight, the activity must have arisen out of impulse, not planned.

To reiterate, social gambling conforms to a legally defined set of standards. Each country has its own legal definitions of social gambling. However, the most basic, commonly held definition of social gambling is that it is an act of wagering among persons who are held by other common interests not related to gambling. If you and your friends engage in social gambling, make sure they conform to the legal parameters set by your country or you will find yourselves facing legal woes.