In seek of Sage advice

[DarkConfidant]

Hi all! Just found this site and forum and wow. Such a large community. I'll start off by saying i'm from the US, not Nevada, and over the age of 21. I place a few bets here and there with a local bookie, but all he ever works is Football. I myself enjoy not only that, but basketball, baseball and the works.

I've been looking at the sites that get great reviews here and I have a few questions. The first was the report your winnings section of the new players guide. What exactly does this mean? I ask because i'm in college and do not work so I'm guessing that it has to do with taxes. If someone could explain that to me i'd be thankful. Secondly, regarding the previous, sportsbetting is illegal correct? If so, would I not get in trouble to report such winnings?

Just in general, from a US point of view, am I at significant risk for getting in trouble if I begin placing bets on these online sites?

Finally, I'm a bit confused about transfering funds to these sites, like betjamaica. What's confusing me is that I keep seeing people talk about fedex or western union, but I'm confused about why. I understand getting a cashiers check and fedexing it to the place, but does it bring additional expensive costs? I, just wanting to give this sportsbetting a try, would likely only deposit 200-300$ and see what happens from there. Could this process be explained?

Also, if I were to win a bit and withdraw the money, I'm assuming the company would send a check. Will banks cash the check? Secondly, does this pose a risk to me by cashing a check and acquiring money won by sportsbetting?

Sorry about all the questions. I'm generally confused about all of this for it is new to me. Also, i'm anxious to hear the responses those that have time to answer this give. Thanks.

[bigboydan]

First off, Welcome to the SBR forum sir

Offshore gambling is still legal at this time, so reporting your winnings would be the correct thing to do. Although, my guess is most people probably don't.

As far as getting into trouble from placing wagers over the internet goes. I would say your odds are pretty minimal IMO. I know their are a few poker sites that don't accept players from certain states, but overall I doubt you should have any legal worries.

In regards to the deposits/withdraw processing issues go. Ever since the port act was passed back on October 13, 2006 the books have had to reroute their processing methods through various third parties in order to continue to service their U.S. clients. So sometimes you will see a couple of bumps in the road in regards to withdrawing via a overnight cashiers checks.

[DarkConfidant]

Thanks for replying and the welcome. That's completely understandable. Do you have any experience with this fedex casheirs check service books like BetJamaica use? Is it costly or appropriate for someone like myself wanting to just deposit the said $200-300 into an account?

[bigboydan]

The overnight Fedex check fees are roughly $40 (if you go over your 1 free withdraw per month) and usually takes anywhere from 3 to 4 days to receive on average, sir.