Do I need a license?

[zackweiler]

I live in Canada (Don't know if that matters) and I want tpo build a website where users can chat and instant message each other in a way that they can set up bets with each other for online games.

These online games would be games like Delta Force, Counter Strike, Doom, etc.
They would be putting the money in a pot and after the winner recieves it and my site would take a small percentage.

Is this legal? Do I need a liscence to do it?

 

[Epic]

There might be issues with gambling laws, I'm not sure what the rules are in Canada though, but in the US you'd have issues if you did it without some sort of lisence.

 

[2Cunning]

check out www.betog.com (not my site) a betting site for online games, it might help in one way or another

 

[sdtrader]

I don't mean to be the spelling police but in Canada you may need a licence (may need a license in the USA). Many places seem to avoid "gambling" laws when offering games of skill as opposed to games of chance (golf tournaments,bowling etc).You may want to look at having an entry fee for a game and offer a site prize.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/gambling/onlinegambling.html
http://www.united-church.ca/economicjustice/gambling/04.shtm
http://www.gaminglawmasters.com/jurisdictions/canada/SkillvsChanceOct2004.htm