Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Maryland

Re: Charitable Tournament

More information is needed.

Your question seems to indicate that your intention is to act as a promoter of an event for a charitable organization that you do not belong to; with the expectation on your part that you would receive compensation, i.e., "revenue/profit" for yourself.

Any event where gambling is involved, even for a charitable cause, may be legally questionable, if not outright illegal. Unless, of course, you are operating in a jurisdiction with legalized gambling.

There may also be legal difficulties associated with your attempt to profit from organizing the event. The way you framed your questioning is troubling--i.e., you seem to be asking how much profit you can make from promoting the event before your conduct might be questioned. If you are a legitimate promoter or organizer of charitable events, then the amount of money you should charge would seem to be linked to what the market or going rate for such services may be.

If you are seriously thinking of becoming an entrepeneur, then there are many things that you need to resolve before promoting your first event: entity structure (e.g., corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship); opening one or more bank accounts for your company and/or individual accounts for the proceeds of each event; drafting of written contracts, which you would enter into with the charity or organization and which would govern your rights and obligations; whether you need to have a permit or license from your local jurisdiction or state; whether you need to apply for 501(c)(3) status; other issues such as whether you need to obtain liability insurance; etc., etc., etc. Please consult an attorney to assist you with this.

I strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney immediately so that you can explore your legal rights, obligations, and options. If you wish to discuss retaining my services, contact me at:

[email protected]

(973)-605-8995

(*Licensed in New Jersey, Maryland, and Dist. of Columbia)

[Disclaimer: The above comments are not intended as nor should they be relied upon as "legal advice", which can only be obtained by personal consultation with a retained attorney; at which time the specific facts and circumstances of your case can be thoroughly evaluated. This reply is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the responding attorney.]