Launched to United States customers on Friday, BringIt L.L.C. allows gamers to challenge others with real-money, online bets on any video game platform and earn prize money by winning challenges.
As to whether the site is legal, the venture-backed company’s Web site notes, “The games that are being played for cash prizes on BringIt are considered ‘Games of Skill’ and not games of chance, and are allowed by the law.”
Additionally, in a prepared statement the company says directly that its service does not violate any United States or international anti-gambling laws, including the Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.
However, the company says on its Web site that it does not allow gamers in nine states -- where skill-based video game tournaments for cash prizes are not allowed -- to win cash prizes.
The site says it will support games for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii.
During the site’s beta period, games like “Madden NFL 2009,” “Gears of War 2,” “FIFA 2009,” “Halo 3,” “Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock,” “Rock Band 2,” “Super Smash Bros Brawl” and “Mario Kart” will be featured with more additions to come.
The company’s chief executive and founder Woody Levin believes the Web site will change the gaming landscape by allowing head-to-head, real-money competition.
“Gamers have shown great interest and support for competitive gaming, so we are pleased to offer BringIt as a player-driven service that quickly connects gamers, allowing them to play legally for cash while getting a more intense competitive rush,” he added in the statement.