| Re: How can I accept money and keep the game legal?
Easy answer is BYOB.
You are already putting up the money for chips, cards, tables plus any associated costs for cleaning the place up before and after the card game. If folks can't handle the responsibility for bringing their own beer, have them decide who is going to bring it this week and then next week, etc. As for legalities, it varies by state but basically anytime the host accepts money he doesn't pay out, they need to be careful.
The one group I play with, we rotate the game on a monthly basis and each host usually provides basic snacks (chips and such) plus water and soda but no beer. About 5 players take turns hosting so its not a big deal. Also, its generally accepted that you round down a few $$$ when you cash out and give the extra to the host; these are usually cash games solely or after the tourney. At another group, the host provides nothing but poker equipment and bathroom facilities and no one complains at all. | 
