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Poker Ruled a Game of Skill by South Carolina Court

The October 08, 2009, By Quirino De Luca

A court ruling in South Carolina declared that poker is a game of skill and not a gambling game and, therefore, should not be criminalized.

The ruling resulted from a trial against five individuals who were convicted of "illegal gambling" for playing a game of Texas Hold'em poker for money. According to the ruling, these defendants were found not guilty, as they were playing a game of skill.

This ruling is a positive step forward for the world of online poker and casino gaming. As more and more states and countries are ruling that certain casino games are based on skill, rather than luck and gambling, these games are becoming more widely accepted and available.

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a poker advocacy group made up of more than one million United States members, were extremely happy with the outcome of the trial. PPA Executive Director, John Pappas, said "This ruling is fully consistent with the declarations of other judges and juries across the country... We are grateful to the court for compiling the overwhelming evidence that proves this case and protects the rights of players."

It will be interesting to see how this ruling will effect similar decisions in other states, as well as how it will effect New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez's Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, up for discussion in the Senate in coming months.

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