Another Jugde Rules Poker to be Legal
28th January, 2009
This week, a judge in Colorado ruled that poker was a game of skill rather than luck, and therefore did not constitute gambling. This is the second time in as many weeks that a court has ruled in favour of online poker players.
Colorado State PPA Director Gary Reed , was quoted saying, “the PPA is pleased with the outcome of the case. It is further confirmation that poker is indeed a game of skill and not chance. At the same time, the not guilty verdict cements the rights of Colorado citizens to enjoy the American pastime of poker and will allow law enforcement to use its scare resources to investigate real unlawful activity in the state, not poker games.”
The same verdict was reached just last week in a court house in Pennsylvania. The judge presiding over the case concluded that poker was a game not dictated by luck, but rather, one that required experience, skill and the manipulation of fellow players.
Prosecutors in Colorado were trying a man for organising bar poker games with friends. It was only once the man in question had been arrested that the PPA intervened.
The PPA will see these latest rulings as a turning point- they have been trying to convince members of Congress since 2006 that poker does not legally constitute gambling.
Many are hoping that these recent rulings will exclude poker from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
By Rommon
