Sometimes the definition of legality can be spun by the use of words used to describe it. Such is the case in South Carolina where a judge ruled that online poker was not a mere game of luck, but a game of skill. After hearing 20 cases of players being arrested in a huge gambling raid in 2006, Judge Larry Duffy ruled that online poker was not illegal based on it being a game of skill. Although the prosecutors fought to convince the judge that this was a game for profit, similar to that in casinos, the players argued that it was a casual game played among friends.
According to the gambling law that was instituted in 1802 games with dice or cards are deemed illegal. Under this law many well known games played today will fall into this category. Is it really a crime to play “Go Fish” amongst friends? Now that this ruling has favored card players, it will be interesting to see how further cases weigh in on the games of online gambling.
The results of this ruling will cause a small ripple in the courts and will undoubtedly cause many further conversations, however for now this will open up the opportunity for more online casinos, and gambling in regards to poker especially. Judge Duffy attested that the evidence was overwhelming that the game of poker was played with skill, however, he will be seeking the guidance of the higher courts in the cases to come.
“We are humbled by Judge Duffy’s thoughtful decision and applaud the effort put forth by the legal team defending these poker players,” said John Pappas, Executive Director for the Poker Players Alliance.
Colorado, Pennsylvania and Kentucky have also received favorable rulings concerning the area of poker and gambling which will assist in bring the world of online gambling and online casinos into play. As poker players continue to argue that poker is a game of skill they are loosening the courts for some big decisions that may be coming up in this year. Then we can all sit around and play a nice legal game of Monopoly.
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