In different areas of the world there differences of opinion when it comes to games of chance and skill games. Many may see a game as one of chance while others may see the game as needed skill to determine the outcome. A bar in Kansas recently came across this problem when they were closed due to offering a game the state considered chance while the bar considered it a skill game.

The Highlands bar in Kansas was offering players a game called Kandu Challenge. In the game the dealer spreads out the deck of cards face up. The players then memorize the cards. The owner stated the game was legal to gamble on because of “the spread”. But the Attorney General, the one who closed the bar, says just because you spread the deck for three to five seconds does not make it different from Texas Hold’em.

The Attorney General closed the bar stated the owner was putting on illegal games of poker. However the owner argued in court this past Tuesday that the version was different as it is based on skill and not of chance. A verdict in the case is due to be rendered anytime. Hopefully the bar owner will be able to offer the game to his customers.


- 2009-09-10