Judge Larry Duffy of South Carolina has ruled poker as a game of skill after hearing a recent case in the state. This is just one small victory for those who would like to see the game of poker recognized as a game of skill throughout the United States.

Duffy was hearing the case of twenty people that were arrested during a gambling raid in 2006. The group arrested stated they were just playing a casual game between friends while prosecutors argued the group was playing the game for profit only.

All twenty individuals involved were found guilty due to an old law from 1802. Read verbatim the law says that any diversions played with cards or dice is illegal which would include everyday board games. The defendants had to play a fine.

However the judge’s ruling opened the law for further interpretation in any other cases that should arise. The judge stated the evidence is overwhelming that poker is indeed a game of skill but he does not have enough guidance to show that his analysis is different from the state law.


- 2009-02-26