Pennsylvania Judge Rules Poker a Game of Skill

This past Friday during an illegal gambling case a Pennsylvania Judge ruled that poker is a game of skill. This ruling could have a major impact on the decision to rule poker as a game of skill throughout the nation. The Poker Players Alliance believes this decision could be the way for the government to see that poker should be considered a game of skill in the United States.

Judge Thomas A. James Jr was hearing a case in Pennsylvania that involved two defendants who were arrested for hosting a house poker game. The judge ruled the game of poker as a game of skill so the defendants were found not guilty of breaking any laws.

The couple was hosting a house game and did not take a ‘house rake’. They only told players they could tip the dealer during game play. The couple faced twenty counts each, all related to illegal gambling. After the Judge made his ruling, the couple was cleared of all charges.

The Judge cited references that showed how to win at a game of poker that is strategically planned. The Judge mentioned several books and websites that describe using strategies on how to win the game. He also quoted mathematical studies that link poker and economics together. 

Judge James commented: "It is apparent that skill predominates over chance in Texas Hold'em poker." The Poker Players Alliance is glad that a figure of authority has shown a ruling or decision in their favor.

Hopefully this will be the first step in a new direction and it will continue to spiral upwards in the favor of poker players. The new presidential administration is about to take their place in the white house and maybe that will also help propel changes in what American citizens are able to do in a game of poker.