PPA cautiously optimistic after recent ruling

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), which is a leading group for poker advocacy with over 11 million members across the U.S, recently has been cautious in expressing their optimism in dealing with a poker court case in South Carolina. The PPA was very happy with the ruling in the case, as the Court found that poker is a game of skill and not a game of chance. Even though the PPA was disappointed with the initial decision of the Court, where they found the defendants guilty, but the PPA expects to be successful after further review of the case.

John Pappas, executive director of the PPA, stated, “We are humbled by Judge Duffy’s thoughtful decision and applaud the effort put forth by the legal team defending these poker players. The positive language in this ruling comes on heels of other key legal victories for the rights of poker players in Kentucky, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. It’s becoming quite clear the legal community agrees that this great American pastime is a game of predominant skill, not luck, and should not be considered gambling under the law.”

The defendants in the case were charged with card playing in a “house used as a place for gambling” and under state law in South Carolina the term “gaming” also means “gambling.” The PPA made the argument that the Court should adopt other court’s rulings where it was ruled that gambling is seen as games of chance and not skill.

Expert testimony was provided by the PPA, which made a more compelling case that poker is, in fact, a game of skill and making poker decisions involves skill and because of that it is not illegal gambling. The Court in South Carolina found that the testimony given persuaded them into making the decision that poker is a skill game and not one of chance.