Poker as a Game of Skill
Poker players are actively advocating to lawmakers that poker is more than just a game of money; it is fundamentally a game of skill. An article by the Miami Herald highlights that while poker games often occur in casinos and involve significant amounts of money, the core of the game is skill-based rather than chance-based.
Impact on Legislation and Expansion
If lawmakers and Congress recognize poker as a skill-based game, it could lead to the expansion of online and live poker in areas where it is currently illegal. For instance, in Florida, where poker is legal, internet poker players already benefit from a broader range of gambling options.
Potential Federal Implications
Should the federal government acknowledge poker as a game of skill, it could be exempted from the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) of 2006, which imposed restrictions on online gambling.
Optimism and Legal Developments
Poker players are hopeful that lawmakers will come to view poker as they do. Ongoing court cases in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and South Carolina are progressing towards recognizing poker as a game of skill, which could influence future legislation.
