Poker Gambling Issue Headed Towards Supreme Court In Colorado

Kevin Raley has been acquitted of illegal gambling charges in the state of Colorado in a case that had to do with Raley playing poker with some of his friends. In that case, a judge allowed expert testimony to show that poker is a game of skill, and should not be deemed illegal.

Months after that acquittal, District Judge James Hartmann issued a ruling that said the original judge in the case made an error by allowing that testimony. Hartmann ruled that the poker is gambling, and is illegal.

The Poker Players Alliance is not content with that decision. One of their members will petition the state Supreme Court, asking for a clarification of the law. The poker players feel they are doing nothing illegal.

"We clearly think this is the wrong interpretation of the law," said PPA Executive Director John Pappas, "especially in regards to poker, and the PPA is committed to helping demonstrate to the Colorado Supreme Court the broad academic research that exists showing that poker is indeed a game of skill."

The poker debate has been taking place in court rooms all across the country. Different judges in different states have ruled in various ways. There have been those who believe poker is a game of skill, and other who believe there is enough luck involved to make it illegal.

In the US, the federal government may soon put their stamp on the game of poker. Senator Robert Menendez has introduced legislation that would make online poker legal. The state of California is also contemplating legalizing online poker.

August 12, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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