Judge in New York says poker is not gambling under federal law
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A federal judge in New York has handed a victory to poker advocates, ruling the card game isn't gambling under federal law because it's primarily a game of skill, not chance.
The decision Tuesday by Judge Jack Weinstein in Brooklyn is likely to be embraced by advocates of card games who are pushing to legalize Internet poker in the United States.
The ruling resulted in the dismissal of a federal criminal indictment against a man convicted last month of conspiring to operate an illegal underground poker club. The judge relied in his decision largely on findings by a defense expert who analyzed Internet poker games.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The judge noted the federal statute was created to combat organized crime.
Prosecutors haven't responded to phone messages seeking comment.