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New legislation could legalize poker in the nation of Israel.
Currently, those caught playing the game face up to one year in prison.
A new bill introduced by Likud party member Sharren Haskel, however, is looking to change that.
From CardPlayer.com:
The bill follows a recent ruling by Israel Supreme Court Judge Neal Hendel, who stated in his decision that poker was a game of skill.
“The fact that the players go to contests and tournaments year after year strengthens the conclusion that it is not a game of luck,” he wrote.
If considered by the Knesset, the bill would allow the Israeli Poker Players Association to organize poker games, and authorize the Finance Ministry to regulate taxes.
While all forms of gambling are outlawed in Israel, there is an irony in that some of the largest online poker sites and software firms in the world were founded by Israelis.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
