Pennsylvania Judge Rules Poker a Game of Skill

Submitted by Ace King on

Written by :

Ace King

Published on :

The online poker community has long argued that poker is a game of skill and now a state judge has agreed.

Columbia County Judge Thomas James ruled Friday that "The Court finds that Texas hold'em poker is a game where skill predominates over chance. Thus, is it not ‘unlawful gambling' under the Pennsylvania Code."

Two individuals - Walter Watkins and his girlfriend, Diane Dent - were charged with running poker games from their home.

Pete Campana, and attorney representing the two defendants stated:  "I've seen poker players of all calibers; there's no question in my mind that skill controls poker more than luck of the draw."

"It's unfortunate we had to go through all of this," Watkins told the Associated Press. "We were arrested, taken out of our home, shackled and spent a night in prison. All for playing poker."

Advertisement:  Get up to $550 in free cash at Doylesroom.com

Ace King, Gambling911.com 

Related Content

Find Arizona Live Poker Tournaments November 2026

Find Arizona Live Poker Tournaments November 2026

The 2026 Arena Fall Poker Series is a 10-day live poker festival taking place November 6–15, 2026, at the Arena Poker Room inside the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year's winner walked off with just over $78K.
Pennsylvania 8 Race Has Scranton Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti as -325 Favorite

Pennsylvania 8 Race Has Scranton Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti as -325 Favorite

Cognetti's odds improve slightly from -275 to -325 over this past month with Republican candidate Rob Bresnahan promising a payout of $250 for every $100 bet.
What Happens to My Bet If the Steelers-Saints Game in Paris Gets Suspended, Postponed?

What Happens to My Bet If the Steelers-Saints Game in Paris Gets Suspended, Postponed?

As the Steelers and Saints are prepared to meet in Paris for a Sunday NFL game, the question must be asked: What happens if I placed a bet on this game and it is postponed or suspended? Different books have different rules.