CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina judge says Texas Hold 'em is a game of skill, not chance.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Circuit Judge R. Markley Dennis has issued his formal opinion after announcing last month he was reversing the gambling convictions of five Texas Hold' em players.
Dennis says the game is not chance and a skilled player will consistently beat a less skilled player.
The defendants were arrested in 2006 in Mount Pleasant where a town judge ruled Texas Hold 'em is skill, but that the five operated a gambling house.
Dennis reversed the convictions, saying sections of state gambling laws are too broad.
Lawmakers are considering legalizing friendly poker games and raffles for charity, both now illegal under state law.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH