Verdict: Guilty - For 5 Poker Players In South Carolina Poker Trial

Judge J. Lawrence Duffy in South Carolina Poker Trial makes his ruling;

"Texas hold’em is a game of skill. There was no doubt in his mind" Duffy said, but he found the Five men guilty of playing in a 'House of Gaming' based on 1802 Gambling Law.


The Defendants will likely appeal the verdict. Their main arguement being; a game that has more skill than luck should not be considered gambling.

The Defence Attorney thoughts;

"The judge’s rationale for finding them guilty was a little puzzling, because he acknowledged that the legislature did not define 'house of gaming' and that there was no definition for that," said Phillips. "If the legislature did not define it and the court does not know what it means, how then could you expect my clients to know [what it meant]?"

Poker Player's Alliance Thoughts;

“We are humbled by Judge Duffy’s thoughtful decision and applaud the effort put forth by the legal team defending these poker players,” said John Pappas, the executive director of the PPA. “It’s becoming quite clear the legal community agrees that this great American pastime is a game of predominant skill, not luck, and should not be considered gambling under the law.”

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