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Legislators in the state of Nebraska have come to the conclusion that poker is not a game of skill as proponents have argued over the past decade.
Lawmakers on Thursday defeated a bill that would have classified poker as skill rather than chance. The change of status would have permitted poker and community card games to be licensed in the state. Poker tournaments would also have been allowed in establishments where alcohol is served.
Top online poker rooms across the globe have pushed for the “game of skill” argument, enlisting the help of trade organizations the likes of the Poker Players Alliance in order to do their bidding
Bill sponsor Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill insisted skill is a greater factor in poker than luck and, as such, his measure would not run afoul of state law.
Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft challenged Larson’s claims. "We're going into very dangerous territory here by slowly and surely peeling away that which makes us great,” she said. "I think this is chance. I'm not willing to bet Nebraska's future on expanded gambling."
Opponents also pointed to a Nebraska attorney general's opinion which concluded that draw poker is primarily a game of chance.
The bill received only 16 votes of the 33 required.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
