The ruling came from Pennsylvania Judge Thomas A. James Jr. of Columbia County, who was hearing a case in which a man was accused of running an NLHE game at low stakes in his garage. Walter Watkins and his girlfriend, Diane Dent, were arrested after an undercover investigation conducted by Pennsylvania State Police and were facing 20 charges each for illegal gambling. 릴게임
The defense has maintained that poker is basically a technology-based game, so it is not illegal under the current Pennsylvania gambling law. After reviewing extensive literature on poker play and strategy presented by the defense, the judge concluded the same: "It is clear that technology prevails over chance."
In a statement given to The Associated Press, Watkins said, "It's unfortunate that we've had to go through all of this. We were arrested, dragged out of the house. I spent the night in jail in shackles. It's all because of playing poker."
Lobbyists in the poker industry were elated by the news. John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance, told Poker News Daily that it is clear that the judge understands the game of poker, and that the ruling provides a precedent to be used in future court cases involving poker.