Texas Hold’em case goes to SC Supreme Court

The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear arguments from both sides of the “Texas Hold’em” case, after a circuit judge ruled the game as one of skill, not chance. South Carolina’s law dating back to 1802 states that playing cards or dice in your own home is illegal. However, some poker players challenged that law after being caught playing Texas Hold’em for money in a home near Charleston.

Circuit Judge Markley Dennis ruled that Texas Hold’em is a game of skill and not chance, meaning playing a private game of poker does not violate the anti-gambling laws in the state. Attorney General Henry McMaster has appealed Dennis’ ruling, saying that the judge cannot say one game requires more skill than another. In Dennis’ decision, he said Texas Hold’em does require skill, and players get better the more they play.

The South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision is expected to take a few months.