Poker And Rummy Are Not Gambling, They Are Games Of Skill: Allahabad High Court

Prayagraj: In a judgment, the Allahabad High Court ruled that that poker and rummy are games of skill, not gambling.

A division bench of the High Court came up with this decision while hearing a petition filed by DM Gaming Private Limited, which challenged an order from the Agra City Commissionerate denying the company permission to operate poker and rummy as a gaming unit.

The petitioner argued that the denial of permission was based solely on the presumption that these games might disturb public peace and harmony or be considered gambling.

Citing the decision of the Supreme Court and other orders of the High Court, the Allahabad High Court said that poker and rummy are games of skill and not gambling.

The court further said that refusal to allow recreational gaming activities must be supported by concrete facts presented by the officer. Granting permission to operate poker and rummy gaming units would not prevent the authorities from monitoring the premises for illegal gambling activities.

The court directed the concerned authority to reconsider the matter and issue a reasoned order after giving the petitioner an opportunity to be heard within six weeks from the date of the judgment.