A bill proposed by Likud MK Sharren Haskel (pictured) of the Israeli Knesset party would legalize poker tournaments in Israel, a move that became possible after a recent ruling by the nation’s Supreme Court found that poker was a game of skill rather than luck.
Now a days, poker players could face as much as a year in prison just for playing the game, while those organizing poker tournaments could potentially be sentenced to three years in prison.
“The fact that the players go to contests and tournaments year after year strengthens the conclusion that it is not a game of luck,” Neal Hendel, Supreme Court Judge, wrote in his decision.
Hendel’s routed that poker was a game of skill, making its designation as an illegal gambling activity untenable.
“Israeli sportsmen bring respect and pride to the state in international competitions. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that poker players are sportsmen and not gamblers, they should be permitted to practice on their home turf.” Stated S. Haskel
In 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed allowing casinos in Eilat in an effort to attract more tourists, though such facilities have yet to be approved.
