Allahabad High Court Declares Poker and Rummy as Games of Skill, Not Gambling

The Allahabad High Court has determined that Poker and Rummy are games of skill, not gambling. The court directed authorities to reconsider permissions to run gaming units. The decision follows a challenge by M/s DM Gaming Pvt Ltd against the denial of a license, citing that the original refusal was based on unfounded assumptions.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that Poker and Rummy are games of skill rather than gambling.

In a landmark judgment, a two-judge bench consisting of Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Manjiv Shukla directed local authorities to re-evaluate their decision to refuse permission for a gaming unit where such games are played. The court's directive came in response to a petition from M/s DM Gaming Pvt Ltd, which challenged an earlier denial by the deputy commissioner of police in Agra.

The bench emphasized that decisions should not be based on mere speculation but require hard evidence. They instructed the concerned officer to review past judgments from higher courts and provide a well-reasoned order within six weeks. The court highlighted that while permission could be granted, authorities could still monitor for any illegal gambling activities at the gaming venues.