Indian state discusses the possibility of poker as a game of skill
The All-India Gaming Federation is working with state government officials to see if the legislature can make an amendment and consider poker as a game of skill.
India.- The state of Kerala currently considers poker as a game of chance and hence it is illegal based on the Kerala Games Act 1960 which forbids all forms of gambling. The All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) is working with the government to see if poker can be considered a game of skill.
AIGF CEO Ronald Landers pointed out that other states in India such as Bengal and Nagaland have legalised the poker industry because they consider it is a game of skill. He said that Kerala passed the amendment in the 70’s stating that card games should not be considered gambling therefore poker would fall under this category.
Kerala is one of the most popular tourist states in India and could generate a significant amount of revenue by legalising poker rooms and online poker. Gaming analysts estimate that the government would receive up to 15 percent in gaming taxes from the poker industry. Since poker is banned in most Indian states, Kerala could benefit significantly from a regulated poker industry as a number of Indians currently travel to Goa or outside of India in order to take part in poker tournaments.
Roland Landers said “For a state like Kerala, where tourists flock in large numbers, gaming avenues can be an added attraction.”
The process to lift the ban on poker and consider it as a game of skill will not be an easy task for the state government as there are a number of opposition forces in other state departments and religious groups.
