Court Opinion

ID: 9938684
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-02-09 19:03:45.759058+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:37:19.897282
License: Public Domain

In State v. Ted's Game Enterprises, 893 So.2d 355
(Ala.Civ.App. 2002), aff'd, 893 So.2d 376 (Ala. 2004), the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, analyzing the meaning of the word "skill" within the context of the limiting effect of § 65, Ala. Const. of 1901, on the authorization of lotteries, noted:
 "[T]he mere fact that the outcome of a game, either in a single play or over multiple plays, can be affected by an understanding of the laws of probability or an understanding of the rules of the game, or can be affected by other recognizable techniques or knowledge, does not change the fundamental nature of that game. Simply put, a player's understanding of the rules or of the laws of probability relating to a game of chance does not change the fact that he is playing a game of chance. A player may be `skilled' at `playing the odds,' but he is still `playing the odds.'"
893 So.2d at 375.
I agree with the majority that "Texas Hold'em" poker is fundamentally a game of chance, in that the outcome of the game ultimately depends on a random draw of the cards. I do not disagree with the appellants' argument that a person must possess a certain amount of experience and skill in order to be a successful "Texas Hold'em" poker player. However, a player's skill does not change the fundamental nature of the game. As the Court of Civil Appeals noted, "[a] player may be `skilled' at `playing the odds,' but he is still `playing the odds.'"893 So.2d at 375. Because "Texas Hold'em" poker is, in my view, chance predominant, I agree with the majority that the appellants' convictions for promoting gambling, in violation of § 13A-12-22, Ala. Code 1975, are due to be affirmed.