The Indian Poker Association (IPA) has won a case against the Indian State of Karnataka initiated on the back of arrests and raids on poker players and organisers of recreational poker games in numerous Bangalore Clubs earlier this year.
Justice AS Bopanna of the Karnataka High Court handed down the ruling saying “Having taken note of the fact that in respect of the game of poker, if played as a game of skill, license is not contemplated and further keeping in view the fact that permission in this case had been obtained in that regard, the petitioner would be entitled to conduct such games, provided the same is in accordance with law.”
The ruling, while seen as a positive step for the game of poker in India, didn’t explore the skill or chance debate in any depth and specifically applied to the recreational poker format which leaves the legality of commercial poker at present unchanged, opines information portal Gambling Laws in India.
The law suit came about as one of the clubs raided at the time was affiliated with the IPA despite the association obtaining permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2012. Secretary of the IPA, KN Suresh is reported to be in the process of pursuing further disciplinary action against police officials who he says acted illegally by conducting the raids.
Despite the legal ambiguity, Aditya Oberoi Director of Mirch Entertainment commenting on the recent announcement by Mirch Entertainment and Cubeia of the launch of the Thrill Poker Network (see previous report) said they believe the structure of its offering falls within the existing legal framework of the country. A statement it says is backed up by “several attorneys”.
The Thrill Poker Network is reportedly due for launch in the next couple of weeks.