Online Poker a Step Closer in South Carolina

Published: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Online-Casinos.com

Poker players in the state of South Carolina, USA are very happy as the state senate has legalized the recreational poker game. The move is a huge leap forward as the antiquated 200 year old gambling legislation in South Carolina finally bites the dust. John Ridgeway, Poker Players Alliance's South Carolina State Director had this to say, "The thousands of poker players in the state are now one step closer to being allowed to enjoy a game of poker online or with their friends around the kitchen table without the fear of being accused of a crime under outdated state laws."

The bill which was approved by a 12-8 vote, came as a surprise to many. As little as a week ago the associated press were commenting on how small the possibility of the bill passing was. Even saying there was no chance whatsoever as there was so little time left of the session.

With just five days of session left, the million members strong Poker Players Alliance issued a press release asking, "We urge the South Carolina Senate to quickly bring these pieces of legislation to the floor for a vote before the end of the session."

It was in South Carolina back in 2006 when five poker players were arrested at their home in Mount Pleasant for simply playing poker. Then they were subsequently found guilty by Judge Larry Duffy. Judge Duffy noted that no clear direction existed from the South Carolina Legislature as to whether games predominantly determined by skill were considered gambling. It is clear now with absolutely no doubt as the new law states, "Gambling in a private home where no house player, house bank, or house odds exist and where the house receives no part of any of the money or other thing of value that is risked or wagered in the gambling in the private home is social gambling and is not unlawful."