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

The Allahabad High Court ruled that poker and rummy are games of skill and not gambling. This judgement comes following a petition filed by DM Gaming Private Limited against an earlier denial of permission to operate these games by the Agra City Commissionerate.

In a landmark ruling, the Allahabad High Court has declared poker and rummy as games of skill, distinguishing them from gambling. The decision was delivered on Wednesday by Justices Shekhar B Saraf and Manjeev Shukla, following a petition from DM Gaming Private Limited challenging the Agra City Commissionerate's refusal to permit the operation of these games.

The company had filed the petition under Article 226 of the Constitution after being denied permission on January 24, 2024. The denial was based on concerns that these games could disturb public peace and be considered gambling, a stance the petitioner argued was unfounded and unsupported by factual evidence.

The court cited Supreme Court and other High Court precedents to support the view that poker and rummy are skill-based games. It ruled the Agra City Commissionerate's decision as speculative and lacking in legal basis, instructing authorities to revisit the matter and issue a well-reasoned order within six weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)