Will Italians Deem Poker A Skill Game?

It wasn't long ago that Italy rejected all considerations of licensing and regulating online wagering operations. In a surprising turnabout, the Italian government decided licensing would be the best option, though only certain types of wagering would be allowed, including horse racing, sports betting and skill games. The question on the edge of everyone's tongue these days - will Poker be classified as a game of skill?

 

In as little as one week, the long awaited answer may come, when Italian lawmaker's are expected to finally sign Article 38 of law 248/2006. Gambling operators in the European Union are most especially anticipating the outcome, as they may soon be able offer online poker in Italy.

Italy has already issued near 17,000 licenses for sports betting, horse racing and skill game operations. Casino games like Roulette, Craps and Slot Machines, are not eligible by law as they are not defined as skill games, nor is their inclusion being discussed.

Italy's Economy Minister Signor Padoa-Schioppa is expected to sign off on article 38 of law 248/2006, as reported by a local news story that leaked last week. If indeed the signature is applied, various forms of poker and other card games will become legally available over the Internet. Checkers and Sodoku are on the list, as well as Briscola and Scopa, both Italian games, and Black Jack.

Operators who have already obtained licenses from Italy, and are said to have provided consultation on the pending skill gaming issue, include 888, Inrtalot, Ladbrokes and William Hill.

Analysts expect Italian gaming web sites to launch publicly before the end of 2007.