In a blow to home game/underground club poker hopefuls in Switzerland, the nation’s Supreme Court ruled that poker is a game predominantly governed by chance, not skill.  As such, it deemed poker for profit (including tournaments illegal).  The Court did permit the small social game among family and friends.  Underlying the Court’s ruling, which the Court acknowledged, is a concern for the effects of problem gamblers.  Interestingly, also underlying the Court’s decision, though this was not acknowledged, is that the country reaps significant revenue from legal casinos that likely oppose legalization of club-type poker games.  Got to love conflicts of interest.  While the ruling has no binding effect on U.S. law, any ruling that poker is a game of luck is bad.  And certainly will be cited by poker opponents as indications of what others think on the issue.

It will be interesting to see how gambling law progresses in Switzerland, as they are unique in that they aren’t under pressure by the EU.  The country has a reputation as being pro-poker and wants to open both their online and offline gambling markets to companies outside of the country.  They have just carried out an in depth report covering their liberalization process and analyses of all market sectors.  The full report can be purchased and a free summary of the report can be seen here:  http://www.swiss-gambling.mecn.net/.