NEW YORK (AP) - A federal judge in New York has handed a victory to poker advocates, ruling the card game isn't gambling under federal law because it is primarily a game of skill, not chance.
The decision Tuesday by Judge Jack Weinstein in Brooklyn is likely to be embraced by advocates of card games who are pushing to legalize Internet poker in the United States.
The ruling resulted in the dismissal of a federal criminal indictment against a man convicted last month of conspiring to operate an illegal underground poker club. The judge relied in his decision largely on findings by a defense expert who analyzed Internet poker games.
The judge noted the federal statute was created to combat organized crime.
Prosecutors haven't responded to phone messages seeking comment.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:18 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:18:38 GMT
A Central Texas police officer faces an administrative review after shooting a family's trained therapy dog while trying to serve a traffic-related warrant.
A Central Texas police officer faces an administrative review after shooting a family's trained therapy dog while trying to serve a traffic-related warrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:37 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:37:39 GMT
The cast of an Atlanta sports radio show has been fired after mocking a former NFL player who has Lou Gehrig's disease, a station official said Monday.
The cast of an Atlanta sports radio show has been fired after mocking a former NFL player who has Lou Gehrig's disease, a station official said Monday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:03:58 GMT
Facebook, which owns Instagram, is expected to announce this week a new video option for the popular photo app. Most likely the feature will be for shortened video clips.
Facebook, which owns Instagram, is expected to announce this week a new video option for the popular photo app. Most likely the feature will be for shortened video clips kind of what you see on Vine.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:03:21 GMT
Police in Massachusetts investigating a possible homicide questioned New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Monday, according to a Sports Illustrated report.
Police in Massachusetts investigating a possible homicide questioned New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Monday, according to a Sports Illustrated report.
Denver International Airport passengers are taking shelter after a tornado was spotted in the area.
Radar indicated a tornado briefly touched down Tuesday over the east runways of Denver International Airport, where thousands of people took shelter in bathrooms, stairwells and other safe spots until the dangerous weather...
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:57:05 GMT
Chrysler photo via AP
Chrysler said it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Chrysler said it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:25 GMT
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:03:08 GMT
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tried to limit the size of soda consumption, ban smoking in parks, encourage bike riding and now there"s another possible plan on the table: mandate recycling of food waste.
West Side resident Matt Murphy has stored a pail of leftovers on his floor for the last two months. His building is part of the city's food-recycling pilot program. Mayor Bloomberg wants to expand the program citywide.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:21:23 GMT
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
