
The Jerusalem District Court ruled Sunday in an unprecedented decision that the game "Texas Hold'em" is forbidden by law. During the verdict, material issues relating to the game were examined, among other things, whether a "bluff" is evidence that the game is based on individual talent rather than luck.
The ruling can in response to an appeal filed by Limor Araki, who hosted with her husband a game of "Texas Hold'em" in Jerusalem attended by 13 people. The game included betting of large sums of money. Araki’s husband was convicted in a plea bargain and was sentenced to probation and a fine.
Araki admitted that she hosted the game, but argued that this activity is not illegal, claiming that there are studies that highlight the talent of individual components that are reflected in the game, such as understanding the statistics of the cards, the mathematical viability of each bet, and reading behavior of other players. She further argued that the fact that World Championships are held indicate that the industry measures the individual abilities of the players.
However, the District Court judges rejected the appeal and convicted Araki by sentencing her to four months suspended sentence and a fine of 5,000 NIS (about 1,300 USD).