Israeli Cops Against Proposed Poker Tourney

Time is running out for a tournament planned for the end of June According to reports in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the Israeli Poker Association has run into police opposition on its proposal to hold a Texas Hold 'Em tournament at the end of June. Apparently the police objection is based on its assertion that poker is a forbidden game that attracts criminal elements. The Israeli Poker Association argues that this is not so and the game is legal because it requires more skill than luck to play successfully. The objection follows an attempt by the IPA to petition the High Court of Justice for permission to hold a tournament This week the State Prosecutor's office claimed that poker is a forbidden game according to the penal code. Since it involves large sums of money it often causes disputes among criminals that at times lead to serious acts of violence, a representative said.