New Report Argues Poker Is A Game Of Skill, Not Luck

A new study conducted by software company Cigital supports the idea that poker is a game of skill, not chance.  The study entitled “Statistical Analysis of Texas Hold’em” was carried out to conclusively prove that skill was the overriding factor in No Limit Texas Holdem.

The report was conducted with the support of PokerStars who provided the details of more than 100 million hands of Texas hold’em that were played on the site from December 1st, 2008 to January 2nd, 2009.

Over 75% of the hands did not result in a showdown, which indicates that the players skill determined the winning hand rather than the luck of the cards.

According to Cigital: “Many legal jurisdictions apply a ‘dominance test’ such that if the outcome is predominantly determined by chance, then the game is considered to be gambling. If the outcome is predominantly determined by skill, then the game is not considered gambling.”