Luck, Skill, Law

"I thought the basic tenet was the only legal game is a taxable game."

You're probably joking about the taxes, but almost all states allow games to be played without any taxes being involved. From frisbees upwards.

I can't even imagine why you'd think I was joking. I thought we were talking about gambling games. If people bet on frisbees, you can bet it's illegal unless it's taxed. You haven't noticed this?? You really believe government is sincerely trying to help people by regulating gambling?

I cannot think of many games of skill which do not produce any variance. But there exist many games of luck without any skill at all (when played on the square by all sides).

Not popular games. Maybe you think games like craps or roulette are completely devoid of skill?

My posts were meant to incite a different view on the matter, i.e. that either all gambling should be allowed or all gambling should be prohibited.

How can two people with such disparate views come to that same comclusion!?

L8R,
ETF

Hi, ETF.

"You really believe government is sincerely trying to help people ----------?"

Sometimes, yes; usually, no.

"You really believe government is sincerely trying to help people by regulating gambling?"

It would not be beyond people in government to believe, on account of their political ideology and/or religious credo, that, yes, regulating (i.e. limiting) gambling helps people in general.

I mentioned religion so I have to confess : I am, yes, in favor of some regulation myself, regulation aimed mostly at not allowing total access for all games at all times and all places to the prospective gambler. What we have come to know about human nature supports regulation. (I will not engage the libertarian/"anarcho"-capitalist firebrands of this website on a general debate about principles.)

"Maybe you think games like craps or roulette are completely devoid of skill?"

Roulette is completely devoid on skill when "played on the square by both sides", yes. I already posted this. (I retract the assumption about casino craps, to avoid the usual debates.)

"Either all gambling should be allowed or all gambling should be prohibited."

How can two people with such disparate views come to that same conclusion!?

Many paths to reach the stars, grasshopper.

(This includes PokerStars.)