Karnataka’s Plea Against DM Gaming Dismissed; Poker’s Legal Status Left Open
The Supreme Court has dismissed Karnataka government’s appeal challenging the quashing of an FIR against DM Gaming Pvt Ltd, which was accused of running an illegal gambling house under the guise of a poker club.
A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma upheld the Karnataka High Court’s earlier decision that had set aside the case. However, the Court clarified that it was not ruling on whether poker should be legally classified as a game of skill or a game of chance, leaving the question open for future consideration.
The case began after a June 2024 complaint alleged that Golden Ace Poker Room, operated by DM Gaming in Bengaluru, was conducting gambling activities. Following this, the Central Crime Branch raided the premises, seizing ₹5.46 lakh in cash, poker chips, and cards, and arresting several individuals, including director Mukesh V Chawla.
While the High Court had held that poker is a game of skill and therefore protected from police interference, the Karnataka government argued before the Supreme Court that poker was akin to Teen Patti, making it a game of chance and punishable under the law. The State also alleged that DM Gaming’s operations encouraged young men and students to engage in excessive gambling through inducements and irregular business practices.
The Supreme Court, however, declined to interfere with the High Court’s order and did not examine the government’s arguments in detail.
