A Danish judge has ruled that tournament poker is a game of skill and not chance, allowing poker competition organisers to avoid prosecution under Danish law.

The decision is being closely examined by poker tournament organisers in other European jurisdictions and the US, where similar court actions are expected to follow.

The case was brought against the Danish Poker Association, who represents poker clubs, by the Police Commissioners Prosecution Service arguing for a violation of the criminal code, but indirectly supporting the view taken by the hotel and restaurant trade association Horesta, acting on behalf of licensed casino operators.