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Members of the Czech Association of Poker Clubs are pushing the Finance Ministry to recognize the game as an official sport, and have enlisted legal representatives from Ernst & Young to aid in their campaign.

As a result of these discussions, ministry officials say they are preparing to introduce a new “lottery act” that will streamline national regulations for gambling, which is currently prohibited outside of casinos. At present, it is unknown whether poker game restrictions will be altered as part of the new legislation, which officials expect to release for government approval late this year.

“The Finance Ministry does not recognize the official sport,” ministry spokeswoman Zuzana Chocholová said of poker. She would not comment on the contents of the upcoming legislation, saying only that poker outside of casinos is permitted in the Czech Republic, provided the game is played without any monetary stakes.

Players disagree with the ministry’s assessment of the game, saying that although large sums of money are often involved, poker itself is comparable with other sports, though relying on mathematical and psychological skills as opposed to physical.

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The Prague Post Online: News: New gambling laws could raise the stakes for poker

Author Contact Info: Curtis M. Wong, The Prague Post

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