The NY appeals court reinstated a gambling conviction against a man who ran an illegal Texas Hold'em lounge. Originally, the gambling conviction was dismissed, largely based on the argument that poker was a game of skill, and therefore not illegal gambling. However, the appeals court overturned the dismissal based on NY State law, rather than federal gambling laws, stating the "the question of whether skill or chance predominates poker is inapposite to this appeal." NY State law is fairly strict when it comes to gambling, which is basically illegal unless it is explicitly authorized by NY law.

For more information, read NY Appeals Court Reinstates Poker Conviction.