As of Wednesday, Switzerland’s highest court has banned the popular card game of Texas Hold’em from being played in private competitions. According to the Supreme Court, the game requires no skill and is almost entirely based on luck. Now deemed a game of chance, it can only be played in licensed casinos. The news came as a quite a blow to amateur players who have flocked to private games held at restaurants, bars and other public places. The loyal following of fans had even been playing tournaments online and betting online too.

What exactly prompted the nation’s highest court to get involved? Swiss casinos appealed an earlier decision made by a lower court. The lower court ruling, considered Texas Hold’em a skilled based game, allowing private games to be played and the exchange of money. According to Swiss casinos, this practice amounted to unfair competition. Especially since private games are not held to the same regulations that casinos are forced to abide by. One of the main differences that concerned Swiss casinos were the high taxes they were required to pay on profits; a 50 percent tax that private tournaments were not forced to pay.

Swiss casinos must also identify all players to watch out for gambling addictions and those individuals who build up excessive debts they are not able to play. Some of these same individuals who had been banned from playing in Swiss casinos had flocked to Texas Hold’em tournaments instead. Unfortunately, for amateur players who disagree with the decision the high courts decision is final.