This classic debate was given more light in 2007 when the US Government made their best attempts to ban online poker.   In the process the lawmakers determined that it would be illegal to play online poker in the US due to the element of gambling or luck.  Both the Stock Exchange and Horse Racing were exempt from the ban as they were classified as having elements of skill and therefore it was determined that luck does not play a big enough role in stocks or racing. 

Games with outcomes involving a large element of chance or luck are considered gambling and are placed in a category of illegal activities in the US.  The definition of gambling is any behavior involving the risk of money or valuables on the outcome of a game, contest, or other event in which the outcome of that activity is partially or totally dependent upon chance or on one's ability to do something.  In this context the best example of gambling would be the US Lottery which is exempt from any laws due to the amount of moneys it supposedly generates for the State School Systems. 

Games of Skill, on the other hand, are considered legal and involve little to no element of chance.  If someone is known as the best backgammon or chess player in the world, odds are this player will beat and inferior opponent 100% of the time.  Placing a wager on one’s own skill is not considered betting and there is very little luck involved.  Some games that fall into this category include Backgammon, Chess, Checkers, Scrabble, Trivia, Gin Rummy, Billiards, Online Video Games, and Video Games.  Under specific jurisdictions all of the above activities can be wagered on legally as long the player or participant is the only one placing the wager.  Should an outside spectator place a wager on the outcome of the event, then this would be considered illegal because they are putting money down for a chance to win, whereas the player is determining his own destiny. 

A great measurement for whether or not a game is based on Luck or Skill is the question Can a player intentionally lose the game?  Although this is not true 100% of the time, most often if a player can intentionally lose the game being played, then it would be a game of skill.  In poker one could call someone all in with the worst possible starting hand, but because of the element of luck there is a chance that they could outdraw their opponent on the flop, turn, or river.  On the other hand, if someone is playing an online video game such as Utour (Golf) at Skillground, they could intentionally mis-hit the ball every time, thus allowing their opponent to win.  On the same note if two players were engaged in an online game such as Golf, the winner of the game will always be based upon the player’s skill and who has performed the best at that specific time. 

Skilled Wagering can be very entertaining and a great way to showcase your skills while reaping the rewards of being the best player out there.   Competition is fierce and there is no better way to determine how good you are than to have real money on the line and see where you measure up against the best players in the world. 

Over the last couple of years online gaming has taken off.  Websites are now offering many competitions or head to head battles involving games of skill for real money prizes.  Many tournament sites have created banking systems to incorporate real money wagers to be placed on one’s own skill.  There are many different avenues where professional gamers can make decent money competing against some of the World’s best competition.  In the same respect that we have seen Poker create a mega industry allowing professionals to earn a decent living, we are now witnessing skilled gaming travel that same path. 

Skilled gaming will be experiencing an enormous amount of growth over the next 5-10 years and along with it many opportunities will arise.  Someone who is considered a better than average backgammon player now has the option to play online against others for real money, and since backgammon is largely based on skill the best player at that given time will earn the prize pool and substantially be able to earn an income from his or her skills.  Many sites currently offer backgammon wagering including BGRoom, Play65, and PartyGammon to name a few. 

When playing responsibly skilled wagering can be very entertaining and extremely profitable.  At this current time players can earn up to $100 an hour playing online backgammon and many other popular games of skill.  For more information regarding skilled wagering online please visit our directory for the latest updates on all skilled gaming sites. 

Web 2.0 has brought internet users online communities in nearly every genre one can think of.  Communities allow users to share their thoughts and provide other members with personal experiences and real world results.  At Skilled Wagering users and members of the community have the opportunity to gain access to all skilled wagering sites and then share their experiences, opinions, and gameplay tips and tricks.  Being a member of any community has obvious benefits and Skilled Wagering does its best to provide users with a platform to enlighten others and share information. 

Community members will receive newsletters and updates of all the newest Skilled Wagering sites which in turn allows members the option to showcase their skills on multiple platforms or to choose which one best fits their needs and demands.  Our community will also help to keep our members up to date on all current deposit bonuses and player rewards offers.