CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A South Carolina judge will reverse the convictions of five Texas Hold 'Em poker players convicted of violating state gambling law.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Friday that Circuit Judge R. Markley Dennis says the state Supreme Court would likely find it a game of skill, not chance, and that state law is ambiguous.

The five were arrested three years ago in Mount Pleasant. A town judge ruled earlier that Texas Hold 'Em is a game of skill, but found the five guilty of operating a gambling house.

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They appealed. Dennis has asked their attorneys to prepare an order reversing the convictions.

There have been efforts in the General Assembly to legalize friendly poker games and raffles for charity, which are illegal under state law.

<H6>Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.charleston.net</H6>