People like to think of Switzerland as a neutral country whose government will let you do pretty much anything you want. There are no laws – everything is legal – and people are on the honor system to not hurt each other. This isn’t entirely accurate.

It is true that the Swiss Confederation is one of the best examples of free-market capitalism in the world. In fact, it’s ranked number 6 on the Heritage Foundation’s  Index of Economic Freedom (the United States, in comparison, is number 8). As a result, Switzerland has a thriving economy and its per-capita GDP is among the highest in the world. Economically, Switzerland is everything that every other country should want to be.

However, they do still have a government and like all governments, when they do something it’s usually not good. Such is the case with their recent decision regarding poker.

The highest court of the Swiss Confederation ruled that Texas hold’em is not a game of skill. Therefore, by law it can only be played within their casinos. That means no poker tournaments held at bars, resorts (outside the casinos), restaurants and wherever else people like to hold poker tournaments. Friendly games within your home are still okay, but in every other case, the poker game must be confined to the casinos.

The court ruling is a victory for casinos who were worried about losing business but a defeat for poker players and lovers of freedom everywhere. Switzerland, you know I love you, but you got this one wrong.

How did they come to the conclusion that Texas hold’em is a not a game of skill? According to reports, if it could be proven that mathematics, psychology and other mental tactics are more important to the game than chance (which card you are dealt), then it would be a game of skill and you could play it anywhere. After examining the evidence, the court ruled that chance was the most important aspect of Texas hold’em. It makes me wonder if they have ever played.

So the government of the Swiss Confederation has made a bad decision that takes away freedom in favor of helping big business. Welcome to the party, Switzerland. You were a little late, but there’s still room for you.