The Justice Ministry of Ukraine has rescinded its decision of July 1, which had included poker on the list of sports recognized in Ukraine. The Justice Ministry of Ukraine has rescinded its decision of July 1, which had included poker on the list of sports recognized in Ukraine.

The recommendation to cancel the state registration is stipulated in a conclusion of the Justice Ministry of December 9 posted on the official Web site of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

"The item on inclusion of sport poker doesn't correspond to article 2 of the law of Ukraine "On banning the gambling business in Ukraine" according to which the gambling business and participation in gambling are prohibited," the Justice Ministry said.

Poker tournaments in Ukraine have flourished over the past several months as a way of circumventing the country's gambling ban.

[UA EUROPE EEU EMRG POL SPO]

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