Measuring skill in games: several approaches discussed

An aspect of casino games that in general leads to discussions among both participants and spectators, is the relative extent to which a player can positively influence his results by making appropriate strategic choices. This question is closely related to the issue of how to distinguish between games of skill and games of chance. This is an issue that is interesting from a juridical point of view too, since in many countries the legitimacy of exploiting a specific game depends on the category to which it belongs. This paper summarizes recent developments concerning the measurement of skill in games. It points out the elements in the definitions that need closer attention, it illustrates the analysis with examples and it discusses further possibilities. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2004