Court: Pro Poker Player Can Play In Legal Games While Awaiting Sentencing

NEW YORK (AP) -- Poker players are on a winning streak in a New York illegal gambling case.

A handful of professional card players have won permission to play in legal, high-stakes poker games while the case plays out. They include a popular baby-faced player named Justin ``Boosted J'' Smith.

Lawyers for the pro players have argued their clients make a legitimate living playing poker. They say the players should be able to pursue their careers until the case is resolved _ and a judge has agreed.

The 25-year-old Smith pleaded guilty last week to playing a role in the international sports betting scheme. He's free on bail _ and free to play poker _ until his sentencing in January.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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