Fletcher, J.:— In this case, the petitioner has been convicted for playing a game or rather for conducting a game known as the ring game and sentenced to pay a fine of fifty rupees.
2. The sole question we have to decide in this case is whether this is a game of skill or a game of chance. If it is a game of skill, it is not an offence under the Gaming Act. If it is a game of mere chance, it is. These games require a certain amount of skill and there is also a certain amount of chance and we have to determine whether the main element in a game of this nature is one of skill or of chance. This game consists in the public acquiring from the owner of the stand a certain amount of brass rings. There are placed on the stand certain coins or prizes at the feet of certain pins with wooden knobs and the player has to throw these rings, if he wishes to win a prize, over one of these pins. It seems to us that, although there is an element of chance in throwing a ring over the pins in some cases, the element of the game is one of skill. We are, therefore, of opinion that the Rule should be made absolute and the coviction and sentence set aside. The fine, if paid, will be refunded.
3. Rule made absolute.