Is poker gambling?

[Merovingian]

With that theory, everything would be considered gambling, which is probably not far from the truth, but for the purposes of this discussion it doesn't make sense. When is an outcome of a game ever certain? and when is something of value, be it pride/glory, a trophy, money etc., not at stake?

Both elements are apparent in all games, so why is one game gambling and another one of skill?

Surely the amount of skill *is* relevant, if it weren't you would have to group a game of dice in with a game of chess.