UK gambling laws facing poker club opposition

2007-04-25 17:09:09

The UK Poker Clubs Association {UKPCA) has voiced criticism over the new Gambling Act due to be implemented in the UK later this year, it has been revealed.

New laws will relax rules regarding poker playing, but the UKPCA believes that a daily charge limit of £3 will result in lower prizes and hence less interest from gamblers.

Similarly, poker clubs will be treated as casinos in terms of licensing laws, leading to increased costs as clubs apply for licences, Jackpot.co.uk has reported.

"The imposition of casino licences on poker clubs is neither appropriate nor fair and could result in the closure of many clubs," said UKPCA chairman Geoff Owen, according to the gambling website.

"In its current form, the Gambling Act could also result in a rise in online poker activity and unregulated 'underground' poker, as players seek venues away from a casino environment," he added.

Earlier this year poker club owner Derek Kelly lost his court case in which he set out to justify his belief that poker is a game of skill rather than one of chance.


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