UK crackdown

The Gambling Commission is talking tough in its latest communication to the media, and poker club owners and managers all over the country will be looking over their shoulders.

While we are all for making live poker a safer place in this country, there is a sense that this latest initiative is a little heavy-handed, and reputable, although legally vague, clubs and their players will suffer the consequences.

Illegal poker is facing a crackdown across Britain, as the Gambling Commission takes action following the prosecution of the Gutshot poker club in London.

The Commission, which regulates the gambling industry, is warning card rooms and other premises where illegal gaming may be taking place to review their arrangements or face action.

The focus is on unregulated commercial poker where the game is open to manipulation, corruption and exploitation. The Commission is concerned that in such cases there are no measures in place to protect players from cheating and intimidation or to prevent excessive commitments being made by vulnerable players.

“Commercial poker in unregulated premises creates a range of risks and dangers, especially when substantial sums of money are invited or involved,” said Phill Brear, the Commission’s Director of Operations.

“Following the guilty verdict in the Gutshot poker case, we are warning all card rooms and premises where we believe illegal commercial poker is taking place, that appropriate action will be taken against those who organise or provide unlawful gaming."

“We are also advising casinos that their staff must not to be associated with illegal gaming, otherwise they could loose their certification."

“The Commission’s objectives are to keep crime out of gambling, to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and to protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. We will continue to work with all police forces, local authorities and other agencies to achieve these objectives." "Poker is an engaging and popular activity that can be played for fun or small stakes and prizes in limited circumstances as a legitimate pastime. But the Commission stresses that the public need to be aware of the dangers and consequences, including the risk of prosecution, of engaging in unlawful gaming activities."