UK Poker Clubs

The general murkiness surrounding live poker in the UK isn’t good for anyone, and one organisation is taking steps to try and clear things up a little.

The United Kingdom Poker Clubs Association has announced that it has decided to apply to the High Court for a Judicial Review of the 2005 Gambling Act.

The decision comes following the failure of the Department of Culture Media & Sport to take heed of the concerns expressed by the UKPCA during consultation over the September implementation of the Act, which will allow non-dedicated establishments such as snooker clubs and casinos to offer poker, but make it illegal for dedicated poker clubs to provide the same services.

The UKPCA represents over 72,000 members and was launched on 20 April 2007, by 13 of the UK’s leading poker clubs, to help poker players and private members’ poker clubs concerned about the impact of the 2005 Gambling Act on the poker club industry. The UKPCA has specifically been campaigning for the reclassification of poker as a “prescribed” game, like the games of bridge and whist. This would enable poker clubs to provide poker to its members in the same way that non-dedicated establishments will be able to do so.

The UKPCA sees no reason why the DCMS has decided that poker clubs that provide poker as their main activity should not be able to operate in the same way as establishments that only offer poker as an ancillary activity. When it comes into force in September, the Gambling Act will allow ancillary poker establishments such as casinos and snooker clubs to charge £3 a day and play for unlimited stakes and prizes. Dedicated poker clubs will only be allowed to charge £1 a day and have a restricted pool of up to only £1,000 a week.

The decision to begin the process of applying for a Judicial Review has not been taken lightly. However, the UKPCA believes that the DCMS has failed in its duty to take into proper account the reality of poker playing and dedicated poker clubs in the UK before the implementation of the Act. This is despite the UKPCA making considerable effort to engage in a fair consultation process with the DCMS since the launch of the Association.

Barry Martin, Chief Executive of the Gutshot Club in Clerkenwell commented: The way the DCMS is treating poker clubs is totally irrational. We have tried to engage the Department through the correct procedures in an open and transparent manner. Unfortunately they don’t to want to listen. Venues not set up for poker, without trained staff, or proper facilities, where the main activity may often be gambling, will be able to play for unlimited stakes and prizes, but poker clubs will not – it is ridiculous!”

“Poker is just another “spoke in the wheel” of the UK service industry. People go to the cinema, theatre, restaurants, etc. That is what the poker clubs are providing – a leisure activity for people that enjoy playing poker, usually for very modest amounts of money that is often much cheaper than a whole range of popular leisure activities.

“As it stands, the Gambling Act could lead to the closure of many poker clubs and force the public into casinos or other non-dedicated poker environments, as well as underground events. Given widespread concerns about problem gambling this seems incredibly short-sighted.”

Geoff Owen, Chairman of the UKPCA, commented: “Poker is one of the fastest growing games in the UK with over two million participants. We believe that the British public should be able to play it in dedicated poker clubs, specifically tailored for playing poker in a safe, regulated, value for money and non-casino focused environment."

Let’s hope this new approach brings a decent result for UK poker.