Gambling - Illegal Poker clubs - GC Clamping down

The Gambling Commission has announced a crackdown on suspected illegal poker clubs across the country with Illegal operators being targeted by Local Authorities, with support from the Commission.

It is stated on the Commissions website that a number have already been closed down in the last few months with the latest being The Big Slick in Portsmouth when the Licensing Authority withdrew the club premises certificate and cancelled the club gaming permit.

Poker can be played in members’ clubs albeit there are various restrictions depending on whether there is a club gaming permit in place, as well as conditions on participation fees and stake and prize limits, further details of which can be found clicking here.

Gaming of the type usually provided in club premises must not be the primary or sole activity and is subject to certain conditions and a code of practice.  The Commission’s Director of Regulatory Operations, Nick Tofiluk said: “The message is simple – poker can’t be the primary role or sole activity of the club. If you offer poker in a club which falls outside the rules for exempt gaming, or offer commercial poker when you do not have an appropriate licence or permit, you are breaking the law.”

If you require advice in relation to poker in clubs or pubs contact our gaming department.