UK Poker Clubs Unite Against the Government

With the Gambling Act 2006 due to take effect on the first of September of this year, poker enthusiasts in the UK are coming together and getting up in arms to do take some action – possible court action, that is.  The UK Poker Clubs Association (UKPCA) is applying for a judicial review of the said Act based on the contention that it is unfair to exclude poker in the list of prescribed card games which include bridge and whist.

With this exclusion, poker clubs and their members would be at the disadvantage.  For one, the pool that they can offer is limited to £1,000 each week.  Players can only be charged a quid as well.  For high rollers, this comes as a strict limitation of their usual stakes.

According to Geoff Owen, chairman of the UKPCA, “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. The discrepancy in the Act is incredible and we call upon the DCMS and Gambling Commission to end this irrational treatment of the poker industry.  Unfortunately however, it appears we have little alternative than to head for a judicial review.”

Though consultations have been made between the UK poker industry and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), things pretty much unclear.  However, a spokesperson for the DCMS has revealed that the ministers are actually taking into consideration what is going on and will release an announcement by the end of July.

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