UK POKER CLUBS SET TO FIGHT NEW GAMBLING LAW

20 April 2007

Poker clubs don't like having to apply for casino licenses, or limits on membership fees

British poker clubs under the aegis of the U.K. Poker Clubs Association are considering measures to fight current proposals in the UK's new Gambling Act, which comes into force in September this year.

According to a weekend report in The Observer, the clubs are unhappy with certain provisions in the Act and intend to challenge it, through litigation if necessary. The clubs are especially concerned about limits on the daily membership fee, which the Act seeks to cap at GBP 3, and the requirement that poker clubs will have to obtain casino licenses.

The Observer reports that a trade association will be formed next week, top legal advisors have been put on the payroll and a leading U.K. public relations firm, Citigate, has been commissioned to help lobby for the clubs' cause.

Geoff Owen, chairman of the U.K. Poker Clubs Association told the newspaper: "The imposition of casino licences on poker clubs is neither appropriate nor fair and could result in the closure of many clubs. 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."

The U.K. Poker Clubs Association represents 72 000 members, The Observer reports.

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