Pubs handed tips on keeping poker legal
13 October, 2009
BBPA backs Gambling Commission leaflet explaining stakes and prizes
A new leaflet has been designed for licensees to help them keep poker legal in their pubs.
The Gambling Commission has produced the leaflet - Poker in pubs: advice on allowing poker in alcohol licensed premises - with the backing of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)
It explains that poker is allowed in pubs as long as stakes are kept below £5 a head and the maximum prize per premises does not exceed £100 a day.
The Commission’s director of regulation, Nick Tofiluk said: “Any licensee or pub manager considering offering a poker night should read this leaflet.
“The Commission has written to poker league operators reminding them of the law and this leaflet will help designated premises supervisors in pubs to stick to the rules.”
Rita King, the BBPA's deputy director of pub & leisure, said: “This leaflet gives welcome clarification of the law around what has become a popular game in Britain’s pubs. Poker in pubs is a low-stakes game played largely for fun. When it comes to keeping prizes within the legal limits, it will help pubs to have the rules set out clearly.”
The leaflet is being distributed to local authorities and some pubs. The information can also be seen at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.