Poker toolkit
This toolkit provides you with guidance, templates for letters and case studies to give examples of how cases have been successfully brought to a conclusion.
Poker is a game of chance
R v Kelly [2008]
In 2005 it was held in a landmark case that poker is gambling and not a game of skill. Court of Appeal upheld that view and specifically rejected any reliance on poker decisions from the United States.
Poker leagues and the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005
Linked gaming is not permissible. Games of poker are linked if players are competing in the same game of poker across more than one premises and the winner of the game gets a prize. Alternatively it is linked gaming if the amount of the prize is determined by the number of people playing in different games of poker in different premises.
In pubs, the maximum stake is £5 per player per game of poker and the combined stakes may not exceed £100 per day. The maximum prize is £100 per game.
No charge may be made for participation in a game of poker. This includes such things as a compulsory charge for a meal or a ‘voluntary’ contribution for playing.
When organising an event which would breach the limits prescribed for pubs, such as a regional or national final, and this is held at a venue other than a licensed casino, care should be taken that the premises has the appropriate permits and permissions and conducts gaming in accordance with the regulations.
GLA: Part 29 Poker
GLA: Part 25 Clubs
GLA: Appendix H Poker games and prizes
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Template letters