Poker

[Roden]

I am under 18 and would like to know if there is any way i can get round playing poker for a prize. If i was to organise a game could we play for a set buy in?

Please tell me if there is anyway a cash prize could be played for legally

thanks

[dannydingbat]

Do you mean in your own home or, for example, in the pub?

[Roden]

Well in my home or in a pub, if it is leagl in a pub then that would be better.

[dannydingbat]

Illegal in pubs. In your own home, who is going to find out??

[Roden]

Yes but i was thinking about advertising for a large poker tournement, no profit for me, just all money taken in is given back as prize money

[dannydingbat]

Playing for money is illegal under the Gaming Act 1968 except under strict conditions, ie. its OK under a tightly regulated casino. . You may be interested in this from yesterday's "thepublican.com". The last paragraph is interesting. "Publicans are being caught in the crossfire between the Gambling Commission (GC) and poker companies launching new leagues for pubs. While the GC is warning licensees about the many legal pitfalls of hosting the game, poker companies are continuing to launch new leagues arguing it is not illegal. Organised poker is illegal except under a select number of conditions, as set out in the Gaming Act 1968. There must be no levy on the stakes or winnings of players, nor access allowed to members of the public. It is illegal for pubs to host games that are played for �money or money�s worth�, meaning prizes are forbidden. Poker companies have complained that the body has shown uncertainty on the issue, and undue resistance to their initiatives, leaving licensees in the lurch. Poker in the Pub chairman Dave Brannan said: �We are not getting a clear answer from the GC. It is perfectly happy to point out reasons why poker would be illegal, but they have seemed hesitant to come back to us once we point out we are not doing any of that.� However, the GC warned that, even in cases where pubs are hosting legal games of poker that do not involve levies or playing for money, licensees will still be held legally responsible if their customers break the law. A spokesman said: �The additional problem for licensees is that players can apply their own rules without the organisers knowing � for example, �settling up� for cash afterwards. The licensee is legally liable in these circumstances.� David Clifton, of London solicitors Joelson Wilson, said: �Under the current legislation, it is virtually impossible to legally organise a poker competition other than in a licensed casino.�

[Roden]

Cheers for the replies but i cant see how it is illegal, i play bowls and before the game everybody gives �1.50 (12 players x �1.50) = �18.

�10 is given to the club and then the remaining money is given to the best player (best score) is that illegal?

[dannydingbat]

No, because its not gambling, its skill or sport. Ask the gambling commission

[Roden]

I know there are many arguments that poker is a skill game but thats an argument for another day lol, thanks for the information anyway!