U.K. Bar Owners Against New Poker Law

The new poker law limits the poker stakes at 10. The U.K. pub owners consider the restrictions are too rigid and won’t draw players to their establishments. Additionally, they filed an appeal against the law.

The Britain’s Department of Culture Media and Sport proposed the limits of buy-ins at pub poker games and private clubs to 1, stakes to 10 and pots to 200 per day. Pool club operators consider that the new rule doesn’t reflect the current levels of an adults' leisure spend for a night out in the U.K. and is too restrictive on social poker players. Moreover, in their opinion, the new regulations seem to allow poker to be played in bars, which currently aren't licensed to host tournaments.

Other licensed venues, such as snooker clubs, aren't subject to limits on stakes or prizes. But the Gambling Act 2005 will come into life in September 2007 and will include further restrictions and some opportunities for the gambling industry. Until then the government still expects operators to discuss the legislation before the fall deadline.