Poker League takes action against West Mercia Police
The Issue of poker in pubs could be heading to court as Nuts Poker League claims it is about to take action against Worcester-based West Mercia Police.
In December licensees across the region received letters warning them their premises licence could be at risk if they run poker games.
Steve Bellis, managing director of the Nuts Poker League, is outraged and has made a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
He claims the letter has misled licensees and some have cancelled their leagues, losing money.
The company runs poker games in pubs across the country. Customers play for points and at the end of the tournament the top scorers gather at a final where a prize can be won.
The police letter states: ³Having sought advice from the Gambling Commission, it is apparent that to continue with such activities in your premises requires that you have a section 6 permit granted under the Gaming Act 1968.
³Until such a permit is granted, the playing of poker in your pub is illegal and could have some bearing upon the future of your premises licence.² However, the Gaming Commission has admitted that poker leagues, where players compete for points rather than cash are a legal grey area.
Mr Bellis said: ³We believe we have an excellent case with the IPCC and we are looking to take a case against West Mercia Police. This is tarnishing our reputation. It¹s outrageous.² A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: ³A complaint has been lodged with the IPCC in relation to this matter so it would be inappropriate for the force to comment further until this complex issue is resolved.²
What is the law?
Holding poker in pubs without a licence 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 players¹ winnings, nor access allowed to members of the public. It is illegal for pubs to host games that are played for Œmoney or money¹s worth¹, meaning prizes are forbidden.
