Odds are on for pub gambling go-ahead

Playing poker in pubs has come a step closer, following proposals issued last week by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Under the proposals, poker and other games of "equal chance" would be allowed as long as the stake was limited to £5 per person per game.

Daily and weekly limits on stakes and prizes for games played in individual premises would be set at £100 and £500 respectively.

For bingo, the total stake and prize money would be limited to £2,000 during any seven-day period.

Operators will not be allowed to take a "cut" for money won or staked; nor will they be able to charge a participation fee.

The proposals will also remove the requirement for pubs to seek permission from local authorities, provided children and young people are not allowed to play.

Sports minister Richard Caborn said: "We are removing the need for a fresh application every time a licensee wishes to allow a new type of game to be played."

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne gave cautious approval: "I think bingo rather than poker is the big thing for pubs. At present some local authorities allow bingo, some don't. Hopefully this will clarify the issue."

British Beer & Pub Association communications director Mark Hastings commented: "Poker is very popular, so we can understand why the Government has included it in the proposals.

"As far as pubs are concerned, the real issue is about providing entertainment and enjoyment." People have until 20 April to comment on the proposals.