UK: Poker to be played in Pubs

The Telegraph reports that from next September any pub in England and Wales will be free to allow poker games for limited stakes — amounting to a few pounds per head —

The decision to allow poker in pubs comes amid a surge in popularity for the game that is one of the fastest growing forms of gambling in the country. According to research studies, nearly six million people now gamble online in UK.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport yesterday denied that the relaxation of the pub rules was paving the way for a “gambling bonanza”. “The change reflects the fact that individuals want to be able to play different games in pubs than those that were popular 40 years ago. We believe that banning it would risk driving it underground, making it difficult to enforce controls and increasing the risk of exploitation”. said a spokesman for the culture department.

The Government plans to consult early next year on the level of stake to be allowed.