
2007-04-16 16:50:54
The government could face a legal challenge over its plans to limit the membership fees charged by poker clubs.
The new rules, which form part of the Gambling Act, cap daily membership fees at £3.
Poker clubs say that, once the legislation comes into force this September, it will limit prizes and restrict the range of services a club can offer.
The UK Poker Association told the Guardian that the new regulations could backfire on the government
"In its current form, the Gambling Act could also result in a rise in online poker activity and unregulated 'underground' poker, as players seek venues away from a casino environment", said UKPCA chairman Geoff Owen.
The UKPA claim that it is unjust to regulate the game so strictly as "poker is a social, fun and challenging game of skill that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is very similar to the game of bridge".
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