New Laws Affecting Poker In the UK

The last six months has seen mass changes in attitudes and laws towards gambling and poker playing across Europe. Several European Union nations including Germany have banned online gaming, whilst others, such as Finland, have opted for state sponsored online gaming only.

The UK has not been as drastic but, none-the-less, UK poker players are beginning already to see the changes that have come with Britain’s part in the trend to reassesses gaming control. Until only 5 months ago, British gambling rules were largely based on legislation that had been in place since the mid nineteenth century. The 91 billion pound industry saw in September a shake up that effects all quarters; from video arcade and take away food venues, to bookmakers and casinos, and of course online gaming sites.

Under the 2005 U.K. Gambling Act which was finally passed and enacted in September of 2007 all gaming locations will be subject to the licensing conditions of one regulatory body; the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission will grant licenses to British based gaming operators who conform to its requirements regarding fair play, security, as well as information regarding help lines and support centers. Any licensed gaming establishment that fails to comply with these regulations may face fines and prosecution.

Many UK poker players may already have seen some of the effects of the 2005 U.K. Gambling Act. No longer is membership required at casinos, and therefore the waiting period between joining and playing has become superfluous in many gaming halls across the nation. Furthermore, more regional casinos are likely to spring up around the country. However, plans for the first Super-Casino, the initiative for which was bought in under Tony Blair, and the bid for which was won by Manchester has been put on hold indefinitely by Gordon Brown who questions how successful it would be in regenerating the area; one of its major objectives. For the UK poker player however that means that the likelihood of a UK Las Vegas style resort is little more than a pipe dream at this stage. On the other hand, under the new regulations, gaming halls are permitted to keep back stakes for roll over jackpots meaning that in the majority of bingo halls and casinos larger prizes will be seen in the near future; already the first million pound prize has been claimed as a result of the new laws.

Other practical implications of the new regulations include the ability for gambling hosts to advertise on television and radio. All such adverts will be limited to a post-9p.m. watershed and will be required to carry information of gambling help lines.

The extent to which these new laws will help to control internet gambling is unclear at best and dubious at worst as, to date, less than 20 online offshore sites have chosen to register with the Gaming Commission preferring instead to remain outside their jurisdiction.

February saw the future of poker playing in Great Britain bought again to the for front of discussion, when Scottish politician Kenneth Gibson stated a desire to enforce mandatory tax on all gaming organizations operating in Scotland in order to fund what he considers much needed help for gambling addicts.