Playing poker in a private room in a pub for money

Question:

Is it legal to play poker, for money, in a private room in a pub (not open to the general public)?

Answer:

1. If the room is not open to the public the gaming will be in private. It is therefore not expressly forbidden.

2. However in practice, gaming does not often take place in a private place as no charge for taking part can be made, nor any levy imposed on the stakes or winnings.

3. Remember that if a high stakes poker game is taking place, whether in a private room or otherwise, it is likely that it will be illegal.

4. Again it may be worth checking with the landlord of the pub just in case they do have a gambling license.

Note:

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Please note, the information contained on this page is intended to provide a general guide to the law relating to poker as it applies in England and Wales.

It should not be relied upon as an authoritative statement of the law or as a source of legal advice. If you think you have a legal problem, you should obtain advice from a lawyer or adviser.

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