Poker and the Law in the UK

Poker is a card game involving chance and skill and is therefore classed as gaming under the Gaming Act 1968 (the "Act"). This Act governs gaming in the UK. Any violation of the Act could result in every person involved in the organisation of the offending game being found guilty of an offence. As such, each individual could be found liable on summary conviction and face imprisonment and/or a fine.

NB: The law relating to poker could undergo a radical change depending on the final outcome of the Gutshot case. Despite having kept the police fully informed of their activities, the Gutshot club, a private poker club based in London, was charged with contravention of the Act. The bizarre conclusion of the court, that poker is a game of chance, is being appealed by Gutshot.

If you are simply looking for a set of poker rules, not law of the land, click here.

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