As might have been expected, the fact that loss-limited poker games will be allowed in Britain’s pubs from next autumn is causing criticism, much as permitted fruit machine play by children continues to raise concern. Existing restrictions on playing card games for money in pubs will be lifted when the Gambling Act 2005 comes into force next September. At present pubs must hold special permits from local councils, but next year all pubs will be able to hold poker games as long as they receive no direct financial benefit.

This future mixing of gambling and alcohol is having an inflammatory effect on the anti-gambling lobby even though players’ losses will be capped. The Government has again been accused of irresponsibility in its gambling policies, and the difficulties entailed in ensuring low limits on losses have been highlighted by critics of the new laws. Any games involving a banker, such as blackjack, will remain illegal. The increasing popularity of poker in recent years has encouraged pubs to sign up with national poker leagues. Bar takings at these events are expected to show a significant increase.

Poker will not be the only gambling on offer in British pubs. The ubiquitous fruit machines have long been part of the pub scene. Last year the British Amusement Catering Trades Association (BACTA) estimated that there are around 420,000 gaming and amusement machines sited in pubs, clubs, bingo premises, seaside and inland arcades, bookmakers, casinos and many other premises. Small stakes poker in pubs would seem to be very small beer in comparison, and offer far less cause for concern for the problem gambling watchdogs than the continuing availability of fruit machines for play by children in amusement arcades. (E-11.27.06)

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