Custom Poker Chips

Poker In Pubs

The law is very specific about limiting the total stakes and prize money in each individual pub to 100 pounds each and every day. No entry fee or deductions whatsoever from the poker entry fees is permitted. All the money staked by players must be the same as what is paid back to players in prize money up to the daily maximum of 100 pounds. This limit is very specific so if 10 players stake 10 pounds then the prize money is 100 pounds and that one game is it for that day.

Poker in Clubs and Institutions

In a members club, commercial club and miners welfare institutions without a club gaming permit there is a daily limit of stakes and prize money totally 250 pounds with a weekly limit of 1000 pounds, with the permit the amounts are unlimited.
The maximum fee the club can charge for participation is 1 pound per player per day buth with a club gaming permit or club machine permit maximum participation fee allowed is 3 pounds. In all cases no other deductions is permitted from monies staked by participants.

What is Poker?

Games like Texas Hold ‘Em where players compete against each other, on equal terms and bet or stake progressively into a communal pot with the player holding the best hand at the end of the betting wins the accumulated stakes. Unequal chance poker like Casino Stud poker where the banker or dealer holds a mathematical edge of other players and these can only be played in licensed casinos or private situations like in someone’s residential home.

Poker at Non-commercial Events

Charity or society fundraising is permitted under the Gambling Act as long as there is no private gain, the maximum charge for each participating player is 8 pounds per day and the total amount paid out in prize money must not exceed 600 pounds unless it is a series final then the limit is 900 pounds. To qualify as a series it must be conducted on at least 2 different days. For the avoidance of doubt any independent third parties at the event like refreshment providers are exempt from the private gain.

Playing Poker in your Home

You may play for money in your domestic house or halls of residence as long as there is no entrance fee or deductions made whatsoever from stakes or prizes then this is acceptable under section 296, and Schedule 15 to, the Gambling Act. In halls of residence, hostels or similar non-commercial locations at least 50 percent of the participants must be in residence of that place.

If you are in any doubt about the legality then you are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice.