blonde poker forum

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4661958.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4661958.stm)

An interesting precedent to set, especially during a big tournament.  Anyone in Glasgow or elsewhere concerned?

so have they got a license or not?

That's why Rob Yong is doing his all through the right channels. Gaming licenses aren't currently optional and it does seem like unlicensed card clubs are popping up all over the place.

no idea about the Cavendish's licence in particular

but speaking to a couple of people who operate without, the problem is that the cost of a licence beforehand and the restrictions on rake whilst in operation would make it impossible for these clubs to make money if licenced

As very few people operate as a charitable cause for poker players wishing to play outside licensed casino this is why most prefer to take their chances

thats what I mean though. it's too expensice to do legally so people dont bother. then act suprised when they get raided. I'm not saying I agree with the way the licensing is done, it obviously needs a complete overhaul, but you run an illegal card room, sooner or later you'll get the knock.

No, they don't have a license.

Its been assumed that all the forces in the UK were awaiting the outcome of the Gutshot case before acting on unlicensed establishments, but it seems the PSNI are a bit keen.  I suppose the worrying thing must be the confiscation of players money in the tournament, it would make me think twice about playing an expensive buy-in tournament at an unlicensed venue.

It seems Rob Yong may have a point.

what would David Brent say about 'assume'

off to rewatch the office DVDs now I've thought about them

Harlow too, not just PSNI

Rob Yong always was right on this issue, but his motivation IMHO is as much about having the right club as making his P and L look stunning. Unlicenced operators have different motivations.

i heard that certain clubs in NI are operating as mini casinos with roullette and blackjack, now i cant comment on the cavendish club as i dont know about this, but if card clubs do try to offer other forms of gaming then they are opening themselves right up.

Hi folks

From what I understand the gaming laws in Northern Ireland are different to the mainland in terms of Poker Clubs and the like.

They'll be plenty of time to worry...

The article stated that he contacted a senior member of the police force before the club opened and was told somethign like "I don't think what you're planning will be a problem - but if there is one i'll get in contact with you".

So it might come as a bit of a suprise when armed officers storm in...

Hi all,
      I have submitted an article on this subject to Blonde Poker, among others, which I hope will be posted on the site shortly. I was playing in the club when the police arrived. I will do my best to answer, or pass on any questions you may have on the rather grey area of the law regarding poker in N. Ireland. The club may or may not be legal, but I cannot agree with the way the police handled the situation,including seizing the players money in the form of the prize fund. Do we, the players, really deserve to have our money seized just because we like a game of poker among consenting adults, in a private place?

Thank you Headcase, we will certainly be pleased to publish your story - where, & to whom, did you send it?

P.S.

If any of you wish to express support for the Cavendish Club, they have started an online petition on their website. Log onto www.thecavendishclub.com

Hi Tony,
          Sent it to you and Dave at your personal email address.
Mick

hi mick

hope you recovered from what must have been a terrible experiance and i imagine the police could of been heavy handed turning up in riot gear etc etc

but how should the police of handle what might/ might not be an illegal game

if they turn up when no one is there the management turn round say oh no there is no gaming here we play for fun, so they have to turn up when a game is on as such any money found would be held in evidance.

now the rights and wrongs of this if for your representives in the NI assemby mine in the scottish executive and the rests in the house of commons to decide

personally i wish they would come down in the side of legallising clubs and regulating them ASAP



ironside

Hey Ironside,
                I don,t recall hearing that the met arrived mob handed to shut down the Gutshot. Court case fine. Riot squad, no thank you.
As regards N.I. Assembly, unfortunately our political reps cannot agree to sit down together,thus everything is being run by junior ministers sent over from London. This has been the case for the last couple of years and seems to be the case for the forseeable future.

thats cause half the met were in gutshot playing at the time lol

i`m just musing and no offence  to the cavendish club or members but i wonder if the police are concerned about money laundering issues and the amount of money that floats around poker clubs with all the possibilites that it can entail ...it being NI with the peculiar organisations around trying to move money.

Perhaps this is them shutting down clubs until the law and regulation is clarified rather than allowing clubs to grow and be used in this manner.

I reinforce i am not saying for one minute that the cavendish is....but other clubs may spring up that are

I posted this on the Harlow dogs thread. Please register your interest to be part of the consultation proccess for the new gaming laws. If you don't sign up you cant have a say in the changes. http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/client/signup/



I had a look at the gambling commission website. Here is some info. Sign up to the consultation process and let's see if we can make a difference!

All below is from the site-
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/

There is also a new set of advice on poker competitions - Interesting reading. Shows why its so hard to do it legally under the 1968 law.
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/UploadDocs/Contents/Documents/Poker%20etc%20competitions%20information%20sheet.pdf
Please note that these guidelines will be subject to gradual revision as the provisions of the new gambling legislation are brought into force. Please check this website regularly, or register your interest [link to sign-up] to receive updates from the Commission about changes to the existing guidelines.

Things are changing -
Under the Gambling Act 2005, the present certification arrangements will be replaced by a new system of licensing. However, until 2007 when the new Act comes fully into force, work will continue to be carried out under the 1968 Gaming Act and 1976 Lotteries and Amusements Act.

WHAT CAN YOU DO!!!! -------
Q. What licensing conditions will the Commission impose?
The pre-2005 Act licensing regime will continue to apply until 2007.
The Commission will be consulting on proposed licence conditions and code of practice from  early 2006. Anyone who has an interest is encouraged to  register online to receive information and updates on the consultation process - sign up here -
http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/client/signup/

remember guys the cavendish club isnt a cardclud it also offers casino games

now i am not sure on the irish law but in england the club would have been raided as the legal casinos would make sure of that

now if the cavendish was a pure card room i would be more shocked

So would this be more of a 'sore bent back room' than a 'portent of doom'.

Sean Murphy (the owner) was told when setting up the club (spent a lot of money on legal advise) that it was a very grey area in Northern Ireland and very different from the rest of UK.  He was informed by the PSNI that there should'nt be a problem and if there ever was they would let him know.   So how do they let him know, well by raiding the premises forcefully (about 30 armed police) and taking all the players entry fee and tables and chips. 
The club had 1 blackjack table and 1 roullette wheel which was also taken. 
The cavendish club is the friendliest place you will ever find to player poker and the best structured Tournaments.   The only place I would play in Norhern Ireland.  If its not reopened ive a long drive to Dublin.

I can't help wondering how much the BJ table and roulette wheel had to do with this.

I mean playing poker in a member's club may well be a grey area, but playing casino games .........

i agree