blonde poker forum

Dusk Till Dawn has its Magistrates' court hearing for a Nottingham Casino Licence on the 24th September 2007.

Although the Club will be a dedicated poker only club (no blackjack, roulette etc), UK law currently states that we must have a full casino licence to open.

At the hearing DTD must prove that there is sufficient demand for playing poker outside of a casino environment.

We have the UK Gambling Commission's consent and support, but there is very strong opposition from 3 casino companies, who firmly believe that DTD should not be granted the licence. We respect the Casinos' reasons and motives for this, but the Magistrates should know what the poker community thinks before they make their decision.

We will to supply the Magistrates Court with your unedited comments , in favour of Dusk Till Dawn or not. We have until the end of this week to submit these comments as evidence.

Please post them here ideally in 2 format's depending on your opinion:

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

or

"I would  NOT like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................."

Feel free to leave your post anonomous or put

- your real name
- your occupation,
- your town of residence

Yours sincerely,

Robert Yong
Managing Director
Dusk Till Dawn

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

i would like to play poker in a safe legal enviroment without the hosts (casino) trying to draw me into games of chance where the only winner is the casino themselves

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because i don't like a casino environment.

I live in Surrey and I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn as much as possible because:

a) It will be a legal, safe and friendly venue

b) It will be large enough to hold some of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe

c) Having a casino without any casino games like roulette and blackjack is a very brave and honourable venture and many poker players including myself will want to support it

I would like to play poker at dusk till dawn because it will provide a safe, reputable and legal venue dedicated to poker players, instead of any other legal alternative in this country, whose main product is casino table games.

If i were to return to England I would choose to play at a club such as DTD.

This is a place set up with all the legal requirements, by a "poker player" businessman with poker players at heart.

He has chosen to operate under a full casino license but has made it publicly known he has no wish to operate casino style games.

Therefore i feel the casinos have no axe to grind, as poker to them is always secondary.

This person has the support of the poker world countrywide. and deserves the support of officialdom.

Not only will he be supplying a service that is probably the most popular pastime at this current time, but he will be offering employment to many, which is always a good thing.

Give this man his License.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will provide the best poker tournaments in the country, catered for poker players who just want to play poker and have no interest in casino games

Melanie Lofthouse
p/t liason officer
sheffield

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn  because...............

I play poker as a hobby and have no interest in other table games. I have been travelling more extensively to meet others from the large poker community. Presently the only arena I can play these games is within a Casino.

Too many of these Casinos do not fully understand a Poker players needs and have no wish to do so.

 They merely want them into their Casinos to be attracted to the other Casino games such as Roulette and Blackjack which is where they make their money. I doubt that any casino has run a Poker tournament where they have made any profit on the Poker alone.

DTD is totally Poker orientated which can only benefit all Poker players wishing to visit.


George Dickson
Edinburgh

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because poker should be played in a safe, regulated environment that operates within the law.

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I wish to play my poker in a venue that caters for poker players only. In a safe & professionally run environment that understands the world of Poker.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn due to it being a venue totally dedicated to the needs of poker players. Offering the chance to participate in poker games that will be run on a professional level thus allowing players to relax, concentrate and enjoy the game in hand without having to endure the background noise that Casino's tend to generate from music and other Casino games.


Maureen McDonnell

Train Crew

Huddersfield

I would like to play Poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I wish to play at a venue which caters exclusively for poker players, where I can sit, relax, and enjoy my game of poker without being distracted by all the noises from the various other game sthat the casino has to offer. DTD is run by poker players, for poker players, and this can only be good for the community as a whole.

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn as I'd like to play in a venue where the primary goal is a good game of poker, instead of poker being used to entice poker players in to play the house games.

Rod Copeland
Telecom Engineer
Glasgow

I would like to play poker at Dusk till dawn because I would much prefer to play in a venue that is tailored towards the poker player, without the temptation of playing casino house games that serve no real purpose other than to take your money. I like many other poker players have lost countless amounts of money playing casino house games and feel it would be socially responsible to offer a venue that only offers poker so the temptation isn't there.

Andrew Woods
Pharmaceutical Account Manager
Nottingham

I would like to play poker at Dusk till dawn because it will be the only European poker venue to compete with the US market.
Has the potential to become the premier poker venue in THE WORLD, which can only be good for Nottingham and the UK.
Also I play very little live poker at the moment as my current choices are card rooms which are bordering on the illegal, or casinos which I avoid due to the temptation of gambling games.

Richard Lathan
Engineering Manager

I would like to play poker at dusk till dawn because i always lose my money on roullette and dusk till dawn would allow me to play poker in a non-asino enviro.nment

i would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn as i play poker for fun and do not play any other casino games.it would be a great place for poker in the U.K.

Frances Creed
Retail management
Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn since it is being set up as a poker business by world class poker players for poker players.  It will be offering a fair deal to all of its customers and will be promoting the game in a spirit that will establish the benchmark for all other poker clubs to achieve.  DTD has no other motives and it will be a disgrace if the large casino groups are successful in their attempts to stifle competition from an honest group of people who have "followed the letter of the law" and invested a significant amount of money in doing so.

Mark Crocker
Managing Director, IT sector
Winchester, Hampshire

I would like to play poker at dusk till dawn because it would allow me to play poker in a non casino environment.

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because I have absolutely no interest in casinos or the games they offer but am instead a devoted amateur poker player who wishes to have the opportunity to play the game I love in a safe, friendly and fully legal environment. Dusk till dawn will afford me this opportunity and also enable me to play poker with other people who share my favourite pastime whilst playing in tournaments designed and managed by people whose knowledge and passion for the game of poker is second to none.   

Kevin Stevens
IT Manager
Birmingham 
 

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because it would mean that i wouldn't lose money playing games of chance that are provided by casinos. One SHOULD have the option to play poker without HAVING to  walk past gaming tables whenever you wish to play poker in a safe, legal and organised environment.

Thomas Kretschmer
IT Analyst
Stoke-on-Trent

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because it offers me the chance to do what I enjoy outside of a gambling casino environment.

Julian Thew
Professional poker player
Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because I prefer to play live poker in a dedicated poker only environment.

Matt Brady
University of Leeds
WebMaster

I would like to play poker at dusk till dawn ......................................................

As having played poker for a number of years now the main venues are currently casisno's, most of whom offer Poker facilties as an add on to their primary offerings of table games.  As a result poker as a secondary function within the casino is treated as such, and in most cases facilities are limited to say the least.

Other venues such as a couple of poker clubs spread across the country, I believe are not currently fully licensed, and are not able offer the same degree of poker experience being proposed by dusk till dawn.

The location of dusk till dawn means that access can easily be made from a large area of the country, giving many poker players access to a first class poker facilty for the first time.

Owen McDowell
Mortgage broker
County Durhaml

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because...

I'd like to play in a safe regulated environment where poker is the core business and the interests of the game and it's players are paramount.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn as I'd like to play in a venue where the primary goal is a good game of poker, instead of poker being used to entice poker players in to play the house games.  I see real evidence of strong demand, anecdotal and written, for such a venue amongst colleagues and friends who do not enjoy visiting casinos due to the tactics employed by the owners to entice visitors into playing table games.   

The table games, which provide increased margins for the owners business far superior to the small margins the owners achieve from the game of poker, are a big cause of gambling addiction. Studies show poker, and other games of both skill and chance (like blackjack, gin rummy, backgammon etc.) are in fact the least likely source of a gambling addiction, because these games do not offer the quick win, or the ability to sit back and watch reels spin in front of you.  The most addictive kinds of gaming are those that require nothing but passive participation, and do not require any special knowledge in order to play. These games appeal to the less-savvy gamblers, and are particularly appealing to the most at-risk for problem gaming. This is why things like slot machines, roulette, and lotteries are the most addictive forms of gambling. Add the fact that these forms advertise millions of pounds in payouts and prey on those who do not realise their odds of winning approach zero, and they are even more powerful.

Surely Mr Yong should be applauded for making the important distinction between these two very different forms of gambling and providing people the opportunity to experience one without the other in a safe, legal environment.

Philip Anderson
Practice Manager, I.T. sector.
Hucknall, Nottingham

I would like to play Poker at Dusk Till Dawn as this venue will provide a safe and legal enviorment in which to play the game. As it will be dedicated to Poker it will best provide the conditions needed for this great game, something a casino, with all its other interests, is unable to do.

Mike Bodman
London

I would like to play poker at Dusk til Dawn because I would welcome the opportunity to play in an environment which has been created by poker players, for poker players, without the distractions of other areas of business such as casino table games.  I would also be prepared to travel from my home in London to Nottingham to play at Dusk til Dawn, as I do not believe that any casino in the country can offer the level of service to poker players that will be available at Dusk til Dawn. I believe there is a huge demand for clubs such as Dusk til Dawn within the poker community.


Claire MacGregor
Civil Servant
London

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it's a purpose-built environment for the game which is becoming the most-popular hobby/pastime on the planet. It would allow me to rub shoulders with like-minded people and pick up tips on playing strategies.

If you have a hobby, you don't want to do it surrounded by other distractions (and possibly expensive distractions) you want to be immersed in it so you can give it your full attention and play to your best ability.

There is, in my opinion, overwhelming demand for a Poker Club such as this and it would be a travesty if the license application were to fail.

Martyn Prime
Design Engineer
Desford, Leicester

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will provide a 1st class venue for poker players.

Peter Nicolle

Luton

I Would like to play Poker at Dusk Til Dawn because........I love poker.

I live two and a half hours drive from Nottingham , the home of the proposed club and i would be happy to make this journey two or three times a week ,assured in the knowledge that the clubs sole intention is to provide a safe environment dedicated wholly to the pursuit of poker.
I do not frequent casinos on a regular basis as i have no interest in playing "house games" such as roulette and blackjack, nor am i best pleased when an evenings poker is spoiled by loud music being blasted out all night as so many casinos now provide "entertainment".
I don't want your entertainment , i dont want your house games , i want to play poker, pure and simple.
This club is being set up FOR poker players BY poker players. The owner isn't trying to lure people in to line his pockets , as is the aim of a traditional casino , he is providing a club where ALL persons who wish to play poker can do so in a relaxed,friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
 This club has the potential to be the most prestigious in Europe , from the staff to the decor , all will be of the highest standard.This has to be a good thing,not only for Nottingham but for The U.K also.
The owner has been entirely honest at all times about his intentions and has complied with every legal requirement.
Let the poker players have what they are crying out for...let them play from Dusk Til Dawn.

  The Colonel
  Poker Enthusiast
  Dereham
  Norfolk

I Would like to play Poker at Dusk Til Dawn because.......

as a proffessional poker player there are no venues that cater for poker only. Most poker games in the UK operate at casinos and are run by people that don't really have much knowledge about poker.

I think the friendly poker only atmosphere that will be generated by DTD will allow for enthusiasts, proffessionals, beginners to enjoy the game of poker as it was intended to be played.

Matt
proffessional poker player
Wales

I would like to play poker at dusk  to dawn because...

Poker is a great game! I will visit the club from Norway because its a poker only game and all the players I know in Norway are talking about Dusk Till Dawn!

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn because at the moment very few casino's run poker the way poker should be run, they are happy just to get bodies though their doors with the sole purpose of exploiting these poker customers via the table games.

DTD will address many issues that serious and casual poker players face in almost every casino in the land. The club will provide safety, professionally run poker on various levels and seek to provide a service to its customers and more importantly it will treat its clients as poker players not gaming fodder.

Phil Quayle
poker enthusiast.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because over the years I have donated tens of thousands of pounds to the casinos playing games that I do not even like playing whilst waiting for Poker games to start/recommence etc because I am an idiot.  Dusk till Dawn will offer me a way of just playing games I like, at a price I can afford, without tempting me too bankrupt myself whenever I walk through the door.  ;applause;

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn because if i want to play chess i go to the chess club, if i want to play bridge i go to the bridge club, if i want to play golf i go to the golf club. Currently if i want to play poker i have to go to a casino whose main interest is not poker? I do not wish to play blackjack, roulette or slots, but i do not begrudge the casino the right to offer these games because a casino is where you go to play them. I am an amateur poker player and wish to play that game in a dedicated, licensed and controlled poker club......please grant Dusk till Dawn the license to make my wish come true.

Kevin Shutt
Dedicated amateur poker player

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn because... I wanna play in a safe environment with like minded players from all walks of life and all area's of the country.  At last the chance of playing the game we all love without management trying to entice you to empty your pockets on their house games before you have even reached the poker room.

Maria Demetriou
Professional Poker Player
Grantham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because i would like to play poker in a safe, legal enviroment dedicted to poker players and their needs without the pressure to play pure games of chance which are rigged in favour of the house.

I am looking forward to playing at the DTD club.  They offer a secure environment and a good community spirit which is essential in running a good card room.  As a web broadcast company we are looking forward to all the features the new card room has to offer and working with a progressive and forward thinking business.

siktilt

I would like to play poker at Dusk Til Dawn because I would like to play in a safe, legal environment without the distactions of Casino house games.

Mike Jones
Construction Manager
Derby

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because :

-  from what I understand it will be a 'world class' facility, i.e. above and beyond what is already available.

-  the current range of games / buy ins offered by casinos is not wide enough. A Poker only club will offer choices which do not currently exist.

-  As a customer I like to feel that a 'supplier' is trying to understand my requirements, and attempting to cater for them. Casinos, to a large extent, do not currently do this, with regards to Poker. I feel that DTD is more likely to.

-  The owner of DTD has impressed me throughout this process.

Neil
Operations Manager
Belper, Derbys.

For me, poker is an enormously satisfying leasure activity that stimulates me mentally, has a great social scene and provides me with an excellent distraction from the stresses of modern life. As a poker player I recognise that I have a choice as to where I can play live poker, my first choice is without doubt, Dusk Till Dawn.

I want to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because:

1) I want to play poker in a frienfly, dedicated cardroom where the emphasis is put on providing excellent poker games and looking after the poker players needs. I am not interested in playing at a venue where the main emphasis is on table games that are weighted in favour of the casino owner. Dusk till Dawn will be a dedicated, poker only venue offering great games in a fabulous environment.

2) I want to play poker in a safe, regulated environment. I could choose to play in unregulated cardrooms, home games or pub leagues but I would prefer to play in a regulated poker room. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Mr.Yong's steadfast determination to do everything by the book and obtain all the necessary licenses, for that reason Dusk Till Dawn has to be my first choice for playing live poker.

3) I want to patronise a poker venue that is founded on strong moral principals, that will benefit the poker indusrty and community within the UK. I don't want to patronise a venue whose sole motivation is to maximise it's own profit, potentially at the expense of other legitimate poker enterprises. The candid approach Mr.Yong has taken to Dusk Till Dawn is admirable and stands in stark contrast to behaviours exhibited by the large casino groups. I want to play poker in a venue where I trust and respect the owners, Dusk Till Dawn is therefore my first choice in that respect.

Laurie McCulloch
Interent Development
Glasgow

I would like to play at Dusk to Dawn because I am looking for a professionally run poker club that is dedicated to games of skill rather than the Casino environment which is dedicated to games of luck. I will travel from Scotland to play at Dusk Till Dawn.

Iain Girdwood
Professional Poker player
http://www.tillerman.net

I would like the option of playing poker at Dusk Till Dawn because:


I believe in the right to choose.


Tom McCready
Poker player
Leicester

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it will give me a chance to compete in better structured, player friendly tournaments with a reasonably low buy-in. The games offered by the more established venues are just quick, get it over with type of affairs at the level of money that I am willing to spend for a evenings entertainment. Dusk Till Dawn will allow me to play in the kind of games which I simply can not afford to play at a traditional casino poker room.

 I very rarely go to casinos, maybe 2/3 times a year, but I plan to visit Dusk Till Dawn fairly regularly, it will be a pleasure to attend a venue where my interest in poker is the core of their business and not just seen as a loss leader to get people through the doors and hopefully playing table games.

Ian Jones
Plumber
Banbury
Oxfordshire

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because ....................

I want to play in a safe environment which is dedicated to Poker. ie WITHOUT the temptation of Casino table games .
Poker in Casino's ENCOURAGES gambling as the temptation is too great to play the table games.
There will be no such temptations in Dusk till Dawn as it will be a "Poker Only" venue.

Paul Garnham
Cambridge

B

I would like to play at Dusk til Dawn because.......

I know the club will be perfect for an amateur like myself to play the game i love so much in an environment that will be catered specifically for the needs of me and people just like me,

I live in Devon (3 hours from the venue) and would be more than willing to travel at least once a week for such a superb venue


Jim Delling
Painter & Decorator
Exeter

I would like to play at Dusk til Dawn because..

I would enjoy the interaction within a live environment that would be dedicated to poker. I do not like the distractions of a normal casino where quite frankly some poker games are not as professionally run as they could be. Dusk til Dawn will provide a dedicated poker environment catering for the poker player that will be trustworthy and enjoyable. I for one would most definitely travel to such a venue very frequently

Gerard Smyth
IS Manager
Cheshire

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawnbecause:

I would like the oppertunity to play the game I love,against like minded players,away from the distractionsof gaming whare the house has an inbuilt advantage.

Nam and ADDress withheld.


I fear the casinos may wish to bar me for being outspoken..Then I will have to play in unlicienced illeagl establishments.

I would like to play at Dusk til Dawn because I am looking forward to playing poker in a safe, friendly, legal inviroment without the distraction of casino house games.
I live approxiamtly two hours from Nottingham, I also live nearly two hours from any casino, at the moment the only Poker i play is in illegal clubs, back rooms of pubs, etc.


Jason Oliver
Poker Player
Gloucestershire

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because ....................

I want to play in a safe environment which is dedicated to Poker.  This will enable like minded individuals the choice they deserve.
I like many other's will show my support by a willingness to travel to the venue at regular intervals.

Adam Downing
Category Manager
Norwich

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because, as an ex cardroom manager (of Gala, Stanley's and independants) in Casino's I know full well how casino's treat poker players, they are treated as 2nd class gamblers (and have actually been told that from numerous directors and managers) that attract people into the club so they have a shot of hitting their wallet on the house games. In fact I left the business as the casino I was working for wished to make the whole cardroom self dealt and charge a registration fee to do so. I believe this will not be the case in Dusk till Dawn as the concept is built from Poker Players and know how a game should be run. As casino cardrooms across the country argue between themselves how best to run a poker tournament, with no uniform rules, a club like DtD has the opportunity of showing the casino's how to do it properly. As such could be seen as the specialised poker club, that casino cardrooms conform to.

Please make the right decision, as poker players have been treated disgracefully since the internet expolsion.

Richard Wootton
Poker Enthusiast and ex employee of all objectors
Birmingham

I would like to play poker at DTD because I have had to endure the poor quality poker set up at Leeds Gala for too long.

I want to play poker at DTD as I believe poker to be one of the fastest growing passtimes in the country. This growth in custom must be handled correctly and fairly to ALL parties involved and as poker specialists, the management of DTD will ensure that this is the case.

The operation of DTD can only serve to ensure increased safety and responsibility of those wishing to play poker at all levels and I can see no credible argument as to why this club not be granted its licence.

Gareth Burton
Accountant
Northwich, Cheshire

I would like to play poker at DTD because it will allow me to play poker in a safe regulated environment without the temptation to gamble money on table games. 

It will also offer the opportunity to play tournament poker on Saturdays, not currently offered by the existing casino cardrooms

Should DTD be licensed it will undoutedly be the premier UK venue for poker attracting players from throghout the UK and further afield to regular festivals.  Such festivals cannot be held in Nottingham's existing casino venues due to space limitations in their cardrooms

Alan Garratt
Tax Manager
Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it has the potential to be the best poker venue in the world

Chris Hutcheson

Edinburgh

I would like to play at Dusk  Till Dawn

Because i want to play poker in a safe,regulated enviroment.

I am not interested in casino games such as roulette or black jack

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because, it will be the UK premier poker venue. In fact it would be the premier poker venue in Europe where both my wife and myself would feel comfortable playing providing a secure poker only venue that I would gladly travel down from Scotland from on a frequent bases.


Peter Lap
Glasgow

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I want to play in a legal poker room that understands poker players and caters for their requirements, outside a casino environment. I have zero interest in playing casino gambling games, and I believe that only Dusk Till Dawn will offer the sort of poker tournaments that I want to play. I resent the fact that if I wish to play poker I currently only have the choice between visiting casinos who are eager for you to gamble, or illegal poker clubs. I also think that Dusk Till Dawn will firmly place Nottingham on the map as the heart of poker in Europe, attracting players from all over the UK and the rest of the world. As a local resident I am hugely excited by the potential of what Dusk Till Dawn will offer Nottingham as a city: a world-class venue dedicated to poker, for poker players, by poker players.

Simon Shaw
Beeston, Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I it will be a totally safe environment run by poker players for poker players.

Simon Young
Journalist
Ipswich

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a totally safe environment for me and my girlfriend to enjoy the hobby we love without the draw of house games.

Thanks

Steve
Customer Quality Engineer
Tamworth

One more vote for Dusk Till Dawn, The poker club will be well run and good for the midlands, the casinos in Birmingham are full to the max and theres a real need for a club like this.  Stu Fox Birmingham

I would like to play in Dusk Till Dawn....for many reasons

1/ don't like the casino environment because
- they don't treat the poker players well
- they don't train properly their dealers for that game
- the card rooms are always too small

2/ Dusk Till Dawn being only a card room will understand the need of the players
- good tournaments
- good rulings
- good staff
- good atmosphere

3/ Dusk Till Dawn is what British have been waiting for ages

Mathilde Rottembourg
Gym instructor
Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because.

Being a poker player since 1999 I know DTD can offer me the following

A Honest Dealer dealt cash game available whenever the business is open
without pressure to tip other players for dealing. I find it impossible to get a
house dealt cash game before midnight I'm a working family man and
casinos cannot offer a dealer dealt cash game at 6.00pm.

sit and go's available at all times, when I only want to be out of the house
for a couple of hours that suits me and my family.

To play tournaments which are all dealer dealt from the off with a secure set  
of house rules which is policed and managed  according to the club rules
and in the case of dispute the loudest voice does not always succeed.

House rules stand, consistency is vital in disputes

To play in a Poker tournament where collusion is treated with ZERO tolerance.

To pay rake to the house rather than being under pressure to pay other players
to deal in a tournament.  

To play at a poker club for poker players away from risking family money on table
games this is a big issue. How many Bridge players would want to go to a casino
to play there chosen game.

To offer clients a great poker experience in a safe and professional environment.

To go to a poker club late on a Friday without waiting in a queue of  people refused entry to nightclubs.

Jonathan Grice

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because it will be in a dedicated card room, which is desigend specifically with poker players in mind. The facilities will be tailored to poker players, and these will enable the biggest and best choices available to us poker players.

Dusk till Dawn will offer a choice of games that suit the users, rather than the games which suit the casino. Casino's want to get us poker players in the doors, get the poker game over with asap then hopefully move on to the table games where the house never loses. These means the games are reduced massively in skill and enjoyment.

The specific venue of Dusk till Dawn will offer nights specifically for beiginners and will provide a friendly place for people to learn and enjoy learning the game of poker. We will also have a wider choice of the various forms of poker, and larger (more people playing) competitions with a variety of buy-ins.

The DtD blueprint is what the industry should be aimiing at providing for poker players. Which is choice of games, in a dedicated poker room, where the casino's aim is to get us on the games where we are betting against the house.

I live in Liverpool and I will be travelling regularly to DtD (assuming the lscence is granted) because of all of the above factors.

Jimmy Doran.
Liverpool

I would like to play at Dusk Til Dawn because it promises to offer
-a safe environment
-run by people who not only understand but love the game
-surrounded by people who are there for the sole purpose of playing poker
-a unique and Europe leading environment
-a clearly defined set of rules and guidelines
-an experience that no other venue locally and nationally is able to provide

Ian Bayman
Veterinary Surgeon
Derby

I would like to plat at Dusk Til Dawn because, as somebody who enjoys plaing poker socially, it will be great to play in a club run by genuine enthusiasts who understand what players want. To do this in a properly regulated premises is something I look forward to with genuine excitement.

Glenn
Surrey

I would like to play in Dusk Till Dawn because......

I want to play in a legal poker room that understands poker players and caters for their requirements, outside a casino environment. I have zero interest in playing casino gambling games, and I believe that only Dusk Till Dawn will offer the sort of poker tournaments that I want to play. I resent the fact that if I wish to play poker I currently only have the choice between visiting casinos who are eager for you to gamble, or illegal poker clubs.


Brent Horner
Trainee Degenerate
Tadcaster, North Yorkshire.

I would like to play at DTD because.....

I would love the opportunity to play in a poker only environment, with dedicated floor staff who can make good rulings.

Dave Jones
Student
Leeds

I would like to play at DTD because.........

I wish to play in an environment dedicated to the game of poker.
The management and staff of DTD are poker people that understand the
needs of poker players. They have the complete trust of the poker community
not only in this country but abroad. I do not enjoy playing live poker in a casino
environment. They seem to use poker as a loss leader. Tactics such as requiring
players to register for a tournament a full hour before it begins and ten minute
tournament breaks that seem to last half an hour are some of the lengths these
organisations will go to to drive you to the games of chance. This will not happen
at DTD. I wish everyone connected with it the best of luck.
I live in Glasgow which has good airport links with East Midlands. I envisage being
a regular visitor. I wouldn't have joined otherwise.

Paul O'Donnell
Insurance Sales Trainer/Manager
Glasgow
 Td Th

I would like to play in DTD because as someone who has had problems with gambling on other games in casinos it will be nice to play without the temptations available in casinos. A club specifically aimed at poker players and not just interested in getting us to play roulette or slots is exactly what is needed for many poker players in the UK and would attract many people to an area of the UK that is in the need of regeneration helping both the tourist industry and creating local jobs.

Russ Cawley
Professional Poker Player
Blackpool

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I know this club will be run by top professionals and will offer a variety of cash games and tournaments catering exclusively to poker players of all limits and levels.

In the United Kingdom there have been legal precedents showing that poker is skill based, not luck based (as almost all non-poker based games are with winning odds skewed gently in favour of the host or house/casino).

I will be willing to travel to the club periodically from Scotland and give it my full support.

Yours Sincerely,


Steve Hamilton

Glasgow, Scotland

Professional Poker Player (& Musician)

As a predominantly online poker player, I find it frustrating that I have to travel out of Scotland to get a reasonable live game.  I would welcome a poker-only establishment to the UK, especially one of the calibre which Dusk Till Dawn will become.  It will be run by a poker player for poker players and will not have the un-wanted distractions and temptation of table games.  I plan to visit on a monthly basis when the club opens.

George McDonald

Glasgow, Scotland

Poker player/student

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn at it would be the only licensed establishment in the UK which specifically caters for poker players.

It is a venue designed for poker only, so its capacity for such and choice of available games will be far greater than at any licensed casino which offers poker in addition to table games.
I will not be treated as a 'second class' customer at Dusk Till Dawn, due to the fact that I choose not to play table games at a mathematical disadvantage to the house.
All games played at Dusk Till Dawn will be dealer dealt.  Most casinos in the UK fail to provide this basic service, as resources are concentrated on the table games.  This increases the risk of cheating/collusion taking place.
In short, the live poker product on offer at Dusk Till Dawn will be far superior to that provided anywhere else in the UK.


I live approximately 85 miles away from Nottingham.  There are numerous licensed casinos nearer to me than Dusk Till Dawn where I can play poker, should I wish.  Consequently, I do not need to travel to a casino in Nottingham to play.  However, Dusk Till Dawn is a unique establishment to any licensed casino in the UK and, as a poker player, it has a specific appeal in that it is seeking to cater to my specific requirements as a player.  Therefore I would choose to play at Dusk Till Dawn on a regular basis in preference to licensed casinos closer to home.  No other casino in the Nottingham area has the same appeal as they offer exactly the same thing as I can already find locally.

I believe the poker community needs a dedicated poker playing environment which is what DTD will provide for them. With expert guidance from a dedicated team it should eveolve into the premier poker room in the country bringing in much needed business and work to the local community.

Even though I am currently working in Australia I cannot wait to play here on my returns to Nottingham.

Duncan Wood
Database Administrator
Currently Brisbane (Australia) formally Nottingham (England)

I live more than a 1 hour drive from Nottingham, but, having heard what will be made available to poker players, I see it as an attractive solution rather than playing poker at casinos who only have game starting each evening 8pm or 9pm, running until silly o'clock..  Dusk Til Dawn will offer poker tournaments at a varied time throughout the day at a more suitable time for my own circumstances, that being I work weekdays so cannot play until 5:00am and get up for work..!!!

Carl

IT Manager

Near Chester..

I would like to play at dusk till dawn because...

It will be just poker, a game of skill not chance!!! no nightmare roulette etc...


Shelly Hunt
Infant activity co-ordinator
Lincolnshire

I would like to play poker at Dusk Til Dawn because as a consumer of poker I feel it correct that myself and others are given the right to play in an environment which is both friendly and fair. Casinos that run poker predominantly don't do this correctly and favourably to keep players playing poker as they're trying to lure you through the door, and then get you off the poker to play their house edge games and therefore get you participating in what is on the whole degenerate gambling which, in the long run, will cause huge social and economical problems for the majority of participants.

As poker is a game of skill which sees the best players winning consistently over a period of time, it would be unfair to force an environment of degenerate gambling upon people who simply want a fair game of poker. Poker clubs that are currently open run the best games of tournament and cash poker in terms of structure, staffing, advertising and publicity. This is done by the clubs of course to make a profit and run a business but by no means in a way that is seen as unfair or predatory against it's consumers.

Casinos are seen very differently by the majority of poker players, and it would be unfair to force this upon players. There is a huge difference between gambling and gaming, and this should be recognised under the new laws to allow the well run businesses and good work that is going into poker only clubs continue for the long future.

Finally, and most importantly, surely it is not the business of the courts and casinos to decide whether there is demand for a service or not... things in this world are fuelled by supply and demand, and the only way to judge what is required is the test of time, if Dusk Til Dawn is required then once it opens it will flourish as a business and be financially successful so that it can continue, if it is surplus to requirements then it will not be financially viable and therefore will become financially unsolvent and have to close. It is also totally wrong for the casinos to have so much power in this way that they are effectively allowed to eliminate any competition simply by opposing it's existence.

If the casinos truly are interested in running good poker events then they would focus on creating better events than the card clubs to make people play them not by force but because they want to... the reason why they don't do this is simple, they can't do them as well as is currently shown by several poker-only clubs that are open and DTDpoker will be the pinacle of excellence which is why they're so determined to try and keep it closed.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

I would prefer an environment in which I was not tempted to gamble due to the availability of casino games. A club dedicated to poker can provide a greater selection of poker games which at the end of the day is what I am interested in playing. There is a severe lack of selection provided by casinos which are ultimately interested in using poker as a lure towards the house games, Dusk Till Dawn is interested in providing an environment where we can play the game we want in a friendly atmosphere, and must be acclaimed for that.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because....... There Will Be No Casino Games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because It allows me to play poker in an environment of my choosing. Currently I may only play in a traditional casino, where the temptation to play the recognised house games is not to my liking. I would still like to reserve my right to choice, but I believe a dedicated and professional poker room such as the dtd club will be a more suitable venue for poker.

Simon Hawkins
Writer
Fareham, UK

I would love to play POKER at Dusk Till Dawn....................................for the same reason as many have have mentioned in previous posts, NO HOUSE GAMES. As many before me who have been introduced to the Poker boom through the Casino Environment, l have leaked money that l couldn't really afford on Blackjack and Slots. This is something that became a problem for me which l fought to overcome. These Casino Side games have finished many good poker players and probably led to many more severe things in different peoples lives. The law needs to recognize WHY these Casino Groups don't want DTD to open and that is simply MONEY.

Nottingham/Derby is well known for its Student population who are all introduced to Poker. By starting in Casino environments they are more likely to develop problems with gambling. By not granting this license l am positive you are allowing the big men to win and suck more innocent young people into problem gambling.

Michael McCool
Poker Player
Melton Mowbray

I would like to play at dusk to dawn because Casinos often sideline poker in preference of their other games. Dedicated, licensed poker clubs would be much better for poker players as they only have one type of customer to satisy.

I would like to play at DTD because...

The casinos do not run a proper Poker environment.  The floor staff who run the poker tournaments are mixed in their rulings and tend to confuse rather than help situations.  There is no conformity in Casino run poker tournaments and the staff have very little experience of running large poker tournaments, Casinos do not train their staff specificially for poker tournaments rather the Casino as a whole.

DTD will provide a pure poker environment for all lovers of Poker in a safe, professional and perfect environment, with no table games, Casino noises or distractions for Poker Players.

Please grant them the license to bring great, professionally run tournaments for all Poker Players worldwide.


Mary Martin
Edinburgh

I would like the choice to play poker at dusk til dawn because I believe the market is poorly served by the legal incumbents who are, and probably always will be, focused on profits generated from table games such as Roulette and blackjack. I have followed the progress of the DTD venue from its inception and am attracted by the focus it will be placing on legally serving the poker players needs.


Ian
Occasional poker player and long term blonde lurker
Essex

I would like to play poker at dusk til dawn because .....
I'm a school teacher and a mum of two and I enjoy playing low stakes poker as an intellectual and mathematical challenge and a way to meet people. I'm not interested in gambling in a casino, I want to play somewhere I would feel safe and unintimidated. I trust the 'names' behind DTD and believe that the sort of clientele it would attract would be the sort of people I'd love to play poker with. I wholeheartedly support Dusk Til Dawn and it would bring positive publicity and jobs to Nottingham.
Becky Hewlitt
Sutton Coldfield

Dudk Till dawn is a superb idea, I do not Gamble, and do not wish to have to go to a gambling envirment to play Poker. Dusk Till Dawn offers that opportunity, to put my skills to the test against other dedicated poker players.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

i love playing poker but dont like the casino environment, and i play in pub leagues sponsored by dtd and they are well ran so a poker only casino ran by them would be great

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn because my wife would be more likely to allow me to go to poker events run at a sensible time that are not surrounded by the potentially addictive games such as Roulette and Blackjack that are geared towards making a profit for the venue.

I would like to play Poker at Dusk Til Dawn because.......

I want to be able to play poker in a safe, regulated environment that is solely dedicated to the poker player run by knowledgeable industry professionals who have the best interests of the game and player at heart.

Paul Davis

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because....................

I am a partner of a company called pokerdownthepub.com. We are very kindly currently sponsored by DTD. I have two reasons for wanting DTD to open ASAP.

1. We run a free to play poker league. Natural progression for a lot of our players is to find somewhere to play leagally. A lot of our players have no past casino experience. I feel that I could confidently recommend DTD as a place to further their poker education knowing that they will be looked after by the professional staff at DTD of which I am so lucky to have had first hand experience of, without them having the temptation to get involved in casino biased games!

2. Being a poker player, I too am fed up of having to play in some of the dumps that casino's like to call card rooms which are often badly staffed and only open during unsociable hours. DTD is going to provide a comfy, safe, sociable and professional place to play poker which can only be good for the UK and European poker community!

Paul Pitchford
pokerdownthepub.com

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because....................

It’s ridiculous that the Magistrates' court is even considering pandering to these larger casinos when this new club is only going to be affecting a tiny part of their business. It’s also a bad standard to be setting, there is no way you would stop an “A la Carte” restaurant opening near a McDonalds because “they do food too”. It’s a completely different clientele and the only reason you would find a seasoned poker player in a casino is because they have no other choice. Given the choice any poker player worth his salt would choose a dedicated poker establishment like this one.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

i'm a massive poker fan and its a hobby/passion which takes up most of my spare time. I feel as though casino's run poker games as an 'after thought', as a way of bringing in new players to the slot machines & roulette tables without really caring for the customer. I cannot wait to play in dedicated poker venues who cater for the player.

Dwayne Owen
3D CAD Designer
North Wales

The fact that a number of unlicenced poker venues have appeared all over the country demonstrates a clear demand for a legal dedicated poker venue.  DTD will provide a licenced safe envionment for the UKs poker players to enjoy their hobby.  Such a facility is long overdue.  The sphere of influence will extend far beyond the boundries of Nottingham as people will travel from all over the UK and Europe to play at this unique venue.  I intend to travel to play at DTD on a regular basis for this reason.

Jim Buckley
Leamington Spa

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I feel that there should be no objections to it.  It would be a legal club where adults can meet up and play poker in a properly managed and licenced arena.  Thousands upon thousands play online and never get the chance to play live in a properly managed event this would be of great benefit to them.

Steve Ward
Basford
Nottingham
NG6 0DZ

Furniture Designer

I would like to support the Dusk Till Dawn club because:

1) It will be a legal, safe and friendly venue run by management who understand the needs of poker players.

2) It will be prestigious enough to hold some of the most significant tournaments in Europe

3) Having a club without any casino games like roulette and blackjack will ensure the focus is upon poker.

Malc Muskett
General Mananger
Notingham

I want to play poker at Dawn til Dusk. The Objections raised by the three casino companies are purely commercial objections. Please decide this case on its own merits. I fully support this application for a legal and regulated specalist poker club.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

Dusk til Dawn will be a world class venue for playing poker currently unavailable in the United Kingdom. Due to the number of poker players that can be catered for the club will attract poker players from the whole of Europe. The club will offer poker competitions designed and structured with poker players in mind. Playing poker in a safe and secure enviorment designed by poker players for poker players.

Chris Bruce
Property developer
Nottingham

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

From September the 2nd i will be allowed by law to play poker within a licenced premises and i feel that Dusk till Dawn is the perfect place. It has been setup by players that know what every poker player is looking for,  from your average small player to the full time professional player. I personally feel that a club dedicated to poker is exactly what the UK is looking for.
I think that all the complications the club has been through and the fact that it is still here putting up a fight is an achievement in its self and for it not to be granted a licence will be a great dissapointment.

Sean Flynn
Card room Supervisor
Cardiff

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because the UK needs licensed UK poker only rooms to cater for the ever-growing number of players. Personally, I have several friends who are now gaining an interest in the game and would like to play "live".

They would not however visit a casino to do so. The casinos only put on poker to entice players to play the "pure" gambling games and aren't interested in the poker player's priorities.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I consider myself a poker player, not a gambler.   I do not enjoy playing, or watching, people play games that are weighted heavily on the casinos favour.  I also feel the local casinos do not offer enough choice when it comes to poker, something Dusk Till Dawn will do, because its a poker only club!

john[jabber57] bennett
i would like to play at dusk till dawn because
i have never played poker in a casino because i would be tempted to play other games that the odds favour the house, but at dust till dawn i would be able to play poker at a time that is'nt after midnight and with out the noise and clatter of the bandits

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because

1) The club is dedicated to poker players.
2) The poker community needs a place that is run by people who understand poker and provide a service exclusively for them.
3) The people who Will be running the club are honest and first class people, they have no desire to take away business from the casinos via other games, there sole aim is to play poker with poker players.
4) I am not a gambler and my only interest is poker, Dusk till Dawn provides that service and is already a well talked about place to go before its even open.

i would like to play at dusk till dawn because..

i have a big gambling problem and cannot go into a casino to play poker because i allways end up on the house games,  dusk till dawn will be perfect for that because its 100% poker no distractions

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because poker is my hobby. A dedicated place to ones hobby is a must, people love to play poker in the UK now and the country needs to support the interests of its citizens. Going to play poker is just like any other hobby or sport, it costs a little to get involved but you are doing it because you are going to get enjoyment out of it. Poker is expanding in this country, let them enjoy this brilliant game in a safe and legal environment.

Alan Wright
Macclesfield, Cheshire

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

The opportunity to be able to play in a legal safe environment is a major factor for me.  I have limited to play purely on the internet until now.  Casino Card Rooms are not at all tempting to me as the games are infrequent, and are more centred to getting you walking through their door to play the house favoured games such as Roulette, BlackJack etc.  I would not be a weekly visitor , but would love the opportunity to play in a live and social environment from time to time.

The fact that this club will position itself as poker only shows an unselfish attitude that should be appreciated.  It would be all to easy to give in and cash in on other games, however this isn't what this club is about.  This fact shows me that the club would be run in the correct manor, a controlled, friendly and open way.

The fact that the large casino company's are opposing this, in my eyes is nothing more than greed, and says more about their mentality than it does about the DTD propsition.  The club would be a huge draw for the City of Nottingham across the world, attracting large numbers of visitors and tourists alike.  Just what this City needs right now.

I whole heartidly support this applications.

Many thanks, and good look.

James Bridge
Sales Executive
Sytner BMW Notingham

 Aspades

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I would prefer not to play poker in a casino environment which only encourages pure gambling against a significant house edge.  It is clear from the way that the main card room operates in Nottingham that the only reason the poker tournaments and games exist is to bring people into the casino to subsequently gamble on other games.  This is obvious from the fact that they do not charge fees for poker.

Dusk til Dawn will offer poker in a secure, safe environment with clarity of charges and professionally run competitions.  There will come a point when UK legislators accept that poker is a game of skill and adjust the law accordingly.  This is a chance for Nottingham to be ahead of the game and establish itself as one of the safest poker environments anywhere in the world and the leading poker venue in the UK.

Stephen Docherty
Director
track-club UK Ltd

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I believe it will be a place run for poker players by poker players. To this end it should benefit the members who like to play card games as opposed to games of chance such as roulette where the house "always wins". I have pre-registered with the club and I am willing to travel over 350 miles (round trip) from South Wales in order to show my support. Local Casinos are unable to provide the space and ability to run large  tournaments where there emphasis is purely geared towards enticing the poker players to play casino games. I have played at various live venus geared towards poker players in the USA and would welcome the chance to play in the UK.
The objection of any casino towards the granting of what amounts to a "poker license" is in my opinion a restriction of trade. If I want to throw my money away I can always go to my local Grosvenor Casino, however if I want play "live"poker at a time and place to suit me, I dont have that option.
Casino Operators - Shame on you!
I whole heartedly support the DTD license application.

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

I enjoy live poker ! Although i am living 5 HOURS AWAY ! Down in West Wales, i would be making monthly, if not weekly trips up to the Dusk Till Dawn poker club. I am sure that this venue can become the best in Europe once opened ! A couple of months ago i went up to have a look, with Rob Young, owner of the club, and it blew me away, this is not just a club that has been put to get on the cheap, everything inside and out is top quality, rivialing those of the large casinos in the USA ! The club is a truly great asset to Nottingham and the UK as a whole.


Chirs Keen
CEO  E+K Swim School Ltd
West Wales

I would like to play at the new DTD venue. live poker players will have a world class venue in the mildands.myself and my members hope common sense wins the day.good luck

Robert James
The Poker Syndicate
Leicester

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a poker room to play poker in.  Bingo players have their own bingo halls.  Gamblers (slot machines, roulette, craps, blackjack etc) have their own Casinos.  Betting on dogs/horses etc have their own racetracks.....I could go on but you understand what I mean.  Why should poker be left out?

All of the above games are played to beat the house and win money...except for poker, where the ultimate goal is to beat everyone else.  Money is a bonus within a poker game!

Vicki Thomas
Bury St Edmunds

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because..... I only want to play poker and don't want to play any other casino games where my skill has no effect, unlike poker where my skill can overcome any small element of luck.

I live about 1 hour from Dusk Till Dawn, but will gladly travel to there for an evenings poker, rather than travel 20 minutes to any of several casinos that are much nearer to me.

Poker players love poker, they want to be immersed in poker and surrounded with fellow poker lovers.  They don't want to be surrounded with games of chance like roulette, or games where they play a banker like blackjack.  Poker players like to play poker together in a safe environment just for them. Casino's don't offer either the environment for poker or the range and number of games.

Phil Everitt
IT Manager
Kenilworth, Warwickshire

I want to play at Dusk till Dawn because .......

Poker players are a gregarious bunch, we like each other.  We come from all walks of life:  you can be playing with a doctor or a dustman, and the conversation from either would be fascinating.  Some professionals, mostly amateurs, we take our hobby very seriously, often travelling hundreds of miles in search of a good venue, or a friendly game.

Casinos have (mainly fairly recently, since the rise of online poker) realised that there are a lot of us, and it is worth their while enticing us into loss leading poker rooms.  How often do poker tournaments in casinos start 20 minutes late?  I think we all know why.

I'd like to be able to play my favourite game in a relaxed environment where I can talk to old friends and meet new ones.  A proper club, where people know me and I feel comfortable and safe as a woman.  I believe DTD will offer this kind of environment where casinos cannot.

Beverley Pace
Chislehurst, Kent

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because poker is a social activity that relys a large part upon skill, unlike casino games that are weighted in favour of the house. I'm not a gambler..I'm a poker player.

I have a group of 5 mates, all of us play in a fortnightly game, half of us have played in a poker room and none of us will play in a casino! There are a number of reasons, not to do with being worried about gambling on other games but quite simply because casinos just dont have the draw for a large poker venue.

DTD will have hundreds of poker players, coming from all over the country (i live in london)..I'll stay in a hotel and dine in local restaurants too...there wont be just one or two tables dedicated to poker (as casinos do) but numerous offering all the games people wont... this means we'll have a better chance of playing the game we want to play and not being forced to play a higher stakes/different format to our preference.

90% of poker players arent interested in casinos - we're not gambling in the long run... a point missed by some previous court cases, and we wont be detracting from standard casino revenue! Indeed, the revenue for casinos from poker tables is minimal.

Lastly, the additional tourist traffic from one of the best poker venues in the world will be a massive benefit to the local community and even the casinos!

Jim Strong
Clapham

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

i would like to play poker in a safe public place to enjoy the art of card playing WITHOUT a casino trying to draw me into games of chance where the only winner is the casino themselves!!!


Noel Purdie
Fishponds, Bristol
Senior Data Analyst

Time to bring Poker into the open.

Don't want to play in some seedy back street hovel littered with shady characters, don't want to play in a Casino and lose a grand every time we break, don't want to fly to vegas for a decent game.
Just want to play my hard earned against the best players and pit my wits against the pros.
So what could be better than a well run club that provides all these options to the masses.
A quality game in a nice environment at stakes of my choice against opponents that I respect....... ah heaven on earth.
That's why we opened our own card club up in t' north, the GC and local licensing authority have no qualms with the way it is run and we shall continue in that mode (with one or two legal operational changes) after september 1st DESPITE objections from or Casino friends in Leeds.

Bring it on DTD, if your live card room is as well run as the rest of your organisation Rob, Nick, Si etc. it'll be a great success and I can't wait to bring a bus load of thick northerners down there to give you a team challenge.

Good luck DTD

Paul underwood
Card Club Owner
The Nutz Card Club
Harrogate

01423 871267

Paul@thenutzcardclub.co.uk

Re-Raise !!
Who ever cracked Aces with a fold ?!

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a legal, safe, professionally run and friendly establishment. It will also be large enough to hold some of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe and will be key in the expansion of Poker in the UK. It will also give players the opportunity to socialise and play in an environment which is very much NOT a casino, eithout the distractions of casino games.

for me poker is a hobby, i used to play 3 - 4 times a week at my local casino, because the casino does not make large sums of money from poker they arrange the poker games to run in such a way to leave you in limbo whilst you are waiting to play or in between playing.
During your time away from the poker table they have one aim, to get you on the games of chance and therefore to take more of your money. You get bored waiting and end up losing the money you have in your pocket, I now only go to the casino once per week to play because I cant afford to lose on the games of chance. It would be easy to say dont play the games of chance, but the casino's do anything they can to get you to play, i.e they give you vouchers for slot machines to play while your waiting for the poker to start, put £10 in and we'll give you £10 credit free etc, you get bored waiting so you do it.

I and i'm sure most of the british public who play poker for a hobby and love to play, want to go to a club that can offer our hobby or interest without the risk of blowing your bank balance in the process, you'll still have some of the waiting around but how cool will it be waiting around with loads of other people who have exactly the same interests as you in a club dedicated to your hobby.

My final thought, Great Britain is not very great at much anymore but we do have some fantastic poker players who can compete and beat people from all over the world, where are all these poker greats??? they are all abroad because we dont have enough great venues like this to keep them here and attract people from overseas to compete here.

BTB

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because i have no interest in any other gaming except poker.  i live in Derby & work in Nottingham so DTD would be perfectly located for myself and be a regular visitor when the license has been granted.

Dan, Derby, UK

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a fantastic place to play poker, without getting lured into other casino games. Poker is a unique form of gambling in which you play against other players, not against the casino. To have a whole place dedicated solely to poker would be great for this hugely popular card game, for which there is great demand.

James Atkin,
Lincoln

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it would be a dedicated environment where women such as myself would feel safer in the knowledge that everyone present was there for the sole purpose of playing poker and nothing else. Added to this is my experience of travelling to another city for a poker tournament and having nowhere to go from a casino after perhaps getting knocked out early. Currently, the only option is to hang around the casino and try my hand at gambling games of pure chance and losing money in the process as alternative poker games are not on offer.

I would play poker at DTD Nottingham, and spend money at local hotels and restaurants, because...

I wish to play poker in a pure poker environment, and it'll be well worth the journey from the south coast to my nearest specialist venue.

( I played poker last night in local casino - lost £300 on the gaming tables whilst hanging around waiting for the poker to start/during the breaks. Rather pay for a nice weekend away...)

Tony Adderley
I.T. Director
Brighton

I would like to play poker at Dusk Til Dawn because it will be a very exciting experience to play in such surroundings in the midst of many top quality players.  I believe Dusk Til Dawn will present many people who dislike casinos with an ideal opportunity to test out their poker skills and find out how good (or bad) they really are.  Many aspiring professional players will be able to cut their teeth in such a venue, just as they have in cardrooms in London.  I would see myself as a potential regular customer of such a venue.

I don't accept that casino business will be unduly affected by the opening of an establishment like DTD.  Those who like to gamble will still pass through their doors and their convenient city centre location will always guarantee them continued custom.  Personally, I have only ever attended 3 poker tournaments in local casinos because the game structures found there invariably decrease the skill side of poker and increase the chance component.  Casinos will lose no revenue from players like me who don't waste a single chip on other game tables because they don't see the point of playing a game of chance that you're a favourite to lose.  In any event, they ran their poker tournaments for free as a loss leader.

The prestige of poker tournaments around the world is growing at a remarkable rate and, as someone who lives in Nottingham, I would feel very proud for our city to play host to some of the best tournaments in the world. 

Martin Coleman
Full-time Parent
Nottingham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because we should be allowed the freedom to choose which venue we'd like to visit

I would like to play poker at DTD because I like playing poker and I hate a casino environment.

Simon Ansell
Programmer/Poker player
London

I would like to play poker in DTD Nottingham as im fed up of casino's only trying to get me through their doors so i will lose substantial amounts of money in house games. I want to play in a purely poker playing venue, where the emphasis is on providing for the player rather than average spend per head on roulette.

Alex Martin

Poker player

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I believe it will transform the playing of poker in the UK. Till now the Casinos have done an adequate job of running legal poker, but in truth many card room managers operate under the duress of guiding customers to the house games e.g. the timings of competitions, long breaks etc. I want to play in an environment where the poker opportunity is run by poker professionals for poker players. There is an opportunity at DTD for true market forces to emerge in terms of providing games that players want, when player want to play them. Just look at the US experience, in California there are high quality venues providing dedicated to provide a wide range of games, structures and level to suit every player. I look forward to this choice in the UK!

Charles Mason
IT Specialist
Birmingham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will provide a safe, welcoming environment for someone like me who otherwise is unlikely to play in a live, social setting. I do not feel comfortable in having to go to a casino simply to play a competitive game which I consider involves a considerable amount of skill.

The efforts that the proprietors of DTD have gone to in order to provide a first class, ordered and well run establishment are self evident.

Additionally the club will provide considerable employment in the local area. If people like me are prepared to come from Leeds when I won't go in a casino five minutes down the road then it's farly clear that there is a demand for what DTD has to offer.

There is every chance that International tournaments will be played there, leading to an increase in visitors and profile for the region.

I wish them well in their endeavours and look forward to playing in an environment dedicaterd to poker and poker alone.

I would like to play Poker at Dawn Till Dusk because.....lets face it Poker is probably the fastest growing passtime in Europe.....if not the world at this time and what a fantastic venue this will be!

Generally Poker Players want to play Poker and in order to do that we currently have to go to Casino's, I like many others have no interest in playing games of pure chance and very rarely will I spend any of my hard earned cash on any of the other table games or slots.

We play a game of skill, we evaluate and calculate, we read books and watch others play to educate ourselves in order to play at a higher level. We know that an element of luck comes in to our game, but we don't just gamble on the turn of a card or the spin of a wheel.............give me a Poker Club over a Casino any day!

The DTD offering is first class, please don't steal this away from us Poker Players.

Dave Davies
Company Director - Finance sector
Chester

I would like to play Poker at Dawn Till Dusk because.....

I would like to practice my hobby in a club who's primary purpose is Poker. Where the customer service is built around the needs of poker players and not slots or table games gamblers. I would like to play poker in a legal, safe and enjoyable environment.

I would like to play Poker at Dusk till Dawn because dusk till dawn removes the very thing no government wants too advocate.... (true gambling and the temptation thereof). Poker is renowned as a game of skill and therefore its classification cannot be gambling.

Please support us

I would like to play Poker at Dawn Till Dusk because.....

I want to play Poker and not be simply be forced to play it in an environment where the establishment (casino) puts them on to get people through to the door to lose as much money as possible on their pit games.

When i go to play poker that is all i want to do and to have a safe and legal poker club such as DTD with likeminded people to do it in.

Gareth Ower

Team Support Officer/Pokerplayer

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I would like the opportunity to play in a safe and legal, Poker Only club. I dont wish to play casino games when I go to a casino, I only wish to play Poker as its valued to me as a game of skill and not chance as the other games associated in a casino is. It would be a selfish move to the Poker Playing community to deprive us of a fantastic place to play such as Dusk till Dawn and for these reasons I would like to see Dusk till Dawn granted their licence.

Boydy
ukpokerlife.co.uk - You Have Our Full Support
Crewe | Cheshire

I would like to play Poker at Dusk Till Dawn because...

I want to able to play live Poker in a dedicated club, where the structures are made by people who actually love the game of Poker
Who also care about peoples enjoyment of the game and not whether they are going to play Black Jack or Roulette.
More reason for the place to open, its just Poker baby!

I would like to play Poker at Dusk till Dawn because it's a great idea to have a venue purely for poker not like the big casinos who are more interested in extracting money from their punters on the gaming tables and machines. Dusk till Dawn can become the home of European poker and should not be stopped by the big casino groups disgraceful tactics of trying to delay this venture in the hope Rob gives up. The fact that he has tried to set up this venture legally should be applauded by the courts not be the reason it may never open.
Ian Farrell
Manchester

Andy Edwards
Customer services adviser & wannabe poker pro

I wish i could play in secure enivorment which out the casino games were the house has all the edge. Would love to say that i play in europes biggest live card room. Just a shame that the 3 casinos are s h iting themselves thinking that DTD will take all there customers. Goodluck Rob and Co, hope all our posts help!

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it gives me and my poker Friends the opportunity to play poker in a pure poker environment without feeling the pressure to play any other casino games.

Also Dusk till dawn will give me the chance to play live poker in a poker club run by poker professionals who understand what we as customers really want from a poker club, something casinos do not understand as they run poker tournaments as just something on the side.

I and everyone i know who loves poker are really looking forward to playing live poker at dusk till dawn as we live locally to it in mansfield and it would be nothing short of criminal to ignore the huge demand for this club and not grant it the license it deserves.

Kind Regards

Mark Stirland
Mansfield

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it provides a legal and comfortable alternative to card rooms run by large corporations within a full casino environment.

While many of us will continue to play in such environments as well as DTD for many reasons such as location and the choice of game on offer, DTD will be a new (and legal) player in the poker industry. It will be interesting to see how DTD will provide for the needs of poker players specifically, as they have to ensure things are right for poker players or we will not go there. On this basis, if DTD get it right, then other card rooms will have to raise their game in terms of service, price, games and prizes and this has to be good for the industry as a whole and for the poker players.

I would definitely travel to Nottingham, albeit only occasionally for work and family reasons, if the poker product on offer was good enough for me to do so. The people involved in the project, their enthusiasm, and knowledge of poker players' needs tells me that this will be the case.

David Jones
Soon to move to the Kidderminster area
I work in the leisure and fitness industry.
Until April of this year, I worked in the gaming industry and held a Gambling Commission approved "pink card" for 10 years.

I would like to play Poker at Dusk till Dawn Because the clientele will all be there for the same reason to play poker, not a variety of casino games.

I would like to play poker at dusk til dawn because i hav'nt played live poker before maybe its because there are no poker rooms just casino's and i dont like the enviroment they provide and the times they schedule game's at.  speaking for myself it would be fantastic if we could have just a poker room to play in and dtd getting a licence would be so good..


D.Collins.
Glasgow.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because poker interests me as an intellectual challenge, not as a form of gambling.
 
In all 6 years I've been attending casinos to play poker I have staked NOT ONE PENNY on house games.

Also my trust in the integrity of Rob Yong and his team make me confident I'll be in a safe friendly enviroment. Having seen people threatened in a Nottingham casino, and myself having been attacked in the street outside a Nottingham casino, this is an important factor.

hi, i live in London, i used to frequent the casino's as i liked to play cards and was quite good at them, but i was enticed to play roulette by the casino through free bets and started losing a lot of money. it went downhill rapidly, so much so, that i had to give up playing cards in the casino's as i was losing so much money at roulette. i was then left with playing in smaller pub games and going to ireland to play bigger card games where they have them in hotels.
I am fully in favour of a poker club only, it would be great for me to be able to go in and relax knowing that no one is going to try and tempt me to play games like roulette. i think it is a refreshing idea and deserves the support of the magistrate and the public alike. its quite clear that casino groups would have a problem with this, firstly they will lose customers to a good card club, and secondly that means less people being enticed into playing the games where the house always wins like roulette. i plead with you to give this new venture your full support, it would be of great benefit to people like me.

I would like to play live poker at Dusk till Dawn because , i am not interested in gambling i am not interested in games of chance , i do not want to go to a casino , i do not want to speculate on a game that is out of my control , i play chess.... at a chess club , i do not bet on horses.... i play bridge at a bridge club .... i do not play roulette......i want to play poker at a poker club with like minded people!
I would also love to see prestigeous future tournaments and the best players of the game in action.

 I would love to be able to play poker at DTD because......

 DTD will be a world class poker venue,running competitions that will regularly attract hundreds of players from Europe and beyond.
 
 It will be a fantastic asset to the Nottingham economy.

 I urge you to give David a chance over Goliath.

 Nick Jenkins
 Company Director
 Chiswick, London.

 

 

 I would love to be able to play poker at DTD because......

I have a right to choose where I play my poker, and my choice is to play the game in a licensed venue which is run by poker players for poker players, a place where you are considered a valuable commodity, not merely another poker player who is tolerated in the hope he will do his bankroll on the house games.

Kevin Shepherd
Colchester

We would love to be able to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because...

a) We would like to play poker in a regulated, friendly environment dedicated to poker players
b) We have no interest in casino table games and would prefer to avoid the casinos that offer these games
c) We love to travel to different poker venues around Europe to play poker and have not yet been to Nottingham - Dusk Till Dawn would attract us to Nottingham!

Michelle Bennett
Senior Local Government Officer
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

&

Ian Bennett
Systems Manager
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

I would like to be able to play poker at Dusk Til Dawn because...

I do not wish to go to a casino in order to play poker. It is poker that I wish to play and not games of chance. I feel it would benefit the whole poker community to have at least one venue in this country where people with a passion for the game can gather to watch world class games take place.

Take poker out of the casinos.

Phil Howard
Teacher
Durham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

i would like to play poker  without a casino trying to draw me into games of chance where the only winner is the casino

a) It will be a legal, safe and friendly venue

b) It will be large enough to hold some of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe

c) Having a poker only card club, many poker players including myself will want to play there and support it

Dusk till Dawn will cater only for poker players who just want to play poker and have no interest in casino games

Give us the chance to play the game that we all love to play.

Jim Ward
South Shields

I would like to play poker at Duck til Dawn because.....It will be a unique, non edged, gaming, not gambling site where you'll walk in the door knowing if your good enough you'll walk away a winner...and not, unlike all other LEGAL gaming complexes , a place where the house has the edge, not matter how skillful or even (unlike Poker), how lucky you are at a game, the house has worked out an way to always win.....how can that be right....and a game of skill, denied the right for a licence.

I plead with you to be brave in the face of casino bullies only out to protect there own bankroll.  Ask yourself why the casinos want this to be denied.  Its a monopoly they have had for decades, and they fear Poker only sites will eating at the cliental.  Monopoly Companies are dwindling in the face of a fairer way of life..If the 125 year Royal Mail monopoly can be change, I plead with you once again, to strive for the change needed and award DTD the licence it and its large cummunity desire.

Warren Fenwick (Waz1892)
Sales Executive
Peterborough

I would love to be able to play poker at DTD because......

I would prefer to play Poker in a Poker only venue that is licensed and which has gained its license in the correct manner. I would travel from the northwest of England to play at this venue several times a year and i am sure that the venue will attract players from around the globe which can only be of help to the local economy.

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn as I would love to play in an environment specially dedicated to the game of poker. To often is poker associated with casinos and games of luck.
There’s a true spirit around the game of poker and having the possibility to play in an environment created by poker players for poker players is a real opportunity.
Living in Paris and having regular flights to Nottingham makes the club even more attractive to a new poker player as myself!!



Caroline Hébert
Account Manager
Paris, France

I would like to play poker at DTD because it will potentially be the home for British Poker for years to come. A place that we can all be proud of and attract the very best of world poker names!

I think the fact that all the casino's who have registered to stop DTD opening don't even have a casino in the area speaks for itself and that the magistrates should do the honourable thing and let the poker community have their club!

Liam Pace
London

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I would be playing in a club dedicated specifically to poker and not shoved in the corner or back room of a casino. A casino environment is more intimidating for people who have got into poker by watching on TV and playing online. Having a dedicated club would make new live players feel more comfortable on their first live poker game.

Playing poker in a casino rather than a club like DTD puts the temptation of other forms of "pure chance" gambling right in the face of people. This I am sure is the main interest of the corporations that are opposing the opening of DTD. They want people to play poker in their casinos so that once they bust out of a tournament they can go and gamble money on slots and roulette etc. Areas which are much more profitable to the casinos.

I also want to play at DTD because I want to play in a club where I can meet similar like minded people who have a passion for the game of poker and where I can share my views and learn from more experienced players.

At the moment I am forced to play my live poker in casinos, please give me an alternative, let me choose whether I want to play in one of the casinos that are opposing this club or play in Dusk Till Dawn. At present I DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE!

Nottingham is ideally situated for a club of this stature and can only be good for the city.

Rob Hurst
Bilsthorpe
Nottinghamshire

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because…………

I normally just play poker on-line as I have had no desire to go to a casino, but I definitely would go to a dedicated Poker Club.
It is clearly apparent that this would provide both a safe and well regulated environment.  The authorities should certainly encourage proper regulation in such a rapidly growing industry.  Poker players will welcome a dedicated and purpose built facility.
Becky, Shropshire.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I travel to this area on a regular basis and would welcome the opportunity to play poker in a non Casino environment.

I would like to play at DTD because......

I am a woman, business owner and member of the public wanting a choice of where to play poker and at the moment the casinos have a monopoly on where I can legally play. To avoid table games and gambling temptation I have the choice of playing in unlicensed and often badly run venues which dont offer the protection that a licensed facility such as DTD would give to players. I enjoy my hobby and would like to have a choice as to where to play, a specialist venue such as DTD would give me this.

As a business owner I believe that competition is good in all areas of business. Initally I have always seen competitors in my field as a threat but I have found on all occasions it has caused me to review my service and improve it, all to the good of the consumer. If local casinos have to do this then that's good for Nottingham consumers isn't it?

The concerns that the casinos have about DTD are, I believe, fuelled by possible loss of clients as DTD may offer better poker facilities than they are able to, isn't that what competition is all about? Better choice for the consumer? Any opportunity for the local magistrates to encourage an improvement in local facilities should be welcomed not stifled surely?

By not granting DTD a licence to operate the choice of preferred service provider is being limited by the local magistrates who should be encouraging a fair deal for both local and further afield consumers, not stifling competition.

The DTD poker club would encourage visitors to the local area by offering a specialist poker playing venue wanted by many players countrywide and more globally - this facility is talked about and anticipated by players both in Europe and further afield.

The specialist poker knowledge offered by the DTD team is unrivalled by any casino poker room in the UK and the games and tournaments they would offer would promote visitors to the local area. In particular hotel and leisure/shopping facilities would benefit from the increased number of visitors staying in the area.

Granting the DTD licence would therefore promote further employment locally through direct and indirect means; within the venue itself and through visitor facilities. The venue is close enough to encourage players regularly from London and the Midlands as well as increased visitor numbers from further afield when larger tournaments offered. None of these visitors will be detracting from the local casino business as they would not have visited the casino facilities in any case.  

All of this can only be of benefit to the local area. As a middle aged professional business woman who enjoys playing poker I fail to understand what objections this application can raise apart from those of increased competition, which in itself can never be a true objection, only a benefit to the public.

Rob Yongs attention to detail and never ending want to open a properly run facility should encourage the magistrates to grant this licence, the decision to grant this licence has the potential of being a highpoint in the modern history of Nottingham.

Tracey Dell
Business owner, Northampton.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it would allow me a choice between playing poker in a dedicated poker club or a casino, At the moment i have no choice locally.

Steve Read
Taxi company managing director
Lincoln.

I would like to play poker at DTD because...

I travel to the UK to play poker and I would much rather play in a proper poker club.  DTD will be run by professionals who have the experience and knowledge to make it the best poker club in Europe.  A venue like this would be well received by poker players throughout the world and bring in plenty of foreign business to the local area.   

Dawn Dineen
Self Employed
Ireland 

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because.........

I love playing poker and want to play in an environment that is providing a service purely for poker players. Dont get me wrong, casino's try and provide that service and some make a good attempt at this, others just see it as a way of getting people into their salesroom to play on other gambling games they sell, blackjack, roulette, slot machines etc, but to be honest this is the equivalent of a olympics standard swimmer, swimming at a fun pool being tempted by inflatable lilo's or a European tour golfer being asked to play on a seaside pitch and putt.Other than the odd go on the lottery, the football  pools and the grand national we dont see ourselves as gamblers and have no interest ( or the money to lose) in these type of games.

I want this club to succeed,this is an excellent opportunity to do things right, run by people who share the same interest, keep the game above board, promote the game in a positive light and for the people of Nottingham, put the City on the map, world wide.

My name is Mike Saban, I and my wife are both poker enthusiasts, play low stakes both online and live, have never met any of the people involved with opening this club but would both like to wish them every success in this venture, which in my opinion is a turning point for the good of the game.
We live less than an hours drive away near Worksop and are contactable via our blog sabanpokerblog.blogspot.com

Kind Regards

Mike

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I want to play poker in a dedicated poker-only environment, which DTD is seeking to provide. I have no interest in any other casino game, and would enjoy the proposed facilities the DTD club will offer. IMO there is huge demand for the proposed poker club, and it's opening will lessen the chances of poker players becoming enticed and addicted to the non-skill based games offered by every casino around.

Dan Vanniasingham
Trainee Accountant
Enfield, Middlesex

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I dislike casinos. Playing poker requires a different mentality than gambling, although it does attract its fair share of rough diamonds. In my heart, I believe a poker- dedicated club with fees paid is better suited to provide the atmosphere suitable for the enjoyable test of skill, nerve and straight talking that is poker at its best.

Ian Lynch, copywriter
Great Gonerby, Lincs

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because its a dedicated 1st class environment for poker players.

Ric Mace
Manchester

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because, they are going to offer true poker players the chance to play poker in best environment available.  I feel a 2nd class citizen when going to a casino, the table games & slot machines make the most money for casinos so as poker players we are pushed into the corner & forgot about.

I am a manager in the NHS, I have a degree in computer science, I have a family, I don't gamble on the horses, dogs, blackjack, roulette or the slot machines, but I do play poker as I have input into the game.

Poker players have moved on so much in the last 20 years, no longer is poker played by gangsters or cowboys – it’s a game of mathematics, reading non-verbal communication, mental power is used, it’s a game full of interesting characters from all walks of life. 

What I am asking as a law abiding person, please let me select where I will play poker.  I can make that choice myself, I don’t need the massive money making casino’s telling me that I shouldn’t play poker at Dusk Till Dawn, when all I want as a poker player is the freedom to play where I want.  I understand this is called democracy, so as Magistrates of the court please demonstrate democracy at work and allow Dusk Till Dawn the right to open. 

Thank you

Steven Fortey
Hereford

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a cardroom run by poker enthusiasts rather than business men. As such, the cardroom is destined to be structured in a way that caters for the interest of the customer rather than the pocket of the owner.

Adam Goulding
Journalist
Hampstead

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I wish to play my poker in a venue that caters solely for poker players i.e no blackjack, no roulette and no loud music to contend with.

Chris. Brown
Telecoms Consultant
Maidenhead

I would like to play poker at the Dusk till Dawn club because i would like to play at a professional dedicated poker club as oppose to taking part in a poorly organised half arsed casino or pub tournament.

Pete
Birmingham
 

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because:

1) I would like to play poker, at a time that suits me, with stakes that suit me, in a safe environment without the lure of side games
2) I would like the opportunity to play against poker players from all over the country, and all over the world
3) I would like to have the choice to play where I choose

Asa McGrath
Retail Manager
Manchester

 I would like to play poker at Dusk til Dawn because it's going to be the most vibrant and exciting poker venue in the UK, and unlike a casino with its other games the fact that there's only poker means it will be an environment of like-minded people, players and staff alike, who all love the game of poker and can enjoy the club for what it is. Big Casino companies trying to stop Dusk til Dawn from obtaining a gaming license on the grounds of them being potential competition is unnecessary on the part of the casinos, as all poker players who enjoy playing blackjack and other casino games will still travel to the casino to play these games because Dusk til Dawn is not offering them and none of us poker players would want them to.


 Alex Haines

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because................................................."

Because I would relish the chance to play poker in a pure 'poker only' environment.

It is a simple truth that poker is offered via the casino firms who have objected to the opening of this club.  However poker at these venues is offered as a secondary service, ususally with poor facilities and not enough kn owlage of the game to provide an optimal experience for the players.

Issues such as 'self dealing' in tournaments create a lack of confidence, not to mention the fact that, marketing speak aside, on the ground poker is seen as poor relation to the games of chance, the casino's would rather we play.

It is ironic that in an age where 'gambling sensibly' is a watchword these corporate entities would rather have poker players (who often view themselves more as combatants than gamblers) competing against a house with a fixed edge, or placed in an environment next to slot machines than playing in a controlled poker only environment.

This is reflected in the way that poker players are often treated in casino's up and down the country.  As a prime example look at the lack of SnG tables, and where you can find these rare beasts (usually self dealt as its not 'economic' for the casino to provide dealer), the play structure is usually so rapid as to make it more of a lottery.  The sole aim of the typical casino playing environment is to run as many tables as possible, as quickly as possible - this detracts greatly from the game and reduces the 'value' delivered to any paying customers.

If the argument is based around the demonstration of demand for the services of an innovative club in the UK like DTD - or lack thereof -  it is very difficult to see any rational other than commercial filibustering backing up the actions of the casino licences who have objected to this. They are aware that they will be forced to compete (finally) on a level playing field.  They will either have to raise there game, or accept that they do not currently offer the type of environment that most poker players would like.

The rise and rise of poker has been nothing short of meteoric in recent times.  Entries at top quality events across Europe are the rise, and in the UK record numbers have attended tournaments in recent times. The UK doe snot currently have the venues to host some of the biggest and best tournaments, and to do justice to the EPT and others.

With the addition of DTD it will do.

I recently have stopped playing live poker due to the lack of choice and facilities available to me.  However I look forward to attending DTD as soon as humanly possible, and I look forward to continuing to patronise it for some time to follow.

Regards,

Martin Dean,
IT Manager
Laidlaw Solutions Limited
martin.dean@laidlaw.net

I want to play good tourney's in a safe non mechanized atmosphere, i dont want the roulette and blackjack, just good cards with good players with other people that are into poker and not generic gambling, DUSK TILL DAWN offers this and more for the discerning player,so please let this club open and let good players play......

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because there is currently no dedicated poker room even coming close to having its facilities and intention to provide a service which the ever-expanding poker playing community now requires.  It would be in a position to offer large-scale events and they are making every effort to consult with the many players who would be their patrons on issues which would affect them.  Having visited parallel clubs in California, where poker alone is legal in the state, I believe that this kind of business would be both beneficial to the area and poker players of every level of the game.

Jennifer Mason
Journalist
London

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because............

I would love to play in a poker only environment with games to suit all price ranges and run by people who love poker and are not just in it for the money!!

I live in Torquay and will be visiting the club several times a year when it opens

Richard Watson
On-Course Bookmaker
Torquay

Aspades Ahrt

I would like Dusk til Dawn to open as it will bring players and tournaments to the UK. It is ideally located with nearby airports and obviously anyone around the UK can travel there. It will bring business to local trades in Notts helping with hotels, bars and restraunts. It will also provide new jobs and with it being located outside of the main city it is a safe controlled environment where you will not have to encounter pissed up lager louts upon leaving. From what i have heard it will be professionally run and will be an assett to both Notts community as well as the Poker community.

HBK

(Goldfish)

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because............

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I enjoy poker as a leisure activity not as a game of chance. I do not currently gamble at casinos nor do I intend to in the future.  I enjoy poker because of the mental stimulation that comes with assessing the odds and the strategy involved in outfoxing the competition.  I play a lot of poker on-line but would  love the opportunity to meet up with some of the people I have met at Dusk to Dawn and play against them when I visit the UK

Aussie Poker Fanatic

my name is Paul king of 9 king Edward rd northampton i would like to play at dusk at dawn as  i believe that for poker players like myself there should be a venue that is not surrounded by gaming devices and allow people to concentrate on there poker i fully support dusk to dawn and wish them every sauces for the future as well as 99% of the poker world will PAUL KING

"I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because for 12 years I have been playing in a casino unfriendly inviroment and have been tempted by the house games they make their millions from and lost a lot of money over the years. Poker is so big now it needs its dedicated area/room for all players alike to enjoy the relaxed surroundings without the flashing lights and house games.  It will attract many good things and competitions for poker players all around the world"

Paul Zimbler
Poker player
London/Spain

I would like to play poker at Dusk Til Dawn because I feel it will be run very well and the management will take into consideration the needs of all the players, from the people who play poker as a hobby and want to learn and have fun to the more established players who want to play games in a safe environment and know that their money is secure. 

JP Kelly
Poker Player
Aylesbury

Iwould like to play poker at dust till dawn as it going to be the first of its kind in the uk, and is very much overdue.
 I am of the same view of many others that any casino is really only interested in getting you sat at a blackjack, or roullette table where the chance of coming away with any winnings are slim to poor.
                                           Charlie Curtis

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because there is currently no similar facility in the country. I also enjoy being able to play poker in a venue where the establishment is not trying to lure you into table games and where there is a definate feel of community.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I love playing poker, but have no interest in playing roulette, blackjack or slot machines. With the massive boom in poker playing, sparked by televised tournaments and the ability to play online, I feel there would now be a big demand for a poker-only club, to which keen players would be prepared to travel from across the Midlands, and even the UK. A "poker only" club was closed down in London because the authorities ruled poker was a game of chance, like roulette, and therefore had to have a gaming licence. There was a big demand to play poker at that club - why not at Dusk Till Dawn, which is going about it the right way by applying for a gaming licence?
- Carl Slater
Executive News Editor

I would like to play poker at Dusk til Dawn because it will be run by poker players for poker players of all levels from novices to experienced pros in a safe environment.

The club itself has huge potential to generate revenue for the surrounding local economy. I would be willing to travel at least twice a year to a dedicated poker facility such as DTD utilising the local transport system from East Midlands airport to local taxis as well staying in local hotels. I would not go to such expense to frequent other local establishments ie casinos, as I have plenty to choose from in Glasgow. I & many others would essentially be new money to the local economy.

Stephen Donnelly
Resource Analyst
North Lanarkshire

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because i like to play poker in an enviroment that isnt geared around gambling, like every casino where to get to the poker room you need to walk through the whole casino.  i regard poker as a great game of skill and would like to play with like minded playes at a well run club

Grant Cook
poker player/ trainee civil engineer
ayrshire

I would like to play at dusk till dawn for a number of reasons. 1, I am fairly new to the game and the beginner nights there will be alot more beginner friendly than the casino's, which i found to be taken as serious as bigger games and this made me feel a little uncomfortable overall. 2, As Dusk Till Dawn will be a dedicated poker club i feel people would be able to control their finances more easliy than at a casino as there will be no side games that grab your attention, and poker tournaments have set buy in amounts which allows you to put a set amount of money aside for the night, And finally poker is a great game in which i have made many friends and i think that opening a poker club for people who want to play poker at all levels from all differant walks of life can only be a good thing. Who knows, end world violence. Please back dtd they have worked so hard to bring this to us.

Simon Jones
Nottingham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because.....

it will be a world class poker only facility providing a safe and legal environment without the distraction of house games. It will be run by poker players for poker players of all abilities and will provide great tournaments attracting players from all over the world to Nottingham.

I would like Dusk till Dawn to be granted a licence as it would create jobs, regenerate the area and offer a different alternative to casinos for customers with in the poker community.

regards

vleis20

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because.................................................

speaking on behalf of myself, as a poker player, and on behalf of over 500 members who have played this season at the Private Members' Club I help run (The Nutz Card Club, Harrogate), it is very important for poker, and other card games of skill, to be separated from the casino environment. I know that personally I am not happy having to go to casinos to play either minor or major tournaments. I also know this to be true for a large proportion of the players we look after, many of whom have specifically expressed they do not want to play in casinos.

I believe Dusk Til Dawn's application should be granted for many reasons, among which;
- to help protect, nurture and develop British players,
- to provide a dedicated environment for card games of skill, and
- to provide the UK with a flagship venue in a rapidly developing global activity.

I believe the precedence this would set should also allow for a number of similar venues to exist around the country, thereby minimising travel with its associated environmental ill effects, providing a countrywide spread of employment opportunities, and providing reasonable access to this entertainment service industry for the whole UK population.

I'm looking forward to playing at DTD because as a poker player I want to ply my trade in the best possible surroundings, run by poker players for poker players. I have no interest in slots or table games and don't understand why poker players are currently forced to put up with them any more than a golfer shoud have to walk past them on the way to the first tee as he heads off to work. I have no interest in coming to Nottingham to play in any of the casinos objecting to this license, I never have and never will, but I will be coming to play at DTD regulary if and when it opens. The people behind this venture are good honest hard working people bringing employment and world class facilities to a place many of us have never and will never go to if DTD are unsuccessful.

Jeff Kimber
Professional Poker Player
London

I am looking forward to playing at Dusk till Dawn as much for the concept of a club FOR players not just for the casino's owners.

I am extremely sceptical of a group of casino's who have not even bothered to provide services in Nottingham to object on the grounds of not enough support for the project. How would they know?

Even though I live in Europe at present, I intend on being a regular visitor when the club is up and running and am confident that Dusk till Dawn will be the most successful Poker Club in Europe in the near future.

Good Luck to Rob and all those that have worked so hard to get things to this stage.

Brian McDonald
Moscow Russia

I  would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because.................................................

I have followed Mr Yongs experience of setting this project up from scratch and his enthusism and firm belief in his goal is something only a few of us can ever hope to achieve.

He loves poker and HE went out of his way to build a club that poker players all over the world are watching and hoping will open.

This club in my opinion will attract players from all corners of the earth and must be good for Nottingham in terms of employment and the income it will bring in terms of hotels, food outlets and taxi fares for example would be huge.

It should at the end of the day be about freedom of choice.

Why would a poker player pay for economy when he/she can have 1st class for the same price?

The Casinos are trying to bully Mr Yong out of the market and I hope they wont get away with it.

Suzanne

General housekeeper, carer of kids from hell, but deffo a visitor when I can get away.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn, mainly because i feel it is catering purely for the poker player, and not for the gambling players. Poker is a game of Skill more so than Luck.

The Dusk Till Dawn company are trying desperately to acheive a goal here, of bringing one of the biggest games/sports to Britain on a huge scale, ridding britian of the false poker economy which sadly occupies the Casino's of the country at present.

Please let them achieve their goals......for the goals are shared by all of us!

Scottish Dave

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because it will cater exclusively for poker players. This is better than a traditional casino environment because:

- The management, dealers and other employees will have a greater understanding of the game of poker, which is frequently neglected by the established casino conglomerates.

- Greater understanding and supervision of poker will ensure fairness and integrity of the game.

- Unbeatable casino side-games won't be present so I won't be tempted to lose the money I have won at the predominantly skill based game of poker.

Plus it will exciting to play poker in a world class venue, which is very rare in Europe, let alone the UK.

Gazza

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I would only want to go to a dedicated poker room and not a casino. I just want to play poker with other like minded people who are there to put their skill to the test and play a good game. I don't want to be surrounded by other casino games or their noises and what better way to make friends in a place where everyone shares the same interest?

Richard Emmitt
Director
Anything Flatpack Ltd.

I would like to play poker at DTD because it will be the best poker club in europe and

we should , as adults , all be allowed the choice to experience the finer things in life

( as long as its legal !! )

You , the magistrates , have the power to make many thousands of people very happy

on the 24th of september......please dont disappoint us.

      Jamie Moult
      Turf Accountant
       Nottingham

     

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because I wish to play my poker in a venue that caters for poker players only. In a safe & professionally run environment that understands the world of Poker, a club run by poker players for poker players.

I would like to play poker at DTD because I want to play the skill game we all love without the casinos using every trick in the book to get me to gamble.

The law is meant to protect, surely separating gambling and all its problems from a sport/game of skill can only be a good thing.   

My husband and I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because...

Dusk Till Dawn is a quantum leap forward in the development of dedicated poker clubs in the UK and in our opinion it does not only represent the RIGHT AND PROPER way forward for poker clubs, taking them beyond the grey "private members clubs", but it also gives the whole of the UK a true flagship venue, one with the facilities and expertise (which CANNOT be underestimated) to become a landmark in European poker to rival and indeed exceed the top European venues.

This venture has not just been cobbled together - at every turn Dusk Till Dawn have looked to PROTECT THE RIGHTS and EXCEED THE EXPECTATIONS of their customers and staff. This has been clearly seen in the open way that the club has been developed and in the way that EVERY licence and permission has been sought and given.

We strongly feel that Dusk Till Dawn should be very much a part of the future of PROPERLY REGULATED AND SAFE poker in this country, dedicated to JUST POKER and not relying on OR EXPOSING ITS MEMBERS to casino games. The fact that they have been granted a casino licence in order to be properly regulated is merely a coincidence of labelling as there is no equivalent regulation under a poker licence as yet in this country. The opposition to their opening from other casino chains is misguided, they are NOT A CASINO but a poker club who are going to move the poker industry forward to an entirely new and much sought after level.

THIS CLUB IS THE FUTURE OF LIVE POKER IN THIS COUNTRY - IT MUST NOT BE HELD BACK BY CORPORATE MISDIRECTION.

Steve & Xuyen Vladar
Professional Poker Players
Hemel Hempstead

I will be playing poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I, like so many players in our community in the United Kingdom and beyond, are crying out for a venue solely dedicated to the game we love.

Indeed, some Casinos' have provided for our needs over the years, providing decent tournaments and facilities and trying to satisfy the needs of pokerplayers, but a Casinos' bottom line comes from people gambling on the assorted table games, something which I and the majority of players are simply not interested and in some venues we are treated as second class citizens due to the fact we do not provide a decent revenue for the Casino.

Dusk Till Dawn is going to be a home for us players, run by people who are passionate players themselves, who truly know what the poker community wants, in an enviroment free from the temptation and distraction of "Pure" gambling games you will find in Casinos'.  Dusk Till Dawn will be providing competitions that show the skill involved in a properly run poker tournament, unlike the "Re-Buy" events you tend to find in a Casinos' cardroom which tends accentuate the gambling side of the game.

I feel that if Dusk Till Dawn is not allowed to open a great opportunity will have been missed, not only will Dusk Till Dawn be an example to the industry of how things can and possibly, should be done but a figure head for Britain and it's place as a leader of poker in Europe will be lost.  As an example, the World Series of Poker, the epitomy of all things poker has been held solely in the United States for nearly 40 years, will be holding 3 events in London this year.  This is an amzing mark of our place in the world wide poker community, and something that can only be improved upon by venues like Dusk Till Dawn, with the knowledge, capacity and dedication to entice more big tournaments to our country.

Mr Yong and the people behind Dusk Till Dawn indeed have support for their venture from the majority of poker players from around Europe, that is plain to see, as is the obvious need for this venue to be allowed to open.

I thank you for your time.

Christian Briggs
Nottingham.

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because..

I don't want to be tolerated by a casino because some number-cruncher says that I'm worth £x per annum in revenue on their gaming tables. I want to play poker, and poker only with poker players who are my friends off the table and my enemies on it. I want to be able to play in a fantastic dedicated state of the art environment which will be coveted by poker players not only country-wide, but worldwide.

How Gala can be objecting is quite frankly beyond my comprehension. It is a well known fact among the poker playing fraternity that Gala Nottingham's cardroom is the most infested with cheating and collusion in the UK due mainly to the fact that they do not supply house dealers for their tournaments thus creating a breeding ground for underhand practise which the management has been made aware of many times, with minimal response. I want to play in a secure and friendly environment without having to worry whether the next card is coming off the bottom of the deck.

Ralph (http://www.blondepoker.com/blondepedia/blondepedia_view_player.php?player_id=357) Shalson (http://www.blondepoker.com/blondepedia/blondepedia_view_player.php?player_id=357),
Nottingham.

I would like to play at Dusk til Dawn because:

* This would just be an excellent place to play poker and only poker
* I believe in Free Enterprise
* A poker only venue would supply a service that a casino cannot supply (ie for people who dislike casinos)
* It is likely to become the hub of European Poker where players from across Europe would attend, which would also add to the areas' tourism & prosperity
* It would remove the need for underground poker clubs

Mark Banin
Hampstead, London

 I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because...It will be a venue devoted to poker and poker only.It will be run by poker players who have the best interests of the game at heart.It will cater for all standards of players from beginners to the High stakes pro.It will no doubt become the premier poker venue in Britain and Europe and would no doubt attract poker players from across the world.

 I myself am a very enthusiastic amateur poker player and will happily travel  to Dusk till Dawn several times a year to be able to play poker in an environment that is safe and free from other table games such as blackjack,roulette and slot machines.

 I have a lot of respect for the hard work and vision that Rob Yong as shown in getting Dusk till Dawn built.I sincerely hope that Rob is rewarded for his efforts and that his licence is granted.

 Mike Sharp
 Bognor Regis

I am very much looking forward to the oportunity to play at DTD. the opportunity to play poker in a designated safe enviroment where my need is catered specifically for is one i very much appreciate.
i believe that this club which will be run responsibly and openly will assist in moving poker into the modern day enviroment.
I also prefer to play in an enviroment where i am not distracted by the noise and unneccessary(for me)balckjack and roulette.
I do not believe my needs are accomodated withtin the current availability and look forward to my and many other people requitrements being met with this new club

pat mccrory
lanarkshire

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because...It will be a venue devoted to poker and poker only.It will be run by poker players who have the best interests of the game at heart.It will cater for all standards of players from beginners to the High stakes pro.It will no doubt become the premier poker venue in Britain and Europe and would no doubt attract poker players from across the world.

I would  like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be an establishment run by poker players for poker players. By and for poker players is crucial, as has been previously stated, casinos or casino environments seem only to tolerate poker players and just suffer their presence in the hope that they will get knocked out and 'since they're out anyway will play roulette, blackjack etc'. This brings me onto another point on the same topic; as the casinos aim is to get poker players playing the games against the house the structure of casino poker tournaments are generally poor i.e. small stacks, high blinds/antes, fast clock! This club will also be the largest in Europe and has a very good chance of bringing a WPT event to the UK which will only serve to increase the economy as well as its own tournaments which I'm sure will cater to a wide range of player! So I see no reason why Dusk Till Dawn will be refused a licence!

Alistair Matheson
Glasgow

DuskTillDawn is a poker only operation set up by a poker player and for other poker players, with the intention of providing the facilities for poker players to enjoy and play the game we love to play in a "proper poker" environment.

Many poker players do not wish to play (or wish they were not tempted by) the house casino games as they are aware of the inherent "edge" against them and how easily addictive and detrimental such house games can be.

I sincerely hope that the Magistrates considering this case do not allow the malicious objections of casino groups to prevent the reasonable competition and freedom of trade that , in my opinion, form the true and only basis of these malicious objections.

The casino groups only consideration is the profit margin that they feel may decrease if players have a convenient option to play poker without the temptation of inherently unfair house games.

Paul Jackson
Professional Poker Player
Wolverhampton

I Would like to play Poker at Dusk Til Dawn because........ it is my favorite game as a non gambler as such i would say poker is most certainly game of skill rather than casinos other games of pure chance

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will quite simply be the best card room in Europe. The fact that there will be no temptation from the Casino house games will be very welcome too. It will be a card room set up by a poker player to really offer what other poker players want.

Please do the right thing and grant the licence that this venture deserves.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because over in Belfast we can't get a good game of poker and have to go to England to get a game and i would rather not play in a casino where the temptation to lose money would be too great

Mal Dawson
Former Tournament Director - Winners club Belfast (closed down because of the greed of others)
Belfast

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because there is nowhere else in the UK to go and play what has become a very popular pastime throughout the country without having to be amongst table games with a house edge, and be subject to the promotions and influence of the companies trying to attract me to said games.

It would be SO refreshing to be able to play with like-minded others in a dedicated, safe and regulated environment free from distractions and profiteering.


Blair Kirkland,
IT Systems Analyst,
Glasgow.

I would very much like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn.

I am an amateur player but spend many hours studying the game and playing on line. I have played live poker in  many casinos as far apart as Scotland and Paris. However I dislike playing in most casinos where it is thinly disguised by the operators that poker players are simply put up with until they drift over to the house games. Recently I have stopped playing live for that reason though I will still play live if an interesting game is put on locally. I do not play house games as I am fully aware of the house edge.

Dusk Till Dawn offers the opportunity for many players like me to socialise and pit their wits with other players, amateur and professional alike. There is no other establishment able to provide the game structure, facilities and atmosphere proposed by this club.

I fully support Mr Yong's application and sincerely hope he will be successful. If granted I will be visiting my home town far more frequently. Please recognise that not only will this club be a poker flagship in the UK but will also attract players from other countries. Nottingham will be proud to be the centre of UK, possibly, European poker.

It is sad that those less interested in the game are objecting to the application when their main concern is loss of revenue from games not offered by Dusk Till Dawn. Just as in any group of people there are poker players who also like a wager on the roulette or blackjack tables, they will, no doubt, continue to frequent the casinos but Dusk Till Dawn will be the choice of the pure poker player.

K Robert Hardy-McBride
Solicitor
Woldingham, Surrey

Dear Sirs,

Poker, as a game both mathematically and academically recognised as compromising, ultimately, skill, should not, ideally, be subject to the same gaming laws as activities such as roulette, blackjack and the usual casino fare.

Unfortunately, in the UK they are. As such, clubs such as Dusk til Dawn, whose management have diligently met every standard thus far required of them by the Gaming Board, find themselves under pressure from oligopolies. These oligopolies are, very properly, licensed, as gambling does have an addictive element, not so neurologically different from opiates or indeed cocaine. However, the key difference between the major casino chains ( such as Stanley, Gala etc) and Dusk til Dawn, is not in the 'product' they ultimately offer, but in where their revenues derive from and what they ultimately offer.

In a casino, the 'punter' effectively plays the house in a zero-sum game, irrespective of what game they play. In poker clubs, such as Dusk til Dawn, revenues come from very limited (and explicitly agreed) fees, but mostly from the bars and resteraunt present. In terms of margins, traditional casinos already have a vast advantage...

Dusk til Dawn matters in this case, at it gives the courts the opportunity to recognise that 'gambling' is not necessarily a degenerate nor indeed irrational activity, as currently covered by law.

 Please do not deny the UK's massive poker playing community this exceedingly, possibly exceptional, opportunity to enjoy an experience catered to their own needs, outwith the casinos.

Chris Johnstone MA
MSc Economics Student (fees paid courtesy of poker!)
Glasgow

I would love to play at dusk till dawn because I want to play and learn about poker in a poker environment. Rob and his team have put a lot of hard work and money into creating the best poker club in Europe, and if given their license will bring money and prestige to Nottingham. It's a no brainer really. Grant the license!

Andy Hayton

I would like to add my support for the proposed live poker venue Dusk Til Dawn.  Encouraging people to play in a live environment rather than online will allow the management to better implement the principles of the Gambling Act 2005, ensuring for example that players play within their means, preventing children from playing (with other people's identities), and ensuring the games are conducted in a fair and open manner.

I also would like to endorse what many others have said that it can only be a positive thing to allow people to play poker in an environment where there are no gambling games available.

Paul McDonnell
Company Director
Oxford

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because it will be a welcome change to play at a venue that puts the customer's needs and wishes first, rather than the normal casino view of putting up with card players and hoping that their badly structured poker tournaments will eventually drive those players to their profit making tables and flashing machines.

I understand that the main objections (apologies if this is untrue) to the opening of Dusk Till Dawn are coming from existing casinos. If the courts close DTD before it opens then they'll be proving that customer choice means nothing to them, setting a precedent that could impact on any new venture, regardless of industry.....

Let's see some common sense.


Ian Burnett

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because DTD is going to be an amazing venue: a poker club run BY players FOR players. For DTD's owners, poker is a passion which they share with their prospective members. The casino environment encourages you to gamble - that is a casino's sole purpose - to take punters' money; poker is entirely different - it's about fair and open competition. Like any other sport, it's a game of skill. It is fun. It is social. Do backgammon clubs or bridge clubs need a casino licence? I have no idea but I think it's unlikely. There is certainly an element of luck in poker, no doubt about it ... but this is a tiny factor compared to the importance of skill and experience.
Ccasinos attract gamblers; poker attracts competitors. It's as simple as that and there is no comparison or common ground between the two. It is ludicrous that poker is still subject to the same laws as gaming and I urge Nottingham's magistrates to take a bold step on September 24 and officially recognise that poker and gaming are NOT the same.
If Dusk Till Dawn was being set up by a casino company, its motives might be more suspect. Casinos provide poker rooms but they are generally acknowledged loss leaders ... merely a device for pulling in players who might then later be tempted to wander over to the roulette and blackjack tables and lose money. Or, while the poker player is sitting at his table in the poker room, his partner or friends while away their time at the gaming tables (and lose money). DTD, however, is being set up by a group of poker players. They are absolutely 100% dedicated to the game and their only goal is to provide a safe, clean and appealing environment for poker enthusiasts from all over the UK to pursue their interest.

If I wanted to learn about becoming a champion rower, I'd speak Redgrave. If I wanted to become a successful businessman I'd listen to Gates, Sugar or Branson. If I wanted to be a politician I'd be learning about Lincoln and Churchill.

If I wanted to do anything (including playing live poker - as a beginner, intermediate or seasoned pro) - I'd want to be involved with people I could trust, people with passion, dedication and knowledge.

Why in my right mind would I want to be involved with people who could provide some of what I want but were more interested in selling me something that I don't want or need?

Kevin Ryan
Company Director
Redditch
Worcestershire

I would like to play at Dusk till Dawn as a poker only venue
I play regularly on line with low stakes but would like to experience live games in a regulated environment
The only live poker experience i have had has been in unregulated games which are probably illegal
I believe dtd as a live venue would give me the opportunity to develop my playing ability in a game i consider to be part skill part luck i view it as a hobby
and welcome the opportunity to play in a non casino but regulated environment

Hugh Black

Logistics & Planning Manager
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
 
Posted on: August 09, 2007, 05:01:2

I’m glad to have a forum to express my full support for the proposed dedicated card room Dusk Till Dawn, for the following reasons:

1) The “concept” of a dedicated, fully licensed poker room is in fact a well-established and successful business model, posing no new threat of gaming abuse or gambling addiction. As a native Californian, I have seen first-hand the development of such card rooms into the largest dedicated poker venues in the world, providing a safe, secure, fully-licensed and well-supported environment – all without the enticements of house games. Throughout the years, these card rooms have been very successful commercially as well as in providing the best in poker events. Why?  Simply, because they are run by people who are certainly profit-conscious but who are also poker enthusiasts themselves. This distinction from casinos means that the service provided is managed by people with the knowledge and interest in the game-of-skill to ensure a well-run and first-rate operation, specifically with the poker player in mind.  Such a service is not always guaranteed in casino poker rooms, where the dealers can be – and sometimes are – ill-trained, under-motivated and supported by management who do not fully appreciate the rules of the game nor the customers they serve.

2) I know the management of Dusk Till Dawn to be trustworthy and reliable, with demonstrated business acumen. Furthermore, they are all well-respected poker enthusiasts and I have every confidence in their abilities to ensure the very best service. So much so, I plan to support their club even though I live in London.

3) I understand that there have been formal objections to the opening of this card room from casinos. This is non-sense as it restricts competition and allows them to trade “as-is” in a market environment which has seen the clear emergence and evolution of poker. While some casinos have dramatically improved their poker product to reflect the market trends, others clearly have not. The poker rooms in some casinos remain are too small, the dealers moved over from house games with insufficient training and the end result can be an inadequate offering.  In fact, the full-service casinos have less to fear and more to gain from this new card room: those which see the added-value in poker are already providing improved services, expanded facilities and a surge in poker-generated revenue. The advent of online poker and televised tournaments has brought the game out of the backrooms into the spotlight as a mainstream sporting attraction, bringing in a new player-base, sanitized brand image and even new variations of the game.  All venues – casinos and poker rooms alike – can benefit from a competitive, market-driven environment. As a dedicated, fully-licensed poker room, Dusk Till Dawn can help show the way in offering what the players really want. The quality casinos should welcome Dusk Till Dawn’s expertise and commitment to bettering tournament and cash play. It can only serve to help the casinos with their own schedules and events.

4) The management of Dusk Till Dawn have done a phenomenal job in investing into this proposed card room: from pre-launch marketing to supporting events through sponsorship to developing a first-class online product to hiring top-notch staff/players. I, along with many, fully support their venture -- which will be beneficial to the local community as well as to the general poker community at large.

Brian Johnson
CEO
London

I am in favour of Dusk till Dawn opening a card room for many reasons and mention below some that i consider to be the most important.

  Dedicated card room where poker will be the first priority instead of the last, as is in every casino around the UK, where poker is used as a tool to coax people into the casino in the hope that they will play  tables or fruit machines.

  The size will make the card room the largest in Europe and should attract players for all over the Globe hosting some of Europe’s largest games.

  Availability to play live a wide selection of poker games only currently available to UK players via the internet.

Players consider poker globally as a sport, we have a

Wembley
a
Twickenham
a
Lords
a
Wimbledon

we need a Dusk Till Dawn

Simon Zach

I welcome the move by Dusk Til Dawn to open a club dedicated to the needs of poker players.

The casino environment has never been conducive to staging quality poker tournaments as they dedicate their resources to making their money from the table games and not from providing a poker player with the facilities that they warrant.

An increase in the number of regulated, safe and enjoyable environments that we can play poker in is to be strongly encouraged.

I welcome the day when the 'monopoly' held by the casinos with regard to poker competitions is broken and this industry can grow as demand dictates.

I will travel regularly to the Nottingham club despite the 150 mile journey.

Nick Gibson

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I believe there is substantial demand for a Poker only venue both as a local dedicated venue in Nottingham, but also as a destination poker club for UK, Europe and International poker players. This allows players of all abilities to play in a dedicated venue free from other casino games and also away from the central Nottingham Casino's that frequently consist of players entering at the end of a long evenings drinking.

Gary Pearce
Managing Director
Nottingham

I would like to play at Dusk Till Dawn because for the first time ever, Poker Players will have an opportunity to receive a fair deal in bespoke premises operated by a Player-Friendly Management. DTD will offer a dedicated environment which will not attempt, as Casino premises do, to seduce players into playing house games at which they will invariably lose money.
Having played poker in more than 100 different locations on 3 Continents I believe I am qualified to speak on behalf of all players when I say that it's time that a fair-minded and enthusiastic Company be given the opportunity to show just how good it will be to play in a  spacious, secure and dedicated premises.

Tom Gibson
107 Leek Road
ST4 2BW

I would like to play Poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I wish to play at a venue which caters exclusively for poker players, where I can relax, and enjoy my game of poker. DTD is run by poker players, for poker players, and this can only be good for the community as a whole.

Fizzypop
Corby
Northants

I would like to play poker at Dusk till Dawn, looks to be an excellent venture and would no doubt attract greater  income for the area (plus employment) as groups from Europe come to attend tournaments.

Paul R Hirst
Financial Controller
Northumberland

I would like to play poker at the Dusk till Dawn because my local casinos treat poker players as a way to get people in during quieter periods. They don't put games on at the weekend and use very unfavourable structures.

I want to play in a environment that caters exclusively for poker players and not in casinos that primarily want to entice you to play house games.

This club would be fantastic for the midlands area.

Neil Boon
Coventry
West Midlands

i would like to play at Dusk till Dawn because it will cater for Poker players in a safe and professional environment.

I would like to play poker at Dusk till dawn ;
As it will provide a community atmosphere for poker players to enjoy with  like minded people, who realise this is a game of considerable skill and not a game of chance.
There will be no temptation to play house favoured games of chance as in casinos.
The popularity of the game is enormous hence the introduction of more and more card rooms in casinos, The problem is the casinos did not want to give them space in front of their more profitable games and only in the huge rise in popularity do they want poker players in their venues in the hope that they will play their house favoured games of chance like roulette, blackjack & fruit machines 
This venue will provide a safe an secure environment which will be professionally run by people who understand the game and the need for a facility of this type

i would like to play poker at dtd poker club ,
as it would be good to play at an envirement that would not be intimadating .
it would be very good for the uk as it would bring many other europeans in to the comunity .
this would be a travesty if this licence is not allowed ,it would be the first in legal (legal card room in europe).
i am 45 minutes away from notts and will gladley travel 4/5 times a week to play here .

yours barry neville .

I would like, and will be, playing at the DTD Poker Club.

I am an online poker player who enjoys cash games and multi table tournaments.  I'm not interested in Casinos or never have been.  I dont understand why anyone would want to play negative expectation games such as blackjack or roulette.  What I would like though, is somewhere I could go and socialise with likeminded poker players in a venue that is thought of as the best in the country, if not Europe.

I simply cannot wait for this club to open.  It will put Nottingham on the map for me as the home of UK poker.  Sheffield has the crucible, Nottingham will have dusk till dawn.  To say it competes will casinos is seriously misguided.  Casinos have a totally different market than the players that will be coming to this club.  I, for one, live in Rugby, Warwickshire.  This is almost an hour from Nottingham.  Obviously I would never travel to nottingham to visit a casino, but I would travel twice that distance to visit Dusk Till Dawn. 

I'm counting the days till October, this place is going to be truly great!

Rob Smith

i am defiantly in favour of a poker only club , away from the temptations of house game such as roulette black jack , i will be happy to play poker in a poker club , good luck to dtd in your case

I would like to play poker at the Dusk til Dawn club, because the idea of a poker only club would be a positive step forward for poker players from all over the Europe.

Chris Filus
Sales Manager
Evesham

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I want to play poker in the venue which focuses only on providing services to the poker players.
I do not play any inhouse games in the casinos so poker only venue will be ideal place for someone like myself and plenty of my friends.

Patrick Murray .. Actor......Liphook...Hants.

I would like to play poker at Dusk Till Dawn because I am  a dedicated tournament Texas Holdem poker player however I do not  gamble . I am also an alcoholic and I do not drink . I have been teetotal and have enjoyed my sobriety since the new millennium . The casino environment naturally encourages gambling that goes without saying , Unfortunatelley they also encourage drinking to a degree that is unnaceptable for many drinkers and potentially life threatening for  most people in my position . I have the confidence that I am strong willed enough to ignore the constant requests from the eager waiting staff to fill up your glasses but that is not the point . Dedicated Poker rooms and clubs unlike casinos  will have clocks on the walls so you can see what time of day it is and therefore know when to call it a day . Dedicated Poker rooms will allow people like myself the freedom to enjoy and participate in my favourite  sport and hobby in an environment that understands Texas Holdem Poker for what it really is , a modern game that requires many skills and virtues . A game where gamblers win occasionally but skillful players become champions . Yours Most Sincereley Patrick Murray .

I would like to have the option to play at DTD because I believe in freedom of choice.

Any business such as DTD should be allowed to trade and market forces will determine if it is a success. I think it is ridiculous that the casino cartel are allowed to use their economies of scale to try and stop competitors from offering an alternative venue.

I also understand the DTD product will differ significantly from that which is currently offered by the objectors for whom poker is just a side line product to their main cash cow of gaming tables. I understand DTD will offer the poker community a variety of games, at a variety of budgets and offer these games at a variety of times. The current poker schedules as offered by the objectors/casino's are limited competitions at set times which often mean many poker players are unable to play in them because they are not able to play until the early hours of the morning as they have regular 9 to 5 employment.

I believe DTD will improve the poker product that currently exists and attract many new players. This alone is reason why DTD should be allowed to trade and I for one am willing to travel to play in such a venue.

Jason Grace
Business Owner
Ipswich