When will we allow alternates in UK.

[I KNOW IT]

With the rapid growth of the game of poker in the UK, isnt it about time we allowed alternates to play in tournements. A prime example of this was on monday at Luton in their 200 freeze out. Full house with about 27 on the reserve list before they closed it I believe. This was a great tourny due to the starting stack and clock (pat on the back for the Luton Staff) which im sure contributed to the intrest in playing.

The size of some of the casinos will no way be able to cope with the popularity of our great game, so unless the gaming law gets changed and allows alternates we will never get to enjoy the great prize funds for reasonably low entry fees (in todays terms) that the Americans benefit from.

I believe the no alternate rule stems from " all players must be seated when competition begins " rule.

After my 1st visit to Las Vegas to mainly play poker ,I have come to the conclusion that there is really no value in playing in some of the UKs festivals, when for less money you can go to USA and play for much larger prizes, agreed that the fields are bigger (not including the WSOP fields ,LOL ) but playing against 350 is no different to 150 IMHO, but the rewards are far greater.
There really are some great festivals over there ,and you dont need a WSOP size bankroll to compete.

   

[Yogi-Bear]

hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm

Perhaps i'm gonna put a whole bag of worms in this post now.


And my recollection of the law may be slightly off. I'll re-read the guidelines tonight. But I'm pretty sure that the law states all players must be on the premises at the start of the competition, which Grosvenor have interpreted as "Sat down at the start of the competition".

So maybe alternates can be allowed??

Wouldn't that be good.

Hope I've not gotten up your hopes too high tho. Will definately check it out tonite and post at about 4 am the legal aspects.

Yogi

[dik9]

With you Yogi...... it does say "on the premises, at the start of the competition". So I see no reason why not. I will ask our gaming inspector Tuesday.

Hope he comes back with a positive as it would be good ! It will also stop people being disappointed when comps are full.

[AlrightJack]

Might also be worth asking them why the law states that the players must be on the premises? For what reason does the gaming board have this rule?

[dik9]

To be controversial, I like this rule....as we don'y do alternates. If someone has pre booked and not on the premises I can replace that seat with someone standing next to me on a reserve list, who is waiting to play.

[Yogi-Bear]

I think there is actual something in the guidelines that may stop it but my recollection is still hazy.

Will have a good perusal tonite.

Yogi

[snoopy1239]

This is probably a stupid question, but could someone please explain what exactly is meant by 'alternates' in terms of poker.

[tikay]

Alternates?

If a comp has all the seats sold, the alternates take the seats of the bustees (??) as they exit.

[Yogi-Bear]

Right guys.

Got a fresh copy printed of good old guidelines 3. For those who don't know what they are. It is the section of the Gaming Act that specifically relates to card rooms and poker.

the relevant rule reads like this.

All entrants shall be on the premises at the start of the competition. No new players may be permitted to join a poker competition after it has commenced.

So to read between the lines, so long as said alternates had paid, and were on the premises at the start time then Yes technically they could be allowed if we follow the letter of the law. This is where it gets interesting or boring, or downright ludicrous. The Gaming Board whilst wanting us to follow the letter of the law, also want casinos to follow the spirit of the law, and as such probably wouldn't approve of alternates, as they are new players etc. etc Blah. Blah.

Althopugh I really do doubt anyone has had the energy to actually consult with the Gaming Board over this issue.

Yogi

[I KNOW IT]

Does that mean you will be allowing Alternates at your next festival , YOGI?

[BlueWolf]

oh i wanna be tehre when u ask the gaming board lol

[Yogi-Bear]

I dunno to be honest. I would think it highly doubtful. Like I say it goes against the spirit of the law. Plus The management are pro active in keeping the Gaming board away from me for some reason. Must be the things I say. HEHEHEHEHE. Long story behind that.

Perhaps Robert can give us some insight as to how we can be held to the spirit of the law??? I'm not really sure. Surely it's the letter of the law, and that is why so many guilty people get off with their crimes, as they use the letter rather than the spririt of the law.

Yogi

[RED-DOG]

If our high court judges are anything to go by, I'd say the spirit of the law is gin

[Ironside]

why does blackpool need alternatives when the main event in the bonanza started with 1 seat spare (ACES)