In mourning for Harlow Dogs Poker Room. Should the Law be changed?

[yt]

See my thread in "Live Poker" about Harlow Dogs being closed by the gaming board.
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=5936.0
So should the law be changed/relaxed? Obviously I say yes! 100+ players a night who played at Harlow show there was a demand and we're not hurting anyone I'm gutted to be honest. 5 mins from my front door arghhhh all gone!

[TightEnd]

why? because a major company has not done things the right way and got a licence in advance?

one way or another, post the Gutshot case everyone will know where they stand

[yt]

Should a licence be required at all? As long as everyone there is over 18 and the rake is reasonable why should some guy come along and balls up the entertainment of 100+ people who were not harming anyone. it stinks. it was 5 minutes from my front door and im pissed off (I think thats my bottom line!). i know the law is there to protect but come on its time it was changed.

[lazaroonie]

why ?

because its the law. And under the law, you as a customer/consumer are afforded some protection and rights.
Why did they not just get the proper licenses, with 100+ runners 4 times a week they must have been making some money, why not do it properly ?

[Bongo]

Because the license costs an absolute fortune and limits the rake they can charge and makes it virtually impossible to make a profit...

[yt]

the rake is 10% so last night they made £125 in rake. they had 13 tables all with dealers earning around £8 per hour. there were about 4 other staff as well from jennings.
yes they have sit and goes and make some more on that but id be amazed if they cover costs (jennings) but i guess in the long run yeah they must make a small profit even if its from signups to their website.
the dog track must do ok from the bar.
10% rake is clearly not a rip off for the customer though so what protection was i missing?
How many casino normal weekly tournys have dealers on every table?

[Bongo]

I guess you're missing the protection of knowing everyone is licensed and things are checked by the GB etc.

I think the otherside of this is protecting the casinos. They have made an investment to get a license etc and so the GB has an obligation to them to ensure that others have to do the same if they wish to compete.

edit: I guess this has been closed so quickly as the GB has some control over them - others that are like gutshot will all be dependent on that court case.

[yt]

jennings and the dog track have a lot more to lose than the gutshot.
so they cant fight it really can they.
i just hope they get a licence and try again

[yt]

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

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

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

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

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