Poker in N. Ireland. Update

[The Headcase]

In a court case today Sean Murphy, owner of the Cavendish Club, managed to win his arguement for the return of the poker players money, which the police wanted to retain under the Proceeds of Crime Act. In a two hour arguement with the resident magistrate over the nature of the game of poker, he lost his arguement that poker was a game of skill. The police case was that poker was purely a game of chance. This argument was quashed,  but the magistrate ruled that it was a game of chance and skill. Sadly this means that poker is effectively illegal in Northern Ireland. The killjoys are in the ascendancy.
The ruling can be appealed and Sean is considering calling a meeting of all interested parties to see what the next step could possibly be.
In the meantime, one club, The Kingsway in Belfast has already announced a temporary (?) closure. A sad day for Northern Irish poker.
People are not going to stop playing poker because of this ruling so now they will be driven underground or into the arms of the Internet poker sites.
So games of chance are illegal? Will the Government now withdraw the National Lottery from Northern Ireland?

[dik9]

If the judge said it was a game of chance and skill, does this mean that it isn't EQUAL chance? Therefore surely it could be legal but taxable? Don't know how it works in NI could someone explain their laws and the reason it got raided. Doesn't NI come under British Law?

[The Headcase]

If anyone wish's to send a message of support to the Cavendish Club, they have started an online petition on their website. Log on to
www.thecavendishclub.com
I'm sure they would appreciate the support

[The Headcase]

If the judge said it was a game of chance and skill, does this mean that it isn't EQUAL chance? Therefore surely it could be legal but taxable? Don't know how it works in NI could someone explain their laws and the reason it got raided. Doesn't NI come under British Law?

Good question. Northern Ireland has been ruled directly by Westminster for most of the last 35 years. However, historically, it has its own laws from the period 1921 to 1972, approximately. There have never been any casinos in N.I. Therefore, there has never been any Gaming Commission or Board here either. No casinos = no board. No board = no casinos.  Time for a re-think perhaps.

[dik9]

But now this has taken place, does it not stand as a test case for the Gutshot?    ......... Robert??

How come this can be decided in a day and the Gutshot case will just drag on?

[Robert HM]

Gutshot is subject to Laws relating to England & Wales. N.I. is different. Whatever happens on the Gutshot may only "help", or otherwise, the Cavendish matter, but their courts won't be bound by any rulings.

[dik9]

TY

[The Dundonian]

Headcase start up another thread with the subject "Online Petition Cavendish Club" so that as many Blondites can see and support the petition. I'm gobsmacked by this like many and was looking forward to a trip there in the spring. Everything we heard about the place was positive and upbeat, best of luck!

[doubleup]

 but the magistrate ruled that it was a game of chance and skill

Isn't golf for example a game of chance and skill?

(It's certainly a game of chance for anyone in my immediate vicinity)

[dik9]

Isn't golf for example a game of chance and skill?

Pro Golfers get taxed on winnings as well

[The Headcase]

Headcase start up another thread with the subject "Online Petition Cavendish Club" so that as many Blondites can see and support the petition. I'm gobsmacked by this like many and was looking forward to a trip there in the spring. Everything we heard about the place was positive and upbeat, best of luck!

Good idea. will do just that.