Home Poker Game UK - Gambling License Needed?

[ninrick]

Hi, I just found this website for the first time so if this is in the wrong section or something please feel free to move it.

I am just now beginning to take my business idea to the development stage. In a nut shell I will offer a service in which I go to somebody's house and set up a poker game for them. I will not offer a cash prize, but I will offer a trophy for the winner. I will tell them they are free to arrange cash prizes amongst themselves but this will be nothing to do with me. I will however require payment from them for the service I am providing.

I plan to do this in the customers' homes and also in neutral venues, eg pubs, clubs etc.

Will I myself need a license? Do I not need one at all? Does the pub need one, or are private games allowed?

I have researched the subject but found contradictive answers so I am looking for some clarity.

Thanks in advance to anybody who can shed some light on this.

Thanks

 

[kulture]

I suspect you would struggle to find a customer.

 

[ninrick]

I am not stating the full details of the business as I am focusing purely on the legal side but thanks for your insightful view, I'm sure you'll go far in life

 

[fisicx]

He has.

Have you spoken to the gambling commission? They will be able to give you the answer you are looking for.

If you are going to run your thing in a public venue they you will need a license - at the very least a PFL

 

[kulture]

I am not stating the full details of the business as I am focusing purely on the legal side but thanks for your insightful view, I'm sure you'll go far in life

If you do not state the full details, then it is impossible to give a reliable answer. You need to see a solicitor, or as has been suggested the gambling commission and give full details so they can give an answer.

 

[Steve Sellers]

Have a read OP.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/contents

Your reaction to Kulture isn't exactly going to endear yourself to people in the knowledge to give the advice you need.

Have fun reading.

 

[webgeek]

"No officer, I had no idea that those chips you see had been purchased with real cash over there, in the back room. I thought we were just playing for fun..."

Plausible deniability sounds questionable on this one.