We looked into it a couple of years and presented the idea for it to be free, the licencing act stated that because there were "playing cards" involved, it constituted gambling therefore we couldn't do it.
Apparently the Italian club a couple of years ago took them to court and the rules were adjusted, as long as the actual club doesn't profit from the actual "gambling", it is ok to run.
We have had a couple since, they are well ran and our club benefits from them from the var takings and we always have a pretty full house.[/quote]
From what I understand your information is correct regarding Poker competitions. Basically legal as long as all entry fees are 100% returned in prizes to the players. The Italian club was taken to court, they were charging an entry fee to play a large competition in town and returning about 90% in prizes to the players while pocketing the other 10%. They were deemed to be acting as a gambling house (A casino) and charged accordingly. The way it's presented above, that the Italian club took the Licencing Enforcing Branch to court, is not quite correct. They were taken to court, lost, and the judge clarified the laws which were already in place, making it clear that as long as all entry fees are returned fully to the players it's legal. This is how I understand it anyway, happy to stand corrected
