Gambling Commission secures first cautions over unlawful pub poker

The Gambling Commission has issued its first cautions over illegal pub poker following a joint investigation with Cheshire Police and The Safer Halton Partnership.

The investigation centred on the Cherry Tree pub in Runcorn. Two men aged 35 and 56 were cautioned for their part in providing unlawful gambling, while a 50-year-old man was also cautioned for allowing the premises to be used for unlawful gambling.

The investigators found that poker was being played at the pub for stakes higher than the statutory maximum. Poker is allowed in a pub subject to the stakes being kept below £5 a head and £100 per premises per day. The cautions are the first of their kind under the Gambling Act 2005.

Commercial poker for unlimited stakes can only be played in casinos and licensed card clubs.

Alan Green, the Gambling Commission’s regional compliance manager for the North West, said: “This investigation is a good example of joint partnership working in keeping gambling fair and safe for the people of Cheshire.”

Inspector Simon Blackwell of Cheshire Police added: “This innovative investigation between the partner agencies in Halton clearly shows our joint commitment to improving licensing standards.”