The legality of Poker tournaments?

DeVore

I'm working with a group of people trying to prevent Mr McDowell from stopping poker players from playing.

We need legal advice or at least direction! I'm hoping to find a few legal eagles who play poker and might have an interest in helping us stop the Pretty Dours from forcing the game back underground.

I've read the 1957 Gaming act (at least, the bits that apply) and it *seems* to support the idea that a freezeout tournament can be organised by a non-profit promoter. What I'm interested in is anything that might help us protect our right to pay to play our game.

This is a complex issue , for example the casinos in town are officially Private Members Clubs and its unclear whether that protects them or not.

Basically I want to determine as best as possible what the current law is, how we get it clarified, and how we get it changed or influence how it IS changed in the future...

Anyone game to help?

DeV.

mountainyman

Basically if the players control a tournament and it is not organised for profit it is kosher and the guards can do **** all.
In a crackdown that won't do you any good, the guards will still hammer you.

A legal gambling club makes no profit and is controlled by the members (There ar a few other rules).
If you organised a tournament and told the guards before hand and could show that this was what was going on you would be in the clear. If the guards bought it.

As for the casinos the law is not unclear they are not private members clubs. (You know it and I know it.)

MM

rsynnott

Alternatively, look into cheap flights to Monaco

hullaballoo

mountainyman, be very careful what sort of insinuations you make about the Gardaí.

rsynnott

The mystery of the phantom post.