Pub poker has recently been on a significant increase since the application of the 2005 Gambling Act came into power earlier this year. The introduction and rise in pub poker games may have come as a surprise to many players, but they are definitely on the increase all across the UK and the evidence is clear.
Previously, it may have been viewed by many as unacceptable to play the game of poker within pubs, but it seems that it has turned into a mainstream activity put on by many pubs everywhere, with many pubs setting up a scheme of ‘poker’ for points with prizes being offered at the end of leagues to the winners rather than straight cash prizes after each individual game. This kind of scheme usually attracts players from all backgrounds, with buy ins often ranging between £2.50 and £5, so hardly breaking the budget at the same time offering the general fun of poker games.
The pub poker fashion looks likely to expand into a slightly different environment; apparently the likes of Walkabout and Bar Risa are interested in hosting live games with an idea in mind of getting around 50 venues across the UK up and running for poker by next spring.
A large number of ‘old-school’ poker players may not agree with the expansion of poker into so many new areas, venues and also the expansion of the poker league structures. It is hard to imagine how the expansion of poker in any area can possibly be negative news for the poker world as the more games of poker that are taking place, the more revenue that is being pumped into the game. In addition to this the image of the game of poker is being made more acceptable which is obviously good news to all us players and enthusiasts alike as it encourages more new players to get involved in poker.
The increase in pub poker games has really exploded over the previous few months and it seems that the general poker boom is still in its youth showing no signs of stopping. The growth of pub poker and of course other areas of the game will provide a key resource in maintaining a healthy future for poker for generations to come. Finally, if anybody out there can’t actually make any of their local pub or club games then there is of course the option of playing poker online at one of the many existing sites out there providing a decent service for players from all backgrounds.
