AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker
TITLE: Poker boss gambles on court win
DATE: 5:00 AM
-----
BODY:
<p class="mobile-post">Poker terms such as 'flop', 'blind' and 'raise' were introduced to a court
in a landmark case which could decide the future growth of the game. Jurors
are being asked to decide whether the card game is one of skill or chance,
or a combination of both. Derek Kelly, 46, boss of The Gutshot private
members' club in Clerkenwell, East London, is accused of breaking gambling
laws by organising a game of Texas Hold'em poker in which a levy of £270 was
charged on the winnings. He also denies breaking the law at another game
when £2 of the players' £22 fees was kept by the club. The law says a
licence is needed to host games of chance such as blackjack and roulette -
but not games of skill, such as chess and quiz machines. Graham Trembath QC,
prosecuting at Snaresbrook Crown Court, told jurors they could expect a free
tutorial in the finer points of poker. He said the Crown believed poker was
a game of 'mixed skill and chance' and, if the jury agreed, they should find
Kelly guilty on both counts. He added: 'Once the cards are shuffled, you
have introduced an element - a significant element - of chance.' Zeeshan
Dhar, defending, said Kelly did not believe poker was a game of chance
within the terms of the Gaming Act 1968. He said: 'I have pondered the
statute and have not found any reference to poker in the Act.' The case
continues.</p>
--------