Poker Classics are under investigation

"Poker games in licensed premises are illegal under Sect 9 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956,” he explained. "Poker games are only legal of the promoter is not gaining any profit from them, if for example, the person who won the classic at the end of the night wins the pool prize, but all of the rest of the proceeds go to charity.”

"The intention of the legislator I think was to prevent people from betting their shirt, their homes, anything, because they had easy access to intoxicating liquor,” he explained.

But he pointed out that even so, < n>it is still illegal for games to take place in a rented room, such as a hotel conference centre even if the bar is closed, as the owner of the hotel is then making a profit from the game.

The garda spokesperson also said that it is illegal to advertise the poker nights.

The promoter the Kilmurry Lodge poker game told the Limerick Post that he had not been contacted by gardai but would cooperate with whatever requests were made.

Michael Barry said that the numbers of people attending his classics were growing every week. "Predominantly those who attend are men, aged any where from early 20 to late 60s.” He said that the maximum one person can lose in a night is 50 euro and that the prize at the end of the night depends on how many people play, but is usually around 1,000 euro.

Speaking to the Limerick Post at a recent poker classic at the Kilmurry Lodge, Trinity Rooms bar manager Stephen Kiely said that he has been attending the poker games for the last month.

Asked if he usually does well, Mr Kiely admitted that he usually loses the full 50 euro.

"I don’t mind losing it. It’s very good craic,” he said, "and someone could end up spending that much on alcohol on a night out. Most people don’t drink much at these, people are here for the conversation and the cards.”

Meanwhile, Mr Barry confirmed that some of the proceeds from the poker classics he organises go to charity. "So far this year we’ve given 5,000 euro to Milford Hospice and they will get more.”

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