Under the provisions of the Gambling Act, Licensing Authorities will be no longer be able to consider “demand” as a criteria when reviewing premise license applications. Tough luck on the Dusk to Dawn poker club, facing one of the last demand based objections as it pursues its application under the 1968 Act.

Economic adversity and a smoking ban have battered much of the UK’s land-based gambling sector forcing the closure of a number of casinos, but poker clubs seeking licenses under the expired 1968 Act have also seen their objectors fade away as a consequence. The Fox Club in London’s Mayfair was the latest to secure a license last week and expects two more soon in Birmingham and Bournemouth.

The operator of one of London’s top casinos has abandoned its campaign to secure additional UK casino licences under the 1968 Gaming Act, citing a change in government attitudes for their decision.

New legislation governing the running of bricks and mortar poker clubs is “irrational and unjustified” in places, according to a defence barrister in the controversial Gutshot case.

A Bournemouth magistrate has refused a casino licence for a project to convert an ice-rink into a continental-style gambling venue. The magistrate reasoned that gambling demand was already met by existing and planned casinos in Bournemouth, illustrating that the ‘demand test’ - no longer applicable under the 2005 Gambling Act - continues to loom over applications pending from the previous regime.

The Court of Appeal will hear a challenge next week from two parties seeking to shift the burden of proof in the so-called ‘demand test’ for pending casino applications under the 1968 Gaming Act. A favourable verdict could make it easier for applicants to overcome objections from existing casino operators and lead to a proliferation of new casino gambling premises in the UK beyond the 16 already authorised under the 2005 Gambling Act. At least one pending application has already been adjourned ahead of the Court of Appeal’s potentially significant ruling.

With so much in the news about the legality of poker games in clubs and pubs, some might be forgiven for thinking that it is impossible legally to run a poker game outside of a licensed casino.

The newly formed UK Poker Clubs Association has announced that it may mount a court challenge to the proposals for licensing contained in the 2005 Gambling Act.

In addition to the 17 new casino licences authorised by the 2005 Gambling Act, there are a number of outstanding certificates of consents and licence grants in process under the provisions of the now expired 1968 Gaming Act, which may further increase the number of new casinos in Great Britain over the coming years.

On 25 January 2007, the DCMS published the anticipated consultation, “Gaming in clubs and alcohol-licensed premises”.