Police Close Northern Ireland Poker Championships

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

The City North Hotel, located just outside Dublin, Ireland, was specifically chosen for the championship due to some uncertainty over the situation. Poker tournaments with one-off registration fees are supposed to be legal throughout Ireland, but the

The City North Hotel, located just outside Dublin, Ireland, was specifically chosen for the championship due to some uncertainty over the situation. Poker tournaments with one-off registration fees are supposed to be legal throughout Ireland, but there was some indication that the authorities were not happy.
Police entered the hotel barely an hour after the tournament had started. They then threatened the management of the City North Hotel with prosecution and loss of license if the Northern Ireland Poker Championships were allowed to play on.
The organisers offered to donate profits to charity, but the Guarda would not compromise, despite the assertions that nothing illegal was taking place, and the hotel was given no choice.
Players from the UK and Europe were refunded their £1,000, plus £100 for potential winnings. Betfair and Pacific poker had run qualifying freeroles, and these players were left bitterly disappointed.
It is hoped that the police do not continue to disrupt play, as the 2007 Irish Open Tournament is set for April 5-9, and will be located only a short distance away.



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