Christmas Poker Night Hire in London

Casinos gaming includes games like roulette and blackjack where players compete against the “house” or a banker, rather than against one another on equal terms.

Commercial casino gaming is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. If you wish to provide casinos gaming on a commercial basis you should consult the Commission: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.

Clubs and miners’ welfare institutes that hold a club gaming permit issued by their local licensing authority may provide facilities for two specific types of “banker’s” game: chemin de fer and pontoon (blackjack is not permitted). A maximum participation fee of £3 per person, per day may be charged for this gaming, but no amounts may be deducted from either stakes or prizes. See the separate fact sheet on “Gaming in clubs” for further details.

Organisations that wish to provide casinos games for charitable or other noncommercial purposes (e.g. to raise funds for a club or society) may do so under the prize gaming provisions in Part 14 of the Act. Non-commercial gaming of this kind may only take place at events where none of the proceeds from the event itself are used for private gain. For these purposes, the proceeds of an event constitute the sums raised by its organisers (including sums raised by way of participation fees, sponsorship, commission from traders, or otherwise) minus the costs reasonably incurred in organising the event. However, sums raised by other persons will not form part of the proceeds of the event and so may be appropriated for private gain. An example would be refreshments provided at the event by an independent third party. Non-commercial gaming may be an ancillary activity or the only or principal purpose of the event. To qualify as prize gaming, the prizes (whether in cash or in kind) should be put up in advance, and must not be dependent on the number of players taking part or the amount of money staked. The players participating in non-commercial gaming must also be told what “good cause” is to benefit from the profits from the gaming. There are no statutory limits on stakes, prizes, participation fees or other charges for this type of noncommercial gaming. No licence, permit or other form of permission is required to operate this kind of gaming provided that the statutory conditions are complied with.

Private casino gaming may take place in two sets of circumstances. Domestic gaming: in a private dwelling, on a domestic occasion. Residential gaming: in a hostel, hall of residence or similar establishment (but not on premises operated as a trade, corporate or business) provided that the majority of those taking part are residents. No charge may be made for participation in private gaming (and that includes an entrance fee or other charge for admission), nor may any amounts be deducted from stakes or prizes. Private gaming may not be provided in any place to which the public have access, and no profits may be made from it, regardless of the purpose to which they may be put. NB. This fact sheet is intended to provide a general explanation of the circumstances in which “casinos nights” can be operated under the Gambling Act 2005. It does not deal with every detail of the legislative provisions, or with the individual circumstances of a particular case. This fact sheet does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the relevant legal provisions. If you are in any doubt about the legality of any gambling activities that you intend to promote or for which you intend to provide facilities, you are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice. Department for Culture Media and Sport August 2007.

Yes. A Christmas poker night can be planned for guests with different levels of experience, including complete beginners. Dealer tuition can introduce the order of play, basic decisions and poker hand rankings before the competitive part of the evening begins. This gives newcomers a clearer understanding of what happens at the table and time to ask questions. A teaching session followed by a fun tournament can work well for a mixed group. The important point is to allow enough time for learning rather than assuming everyone already knows the game. Your audience’s experience should help determine the format and pace.

We can discuss a corporate Christmas poker tournament with professional tables, dealers and the management support appropriate to the event. Larger tournaments may benefit from a tournament director and floor staff to coordinate play across several tables. Planning includes the number of participants, seating arrangements, starting chips, blind progression and intended finishing time. It is also useful to know whether most guests are beginners, experienced players or a mixture of both. The tournament should fit alongside dinner, speeches and any other commitments. The agreed booking confirms the equipment, staffing and event support selected for your particular Christmas celebration and venue.

Our published corporate poker table specification accommodates up to ten players per table. The total number of tables required depends on how many people will participate and whether the event is a tournament or a more relaxed social game. A tournament where everyone begins together needs enough seats for the starting field. A party where smaller groups play at different times may need another arrangement. It helps to provide both the overall guest count and the expected number of poker players. This allows the playing area to be planned around demand while leaving suitable space for the rest of the celebration.

Yes. Poker can sit alongside roulette, blackjack and other casino entertainment to give guests a choice of activities. This is particularly useful when some attendees enjoy poker and others would prefer a game they can join for a shorter period. Additional attractions can also give guests something to do after leaving a tournament, allowing them to remain involved in the wider party. The arrangement needs enough space for comfortable poker seating and movement between the other games. It is also worth considering sound levels so dealers and players can communicate easily. The combination should reflect your audience and available entertainment time.

Viva Vegas provides poker entertainment for events across London, including corporate celebrations and private Christmas parties. We can discuss venues in areas such as the City, Westminster, Mayfair, South Bank and Canary Wharf, alongside locations elsewhere in the city. Please share the full venue address, event room and any information about loading access, lifts or delivery restrictions. Poker needs room for tables, seated players, dealers and comfortable circulation, so a floor plan can be helpful. For larger tournaments, additional space may be needed for event management and supporting equipment. These details help establish an arrangement suited to your chosen London venue.

The appropriate length depends on the player numbers, experience levels and the time available within your Christmas party. Beginners need an introduction, while a larger tournament needs a structure that allows play to progress towards a finish. Starting chips and blind levels influence the pace and should be planned around an agreed playing window. Time should also be allowed for the opening explanation and any closing presentation. If the evening includes dinner or speeches, those timings need to be considered together. A planned schedule helps the poker become a successful part of the celebration without leaving the finishing time uncertain.