Derek Kelly is the owner of the Gutshot, a renowned pub on Clerkenwell Road, London, where hundreds of people play poker every day. However, Mr. Kelly did not apply for a casino license when he started business in 2004.

“We just want to play poker. We cater for the social player who doesn't want to play for high stakes and doesn't want to be in a gambling environment like a casino”, Kelly said. He believes poker should be considered a game of skill, like chess, rather than a game of chance like roulette and blackjack.

Kelly was recently accused of violating the Gambling Act and he is to go on trial early next year. If he wins, pubs all over Britain would be allowed to host poker tournaments.