UK Man Turns Pub Poker Into an £8,000 Win, Importance for Local Boozers Highlighted

Anthony Tony Hannon, a 41-year-old poker enthusiast from Prescot, made headlines after clinching £8,000 during a tournament in Las Vegas, having been inspired to play by a poster at the Ring O' Bells pub, where he and his wife, Rachel, celebrated their wedding reception. 

His journey into poker began at 18, playing casual games with family and friends, but it evolved into a serious passion when his wife encouraged him to attend a local poker night in 2017. 

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Tony Started Playing Poker Locally Before Hitting the Big Time in Vegas 

Tony's dedication to the game led him to participate in various tournaments and local leagues, ultimately qualifying for the prestigious VEGAS100 competition, which gathers the UK's top 100 pub poker players to compete in Las Vegas.

Despite facing setbacks in his first attempt in 2019, where he was eliminated due to a string of unfortunate hands, Tony returned this year with determination and a winning streak that culminated in him being crowned the UK Pub Poker Champion. 

Speaking the with Liverpool ECHO, Hannon said: ""My friends are thrilled for me but I'm trying to navigate how to play with them. Playing Redtooth pub poker is a fantastic social experience, it’s free to play and I have made lots of new friends."

"I would encourage anyone to come and give it a go, find your local league via the Redtooth website and come and try it. I’m already looking forward to going back to Vegas next year to try and retain my title.” added Hannon.

Martin Green, managing director of Redtooth Poker, added: "It is well documented that the leisure sector has been hit hard over recent years and it’s good to see that pub poker is continuing to go from strength to strength."

Pubs are at the heart of our communities and poker leagues like ours are a great way for them to increase their footfall and revenue and offer something different for their customers.”

Pub Poker Growing Significantly  

The VEGAS100 tournament, organized by Redtooth Poker, recently began a three-year residency at the luxurious MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Relying on regional and online qualifiers, the event has grown significantly, emphasizing the importance of community in pub culture through poker.  

Remarkably, Tony's victory not only granted him a substantial cash prize, but also a £5,000 sponsorship deal for future competitions, including the 888 Poker Main Event in Leeds and the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour. 

How to Host a Pub Poker Tournament: Guidelines and Rules

If you’re inspired by stories like Tony's and want to run your own pub poker tournament, here are some guidelines to follow: 

1. Understand the Legal Framework: According to the Gambling Act 2005, poker games in a single venue cannot be linked to games in other venues if there are prizes involved. Ensure your tournament is structured to comply with this law. 

2. Private Games vs. Public Events: Poker can be played as private gaming where a select group participates in an exclusive event. Make sure that the area used is not accessible to the general public, and all participants should be bona fide members and not just attendees. 

3. No Charges for Participation: Private poker games should not involve a charge for entry. Any deductions from stakes or winnings may be construed as a charge, violating legal standards. 

4. Setting Limits: Adhere to the Gambling Commission's recommended stakes and prize limits. The current cap is £100 per day for combined stakes in a single premises. 

5. Leverage Local Leagues: Consider joining established leagues like Redtooth Poker, which focus on promoting community poker. They can help provide structure and legal compliance for your events. 

6. Promotion and Community Engagement: Promote your poker nights effectively to draw in participants. Utilize posters, social media, and local events to create a buzz around your games and encourage both novice and experienced players to join. 

By following these guidelines, you can create a successful and enjoyable pub poker experience that caters to the local community while respecting legal boundaries. As Tony Hannon demonstrates, engaging in pub poker can lead to incredible experiences and lasting friendships. 

So, gather your friends, find local leagues, and dive into the thrilling world of poker!