A Borehamwood gambling club was shut down after it failed to play by the rules.

The Fifth Street Card Club in Shenley Road was visited by Hertsmere Borough Council’s licensing team and officers from the Gambling Commission last year.

The inspectors found the poker club was breaching the terms of its premises certificate for alcohol, so the certificate was withdrawn.

A spokesman from the council’s licensing team said: “They couldn’t produce appropriate bank account records for the club, or membership details, which are legal requirements to ensure the club is being conducted properly." 

The club's premises certificate was withdrawn in December, 2013.

The club had the opportunity to appeal the withdrawal but did not.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, commercial high-stakes poker is restricted to licensed casinos.

While poker can be played in members’ clubs, there are various restrictions depending on whether there is a club gaming permit in place, as well as the club's fees and stake and prize limits.

The main purpose of the club cannot be gambling.

Nick Tofiluk, the Gambling Commission’s director of regulatory operations, said: “We are committed to working closely in support of local authorities in dealing with such matters.  Local authorities now have considerable experience in this field and we will continue to promote good practice while dealing effectively with illegal poker clubs.

“The message is simple - if you offer poker in a club which falls outside the rules for exempt gaming, or offer commercial poker you are breaking the law.”