The UK Poker Clubs Association (UKPCA), which represents 72,000 members, has announced that it is considering legal action over the new Gambling Act, which is supposed to come into force in September this year.
UKPCA is pondering a legal challenge after the daily membership fee that clubs are permitted to charge clients was restricted to £3 under the new laws, the Guardian reports.
Clubs claim that setting that amount as a maximum will limit the prizes they can afford to offer punters and also limit the provision of wider member services.
The new legislation also classifies poker clubs in the same category as casinos, meaning that they would have to obtain official casino licences.
Geoff Owen, chairman of the UKPCA, said: "The imposition of casino licences on poker clubs is neither appropriate nor fair and could result in the closure of many clubs.
"In its current form, the Gambling Act could also result in a rise in online poker activity and unregulated 'underground' poker, as players seek venues away from a casino environment."
A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that the clubs should engage in talks, rather than threaten litigation, but UKPCA has already sought top legal advice and has hired Citigate as lobbyists.
The UK Poker Clubs Association (UKPCA), which represents 72,000 members, has announced that it is considering legal action over the new Gambling Act, which is supposed to come into force in September this year.