WHEN CARDS ARE ILLEGAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1935, Page 12

WHEN CARDS ARE ILLEGAL

RULING ON, GAMING. LONDON, September 28. Any game of cards that is not a game of pure skill is illegal, if played for num in premises mainly used, for the purpose. This ruling was laid down at London Sessions yesterday by the Deputy-Chairman, Sir Herbert Wilberforce, when Henry Morris, 51, billiards hall proprietor, was charged with being the occupier of a club and using it for the purpose of unlawful gaming;' and Isaac Michael Bensusan, 28, cutter; David Cohen, 36, billiards marker; Hyam Levy, 30, pattern cutter; and Ralph Woolf, 20, traveller, were accused of assisting in the conduct of the premises. Mr Eustace Fulton, prosecuting, alleged that police, on visits to the premises, the Sopth-g-rove Temperance Club, in Southgrove, Bow, E., saw men playing faro, pontoon and banker for money. When the case for the prosecution had closed, the jury, on the direction o£ Sir Herbert, stopped- the case against Bensusan, Levy anti Woolf, who were found not guilty. Mr St. John Hutchinson, K.C., for the defence, said he could call a number of witnesses who would swear they were not playing the games alleged by the police, but games that required skill—whist and rummy. Sir Herbert: As I understand the law, any game of cards that is not a game of pure . skill, is illegal wh'en played for money in premises used for that purpose. Mr Hutchinson said in that case anv game of cards might be illegal if played for money. No game of cards was mere skill, and he would imagine that chess was the only game that was. In cards there had to be the chance of the deal. “It follows from what you said that every game of cards for money is illegal, whether it is played in the East or West-end by bishops or bookmakers. ’ Sir Herbert: If it is played in a house for the purpose of playing these games. Mr Hutchinson: There are many clubs in the West End kept only for the playing of bridge. Later Mr Hutchinson withdrew the plea of not guilty and' pleaded guilty. Morris was fined £25, with £5O costs, and Cohen was fined £5.