It's game over for poker club
A CONTROVERSIAL club in Glasgow which sparked a police raid is being put up for sale.
The Cincinnati Club in Tradeston was the first poker club to launch in Scotland
The Cincinnati in Tradeston was the first poker club to launch in Scotland and attracted dozens of players when it held nightly tournaments.
The owner has decided to throw in his hand and is gambling on a buyer coming forward who is prepared to splash out almost £300,000 on the building in Bridge Street.
Businessman Soteris Ioannou has hired property adviser Michael Sim of Christie + Co almost 10 years after world renowned professional poker player Dave Colclough officially opened the club in 2005.
It had been operating for a year when police carried out a raid.
Officers questioned more than 30 gamblers and eventually left the premises with a van-load of computer terminals, gaming machines and individual plastic bags stuffed with playing cards which were being used by club patrons.
The club did not have a gaming licence from Glasgow City Council and it was claimed that poker tournaments organised on the premises constituted illegal gambling.
Mr Loannou admitted at the time he had no poker licence but pointed out that no such thing existed.
Back then there had been a nationwide debate on the status of poker after a string of private clubs opened across the UK.
Venues had to be licensed if hosting games of chance. But a licence wasn't needed for games of skill.
The club closed several months ago after a casino opened nearby.
The building includes a bar area and poker saloon as well as a purpose-built double raised mezzanine with extra floor space.
It has the capacity to cater for up to 120 people and is on the market for £280,000.
Mr Sim said: "The property is currently closed but has previously operated as a successful
poker club and late-night entertainment venue.
"Situated on a busy thoroughfare, this superb property can lend itself to a wide range of businesses, particularly restaurants due to its location and internal theme."
A CONTROVERSIAL club in Glasgow which sparked a police raid is being put up for sale.
The Cincinnati Club in Tradeston was the first poker club to launch in Scotland
The Cincinnati in Tradeston was the first poker club to launch in Scotland and attracted dozens of players when it held nightly tournaments.
The owner has decided to throw in his hand and is gambling on a buyer coming forward who is prepared to splash out almost £300,000 on the building in Bridge Street.
Businessman Soteris Ioannou has hired property adviser Michael Sim of Christie + Co almost 10 years after world renowned professional poker player Dave Colclough officially opened the club in 2005.
It had been operating for a year when police carried out a raid.
Officers questioned more than 30 gamblers and eventually left the premises with a van-load of computer terminals, gaming machines and individual plastic bags stuffed with playing cards which were being used by club patrons.
The club did not have a gaming licence from Glasgow City Council and it was claimed that poker tournaments organised on the premises constituted illegal gambling.
Mr Loannou admitted at the time he had no poker licence but pointed out that no such thing existed.
Back then there had been a nationwide debate on the status of poker after a string of private clubs opened across the UK.
Venues had to be licensed if hosting games of chance. But a licence wasn't needed for games of skill.
The club closed several months ago after a casino opened nearby.
The building includes a bar area and poker saloon as well as a purpose-built double raised mezzanine with extra floor space.
It has the capacity to cater for up to 120 people and is on the market for £280,000.
Mr Sim said: "The property is currently closed but has previously operated as a successful
poker club and late-night entertainment venue.
"Situated on a busy thoroughfare, this superb property can lend itself to a wide range of businesses, particularly restaurants due to its location and internal theme."
