Some of the men were self-declared problem gamblers who had voluntarily put their names on a register to prevent them from entering the country’s casinos and gaming halls. That register, known as the Excluded Persons Information System (EPIS), is kept by the official Gaming Commission, whose spokesman pointed out that “live” poker is only allowed in casinos, although poker machines are available in gaming halls, and poker can also be played online.

Players who prefer to avoid the casino can visit the rented locations, which are used only to organise illegal games. The apartment raided last week contained only a poker table and some chairs. Organisers are thought to make about €500 in one night, although they are risking a jail sentence of up to five years and a fine of €100,000.

Some 10,000 people in Belgium have signed up for EPIS, although experts reckon there are about 135,000 people with a gambling addiction. The problem cuts across age and class boundaries. Those considered addicts are those who gamble away at least one-quarter of their monthly income.

The players in last week’s game were interviewed by police and released. Playing poker
in itself is not a crime, but the two organisers will be charged, and the money could be confiscated.