The Stormont Executive is being urged to lift the ban on the playing of organised poker at venues in Northern Ireland.
Social development minister Nelson McCausland, who is reviewing gambling legislation, is to have talks in Belfast next month with representatives from the card tables who are pushing for changes in the laws.
Charity poker tournaments for small stakes are allowed, but apart from Andorra, Turkey and the Vatican city, Northern Ireland is the only region in Europe where no form of organised commercial poker is permitted.
Mr McCausland is already under heightening pressure to end the restrictions on betting offices opening on Sundays, and a new pressure group called Legalise Poker in Northern Ireland is looking to persuade him to deal the sort of hand which leaves all sides a winner.
Police confiscated almost £24,000 when they raided a club in Londonderry two years ago. It belonged to 38 players who later failed in a court bid to recover the money after a magistrate ruled that the Christmas tournament was illegal.
Another club was forced to shut in Belfast several years ago.
Legalise Poker in Northern Ireland is pressing for legalisation which would permit tournament poker in licensed, regulated venues with entrance fees ranging between £10 and £100 — overseen by a gaming commission which could also give the go-ahead for multi-day poker festivals with higher admission charges.
PA