The government has been accused of favouring private members' clubs in new gambling legislation.
All the major pub trade associations have put in forceful submissions to a consultation - pushing hard for the maximum stake and prize limits to be the same for pubs and members' clubs, once new laws take effect on September 1.
Under the Gambling Act 2005, pubs and clubs will for the first time be allowed to host games such as bingo and poker for money.
However, the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) consultation, which closed on April 20, reveals a glaring disparity between stakes and prizes allowed for licensed premises.
For members' clubs, stakes up to £10 per person per game will be allowed, with a weekly prize limit of £1,000 for an individual outlet. But for pubs, individual stakes for all equal chance games will be restricted to £5 per game and a weekly prize limit of £500.
"There doesn't seem to be any rationale to have a difference between private members' clubs and pubs," said Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association.
"We are broadly in agreement with what has been outlined, but are looking for a level playing field."
Poker in pubs has soared in popularity in recent years and many licensees will be looking to take advantage of the new laws.
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has also hit out at the proposals.
Chief executive Nick Bish said: "In this age of increasing equal treatment of licensed premises it seems bizarre of the government to differentiate between pubs and clubs when it comes to gaming stakes."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "With the smoking ban coming up licensees need every bit of help to attract customers."
Licensees also appear confused by the DCMS's plans. Francois Jardin, licensee at the Guildford Tup in Guildford, Surrey, which hosts poker nights, said: "I can't see why they are making a difference between pubs and private clubs. It should be £10 for everyone."
In response, a DCMS spokeswoman said: "We are committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with the various parties."