Mansion Poker has officially decided to close its doors to its UK customers from 15 September 2014, according to an e-mail sent out by the poker room.

Customers playing from the UK, or anyone who has found this message in their inbox, should cash out immediately, with Mansion recommending Titanbet Poker as an alternative.

Mansion Poker could be the first in a wave of poker sites stopping gaming services in the UK, with the licensing system and the 15 per cent point of consumption tax applied to gaming operators introduced by the UK Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill seen as a serious threat to the industry.

However, Mansion could be acting prematurely as the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) has filed a legal challenge against the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act in the higher courts on behalf of its more than 20 members, with Mansion's decision to leave the UK marketplace possibly jeopardising the chances of this challenge succeeding.

"Due to changing regulations regarding online gaming in the United Kingdom, we must inform you that Mansion Poker is required to close its doors to UK players on September 15th, 2014. As a result, we kindly request that you withdraw any and all funds you have in your Mansion Poker account," the company statement said, while also recommending customers switch to Titanbet Poker to retain their existing VIP level with Mansion and transfer their player points, while also receiving a generous first-deposit bonus.

For more on this subject see the CS Report on the effects of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act and Cards Chat News on the GBGA challenge.