A CONTROVERSIAL club in Glasgow which sparked a police raid is being put up for sale.

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."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk