Gamblers who run short of cash at Crown and Anchor at Cup Match won?t have far to go to get more money.

This year, organisers will have credit card swiping machines at the tent and hope to have an ATM machine parked near the tables. And Crown and Anchor concessionaire Eddie Welch is betting that the recent ban on gaming machines will drive more gamblers to the annual event.

Mr. Welch said people getting cash advances on their credit cards will be able to get a minimum charge of $50 and a maximum charge of about $500.

And he said he is still negotiating to get permission for the ATM machine.

This year Somerset Cricket Club has rented out an allotted space to Mr. Welch for $19,000 and he in turn is renting out ten-by-12 foot spaces to table operators for $950 per day.

So, far Mr. Welch said he has secured nine tables but still has 20 spots available. Mr. Welch told yesterdaythat he has been a concessionaire for quite a few years at past Cup Matches and County Matches as well as operating his own table with his brother, Carlton.

He said: ?It gets a little stressful at times but I get enjoyment out of it.?

Mr. Welch also said he believes that because there are no longer gaming machines, gamblers will come out of retirement and head to the Crown and Anchor tables ? bringing a strong turnout.

The Somerset Cricket Club makes $19,000 on rent but the table operators and Mr. Welch are not guaranteed profit ? it all depends on how many people participate and how well the tables do. He added that running a successful table depends on the honesty of the operators and how generous they are with giving cold beer to their customers.

?Operators must be honest and stipulate what their maximum wager is,? Mr. Welch said.

Normally, the maximum wager is $1,000 and he said there are those that do bet that much.

Anyone interested in renting an area for a table can contact Mr. Welch at 334-8943.