Ireland will play host to the world's biggest ever strip poker contest if bookmaker Paddy Power gets its way.

The idea was originally floated as an April Fool's joke but generated so much interest that Dublin-based Paddy Power has decided to look seriously at organising a contest it hopes will find a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

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"We got almost 100 requests to take part," the company's spokesman, also called Paddy Power, said. "We're trying to investigate whether it's possible or whether we'll get put in prison for it."

Poker has become big business in recent years thanks to televised competitions promising big cash prizes and gaming companies such as Paddy Power offering on-line tournaments.

A spokesman for Guinness World Records confirmed that its research unit was looking into what would be a new category for the organisation: "We're considering their claim and we'll get back to the organisers shortly."

Power said the company, which often grabs headlines with contentious adverts and unusual betting opportunities, hoped to host the event in August or September but had yet to decide on a prize: "Maybe a gold pair of underpants or a golden fig leaf would be most appropriate."

Source: Reuters UK