Canada

Canada's Criminal Code distinguishes a common betting house from a common gaming house. Section 197's definitions cover more than games played against the house. Charges for playing, benefit to the keeper, how a bank is held and unequal chances can be relevant.

Section 201 separately addresses keeping such a place and being found there without lawful excuse. The provisions and consequences differ by role and circumstances, so they should not be summarized as one penalty for every visitor.

Check the venue, admission or seat fees, rake and other host benefit, stakes and rewards, participant ages, and any applicable provincial or territorial authorization. A private venue or no rake alone does not settle every question.

Read the official Criminal Code, sections 197 and 201, including applicable exceptions, and obtain local advice.

General information only. Check the current law and obtain local advice about your particular arrangements.

Using PokerDIY to find or organize a game does not determine whether that game complies with local law. Check the rules for the location, stakes or prizes, fees, organizer benefit and participant ages before joining or hosting.

Using chips instead of cash does not remove the need to check the law, particularly when chips can be redeemed or players pay to compete for something of value.

A listing’s title, description, city and approximate map location are public. Saved full-address and phone fields are visible only to the listing owner on the game page. Website and social-link fields on Verified listings are visible to signed-in members. Only Verified listings can receive private messages. On standard listings, the private-contact button takes players to public comments. Keep meeting addresses and personal arrangements out of public descriptions and comments, and read the privacy policy. Use your own judgment when meeting a new host or player.

For a listing or account problem, contact PokerDIY support. For a game's legality, speak to a qualified local adviser.

Start with the current law for the country, state or province where the game takes place. The rules can distinguish a player from an organizer, and a private social game from a club or business.

• Venue and invitations: Is it a private residence, club, business or public event? Are public invitations or advertising allowed?
• Host benefit: Will anyone receive rake, seat fees, required purchases, donations or another benefit connected with the game?
• Stakes and rewards: What limits apply to wagers, player winnings, entry fees or prizes? Are chips redeemable?
• Participants: Are there age requirements, equal-play conditions or a requirement for an existing social relationship?
• Authorization: Does the game meet every condition of an applicable exception, defense or license?

Use this help centre's jurisdiction links and get local advice about the actual arrangements. A private venue or game without rake is only part of the assessment.

General information only. Check the current law and obtain local advice about your particular arrangements.