In Canada, according to the Criminal Code of Canada (Section 197(1)) and other legal regulations, a "common gaming house" is defined as a place where gambling activities (e.g., cards, dice, slot machines) are conducted for the purpose of profit by the owner or organizer. This may include:
- A casino where a participation fee is charged or where part of the bets go to the organizer.
- A private home where people regularly gather to gamble for money, and someone takes a cut or charges a fee.
- A place where the chances of winning are not equal for all participants (for example, due to manipulation).
Such a place is considered illegal if not licensed by the authorities. In Canada, gambling is strictly regulated, and operating a "common gaming house" without a license is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine or up to 2 years of imprisonment.
Example: If someone organizes an underground poker club at home and charges a participation fee, it may be classified as a "common gaming house."
Now, a small reminder — any criminal offense is reported to the Ministry of Immigration for non-Canadians (yes, it’s a form of discrimination, in a way).
In this case, if the organizer is an immigrant with a temporary status or even permanent residence, such actions fall under the category of organized crime (yes, you read that right), which is a serious criminal offense. A conviction may lead to:
- Lifetime ban for holders of temporary visas
- Revocation of PR status for permanent residents
Conclusion: If you’re organizing a poker game with friends — don’t charge an entry fee. You never know how it might end for you!
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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