Poker games and tournaments are commonly played outside casinos including at pubs and sporting or community clubs.
There are no restrictions on poker games and tournaments played outside the casino, provided players do not have to pay money to play in the game or tournament.
If players have to pay, (for example, the player pays a fee to enter the poker tournament or stakes money on the poker game), the following rules apply:
- the poker game or tournament must not be organised with the intention to raise money for any reason (exceptions include fundraising for charitable organisations, see fundraising involving poker below)
- all money or anything else of value that is paid or staked is returned to players as winnings in full
- a person must not receive any money or anything else of value for organising, managing or supervising the poker game or tournament (whether they take part in the tournament or not).
If the above rules are not met, the poker game or tournament may be illegal, unless a minor gaming permit has been granted (see fundraising involving poker below). Illegal poker can result in 1000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment, or both.
Can tournament organisers charge players a fee?
Tournament organisers often charge players a fee to play in a poker tournament, also known as an entry fee, a buy-in fee or an administration fee.
Tournament organisers can only charge a fee if all money paid goes back to players as winnings, in full. The tournament organiser must not keep any fees (including a share of the fees) paid by players, otherwise, the poker game or tournament may be illegal, unless a minor gaming permit has been granted (see fundraising involving poker below).
Fees may be charged and kept by tournament organisers for separate goods or services (such as food or beverages) only if players don’t have to buy them to be able to play. Where a fee is charged to a player for separate goods or services, this should be clearly explained to the player.
Gaming venues should also be aware that there are certain rules that prohibit them from charging a fee for entry to a gaming machine area.
For more information on these rules, you can contact us.
Fundraising involving poker
An organisation declared by us as a community or charitable organisation can apply for a minor gaming permit(opens in a new window) to organise a fundraising event (for example, a casino night), which may include poker.
If a minor gaming permit has been approved, the organisation may charge and keep fees associated with the event for fundraising purposes. A fundraising event must be held according to the conditions outlined on the permit.
Risks associated with playing poker outside a casino
Players should be aware that our oversight of poker games or tournaments played outside the Melbourne casino is limited to determining whether such games are unlawful.
We have no legislative power to monitor game “house” rules, investigate complaints about, or enforce the payment of winnings from such games. We cannot assist players if the organiser or host of a game fails to enforce the “house” rules or does not ensure that winnings are paid.
For more information about poker you can contact us.
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