Is playing poker for money legal?

[Fallen_Paladin]

I know in some states, small private poker parties, where the person organizing it isn't taking a cut of the pot is legal, as long as the people gathered know each other outside of playing poker together (called social gaming). Is it legal in Ontario however? My friend and I play poker together bi-monthly. We usually don't play for much, $5 or $10 games, but I'd hate to think what we were doing was illegal.

[jeeva86]

I'd assume it's legal since it's just like betting. But at the same time, who's gonna catch you gambling like that unless you are in a public place.

[Fallen_Paladin]

Here's the thing though, and once again, I'm not sure how it is in Canada, betting is illegal, but games of skill and chance are not neccesarily illegal, which is why there's usually a skill testing question on the back of those free lotteries.

[Kasakato]

I'd assume it's legal since it's just like betting. But at the same time, who's gonna catch you gambling like that unless you are in a public place.

Any for-profit betting is illegal in Canada, unless licensed.

[Kasakato]

http://www.gaminglawmasters.com/jurisdictions/canada/SkillvsChanceOct2004.htm

[Cafe_333]

You simply just can't run a gambling organization or your own private casino for profit. Playing private home games is perfectly fine.

[king_george]

In Ontario, all card games for money are legal unless there is a "house" involved that takes a percentage of the pot or charges admission. Game antes or minimum stakes are not considered admission fees.

You and your friends can get a game together anytime and play for as much money as you want without breaking any laws.

I used to play at a regular game where it was winner take all and the minimum stake you had to have was $300. Winner bought KFC for all :D Heck we played once a month on a friday night and had to turn people away because of the lack of room. The winner usually walked out with about $5,000after playing for about 12 hours (minus the KFC of course). Sometimes there were split games and other people went home winners too.

Game on!! :D

[vrus]

Sit n go's that vrus can't afford

I'd probably kick a few chairs if I placed 2nd.