Monte Carlo Facts

Monte Carlo is a type of event where patrons are supplied with “play money” or “funny money” to play Blackjack or the Wheel of Fortune without the use of legal tender. The event normally concludes with an auction where patrons bid with their play money.

All forms of gambling are illegal in Canada unless licensed by a regulatory authority. However, low limit poker games played in the privacy of one's own house may be legal if there is no “rake”. A “rake” is a commission or charge levied by the “house”, or the operator of the game. Because Section 204(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada allows “private bets between individuals who are not engaged in the business of betting”, home games in which no person or organization makes a profit simply from hosting or operating the game may be legal.

On May 31, 2006, the Provincial Government announced that charitable and religious gaming licensees will be able to hold Monte Carlo (Mock Casino) events. IGR, as an on-reserve licensing and regulating authority for designated First Nations, will also have authority to issue such licences in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada. Making this event part of the ‘Charitable Gaming' portfolio is part of a new provincial strategy to help charitable organizations who have struggled in recent years because of the declines in charitable gaming revenues.

Monte Carlo events shall be conducted as per the terms and conditions. These terms and conditions outline the responsibilities for the conduct and management of every aspect of the event, ensuring the event runs according to the rules of play.
It is advised that the organization running the event should advise the local police force of their plans to hold the event. Any organization that operates an event outside the terms and conditions and operates without a licence is in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada.