Gaming Information

Poker games/tournaments, etc.

The Fredericton Police Force has recently received inquiries related to the legalities surrounding the hosting of poker type games in support of charities and other causes. Where we regret anything that would hinder charity fundraising activities, the Fredericton Police Force wish to inform the public that it is an offense under Section 201 of the Criminal Code of Canada to keep a gaming or betting house.

1. Every one who keeps a common gaming house or common betting house is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
   
2. Every one who :
   
   (a) is found, without lawful excuse, in a common gaming house or common betting house, or
   (b) as owner, landlord, lesser, tenant, occupier or agent, knowingly permits a place to be let or used for the purposes of a common gaming house or common betting house, s guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

The Fredericton Police Force is not in a position to interpret the legislation surrounding this crime.

Please be advised that all reported cases of keeping a common gaming or common betting house will be fully investigated. When the games are found to be in violation of the law, all persons found in (players), organizers and/or other persons such as establishment owners are subject to prosecution under the provisions of this legislation. Where the evidence supports a charge, the appropriate recommendations will be made to the Crown Prosecutor's Office.