Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I hold a casino night?


 

‘Non-commercial casino nights’ are permitted for charitable purposes in some circumstances. You should read all of the information below before organising an event, including the three types of casino nights listed below.

A non-commercial casino night is an event where participants stake money on casino-style games, such as poker or roulette, at a non-commercial event, where none of the money you raise from the event is used for private gain.

Proceeds

Apart from reasonable costs, proceeds (the money raised from the event):

  • must not be used for private gain
  • must all be given to a good cause (including any entrance fees, sponsorship, and the difference between stakes placed and payout made).

Reasonable costs would include costs incurred by providing the prizes. If third parties are selling goods or services at your event, for example if someone is selling refreshments, this does not count as money raised for the charity or good cause and can be retained by that third party.

Prizes

Prizes in non-commercial gaming can include cash, as long as they remain within the applicable limits.

Participation of under 18s

Persons under 18 are allowed to participate in casino nights if they are run as non-commercial gaming.

Licences / permissions needed

A non-commercial casino night can be run without a licence, or any other form of permission, providing the operation of the gaming falls into one of the three categories.

Types of casino nights

Page last reviewed: April 2013

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