Only those games for which a licence is available from the Registrar may be licensed.

3.2.1 GAMES PROHIBITED BY THE CRIMINAL CODE (CANADA)

The Criminal Code (Canada) prohibits the following lottery schemes:

Three-Card Monte

In Three-Card Monte, the dealer shows three cards (usually aces), two red and one black, then shuffles them face down. The player tries to guess the location of the black ace. A variation of the game is played with three cups or walnut shells and a pea.

Coin table

A coin table is enclosed by a rail and has a highly polished square surface, with many small, coloured circles. The players toss pennies or other coins from outside the rail onto the layout and receive a prize if the coin lands inside the circle.

Punchboard

A punchboard is made of pressed paper full of holes each containing a printed slip. Players pay to punch out a slip, and win a prize if the slip has a lucky word or number.

3.2.2. GAMES FOR WHICH A LICENCE IS NOT AVAILABLE

The Registrar will not issue licences for the following lottery schemes. This is not an exhaustive list; any new lottery schemes should be proposed to the Registrar for review before any further action is taken.

  • Razzle dazzle—This game is also known as razzle, bolero, football game, hundred yards or roll down. It can be played two ways: with darts or with a roll board. The object of the game is to score points.
  • Swinger game—A bowling ball is suspended from an overhead board by a hook and chain. Beneath and slightly to one side of the suspended ball, a bowling pin is placed on a table. The object of the game is to knock over the pin on the return swing of the suspended ball.
  • Pea wheel—A pea wheel is a type of wheel of fortune that has not been approved.
  • Dice games—Dice games are illegal at carnivals, designated fairs or exhibitions and are prohibited as lottery schemes for charitable licensing purposes under the Criminal Code (Canada). The Criminal Code (Canada) does allow dice games to be played in casinos under provincial licensing authority.
  • Lottery schemes in public places of amusement—Any lottery schemes proposed to be conducted and managed at public places of amusement will not be licensed.

3.2.3. AGE RESTRICTION FOR PLAYING GAMES OF CHANCE

A licensee must not allow any person apparently under the age of 18 to participate as a player in any game of chance, or the age of 19 if alcohol is included in the prizes.

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