Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament

There are four rounds of betting:

• First round - after the two pocket cards are dealt face down to each player;
• Second round - after the first three community cards (called the flop) are dealt face-up;
• Third round - after the fourth community card (called the turn) is dealt face-up; and
• Fourth round - after the fifth community card (called the river) is dealt face-up.

Each player pays a set entry fee for the same amount of tournament chips and playing continues until all but one or a few players have lost all of their chips. The winner(s) are awarded the prize pool according to each tournament’s rules which are based on LGCA’s standard rules of play.

The LGCA licenses only Texas hold’em poker tournaments where chips are non-negotiable and have no cash value. Other poker forms such as Omaha, seven-card stud and five-card draw are not allowed as charitable gaming in Manitoba.

Only charitable and religious organizations can hold a Texas hold’em poker tournament. The LGCA licenses these types of organizations to conduct Texas hold’em poker tournaments in accordance with Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada). You can learn if your organization is eligible to apply for a licence by reviewing the LGCA's eligibility guide (click here). If your organization has never been licensed or has not had a licence in three years or more, you must submit background information to show your eligibility for a licence.

All Texas hold'em poker tournaments must be licensed regardless of the expected revenue and how the profits will be used. Conducting a Texas hold'em poker tournament without a licence is a criminal offence.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS and STANDARD RULES OF PLAY

Organizations holding Texas hold’em poker tournaments must comply with the terms and conditions set by the LGCA. The LGCA has established standard rules of play. Licensees must also set their own individual tournament rules to be used with the LGCA’s standard rules of play.

• TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Texas hold’em poker tournament
• GUIDE: Texas hold’em poker tournament standard rules of play

Fees

There are no fees for Texas hold’em poker tournaments with anticipated gross revenue of $10,000 or less.

As of April 1, 2023, the licence fee for Texas hold’em poker tournaments with anticipated gross revenue over $10,000 is 1.0% of the actual gross revenue of the tournament. The fee is due after the tournament when you submit your financial reports.

Financial reporting for all Texas hold’em poker tournaments regardless of anticipated gross income must be submitted to the LGCA after the tournament. The LGCA will let you know what your reporting requirements are when your licence is issued.

How to apply

You can apply for a Texas hold'em poker tournament licence at MyLGCA.ca (click here to be redirected).

How to make changes to a licence

Organizations that hold a charitable licence must notify the LGCA of any changes they want to make to their event, such as changes to dates, use of profits or expenses. The LGCA must approve the changes before the organization can advertise or implement them. You can submit an amendment at MyLGCA.ca (click here to be redirected).

A MyLGCA account is necessary for an organization to submit an amendment. Organizations that do not have a MyLGCA account will need to contact the LGCA for an invitation link which will be sent via email. Click here for our Contact Us form, select Gaming Licence and indicate that your organization needs to set up a MyLGCA account. You may instead phone 204-927-5300 or Manitoba only toll-free 1-800-782-0363, and ask to speak with a member of the Charitable Services department.

To ask for accessibility accommodation when making an application or requesting an amendment, contact the LGCA's Charitable Services department by phone at 204-927-5300 or by Manitoba only toll-free phone at 1-800-782-0363.

You cannot advertise your Texas hold'em poker tournament until your licence is approved.