Pop-Up mahjong nights

Players who want a regular social game, beginners keen to learn, and groups wanting a fun night out or a private event.

Entry fees per player or a monthly pass, plus beginner lessons, private group bookings and corporate or community events.

• Knowing the game and teaching beginners
• Promoting events through social media and community groups
• Organising bookings and setup

• Public liability insurance, and check what the venue's own cover includes
• Keep sessions social: charging entry while players bet may trigger gambling rules, so check your state's gaming regulator
• If you sell snacks or drinks, check council food rules and alcohol licensing rather than assuming the venue covers you
• Venue hire costs and cancellations can eat into thin margins on quiet nights

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many tables and tile sets you buy. Venue hire costs and cancellations can eat into thin margins on quiet nights, so check the numbers for each session.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many sessions you run and how many players attend. Venue hire costs come out of that, so check the numbers for each night before committing.

Things to check include public liability insurance and what the venue's own cover includes, council food rules and alcohol licensing if you sell snacks or drinks, and your state's gaming regulator if players might bet on games.