Mahjong club with its own space

Regular players, older adults looking for a social hub, younger groups new to the game, and organizers of private parties or corporate events.

Session or hourly table fees, monthly memberships, lessons and leagues, private event bookings, and optional drink and snack sales.

• Strong knowledge of mahjong and its regional styles
• Running a venue and managing staff or volunteers
• Building a community and handling bookings

• A municipal business licence, zoning approval and fire and occupancy limits, which vary by city
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules differ by province)
• Serving food or drinks needs a public health permit, and alcohol needs a provincial liquor licence
• Playing for money may fall under provincial gaming laws, so check your provincial regulator before allowing stakes
• Lease commitments and slow winter or weekday periods, so keep a cash buffer
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for signage and customer communications

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your space and fit-out. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $4,000 to $18,000, depending on membership, drop-in play and events. Lease commitments and slow periods mean a cash buffer helps.

Check for a municipal business licence, zoning approval and fire and occupancy limits, which vary by city. Serving food or drinks needs a public health permit, and alcohol needs a provincial liquor licence. Check provincial gaming laws before allowing stakes, and French-language requirements in Quebec.

You need strong knowledge of mahjong and its regional styles, the ability to run a venue and manage staff or volunteers, and community-building skills. Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week.