Pop-up mahjong nights

Casual players, beginners wanting to learn, friend groups, and long-time players looking for a regular game. Venues may also pay you to bring in customers.

A per-person ticket or drop-in fee for each session, plus optional beginner lessons, private group bookings and a small venue hire or revenue-share arrangement.

• Knowing at least one style of mahjong well
• Welcoming and organizing groups
• Promoting events on social media and community boards

• Event or commercial general liability insurance, and whether the venue requires it
• Playing for money may fall under provincial gaming rules, so check your provincial regulator and consider a no-stakes policy
• If food or alcohol is served, check who holds the permit or licence (the venue or you) with your local public health unit and provincial liquor regulator
• Playing recorded music in public can require copyright licences, check before using it
• Winter weather can cut attendance, so plan indoor venues and flexible dates

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on your equipment and venue arrangements. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $500 to $3,000, depending on how often you run events and how many players attend.

Check whether the venue requires event or commercial general liability insurance. Playing for money may fall under provincial gaming rules, so check your provincial regulator. If food or alcohol is served, check who holds the permit or licence with your local public health unit and provincial liquor regulator.

You need to know at least one style of mahjong well, welcome and organize groups, and promote events on social media and community boards. Estimates suggest at least around 6 hours a week.