Jag the Joker

'Jag the Joker', or 'Jokers Wild', is the name typically given to a promotional game popular in many hotels and clubs throughout Queensland.

The Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999 allows a promotional game to be conducted by a publican or a club licensee. By definition, a promotional game is a game conducted to promote goods and services.

Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) Inspectors have identified the game in various forms, some of which are in breach of the Act.

Jag the Joker, or Jokers Wild, should generally have the following characteristics in order to meet the requirements of the Act:

  • Entry to this type of game must be free.
  • The game is set up by placing 53 playing cards (including a joker), face down on a board within a glass case, or otherwise covered for security purposes.
  • The board is positioned on a wall visible to patrons, but unable to be accessed by the general public.
  • The terms and conditions of the game are displayed next to the board. These would usually indicate:
    • the time and place of the draw
    • the procedures to be followed
    • and
    • the requirement that a person must be present at the draw to be eligible to win a prize.
  • The value of the major prize and any consolation prize should be clearly displayed. These prizes are supplied by the publican or by the club.
  • A player enters the game by receiving a free ticket after purchasing a product. The price of the product must not exceed the usual price for which it is sold.
  • Each week a ticket is drawn out and the holder turns over a card.
  • If the Joker is revealed, the person wins the major prize. If not, the person may receive a consolation prize.
  • The game continues with a weekly draw until the Joker is revealed.
  • The prize pool may increment each week, such increments being provided by the publican or the club.

Note: You should seek independent legal advice if you are in doubt about the legality of any game conducted on your premises.

Read more about the common types of gaming that fall within not-for-profit and charitable gaming legislation.

  • Last reviewed: 8 Apr 2019
  • Last updated: 8 Apr 2019