Everything you need
to host with confidence

A standard poker table requires approximately 3m x 3m of clear floor space to allow comfortable guest movement around it. A roulette wheel setup requires slightly more — around 4m x 3.5m — given the additional length of the layout and the spectator space it naturally draws. Blackjack and dice tables are similar to poker in their space requirements.

These are comfortable minimums. When we visit your venue in advance (included in Signature Lounge Evening and Great Waterline Collection packages), we'll assess the space together and confirm the optimal placement before the event.

Yes. We regularly work in outdoor settings and marquee structures for waterfront and garden events. The key requirements are a level, stable surface, adequate protection from wind (particularly for card games), sufficient lighting after dark, and a covered contingency plan for rain — particularly relevant for Canadian spring and autumn events.

We'll work through the specifics with you during the planning phase to ensure the outdoor setup is as comfortable and well-presented as any indoor equivalent.

Table experiences work best in settings that are warmly lit rather than brightly lit. Dim, ambient lighting creates the lounge atmosphere that elevates the experience — it also happens to be the kind of lighting that most premium venues already favour for evening events.

What to avoid: overly bright fluorescent lighting that eliminates atmosphere, or spaces so dark that guests struggle to see the table. We can advise on lighting adjustments for your specific venue when we visit in advance.

Our hosting team manages the welcome and introduction at every table. When a guest approaches — whether confident or curious — our hosts will engage them at the right level: offering a full introduction for new players, a brief reminder for those who've played before, or simply welcoming an experienced guest and letting them find their seat naturally.

The goal is that every guest feels welcomed at the table in a way that matches their comfort level, without making anyone feel instructed or talked down to.

This is completely normal and our tables are designed to accommodate both. Spectators are welcome at every table — in fact, a well-run roulette table will often have as many spectators as players at any given moment, and the energy they create is part of what makes the experience work.

Hosts are trained to gently engage spectators without pressuring anyone to play. The social dynamic of having a mix of players and observers is healthy and natural.

Hosts manage this naturally as part of running the table. For games like blackjack where seating is limited, our hosts will ensure there's always a clear path for new guests to join between rounds, and will invite seated guests to take a break if they've been at the table for an extended period. The aim is always a table that feels welcoming rather than exclusive.

The most effective approach depends on your event format. For standalone receptions, tables typically open 20–30 minutes after guest arrival — giving everyone time to settle in, get a drink and form initial conversations before the tables draw people in. For after-dinner settings, tables work best opening as dinner service completes, when guests are comfortable and sociable but before the evening energy drops.

For events with a formal programme (speeches, presentations), we recommend tables either running before the formal element begins or opening as soon as it concludes. We'll advise on the optimal timing for your specific event during the planning phase.

Two to three hours of active table time is the optimal window for most events — long enough for all guests to play as much or as little as they want, short enough to maintain energy throughout rather than letting the experience fade. Our longer packages are appropriate for larger events where the tables need more time to cycle through a higher guest count.

Our team typically arrives 90 minutes to two hours before the scheduled guest arrival time. This allows for a thorough setup, a full team briefing against the run-of-show, and a final quality check before the room opens. We don't cut setup time short — arriving to a fully prepared, immaculate setup is part of the experience for your guests.

No. Our hosting team introduces every format clearly and welcomes guests at every level of experience. Blackjack, roulette and dice are particularly accessible for guests who've never played before — the formats are intuitive and our hosts are patient, clear and genuinely enjoyable to learn from. Poker has a slightly steeper learning curve, which is part of what makes it so engaging for mixed-ability groups.

No. All play at every Great Lake Lounge table uses fun chips for entertainment purposes only. There is no real money, no real prizes, no wagering of any kind. Our events are purely social entertainment experiences — the chips provide the structure and excitement of table play without any financial element whatsoever.

Guest count changes are a normal part of event planning and we accommodate them wherever possible. Minor changes — up to 20% above or below the original estimate — are typically handled without any adjustment to the package. For significant changes, we'll revisit the package and staffing plan together to ensure the revised event is still properly served. We ask that final guest count confirmations are provided at least five business days before the event.

We operate across Canada and have hosted events in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and the Maritime provinces. For events outside our core Ontario base, we build travel and logistics costs into the event quote transparently — there are no hidden charges. Get in touch with your venue location and we'll confirm availability and provide a full picture of what's involved.

A brief verbal mention from the host or MC as tables open works well — something simple like introducing the experiences available and inviting guests to explore at their own pace. Keep it light and unhurried. Guests respond best when the tables feel like an invitation rather than a scheduled activity. Your Great Lake Lounge coordinator can suggest specific wording if you'd like guidance.

Ideally — enjoying the evening alongside your guests. That's precisely why we take full operational ownership of the tables and experience. The best hosts we've worked with spend the evening moving through the room, checking in with guests, and occasionally playing a few hands themselves — because their relaxed, present energy sets the tone for everyone else. Leave the mechanics to us.