Live Action

So some of you are here grinding away and from time to time you may actually want to venture out and play some live poker. Since we are not Las Vegas your choices will be limited. On the island there is only one game in town that being the Casino de Montreal. According to their site "The Casino de Montréal offers eighteen Texas Hold'em Poker tables with croupiers. The game is available with and without limits, with bets starting at $1 to $2. One electronic Texas Hold'em poker machine is available for clients who prefer this mode." The Poker room pays $250 to the best hand of the day and offers a Bad Beat Jackpot that often passes $170 000 (as of September 19th it was over $175 000).

Off the island the action can be found in Khanawake. An earlier blog talks about getting there (car is best). Currently there are two poker clubs with a third set to open.

-Snakes poker club- According to their site Snakes was founded in 2006 "in March 2009 the current building was built and “Snake’s Poker Club” was moved in and put forth the charge that helped push the Montreal poker scene to where it is today. Stan has held strong to the idea of serving the “Blue Collar Poker Players” while hosting larger buy in tournaments as the demand comes, but always keeping in mind where he would be without his working class players and friends. Some poker rooms will come and go and some will change their names, but Snakes Poker Club will remain the Original Poker room that it started as, and will move into the future with the same morals and friendly family atmosphere that has been the standard of this wonderful business. As the times change so we will our poker club but never losing site of the original idea, and always catering to the “Blue Collar Poker Player”.More impressive as of press time their bad beat jackpot was over $128 000.

Playground Poker- Reviews are generally positive about Playground. The concesus is that The Playground Poker clubhas a Vegas feel, with excellent customer service. The club offers a wide variety of tournaments including one recently that featured Canadiennes great Guy Lafleur and Carey Price. If you are a fan of live poker a visit to Kahnawake should definitley be on your agenda.

 

The Language of Montreal part 1

So enough about coming here and rules and regulations, there are some things you must know once you are here. The following is a list of terms that may be unfamiliar to newcomers;

Depanneur- In New york it's a bodega in other places 7-11, Circle K or just plain old convenience stores. Here we call them depanneurs. You can purchase both wine and beer at a depanneurs but only till 11 pm.When you want a snack at 2 in the morning. look for the depanneur sign.

Guichet- Also known as automatic tellers these beasts are known to relinquish cash in large amounts. Guichets can be found at almost all major banks and many depanneurs and gas stations.


SAQ- Want more then beer and wine you need to find a liquor commission (SAQ). Spread out throughout the city don't be surprised if the nearest one is not so close by. The hours may vary by store but there are none open after 11.

Bagel- What you think you know what a bagel taste like? Montreal bagels are boiled before being cooked in wood burning ovens. Although bagels are made throughout the city check out Fairmount street or St-Viateur east of Parc for some of the cities oldest bagel bakeries.

Smoked Meat- Closer to pastrami then corned beef this uniquely Montreal treat puts any other smoked brisket sandwich to shame. Try different locations as every major deli has there own style. To try the most famous sandwich try Schwartz's on Saint Laurent, be prepared to wait in line, share a table and get attitude from the waiters.

Poutine- Although the popularity of this dish has grown in recent years many people are not familiar with this Quebec classic Basically poutine is french fries topped with cheese curds covered with brown gravy. There are several variations of it the most common being poutine Italienne which substitute michigan (meat) sauce for gravy. I prefer it without the cheese (which by the way is sold on the counter). To order a  fry with gravy ask for a frite sauce.

I will tell you more about life in Montreal but after talking about all this food I am getting hungry. So now that you have seen a little bit about what we have to offer the only thing I want to know is if you have a taste for Montreal yet?

You dont want to live there

Someone asked me today about an apartment they were currently negotiating for. I informed them that it was in a French area of town. The landlord told him he was a couple of blocks from the English area. Yeah and I can only imagine what the apartment really looked like.

How could you possibly expect to know what a place really looks like from only a few pictures. Without having an even rudimentary knowledge of the city how could you know what area of town is right for you. While you may plan on spending little time in your neighborhood, you will be spending time there. By telling me exactly what you are looking for and  what your needs are I can ensure that you find the apartment you are looking for in an area that best suits your needs.

Criminal record? Try somewhere else.

If you have a criminal record you will most likely be refused entry into Canada. According to the following excerpt from Citizenship and Immigration Canada it is possible to overcome criminal inadmissibility. Based on the amount of times there are words such as depending and may I would not put much stock into it. If you have a passed conviction including DUI there is a very strong likelihood you will be refused entry to Canada. I recently had a client refused entry to Canada at the border which resulted in the client having to forget about Canada and poker dreams and me having wasted 2 days preparing for his visit. For more information please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/visit/conviction.asp or consult your local Canadian embassy.

Visiting Canada: Overcoming criminal inadmissibility

This information is intended for general guidance and reference only. A legal decision on your inadmissibility can only be made at the time you seek entry into Canada either through an application or at a port of entry.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the time elapsed and your behaviour since it was committed or since you were sentenced, you may no longer be considered inadmissible to Canada. You may be permitted to come to Canada if

• you are able to satisfy an immigration officer that you meet the legal requirement to be deemed rehabilitated; or
• you have applied for rehabilitation and your application has been approved; or
• you have obtained a pardon; or
• you have obtained a temporary resident permit.

Deemed rehabilitation

You may be deemed rehabilitated if you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Depending on the nature of your offence, at least five years and as many as 10 years must have passed since you completed the sentence imposed for your crime. Deemed rehabilitation also depends on whether you have committed one or more offences. In all cases, you may only be deemed rehabilitated if the offence committed would be punishable in Canada by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than 10 years.

You are not required to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated. However, before arriving at a port of entry, we strongly advise you to contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate outside Canada to see if you qualify.

Coming into Canada Temporary Tourist Visa FAQ's

Americans may choose is to apply for a temporary tourist visa from the Canadian government. While Americans can’t work in Canada with that visa, they can set up temporary residence and a bank account. With both those items, players can set up accounts at any poker site including PokerStars, Full Tilt, Party Poker....

For starters I am not a lawyer or an immigration specialist and as such please use any legal information as a guideline only. Now that I have posted my disclaimer here are some FAQ

How long can I stay?
Americans arriving in Canada are allowed to stay for up to 6 months.

Does 6 month represent an annual figure?
According to Canadian Border Services Agency the 6 months reset every time you leave the country.

Are there any restrictions?
The visit must be for non commercial purposes. You are not allowed to seek employment of any kind while here.

What will I need to cross the border?
A passport or other form of official id accepted by customs. In addition you may be asked where you are staying, for how long, your intentions while here, to provide proof of funds and a return ticket if arriving by air.

Can I be refused?
The customs agency can refuse you entry for virtually any reason. Make sure that you are presentable, respectful and polite and no matter what do tell them their job no matter what they sayou were. Do not make unwarranted jokes and remember to leave any drugs or firearms you may have at home. Generally speaking the Canadian Customs agents are not as tough as ICE in the US. Most important of all is do not have a criminal record (which in itself is grounds for refusal).

If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask, as always I can be reached at MontrealFranklinM@Gmail.com.

Information overload or why you need help.

As you consider the move you have to deal with a myriad of information and it is not long before you have more questions then answers. Is the apartment you found in the right area, what do you need to open up a new account bank account or poker account, how long can you stay, questions about local customs, areas to eat..... Most people require assistance to do something as simple as buy a pair of shoes but consider moving hundreds of miles without a local contact.

One of my newest clients sent me an email today that in a simple manner expressed the clients gratitude for the assistance I have provided for them.

           "Thanks for your help,... it is nice to finally have some guidance
              instead of doing guess work.  We appreciate it. Thank You "

For additional information as to how I can help you come to Montreal to play feel free to email me at MontrealFranklinM@Gmail.com.

Tax free winnings.......maybe

First the good news Unlike the United States, where income from lottery and gambling winnings are taxable, gambling and lottery proceeds in Canada are not subject to tax. This is to say that the average person cannot be compelled to share their winnings with the government. Now the bad news since Canadian taxation is based on source income if you are a professional gambler you could be forced to share the wealth with Canada.

The best way to avoid being labeled a professional gambler is to not help the government labels you one. To accomplish this do not declare yourself a professional gambler when opening your bank account. When asked to list a profession state that you are retired. If necessary (and possible) be prepared to show bank statements or other private accounts that would prove that you are not dependent on the gambling income.

I am not an accountant or a lawyer anyone wanting more information on tax laws in Canada should consult an attorney, accountant or revenue Canada. No taxes, low rents, beautiful women, great food…. What are you waiting for Montreal is waiting for you.

As always for more information about moving to Montreal or anything Montreal please contact Franklin at MontrealFranklinM@Gmail.com
.

 

What to expect when renting

The Lease
In the Province of Quebec all leases must be drafted on the official government form. All the rules and regulations can be found on the back pages of the form and are actually excerpts from the Civil Code of Quebec. Building owners will usually have their own rules and regulations form. In the event that any rule conflicts with the lease the rule is deemed to be null and void.

First months rent
As previously stated in this Blog in Quebec landlords are only allowed to ask for the first month rent in advance. Landlords are not entitled to last month rent or a security deposit. A tenant may make a deal with a landlord if they are unable to provide adequate proof of income. A landlord can not insist on any additional payment if the tenant is able to prove adequate income.

What is the apartment going to look like and how much?
Like any major city Montreal has a wide variety of apartments fitting every possible budget. Typically Montreal apartments have high ceilings (9-12 feet) offer wood floors which can be parquetry  but are more often hard wood, high ceilings, fridge and stove (sometimes dish washers and washing machines). Prices start at under $500 for studio (one bedroom) apartment and go as high as $1750 for a two bedroom. Prices can vary greatly from area to area which is why you need an experienced person living in Montreal finding you the best apartment most suited for your needs. We am including pictures of sample apartments that we have rented in the past. If you are looking for the right apartment for you we can help contact Franklin at MontrealFranklinM@Gmail.com.


Some sample apartments......


                                              4650 Bonavista $1650 (right)

This spacious beautiful apartment will meet all your needs. Complete with separate kitchen dinning and living areas this beautiful air conditioned apartment features; granite kitchen counters, 9 foot ceilings, finished hardwood floors, recessed lighting, a balcony, a stainless steel appliances, (fridge, stove, dishwasher), a hookup for a stack-able washer/dryer and including heat and hot water this luxurious apartment offers everything you could need in a great location.


 
                     20 Saint Paul west corner Saint Laurent $1750 (unheated) (left)

With  over 1300 square feet spread out on two floors this spacious two bedroom two bathroom apartment is located in a historical building in the heart of Old Montreal. The apartment offers hardwood floors, a fridge, stove, dishwasher and fully functional wood-burning stove, central air-conditioning, walk-in closets and washer dryer hook-up.

Situated in the middle of Montreal’s historic old city and found directly across the street from the famous Old Port. This magnificent apartment offers unique views of Montreal’s South Shore and Ile Notre-Dame. Tenants can relax and enjoy the summer on the spacious second floor deck. Highlights of the view include such Montreal landmark’s as The Montreal Casino and the American Pavilion from Expo ’67.

Commissioner or Oaths (Certifying documents)

In Quebec all leases must be a executed on the standardized government form which is readily available for $2 from most stores including depanneurs (convenience stores), hardware stores and office supply stores. So as to prove a lease is valid you will be required to certify it. In Quebec a Commissioner of Oaths can attest that a copy of a document is identical to the original. The person presenting the copy can make an oath before a Commissioner that it is identical to the original.

While some professions like notaries, attorneys and even mayors automatically become Commissioners anyone can apply and subsequently become appointed. Cost for this service cab vary by professionals. For more information about Commissioners of Oaths please consult the official Quebec site at

http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/sujets/glossaire/comm-asser-a.htm.

For quick access to an affordable notary
                        MontrealFranklinM@Gmail.com.

How Much will this cost me?

I was recently referred to a site that offers assistance to players looking to move abroad for the low fee of $1000. For this fee you get information, contacts, costs and guidance. In other words nothing actual, relocation costs, such as transportation, moving fees, deposits, and the like, are all the responsibility of the client, just as they would be without the service. In addition the company offers assistance for several countries including Canada. One can only assume that they have extensive contacts in many cities who are probably aware of what is going on.

People are unique, no two people have the same wants, desires or needs. To assume that anyone can create a package that will meet all their needs is ludicrous, to pay $1000 for that package is crazy. As an experienced property manager I know that there are 100's of things to consider when selecting a residence each one unique to the individual.

I am a fourth generation Montreal resident that has extensive contacts throughout the city. I will personally assist you with all aspects of your move. I can ensure that you find the right apartment in the area that is best for you. I will bring you directly to professionals including lawyers, accountants. I will assist you in opening a bank account and bring you to a commissioner of oaths to certify your documents. I will speak to you directly and create a package based on your all of your individuals needs. The best part is that this could be done for as little as $250. If more then one person is moving there is an additional fee of $50/person (maximum of 3 people total).


Editors note: While I will not edit past blogs information I do reserve the right to change my price and services all prices quoted in this article are subject to change.

Tourist Visa

As a Canadian dealing with visas are not an issue for me, however I have on time to time dealt with Canadian Customs. Like most nations the customs officers have enormous powers and are not always fully aware of the law. As I am sure someone out there reading this blog will know that you can have everything 100% in order and still be refused entry. Believe me the last thing you want is for refused entry to show up every time they scan your passport.

To get to the bottom of this I will speak to professionals in the field as well as Canada Customs to determine the best steps you could take to obtaining and extending tourist visas. They say the first step to solving a problem is to first accept it so I admit my knowledge in this area is week but that I will do whatever I can to improve it.

How to get to the Kahnawake Poker Clubs

In Montreal legal poker is limited to the casino, however just south west of the city is the Kahnawake Reserve which hosts two different poker clubs those being Playground Poker and Snakes Poker Club.  These clubs are located less then 15 minutes from downtown by car. The clubs can be accessed through public transportation as well.

To get to Kahnawake using public transit;

Start at the Angrignon metro station and take one of the CITSO busses.
You can find the schedule at;

http://www.citso.org/horaires-et-trajets/kahnawake/

For Playground Poker
Get off at the route 138 stop. It is right in front of Playground Poker Club.

Snakes Poker Club
Get off at KOC (Kahnawake office complex) and then proceed on foot (for about 40 minutes).
-Head NW towards River Road (97 yards)
-Turn left onto River Road (142 yards).
-Turn left onto Old Malone Highway (1.1 miles)
-Turn left into old Qc-132 (1.7 miles)
-Turn right towards Qc 132 east (11 yards)
-Turn left onto Qc 132 (club will be on right 382 yards)

Although not really very far from the city as you can see access to the clubs can be a little difficult. As a  Montrealer I personally would recommend getting a small group together and sharing a cab.

As you can see it may not be so easy to get to the clubs but it is well worth the trip if you are looking for some live action. Both clubs offer good food, tournaments and cash games.

For more information about these clubs, rentals in Montreal,  anything else in this blog, or anything Montreal please feel free to contact me directly at:

MontrealPokerPlayers@gmail.com

Play online in Quebec at espacejeux.com

Lotto Quebec has its own web sight for poker and gaming. To join this sight there are residency requirements (2 years at the same location) and they do require credit card verification. Anyone without a drivers license or credit card issued by a local bank can  send in utility and cellular invoices showing their address.  So you pretty much need to do the same steps as you would to join any other site but at least you know you will be winning local money and in doing do supporting the local economy.

Anyone interested in checking out this site should go to www.espacejeux.com.

Rental costs?

Like any major city Montreal has a wide range of rental properties. With prices starting under $500/month Montreal remains one of Canada's most affordable cities. For those with a taste for the finer things in life Montreal has some incredible high end units.

Typically Montreal apartments offer high ceilings and hardwood floors. Wether you are looking for a home, duplex or apartment I am sure to find something to meet all your needs.

Lease periods generally range between six months to one year although lease terms can vary. Most landlords will be reluctant to end a lease in the winter months since this is a very slow rental period.

By law landlords are not entitled to ask for anything other then first month in advance, however when a tenant does not qualify for rental they may offer additional payments. Most landlords will be reluctant to rent to poker players from my experience landlords have been requesting the entire lease be paid at signing.

Should you have any questions about renting in Montreal please feel free to contact me directly at Montrealpokerplayers@gmail.com.