Actually, raking the pot isn't the only thing making such undertakings illegal.
Any hint of a payment to the "house" will make things illegal instantly.
Even fun times like poker tournaments disguised as "contests" are prone to investigation, as something as simple as the "house" charging $10.00 per deck of cards is seen as a form of rake.
Gaming investigators have seen it all ... $50.00 hot dogs, $25.00 beers, a "service" charge for heat and light ... all seen as a rake in the eyes of the law, and all illegal in B.C.
It gets complicated, but best chances of not getting arrested are pre-announced prize monies awarded for placing 1st, 2nd, etc.
Although that prize money usually comes out of an "entry fee", which is where gaming investigators start to see the house taking a rake once more.