September 25, 2024
Online Poker Canada - Top 10 Real Money Canadian Poker Sites for 2024
List of best online poker sites for residents of Canada. Listed Real Money Canadian Poker sites are legal and licensed to operate.
#1 Rated Poker Site
Welcome to Top10pokersites — the most comprehensive poker knowledge hub in the world!
Our caravan of poker specialists has traveled to the farthest reaches of the poker industry in order to provide avid poker players with exclusive info on the best poker sites in their respective countries.
Recently, we’ve made a stop at the Great White North, where we spent some quality time trying to locate the premium poker platforms for Canadians.
Recommended Real Money Canadian Poker Sites
My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:- 100% Legal & Licensed
- Verified Bonus
- Mobile Friendly
- Advertiser Disclosure
Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions
- Must be 18+ to participate.
- A reputable platform in the industry
- First-Class Software
- Good Player Traffic
- Great Selection of Games & Tournaments
Exclusive bonus
100% upto $1000
Bonus Offer
UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •
Displayed 3 of 6 rooms
Having as many poker sites at your disposal as Canadians do is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you get to choose between dozens of world-renowned poker rooms. On the other, the selection is so vast that it makes it impossible for a casual player to know which sites can be trusted.
To help you narrow down the search, we carried out a detailed market assessment, separating the wheat from the chaff. After hours of analysis and comparisons, we assembled a list of the best Canadian poker sites. I know, it’s a bold statement, claiming that we provide only the best.
Take a sneak peek at my list, maybe visit some of these places; if you don’t like what you see, you can always turn back. Somehow, I think that you’ll want to stick around for a while.
100% upto $1000
+ $88/£20 Free NO DEPOSIT BONUS, No Deposit Required (T&Cs apply)
Bonus Offer
UK new players only • £20 free bonus: Full T&C apply BeGambleAware• Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • Deposit bonus: Full T&C’s apply BeGambleAware • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days •
Why We Ranked 888poker in Position 1
888’s longstanding presence in the global iGaming industry yielded a fantastic poker platform that took over the Canadian market. The seasoned operator boasts an on-brand $88 no deposit bonus for new members, perfect for kicking off the adventure and exploring available cash games and tournaments.
With a strong promotional lineup, secure payments, and efficient customer support, 888poker is the best option for CA poker enthusiasts.
Pros
- Reputable and trustworthy brand
- Engaging poker games
- Wide range of tournaments
- Rewarding bonuses for new and existing members
- Helpful articles and strategy guides
Cons
- Limited access to the live chat option (only available to registered members)
- Longer payout periods
Overview
The operator’s two-decade-long experience permeates every nook of the 888poker platform, from the proprietary software that functions seamlessly across all devices to the wide range of games, bonuses, and payments.
New and existing players can boost their bankrolls with rewarding deals and unlock additional opportunities. On top of that, the instant-play and downloadable poker client offers various real-money gambling options, including cash games, tournaments, MTTs, and SNGs.
Lastly, 888poker members can expect high protection levels and secure payments. Although the withdrawal process might be lengthy, the site ensures your funds end up in the right account. If you have questions, round-the-clock support is always there to help.
Available Poker Games
888poker puts quality over quantity — instead of focusing on the number of titles, the operator ensures its existing library has premium titles. Currently, the platform offers the following games: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and two proprietary releases, SNAP and BLAST.
On top of that, 888poker features top-notch tournaments that come in various forms, such as SNGs, MTTs, knockouts, Mystery Bounty, and more. All games and tournaments are available for instant play or through the downloadable poker client.
Bonuses
Plenty of promos await 888poker members. Besides the $88 no deposit bonus, you can collect a generous welcome offer of 100% up to $1,000. Simply deposit $10 or more and use the promo code Welcome100 to activate the bonus. From there, you can explore the gaming library or participate in tournaments to hone your skills.
That’s not all! Existing members can boost their bankrolls with ongoing promotions like freerolls, reloads, and a VIP club with excellent perks.
Customer Service
If you have questions, the best option is to start with the comprehensive FAQ section. 888poker covered key segments like player accounts, payments, bonuses, and games. If you still need help, you can send an email via the website form or live chat. Keep in mind that live chat is only available to 888poker members.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
888poker offers a rich selection of Canada-friendly payment methods. Besides the traditional banking options like credit/debit cards and bank transfers, 888poker supports convenient digital wallets and online payment systems such as Interac, iDebit, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, AstroPay, and Instadebit.
All 888poker deposits go through instantly, while withdrawals can take up to five business days, depending on the payment method.
100% upto $1000
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)
Why We Ranked Bodog Poker in Position 2
Bodog is a Canadian gambling platform with a Kahnawake Gaming Commission license. The poker client is available in instant-play or download mode, ensuring smooth navigation and lag-free gambling. Besides the generous welcome bonus, players can access weekly promotions and a rewards system that converts points into cash. Lastly, Bodog offers an anonymity feature that not many platforms possess. So, if you’re racking up a big bankroll, playing incognito might come in handy.
Pros
- Established brand with years of experience
- Rewarding welcome bonus
- Innovative games
- Mobile-friendly poker client
- Crypto-friendly platform
Cons
- Limited payment methods
- Few ongoing promotions
Overview
Bodog is a pioneer of online gambling with nearly three decades of hands-on experience. The platform boasts a high level of traffic and features a wide range of games and tournaments suitable for instant play.
Besides classics like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, Bodog carries innovative gaming options like Zone Poker that offer non-stop fun. The site also features a neat selection of tournaments, like SNGs, knockouts, and MTTs, with high guarantees.
Bodog also supports crypto payments while accommodating players who prefer traditional banking options like Interac, Visa, and Mastercard. Lastly, efficient and knowledgeable customer support is always available via live chat and email.
Available Poker Games
Bodog poker players have plenty of gambling options to choose from. Although only two types of cash games are available (Texas Hold’em and Omaha), the platform also hosts a range of jackpot SNGs, knockouts, and guaranteed prize tournaments.
Zone Poker is another exciting option for players who want to maximize their playing time. The game registers when you fold your hand and directs you to a different table. That way, you won’t waste any time proving your poker skills.
Bonuses
The Bodog poker sign-up deal is an exciting and rewarding bonus awaiting new members. Upon registering an account and depositing $10 or more, players can claim a bonus of up to $1,000 and use it to partake in cash games and tournaments.
On top of that, CA players can benefit from referral deals and Bodog Rewards that come with fantastic perks and enhance the gambling experience.
Customer Service
Bodog Poker features a comprehensive Help Center with answers regarding payments, games, bonuses, player accounts, and security. However, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can rely on live chat or email ([email protected]) for assistance.
Alternatively, you can always ask a question on the busy Bodog Forum and receive an answer in no time.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Bodog falls short regarding deposit and withdrawal options. Currently, the platform supports four banking methods: credit/debit cards, Interac, Bitcoin, and direct bank transfers.
Withdrawals depend on your deposit option. When you use Bitcoin to top up your account, you’ll easily cash out the winnings the same way and get them within several hours. However, if you use a bank card, you’ll receive the winnings via a courier check, which can take up to 15 business days.
100% upto $1000
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)
Why We Ranked TigerGaming Poker in Position 3
TigerGaming has been around since 1999, providing its members with high-quality real-money gambling options. Although it is a smaller network, it has an enviable poker client with plenty to offer.
The downloadable and instant-play poker clients feature a solid game selection and an awesome lineup of daily and weekly tournaments. On top of that, the site’s generous sign-up deal and ongoing promotions rival those of its competitors.
Pros
- Extensive experience in the iGaming industry
- Instant-play and downloadable poker client available
- Robust tournament selection
- Enticing welcome bonus
- Cryptocurrencies supported
Cons
- Smaller poker network
- Only available in USD
Overview
The Curacao-licensed gambling hub employs the Chico Poker Network, which is well-known in the industry. Through it, the site generates high-volume traffic and provides its members with an excellent range of cash games and tournaments, including satellites, knockouts, guaranteed prize events, and freerolls.
The platform is compatible with all operating systems, thus delivering smooth and lag-free gameplay across various devices. TigerGaming ensures its players can always boost their bankrolls with enticing bonuses and a rewards system.
Lastly, the broad selection of payment methods lets users transfer funds to and from their accounts safely and quickly.
Available Poker Games
TigerGaming members can play their favorite games and participate in tournaments directly from the browser or by downloading and installing the poker client. The available titles like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and 6+ Hold’em function neatly on all devices, ensuring smooth and engaging gameplay.
TigerGaming sets itself apart from the competition with an impressive range of tournaments or Tourneys — SNGs, regular tournaments, freerolls, satellites, and guaranteed prize events.
Bonuses
Canadian poker enthusiasts who join TigerGaming, deposit $50, and use the promo code NEWTG are entitled to a fantastic sign-up offer of 100% up to $1,000. The site will release the bonus in $5 increments every time you gain $50 in rake.
New members can also grab $10,000 in freerolls and use them to try various games and explore the site without worrying about losing cash from their pockets. Meanwhile, returning players can boost their bankrolls with recurring jackpot deals and weekly challenges.
Customer Service
TigerGaming offers 24/7 support to its members. If you need help, you can contact customer service via live chat or email ([email protected]). Live chat is a faster option, as agents promptly answer any questions. On the other hand, email support takes up to 24 hours to respond.
The only downside is the absence of an FAQ section, which is necessary for providing vital information regarding player accounts, security, bonuses, games, and payments.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
TigerGaming supports over a dozen cryptocurrencies and fiat payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, ecoPayz, and bank transfer. All deposits go through immediately, while withdrawals depend on the banking option. For instance, cryptocurrencies take up to 24 hours to process your withdrawal, while bank transfers take up to five business days.
100% up to $1000
$100,000
in Guaranteed Tournaments
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)
Why We Ranked BetOnline Poker in Position 4
Although primarily known for its sportsbook and online casino, the BetOnline poker room offers unique gambling opportunities and features like Bad Beat Jackpot, lottery SNGs, and plenty of guaranteed prize tournaments.
New members get a great sign-up deal, while existing players can participate in ongoing promotions and unlock additional gaming options. The neatly designed platform is available in instant-play and download modes with plenty of customization options.
Pros
- Attractive sign-up bonus
- Trusted brand with 25+ years of experience
- Proprietary poker software
- Instant play and downloadable poker client
- Mobile-friendly platform
Cons
- Fees on bank card deposits
- Slower withdrawals
Overview
BetOnline has been in the game for over 25 years. This gambling veteran has built a solid reputation and a loyal customer base thanks to its user-friendly platform, attractive sign-up offer, and innovative gaming options.
Until 2016, BetOnline used the Chico Poker Network but switched to proprietary software from Connective Games. This move helped BetOnline create a more appealing site and unique poker offer. Today, the company runs one of the biggest poker platforms catering to Canadian players.
Plenty of daily and weekly tournaments, juicy bonuses, and secure payments have cemented BetOnline’s position as one of the best poker sites in Canada.
Available Poker Games
BetOnline offers instant play and downloadable gambling options. While No-Limit Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud dominate the game lobby, BetOnline also features unique titles like Boost Poker, 6+ Hold’em, and Windfall Poker.
Additionally, the Tourneys section hosts various tournaments, including freerolls, regulars, satellite, and guaranteed prize events. With such a wide range of daily events, casual and seasoned poker players will have plenty of options to test their skills and strategies.
Bonuses
BetOnline offers a very enticing sign-up bonus. Newly registered members can claim a 100% up to $1,000 bonus by depositing $50 or more and entering the promo code NEWBOL. After every $50 earned in rake, the operator will release $5 in bonus money.
That’s only the beginning! BetOnline offers several other poker-related promotions, including Bad Beat Jackpot, $1 million Sit & Go, and leaderboard games that award fantastic prizes to the most successful players.
Customer Service
The BetOnline poker room boasts the finest customer support in the industry. Besides the extensive FAQ section and Help Center, the platform offers three communication channels — phone (1-888-426-3661), email ([email protected], [email protected]), and live chat.
All support channels are available 24/7, answering your questions quickly and helping you enjoy online poker.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
BetOnline provides a wide range of secure and trustworthy payment methods. CA players can choose between fiat currency options like Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Person2Person, MoneyOrder, wire transfer, and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Solana, Cardano, Tether, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
All BetOnline deposits instantly reach your balance, while withdrawals require more time and patience. Cryptocurrency payouts are processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers can take up to 15 business days.
100% upto $1000
(T&Cs/wagering requirements apply)
Why We Ranked SportsBetting Poker in Position 5
Despite its name, the operator has plenty to offer to Canadian poker fans. From the attractive welcome bonus and generous Bad Beat Jackpot to a great range of games and tournaments, SportsBetting knows how to appeal to passionate players. Even with the slightly outdated design, the poker room functions smoothly across all devices, both in instant-play and download mode.
Pros
- Seasoned operator with years of experience
- Appealing sign-up deal
- High-volume traffic
- Crypto-friendly platform
- Instant-play option available
Cons
- Low tournament guarantees
- No anonymous games
Overview
Although younger than its competition, SportsBetting boasts a solid poker client. Formerly part of the Chico Poker Network, the platform now uses proprietary software, the same as BetOnline, and caters to a global audience, including Canadian poker enthusiasts.
New members can initiate their gaming experience with a generous welcome bonus while existing members can boost their bankrolls with ongoing deals and offers like a six-figure Bad Beat Jackpot.
Additionally, fast payments and the crypto-forward approach help SportsBetting Poker remain on top of trends while ensuring a safe gambling environment. Although it may be a sports betting-focused site, the platform’s independent poker network is far from lacking.
Available Poker Games
The game collection has improved ever since SportsBetting switched to proprietary software. Players can use their poker skills to play Texas Hold’em and Omaha variations and 6+ Poker. The table limits are player-friendly, ranging from $0.05/$0.10 to $15/$30.
While cash game fans will have plenty of options, tournament lovers might feel underwhelmed. Although the lineup isn’t that bad, the guarantees rarely exceed $1,000, which is why some players might switch to another poker platform.
Bonuses
The new player bonus at SportsBetting Poker amounts to $1,000, giving you the necessary boost to start on the right foot. After depositing $50 or more and entering NEWSB into the promo code field, you’ll activate the bonus. The operator will then release it in $5 increments for every $50 you earn in rake.
SportsBetting Poker also lets new users jump into $10,000-worth freerolls, giving plenty of opportunities to explore the game and tournament collection. On top of that, players can participate in $1 million SNGs, Bad Beat Jackpot promos, and Play & Win leaderboards.
Customer Service
SportsBetting boasts an extensive FAQ section that covers various topics, including payments, bonuses, games, and player accounts. However, if you still need help after browsing the answers, you’ll be able to contact customer support via live chat, phone (1-888-843-9027), and email ([email protected] or [email protected]).
Live chat and phone are the fastest options, while email support needs up to 24 hours to respond.
Deposit Methods and Payout Speed
Players can make deposits and payouts using cryptos (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano) or standard payment methods (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, Person2Person, Money Order, wire transfer).
While all deposits are instant, withdrawals can take between 24 hours and ten days, depending on the payment option.
Poker sites in particular have significantly increased in their number as well as their game selection. This, however may be due to the fact that many of the world’s best poker players are in fact Canadian citizens. Nevertheless each person of that country has the right to exercise any game of fortune they may choose. All they have to do is inform themselves on the major issues which tend to arise in this area.
We were astonished by how popular poker is in this country, so we decided to provide a full breakdown of the online poker industry in Canada, asking questions like:
Canada has largely opened up its online gates to many sorts of gambling sites. Recent years have seen the rise of available online poker rooms suitable to Canadian conditions. Yet, regardless of the offerings, there are several key factors which need to be accounted for when choosing the most suitable sites for Canadian players.
The number of online poker sites that allow and accept Canadian poker players are certainly not low, however when playing poker in the online environment you really do owe it to yourself to play only at the better run sites, more so if you want to ensure you are going to get paid quickly when you win!
If you’re ready to join the likes of Daniel Negreanu, Jonathan Duhamel, and Mike McDonald, keep reading.
Canada Poker News
View AllHow We Rate Canadian Poker Sites
In order to be as transparent as possible, we created this page to show you how we review Canadian poker sites. It’s by no means an easy task, simply because there are so many of them. To distinguish the best from the rest, we use our multi-stage selection process. Only the operators that have met our strict criteria for safety and trustworthiness will make it onto our exclusive list.
Take a look at our unique process for providing only the best sites for our fellow Canadian poker players.
Safety and Security
To get a recommendation from my team, every poker site needs to be properly regulated. By that, I mean that it needs to possess a license from a trustworthy jurisdiction. The most prominent domestic poker regulator is the Kahnawake Gambling Commission. As for international authorities, the UKGC and the MGA stand out as the most respectable names.
Other than licensing and regulation, we check the security measures used by the poker site to protect players’ personal and financial data. In this regard, the strongest security protocol is 128-bit SSL encryption. Heavily secured Canadian poker sites also utilize advanced firewalls and additional tools like DPOs.
Getting swept away by the excitement and cash grabs of online poker rooms can sometimes be harmful over time. It can create problems that you might not notice over time. We take responsible and safe gambling serious here at Top10PokerSites.
You gambling responsibly is important to not just yourself but also your friends and your family. The best thing you can do is set yourself out a set of rules that limits you to how many hours you play poker online. Another rule that is good to use is the strict bankroll rule, where you set a weekly limit not exceed it.
Subsequently, what this does it allow those with potential problems to negate their chances at spending more than they intended. Almost every poker room and mobile poker app provide services for responsible gambling as it is mandated under their licensing regulations. Those can include programs that help players control their temptations. You can even refer yourself as a gambling addict to the casino, allowing them to remove you from the service if you break your own rules.
High-End Software
Impeccable might be a strong word to use here, but we truly don’t accept anything but the best in this area. The software a poker client runs on needs to be stable and run smoothly on all devices. Any glitches and bugs urge us to disregard that operator from further consideration.
In our estimation, a top-notch poker site should offer most features across all platforms, including the desktop client and the ones specifically designed for mobile devices. The mobile version of the site needs to resemble the desktop platform in terms of supported features and game variety.
Poker rooms are built in two different configurations, downloadable and flash. The poker sites listed at on this page have both these configurations built into them. Chat boxes and hand histories are also built into these poker rooms as standard features. Our listed sites also provide table filters, allowing users to alter the table in the way that best suits their playing needs.
There is an extensive list of poker sites available in Canada; it has become an over-saturated market over time. We’ve spent the better part of week filtering out the good from the bad, allowing Top10PokerSites to provide you with a respectable list of poker rooms. Most poker sites lean towards using poker software created by developers like Microgaming or Playtech. However, there are poker sites that use their own proprietary software to enhance gameplay for players.
Finding out the best poker site for you has its own trail and errors. There are players who prefer to stick with a single brand and others who like to play at dozens of different poker rooms. Deciding which play style is best for you is required to get the most out of your experience.
Wide Range of Games
A first-class poker site is characterized by a versatile gaming lineup, both quality, and quantity-wise. On our list of recommended sites, you can choose between an array of poker tables, with bet sizes ranging from CA$1/CA$2 all the way to the high stakes tables.
Both high rollers and beginners must feel comfortable with the selection and have to be able to find a poker game that suits their playing preferences. So what are we looking for here, exactly? We’re looking for a poker site that hosts a number of SNGs and tournaments every day, has several poker varieties on offer, and can appeal to players of various stakes’ levels.
Well-Balanced Traffic
This is just as significant as the previously mentioned factors. A great poker site should have balanced traffic — not too little, not too much. If the site is obscure, you’re probably going to have to wait for the tables to fill up.
On the other hand, if the website is crowded, you’ll be forced to wait for an open seat. That’s why we make sure to handpick poker sites with stable traffic. During peak hours, you should be able to join a table with ease, regardless of the stake level you’re looking for.
Canadian online poker rooms have gained the confidence of players around the country. Operating on advanced software, playing these poker games has never been as straightforward or easy. Online poker sites like 888poker use their own proprietary software to provide easy-to-stream gameplay.
The performance of the graphics on our listed poker sites is immersive. Tables are sized approximately to the length of your monitor’s resolution and then compressed to increase performance. Due to this method of design, it’s possible to access numerous games simultaneously. Granted, that is if you and your skills are up to the task.
Generous Bonus Offers
The quality of the bonus section can make or break a poker site’s success when it comes to attracting players. This is completely understandable. Poker bonuses can give you a nice head start and boost your playing budget, thus creating more chances to win. These bonuses come in various shapes and sizes. Naturally, we picked those that provide the most value to players.
Apart from a hefty welcome bonus, the best poker sites have other promotions as well. This includes lucrative rakeback promos, bad beat jackpots, and others. The more, the better.
It’s the temptation of a welcome registration bonus that will force a players hand when they are deciding on playing with a new poker room they’ve come across. There is only one guaranteed way that you can properly decide if this type of bonus is right for you and that’s by reading the terms/conditions. Terms that come across as sneaky might change your mind on accepting this promotion.
There are multiple different promotions available at Canadian poker sites. The match deposit bonus is a promotion used often by poker rooms. One of the terms and conditions of this promotion is that for players to withdraw any cash prizes they must bet a specific amount. Promotions will remain the same regardless if you are using a mobile or desktop configuration of the poker site.
After you’ve read through the terms and have chosen to accept promotion, the bonus credits will immediately be applied to your account. These credits may be used on any poker game or poker tournament. The Canadian poker sites we’ve listed above have the best promotions online and also provide mobile equivalents of their platform.
Additionally, those who choose to stick with a brand will potentially have the opportunity to become a VIP player. Consequently, you will be given special benefits and unique promotions, however, this is only offered to those who meet the criteria that each poker room assigns for entry into its VIP program.
Respectable Range of Payment Methods
If a poker site doesn’t provide the means for you to transfer funds to and from your account, it’s pretty useless. That won’t be a problem with our recommended picks, as we chose only the poker sites that offer an extensive range of banking methods.
On these sites, you can use credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies to make deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, these payments are facilitated quickly and often free-of-charge. We don’t want you guys to have to wait for an eternity to get your hard-earned winnings.
Prompt and Efficient Customer Support
When playing on offshore poker sites, all sorts of questions may arise. The people in charge of dealing with customer inquiries need to be adept and efficient. Be it a technical or payment-related issue, customer support representatives must get to the bottom of it in a professional and timely manner.
Usually, you’ll have 24/7 customer service at your disposal via live chat. Most of the sites from our list also have toll-free phone support and email. The more contact channels a poker site has, the higher it will rank on our list.
Is Online Poker Legal in Canada?
It most certainly is. In fact, online gambling has never been illegal in Canada. The Canadian government has given plenty of autonomy to the country’s provinces and cities such as Toronto and Montreal, allowing them to regulate the pastime as they see fit. Some provinces have more relaxed laws than others, but in general, you can register and play for real money on any poker site that offers its services to Canadian residents.
It’s illegal to operate a gambling site from within Canada, but players will not get in any legal trouble for playing on an overseas site. The Canadian government doesn’t have authority over offshore poker sites, so you have nothing to worry about if you wish to play in these venues.
Politicians in Manitoba, Quebec, and British Columbia are advocating towards online poker regulation, so it’s only a matter of time before Canada launches its first native poker platform. In the meantime, you can choose between a wide range of offshore poker sites that accept Canadians with open arms.
Find which Provinces & Territories are accepting Online Poker
Canadian Online Poker Licensing Regulations
Understandably none of this would have been provided by most poker sites if they were expected to act upon their good will solely. Therefore there are several proven jurisdictions which test and regularly control them in order to determine their licensing status.
Although such licensing authorities aren’t that frequently found in Canada, there is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. This institution is known to have licensed many legal poker sites available to Canadian players.
Due to its precise metrics and sustainable control, this jurisdiction is considered to be a reliable licensing authority. No poker site carrying its license should cause trouble to its Canadian customers.
Other than Canadian-based, there are other international authorities. One of them is the UK Gambling Commission, a renowned institution in its field which has acquired its reputation due to their stringent assessments of the software, RNG, customer service and game selection as well as the money transfer specifications of any poker site licensed by it. The Gibraltar Gaming Authority as well as the one in Alderney are also reliable licensing institutions. The Malta Lottery and Gaming Authority is another reliable regulatory body. Signing up at a site which has been licensed by them is definitely a move in the right direction.
2019 Poker Legislation
2019 is not expected to deliver any changes in relation to the legality of online poker or gambling online in general. The risk of criminal prosecution or the seizing their funds for participating in those activities is not a threat at all for Canadians as there is no laws pertaining to wagering at an offshore poker room under the Canadian criminal code, therefore making is legal in the country.
Every province in the country with the exception of Saskatchewan has made the move towards online poker. British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec started offering online poker to their residents in 2009. While Ontario and British Columbia also offer their own online casinos that operate under their respective provincial lottery corporations and is overseen by their own regulatory boards.
The only grey area of poker legislation in Canada is offshore betting. There is nothing in the criminal code currently prohibiting offshore poker rooms from offering their services. It won’t be long until these offshore sites have their day in Canadian court though. As provinces begin to move towards their own online poker services, they will begin to enforce laws restricting their residents from acquiring offshore poker rooms.
How to Play on a Canadian Poker Site?
Most of you probably know how to get started on a poker site. But beginners — those that haven’t played in an online poker room before, and can’t find their way around — might need a helping hand. Specifically for them, I’ve created a mini step-by-step guide that will help them settle in, and make their first steps in the online poker world.
As an example, I’ve used 888poker, which is arguably the biggest gambling company in the world. The registration process is similar for all poker operators, so once you learn how to do it here, you’ll have no trouble creating an account anywhere else.
Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Choose a Poker Site
This goes without saying, but the first step is finding an appropriate poker site. By appropriate, I mean one that suits your playing preferences the most. It can be that it has the softest competition or the most generous bonuses — it all depends on what you expect to see from your ‘ideal’ poker operator.
Take your time and look around. All of the poker brands featured on this page are Canadian friendly and fantastic in their own way, so there are no right or wrong decisions here.
Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to visit the site and start the registration process. For the purposes of this guide, let’s assume you’ve chosen 888poker
.
Create an Account
To get to 888poker’s homepage, just click on the brand’s logo on the list. Once you get there, you will be presented with two choices — download the client software or go directly to the instant play version.
For those unaware, almost every poker operator has a downloadable client, which is basically an app designed for mobile users. If you don’t want to download anything, and save storage space on your mobile device, click on the Instant Play button. By doing so, you will open the registration pop-up reminder. Since you don’t have an account (yet), you’ll need to click on the Register tab.
Following this, you will be required to submit some basic personal information about your identity and whereabouts. It’s all typical stuff as if you were opening an account on any social media platform.
Once you’ve filled out the registration form and provided all the necessary information, the operator will send a verification email that looks like this.
To proceed with your registration, click on the yellow button. This will send you back to 888poker’s site.
You have now officially become the latest member of the 888 family. It’s now time to fund your account, and start playing real-money poker!
Make a Deposit
Once you have completed the registration, it’s time to make your very first deposit. To do this, go to the Cashier section under My Profile, where you will be presented with several payment options.You can deposit funds using popular payment methods in Canada, like Interac or Instadebit.
Choose a payment provider from the list and input the amount you wish to deposit. If you need any help with this, you can always contact the site’s customer support team by clicking on the Help icon.
Once you have finalized your payment, you will be ready to begin your online poker journey.
Make the Most Out of Your Bonuses
Every poker operator on our list offers a number of bonuses and promotions for new customers. You can check them out by visiting the Promotions section.
Make sure to browse through these incredible offers as they can enhance your poker experience by giving you a handy bankroll boost. Welcome bonuses are usually the most sizable, but you should regularly check out the Bonus section as there might be some lucrative promos waiting to be claimed.
With your account loaded with both deposit and bonus funds, it’s time to go on the lookout for a poker game. Typically, you’ll find a variety of SNGs and tournaments on each poker site.
Most Popular Poker Games in Canada
On pretty much every Canadian poker site, you’ll find a bunch of Texas Hold’em tables, for both recreational players and high rollers. This is easily the most popular format in the world, and it is also the most sought-after among Canadian players. Pot-Limit Omaha is right up there with Hold’em in terms of popularity, and during peak hours, you can easily find a couple of stacked PLO tables with soft competition on most sites.
All the top poker brands also host games of non-mainstream poker variants. These include 7-Card Stud, Razz, and Omaha-Hi Lo. On a couple of Canadian poker sites, you can also try a few exotic poker variations like 5-Card Draw and Chinese poker. Don’t expect too much traffic at these tables, though.
Mobile Poker in Canada
Mobile phones have become the most used piece of technology in human history. It’s estimated that anywhere from 3 to 3.5 Billion people currently have a mobile phone. Due to the rapid advancement of cellular technology, mobile phones have changed dramatically and are now as powerful as computers. Graphics on mobile phones rival graphics on PC’s.
Mobile poker is currently booming in Canada, and it’s no coincidence that all poker operators are optimized for all of the popular mobile operating systems. Being able to play real-money poker games on the go brings both convenience and excitement to the next level, and Canadian-friendly poker brands are well aware of that.
That’s why you can play mobile poker no matter where you are, or what device you’re using. Be it an iOS or Android-powered smartphone, you can get in on the poker action with a single tap. Accessing the best poker sites does require one of the latest smart phones on the market. This gives you the full range of touch screen capabilities, making navigating through the poker room and playing their games considerably easier.
Some poker operators even have native poker apps, which are easily downloadable via the homepage. And if you don’t want to fill up the storage space on your phone, you can always go with the instant-play version, and enjoy your favorite poker variants without having to download anything. The big separation between mobile poker apps and desktop poker rooms is that on mobile apps, you cannot play two games simultaneously.
Banking on Canadian Poker Sites
Depositing and withdrawing on Canadian poker sites is a straightforward process. Each and every one of our featured poker sites supports a wide range of easy-to-use, quick, and safe payment methods. These include credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, mobile payment systems, and even cryptocurrencies.
Poker sites will most often allow you to use CAD, and most poker operators don’t charge fees for players’ transactions. The financial institutions that facilitate these payments may incur some fees, but they are usually minimal.
Processing times are exceptionally quick as well. All deposits are instantly processed, whereas withdrawals usually take 2 – 5 working days, depending on the chosen method. E-wallets and cryptocurrencies are the fastest payment methods in Canadian poker sites, while bank wire transfers can take up to 10 working days.
Poker Strategies & Advice
Poker can be a hard game to master; it can ultimately take a lifetime to master. There are dozens of different styles of poker, each a little bit different then the last.
Poker legends like Daniel Negreanu have struggled to master all the versions of this game, occasionally being given an expected hand. We are here to help you a bit in your journey of mastering poker.
There are hundreds of different poker strategies to be found online, each one giving tips and advice on how to become a better poker player.
We’ve spent a great deal of time sifting through these strategies to find that ultimately, the strategy best for you depends on how you prefer to play the game. However, this game is about chance and it doesn’t matter how many strategies you perfect, luck is still needed in order to win at playing poker. There is no way to guarantee that every hand you play will be a winning pot.
Conclusion
Poker players from Canada are in luck when it comes to online poker as they are treated with a wide variety of quality games. Be wary when deciding which poker site you want to sign up for, as there are plenty of rogue operators out there, with poor track records when it comes to security, delayed payments, or improper regulation. You should stay away from these sites and stick with brands that have a history of honest behavior, like the ones provided on this page.
If you experience any symptoms of gambling addiction, we urge you to contact the institutions that can help you cope with your problem. Good luck and we wish you all the best!
Latest Canadian Poker Stories
After an eventful August, this month saw a quieter poker scene across the country.
The WSOP International Circuit – WSOPC Montreal finally came to an end at Playground Poker Club with James Pillon (pictured) winning C$333,420($247,654) for a first-place finish in the No Limit Hold’em – WSOPC Main Event (Ring Event #9). It was his first-ever WSOP Circuit ring and his career’s highest payout.
Other Canadian players to win rings in this circuit include Maxime Jutras, Yvan Gravel, Weijie Zhang, Duff Charette, Johan Levyssohn, Gaetano Di Maria, Sheila Vanderwoude, Francis Denis, Demo Kiriopoulos, Grigore Miron Banea, Victor Bovet and Ian Monahoyios.
The August 2024 Grande Poker Series also concluded at the Ace Casino Airport. It began on the 21st of August and ran through to the 2nd of September, with the final event being a No Limit Hold’em – Holiday Special that saw Geordi Lobe come out on top with a C$8,000($5,930) payout.
A single-day RCMDS tournament was held at the River Cree Resort & Casino on the 7th of September. Colton Yamagishi emerged victorious in the single C$350 NLH event, earning a C$6,033($4,461) payday.
The month ended with the 2024 Pure Poker Tour at the Casino Yellowhead in Edmonton. Nineteen events were held across 16 days, with buy-ins ranging from C$150 to C$1,800. The full results for this tournament haven’t been released yet, but you can check back in a few days for the latest updates.
FAQs
Are poker sites for Canadian players safe and secure?
Yes, absolutely. There is no question regarding the level of safety each player is provided with when entering a specific poker site.
On the one hand, this is mainly due to the above mentioned reasons. The legality of the practice ensures that you are not doing anything wrong or illegitimate, while the licensing aspect provides players with insurance as to the proper functioning of each feature on the website.
On the other hand, the sites themselves guarantee their legitimacy. This is so because most reliable sites which are open to Canadian poker players are, actually, globally renowned, with coverage on multiple continents.
Do I have to Pay tax on my poker winnings in Canadian?
Generally speaking, there are no legal obligations imposed on Canadian poker players when withdrawing their winnings. Understandably, if any particular district does have their local taxation law regarding gambling, you should conform to it. However, a wider preview shows that the only way your winnings would be taxed is if they were your sole source of income, and a significant one when it comes to the total amounts of your profits.
Could I use any poker bonuses on Canadian-friendly sites?
Yes, you can. Each Canadian-friendly poker site offers some array of bonuses, with sign up bonuses being the most popular ones. Namely, in this case, the bonus is basically a match deposit, where the site matches a certain percentage of your initial deposit.
Additionally, you can find promotions that are typically suited to fit Canadians and their interests. Thus, instead of cash bonuses, some of the poker sites’ promotions may include typical gifts which would appeal to them, such as tickets to hockey games, ice skating competitions etc
What is the best time for me to play poker on these websites from Canada?
Taking into account the fact that these poker sites are spread on a global level, they have active users around the clock. Naturally, Canadian players are bound to have their own specific peak times, but the opportunities as 24/7/365.
Be aware that as a new online Canadian poker player you will also be given access to some very generous sign up bonuses at all of the sites listed below, and as such we recommend you checkout all of the sites listed, to find out just how generous these bonuses are, we guarantee you will be suitably impressed by the value of all of them!