Online Poker Ontario: Best Real Money Poker Sites

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Oct 18, 2022 22 min read Last updated Nov 25, 2025

Online poker was officially legalized in Ontario on April 4, 2022. This was a huge moment for the province, and indeed, the country, and online poker has since flourished in the province.

So Ontarians, listen up because in this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive and independent guide to everything you need to know about the best (legal and regulated) real money online poker sites in Ontario. We will compare player traffic, tournaments, apps and more!

This means those of you who used to play at one of the major online poker sites can head to their Canada-specific counterparts at 888poker Ontario, PartyPoker Ontario, PokerStars Ontario, BetMGM Ontario and GGPoker Ontario. These sites allow you to continue enjoying your favorite poker games.

Top ON Poker Rooms at a Glance

Best Ontario Poker Sites Reviewed

At PokerNews, we’re not just reporters - we’re poker players ourselves. That means we know what makes an online poker site truly stand out. In Ontario’s regulated market, every operator is licensed by iGaming Ontario, but not all platforms deliver the same experience.

That’s why we’ve put each legal poker site in Ontario through a detailed review, so you know exactly where to find the best games, features, and value.

Here’s our top 5 list, with reasons why each operator made the cut and what we liked most (and least) about them:

• #1 – PokerStars Ontario
• #2 – GG Poker Ontario
• #3 – PartyPoker Ontario
• #4 – 888poker Ontario
• #5 –  BetMGM Ontario

#1 – PokerStars ON

Back in June 2022, PokerStars Ontario launched in Ontario, allowing locals to play on the most globally recognized online poker platforms in the world. It wasn't the first to land in Ontario, but PokerStars was arguably the most significant. Established for multiple decades in the States, the brand has expanded across multiple continents to deliver a top-quality service to players looking to pit their skills against one another in the online poker scene.

But what makes PokerStars Ontario the best poker site?

For us, it's the game selection. No-Limit Hold'em, Omaha and even Stud games have now become the bread and butter for any site, with most poker operators offering these variants. But PokerStars Ontario goes, not just one, but several steps further. Razz, Badugi, Draw games - most variants you see at the World Series of Poker are available to play on Stars. What's more, given its reputation and prestige in the industry, the tables are actually filled for these more niche games. That's one main reason why a lot of other operators don't have a vast catalogue of mixed games - they feel the demand for these games is not worth the investment.

Another great aspect of PokerStars Ontario is its software. It's not quite as engaging as GG Poker's, but for the more serious players and grinders, it's by far the best no-nonsense experience you'll get with an online poker site. If you want a more engaging interface with all the bells and whistles (and emoticons and dynamic reactions), GG Poker Ontario is the place to go, but if you care more about a smooth, slick experience, PokerStars provides just that.

Satellites are also something I feel is not spoken enough about when referring to Stars. The range of satellites for all types of their online poker tournaments is staggering. Typically, a site will run satellites for Series' events, major tournaments or featured dailies. PokerStars Ontario, on the other hand, runs several satellites for hundreds of their regular, daily and weekly tournaments. Even some of the smallest, micro-stakes buyins have satellites running, giving all types of players a chance to play some of the most fun tournaments at a discounted price.

Speaking of tournaments, a final thing we'll mention on PokerStars Ontario is the Sunday Majors schedule. Sunday is obviously the big day of the week in the poker schedule, where all operators unanimously run their largest feature tournaments, and PokerStars Ontario is the place to be. With their now well-known Sunday Majors like the Sunday Million, Sunday Storm and the Sunday Supersonic, you can enter tournaments with huge fields and prizepools for a reasonable buy-in amount. They really do give the feel of major tournament Series without the costly expense.

Overall, PokerStars is an obvious top choice for Ontarians looking to play online poker at one of the best poker sites around. If you want the full poker experience with no corners cut, this site is the one for you.

#2 – GG Poker ON

When GGPoker Ontario entered the regulated market in 2022, it immediately became one of the most talked-about poker sites in the province. In historical terms, it's the newbie on the block. But that doesn't mean it's not already well-established and a top-quality poker site.

Known globally for its partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and for running some of the largest online tournaments in the world, GGPoker brings that same energy and innovation to Ontario’s local player pool.

But what sets GGPoker Ontario apart from the rest?

First and foremost, the software experience is truly like no other. GGPoker’s client is packed with modern features and interactivity you won’t find elsewhere - from integrated staking tools and built-in HUDs to animated emojis, bubble protection and even all-in insurance. It’s designed to make the game more interactive, fun and engaging, especially for players who enjoy a lively, social feel at the tables.

Truth be told, it will take some getting used to, especially if coming from playing on PokerStars like I did. At first, the animations felt a little too 'busy' and 'cartoonish.' However, you soon get used to it after a while so my advice to anyone is stick it out and give GG Poker Ontario a chance. 

When talking about GGPoker, it's hard not to mention the WSOP. If you want a taste of live poker action, you have an abundance of chances to satellite into a real, live WSOP event on GG Poker Ontario - with free step satellites even running daily. If you prefer the comfort of your bedroom rather than the bright lights of Vegas, there are also several satellites and packages to be won for online WSOP bracelet events. So if you're chasing the prestige of a WSOP title, GG Poker is undoubtedly the place to play.

Finally, another aspect we like about GG Poker Ontario is the all-round service it provides to players. One huge negative PokerStars has been accused of is a slow customer response time, but GG Poker seems to really take its players' satisfaction seriously. Not only did we find they were responsive to queries and things like account verification, but smaller things (that may seem inconsequential) like indicating how long a tournament might take is really helpful to players. Other sites have since adopted similar features, but there are a host of other examples that prove GG is a platform that's player-focused. 

Overall, GG Poker Ontario stands out for its cutting-edge software, interactive features and festival-style tournament schedule. If you want an online poker site that feels dynamic, social and full of action, GG Poker Ontario is a great option!

#3 – PartyPoker ON

When PartyPoker Ontario launched in April 2022, it brought one of the most established names in online poker to the province’s regulated market. With roots stretching back to the early 2000s, PartyPoker is up there with PokerStars in terms of prestige and brand legacy. The site combines reliable gameplay with an approachable design that appeals to both casual players and seasoned grinders. Its Ontario platform continues that tradition under full iGaming Ontario regulation.

So, what makes PartyPoker Ontario unique?

For starters, the player experience. PartyPoker Ontario has invested heavily in making its software intuitive and customizable. You can adjust bet sliders, change table layouts, and even use simplified features to cut down on clutter during long sessions. It’s built for comfort — whether you’re playing a quick Sit & Go on mobile or grinding multiple MTTs on desktop.

Another highlight is the shared liquidity network. PartyPoker Ontario doesn’t run in isolation - it shares player pools with BetMGM and bwin. While in the US, shared liquidity across states and operators is common, it's far less so in Canada. It means more traffic, steadier action at cash game tables and healthier prize pools in tournaments, and this shared liquidity is something that helps PartyPoker Ontario standout from the rest.

We also admire PartyPoker's reputation for recreational player focus. With fair rake structures, fewer predatory third-party tools and features designed to level the playing field, the site remains welcoming for newcomers while still catering to serious players who want volume.

All in all, PartyPoker Ontario stands out as a balanced, player-first platform. It may not have the flashiest branding, but it delivers consistency, fair games, and a clean, customizable environment that players genuinely enjoy returning to. We most liked how it's tailored for beginners, providing an easy step into the world of poker for those who are new to the game.

#4 - 888poker ON 

888poker Ontario has been part of the regulated ON market since April 2022. While it's the first one on this list which wasn't first a poker brand, don't be fooled into thinking 888poker Ontario isn't a legitimate option for ON players.

Its history now stretches back over two decades, and 888poker is best known for its accessibility and player-friendly approach. In Ontario, it continues that tradition by offering a safe, fully licensed platform under iGaming Ontario’s regulation and is a solid option for locals wanting to play online poker.

So, what makes 888poker Ontario stand out?

The biggest appeal is its recreational player environment. Compared to some operators, the games here are noticeably softer, with plenty of casual players at the tables. That makes it a great entry point for newcomers, but also an attractive option for grinders who prefer easier fields.

There's that old adage that you can be the sixth best poker player in the world, but if you're at a table with the other five better players, you will lose money. This is relevant here. It doesn't matter how good you are, game selection is key if you want to be profitable and notoriously, 888 has softer fields that give you more chance of being profitable. 

888poker Ontario also offers a wide variety of formats beyond the usual Hold’em and Omaha. BLAST Sit & Gos (jackpot-style tournaments), SNAP fast-fold poker and a steady stream of low-to-mid stakes MTTs give players plenty of ways to mix up their sessions.

Another strong point is the user-friendly software. The client is straightforward, easy to navigate and particularly suited to mobile play. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other sites, its simplicity is a major plus for those who want a clean, no-frills experience.

Overall, 888poker Ontario is a solid choice. If you want no-nonsense, softer poker, this is the site for you. While it cannot compete with the intricacies of other sites, it offers a reliable 8/10 performance for all aspects of poker and gives you everything you want from a site, without complicating things or overwhelming you. 

#5 - BetMGM Poker ON

Another site that was there from the start, launching in 2022,  BetMGM Poker Ontario   quickly established itself as a reliable option for players. Backed by being one of the biggest names in online gaming, BetMGM Poker Ontario is powered by MGM Resorts and benefits from the brand’s strong reputation in both land-based casinos and online gambling. Fully licensed under iGaming Ontario, it delivers a professional and trustworthy poker experience.

So, what makes BetMGM Ontario different?

The first advantage is its shared player pool. As mentioned, BetMGM Poker Ontario runs on the same network as PartyPoker and bwin, which means more traffic, healthier tournament guarantees and steady cash game action compared to standalone operators. For players, that translates into bigger prize pools and more games running around the clock.

Another strong point is the brand integration. BetMGM gives players the convenience of linking poker with sportsbook and casino play under one account. It's seamless to switch between the three, so if you enjoy multiple verticals, it’s easy to move from one to another without leaving the platform. We don't recommend betting, dabbling at the casino tables and punting your chips off in poker all at once, but we do advise to gamble responsibly! 

The software is also a plus. Built on the same backend as PartyPoker, the client is stable and easy to navigate, with multi-tabling support, customizable bet sliders and a polished mobile app for playing on the go that we liked a lot. 

All in all, BetMGM Poker Ontario is the right fit for players who value brand trust, steady traffic through shared liquidity and the convenience of an all-in-one platform.

How to Play Online Poker in ON

Heard enough? We hope we've conveyed to you our admiration of these top Ontario poker sites and done justice to just how good they are for Canadian players. If so, and you're ready to try them out for yourself, it's simple to get started. Here's what you need to do: 

1. Decide on which Ontario poker site you want to play on (you can signup to multiple ones).
2. Click one of the PN links to get to the operator.  
3. Sign up for an account by providing your personal information.
4. Verify your email address and identity.
5. Login to your newly created account, make a deposit and start your poker journey!

Every site featured here is licensed & regulated by iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Gambling is supposed to be fun. If it’s not, ConnexOntario can help. Call 1-866-531-2600 or go to ConnexOntario.ca Please play responsibly.

Best ON Poker Sites for Every Category

We've given you the best operators in ON, but if you're looking for a site to satisfy a more specific need or poker preference (as opposed to an all-round top site), read on! Here, we go through the best option for Ontario players for different aspects of poker. So whether you're an MTT grinder or a new player to the game, we'll give you the right option that suits your needs. 

Best ON Poker Site for Beginners 

The best poker site in ON for beginners is 888poker Ontario. 

While PartyPoker Ontario could have also been our pick, we've gone for 888poker Ontario. Simply put, this is down to the fact that the games are softer. It's a cycle in that new players are attracted to the site for this very reason, but that in itself keeps the general standard of play lower. So, if you want a platform to get more acquainted with the game on while also having the chance to be competitive, 888poker Ontario is the one.

Best ON Poker Site for Experienced Players

The best poker site in ON for experienced players is PokerStars Ontario. 

PokerStars Ontario takes our pick for the best site for the more experienced players because of its prestige, variety of games and solid software. It's reliable, safe and allows for customization, giving grinders everything they need with a poker platform. 

What's more, you can play some of the largest and most illustrious online poker tournaments in the schedule. While GG Poker and its WSOP Online Circuit is arguably bigger, PokerStars' weekly schedule (+ the Sunday Majors) includes some huge tournaments with enormous prizepools on a more consistent basis. 

Best ON Poker Site for Low Rake

The best poker site in ON for low rake is GG Poker Ontario. 

This one is more objective, and it seems like GG Poker Ontario is the best site in the province when it comes to rake. At present, it adopts a flat 5% rake structure across most formats, a rate that's slightly more competitive than other operators in the region. 

Rake is very significant when it comes to profitability in poker. Paying it is unavoidable, but can drastically impact your profit/loss. Looking for cheaper-raked games or sites will make it easier to be profitable, while high-rake sites mean you're battling both opponents and the site itself if you want to make money.

Best ON Poker Site for Software

The ON poker site with the best software is GG Poker Ontario. 

This was another tough one, and it does largely depend on what you're after when you're playing poker. But GG is the site that offers the most when it comes to software. Once you get used to its distinctive style and vibe, we're confident you'll love it as much as we do. 

PokerStars Ontario shouldn't be forgotten, though. When it comes to software, it's typically considered to be the gold standard of poker, and provides an equally excellent, if not more simplified online experience. 

Best ON Poker Site for Multi-tabling

The best poker site in ON for multi-tabling is PokerStars Ontario. 

This one is far more clear-cut. PokerStars Ontario allows you to play 24 (yes, 24!) tables simultaneously. We wouldn't recommend trying it on one screen, but if you're a seasoned grinder with multiple monitors,  PokerStars Ontario is the one for you. 

Best ON Poker Site to Play on Mobile

The best poker site in ON to play on mobile is BetMGM Poker Ontario. 

BetMGM Poker Ontario's  app is straightforward and offers everything you'd want to be able to play poker from your phone (or tablet). What's more, if you enjoy casino or sports betting, the all-in-one app allows you to easily switch between verticals, making it one of the most versatile online gambling apps in the market. 

Best ON Poker Site to Play Satellites 

The best poker site in ON to play satellites is PokerStars Ontario. 

On GG Poker Ontario, you can satellite into the WSOP, which in itself is a huge plus for the site. However, for volume alone we've gone with PokerStars Ontario being the best site for satellites. Other operators don't replicate PokerStars' extensive list of satellites for even their standard, daily tournaments.

Most sites run satellites for their major events, but they tend to neglect the recurring tournaments and micro-stakes events. If you're a new player or someone with a smaller bankroll, PokerStars Ontario allows you the chance to experience the thrill of the larger tournaments without having to blow through your budget.  

Best ON Poker Site for Cash Games

The best poker site in ON for cash games is BetMGM Poker Ontario.

In fairness, all five Ontario poker sites have their advantages when it comes to cash games, but for the best all-round option we've gone for BetMGM Poker Ontario. 

Why? The shared liquidity with PartyPoker means there are more players, thus it's easier to find a game and fill tables. In terms of standard, games are softer than GG Poker and PokerStars, while still providing the same reliability and smooth software. 

Best ON Poker Site for Tournaments

The best poker site in ON for tournaments is PartyPoker Ontario. 

Similarly to cash games, PartyPoker Ontario benefits from the same liquidity it shares with BetMGM Poker Ontario in the province, meaning tournaments have larger fields and more money up for grabs! 

What's more, Party has several bespoke tournaments it runs, as well as Series that aren't available on BetMGM. It's a solid choice for those that love MTTs, and the easy-to-use interface means beginners as well as poker veterans can enjoy its extensive weekly schedule. 

How do we Pick the Best Online Poker Sites to Play in Ontario?

Which poker site is the best is very much subjective, but we carefully select our top picks based on a set of fundamental factors which are essential to provide a top-quality poker experience. At PokerNews, we're players ourselves, so know exactly what people want when they play online poker. Here are the main factors we base our decisions for the top sites on: 

User Experience

Payment Methods and Withdrawals

Safety and Security

Game Selection

• User Experience: From layout and design to game speed and mobile compatibility, we assess how smooth and intuitive each platform feels during actual gameplay.
• Payment Methods and Withdrawals: The best ON poker sites offer a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, with fast processing times and transparent payout policies.
• Safety and Security: We only recommend sites fully licensed and regulated by the iGaming Ontario regulator - ensuring fair games, secure transactions, and player protection at all times.
• Game Selection: Another factor we take into consideration is what games are available to play. We look at the formats on offer, as well as the different variants you can play.

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Poker Regulation in Ontario 

The legality of playing online poker in Ontario has been something of a grey area for several years. While not technically illegal, it was not entirely legal either. That changed on April 4, 2022, when the Ontario government gave the green light for companies to offer online poker, casinos, and sports betting in the province.

Online poker, online casinos, and sports betting on the internet all became 100% legal providing the operator has received a license and entered into an operating agreement with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

Operators wishing to offer services to Ontarians must be licensed by the AGCO. The AGCO created a subsidiary called iGaming Ontario (iGO) which oversees everything online gambling-related. Dozens of established gambling operators, including PokerStars, PartyPoker and GG Poker, have had their Ontario gaming licenses accepted.

Can you Play Free Poker Legally in Ontario?

Free To Play poker and casino sites are still fully legal to play in Ontario despite the recent rule changes. They remain legal because they are either completely free to play, are subscription-based, or use a sweepstakes model to award prizes.

Canadians, and those living within the borders of Ontario, in particular, can still enjoy playing free online games including ClubGG, the World Series of Poker app, ClubWPT, and PlayWPT.

Ontarians wishing to try their luck in free-to-play online casinos are more than welcome to play at Slotomania, House of Fun, and many more. These free-to-play online casinos do not offer real money prizes, just the excitement of slots and casino games, so are permitted almost anywhere in the world.

Are Poker Winnings Taxed in Ontario, Canada?

The AGCO and iGO are still fine-tuning the rules and regulations regarding their licenses, so some things are currently undecided. Taxation is one such area that needs confirmation. Tax on land-based casinos is currently 55%, which would not be an attractive proposition for online operators if the AGCO deployed a similar taxation rate.

However, the regulators have already gone on record to say they are committed to creating a competitive environment that promotes getting Ontario players to play on licensed sites.

Should the AGCO go down the route of taxing poker players, casino game players, or sports bettors, expect operators to 100% comply with the rules and take care of this automatically, much like PokerStars currently does for its Greek players. PokerNews will bring you any tax-related information once it learns of it.

Do Canadian Players Need to Provide Personal Information to Online Poker Sites?

The AGCO and iGO are extremely keen on responsible gambling and reducing the potential harm or problem gambling. With this in mind, each Ontario online poker site has a raft of responsible gambling features, including but not limited to limiting the amount of time spent playing, deposit and loss limits, in addition to the ability to self-exclude from games.

Know Your Customer (KYC) has become increasingly strict in the dot-com world and is expected to continue for Ontario poker players. At the very least you need to supply your real name, date of birth, postal address, telephone number, and email address. Expect operators to request photographic evidence, such as bank statements and passports, to verify your details are legitimate.

What Banking Options are Available to Online Poker Players in Ontario?

The banking options offered by Ontario online poker sites, casinos, and sports betting operations differ from site to site and are based on the deal those operators have with payment providers. Online gaming operators know the importance of having a variety of deposit and withdrawal options available to their players; they want players to move their funds with relative ease.

Major debit cards, powered by Visa and MasterCard, are the obvious choices and tend to be the staple methods of every merchant globally. Expect bank transfers, e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, and prepaid cards to become available either at April 4, 2022, or soon after.

It is worthwhile reading the Ontario poker room reviews here at PokerNews for more banking information in addition to contacting the various offshore operators' customer support teams for more information. You will find they are as accommodating as they can possibly be.

Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit the Ontario Players Homepage 

Final Verdict - What are the Best Online Poker Sites in Ontario?

Overall, Ontario offers a range of top-quality, legal and regulated poker rooms. PokerStars Ontario and GG Poker Ontario are two of the very best Ontario poker sites to play at. Naturally, their legacy in the industry and illustrious history of delivering exceptional service to poker players across the globe has set them in great stead to do so in Ontario.

888poker, with its comprehensive array of tournaments it offers, and BetMGM are also great options, and join the list of best sites in Ontario. You can't go wrong playing any one of these, and what we particularly loved about them was the attention to detail they give the province.

Despite Ontario operating in a closed player pool, meaning players in ON can only play other players within the province (as opposed to with a worldwide pool), the top sites haven't neglected the region. There is as much on offer here than in other countries, such as the UK and the South Americas. This is a testament to both the companies themselves and the players, with the demand for poker clearly sufficient enough for these larger sites to operate in Ontario.

All-in-all, we really love the poker offering that the big online sites give to players in Ontario.

Best Ontario Online Poker Sites FAQs