Online Poker Canada: Best Sites to Play Online Poker for Canadian Players
Are you looking for a place to play online poker in Canada?
Welcome to our page dedicated just to Canadian poker players! Here you will find a list of some of the best online poker sites in Canada, as well as the latest news and information to help you find the best rooms and poker bonuses in the industry.
Below you'll discover how to get started on your rise up the Canadian online poker ranks.
Best Canadian Online Poker Sites - PokerNews Recommendations
If you're a poker player in Canada, you're in luck! You have many different options of sites to play.
It's important to note that not every Canadian province regulates online poker. This doesn't mean it's not available - Canadian players can play on 'offshore' sites that are still regulated in other regions and safe to play, but just has no local regulation. Ontario is the only exception to this, with the province regulating all online poker within the region. As a result, those residing in Ontario can only play against others in the province.
But enough talk, let's get into it! Below you'll find all the best online poker sites to play in Canada.
Top 5 Poker Sites in Canada - At a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the top 5 best Canadian poker rooms.
| Site | PN Rating | Best For... | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. GGPoker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Packed tournament schedule and WSOP satellites | CLAIM |
| 2. PokerStars | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Game variety, satellites and mixed-games | CLAIM |
| 3. PartyPoker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Regular, hourly freerolls | CLAIM |
| 4. 888poker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Softest games | CLAIM |
| 5. WPT Global | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Community and fun promotions | CLAIM |
Sorry, no real money games are currently available in your region, but you can play these Free Online Games
What are the Best Online Poker Sites in Canada?
GGPoker and PokerStars are the two best online poker sites available in Canada.
PokerStars has been an industry leader, offering an unrivaled amount of games, formats and variants through solid software that provides the smoothest online poker experience. GGPoker is newer to the game, but has made huge strides in the scene and currently offers one of the most comprehensive online poker experiences to Canadian players.
Elsewhere, 888poker and WPT Global are notable standouts for their beginner-friendly focus, while PartyPoker is another great alternative to those top sites.
This is our general consensus, but the best online poker site for you will be a personal choice based you your bankroll size, favorite game, skill level, and even aesthetic preferences. It's important to do your own research to find a site that offers the games, tournaments, and features that you are most interested in.
There are a few good places to start, these are sites that have a good reputation, generous bonus offers, and high-quality software.
#1. GGPoker in Canada
Fronted by probably the most well-known name in poker (and Canada's own), Daniel Negreanu, GG has come on leaps and bounds since its infancy.
While only founded in 2014, GG has quickly become one of the most popular and best poker sites in the world! With it's unique, cartoon-like style, interactive animations and user-friendly software, their bold exploration into a PokerStars-dominated market paid dividends.
But don't be fooled by their slightly wacky style, it's a really good site to play real money poker. With a generous rakeback scheme, plenty of games and a large player pool, not to mention their regular tournament series, GG Poker is understandably rivalling the more established players in the online poker space.
#2. PokerStars in Canada
PokerStars has some of the best online poker software of any poker site. It is one of the two largest and busiest online poker rooms in the world. Their desktop software offers an unrivaled game selection, some of the biggest and richest regular online poker tournaments, and is generally considered to be the safest and most financially secure online poker site in the world.
Another highlight of PokerStars is their exclusive tournament series. No online tournament series is bigger than their famous WCOOP Series, which has some of the most illustrious online tournaments around with gigantic player and prizepools.
READ OUR FULL POKERSTARS REVIEW
#3. PartyPoker in Canada
PartyPoker has consistently been one of the largest and most trusted online poker sites available for real money play.
PartyPoker attracts many casual and recreational players to its site, which makes for a softer player pool. This is undoubtedly the biggest plus, but it's definitely not the only highlight.
Others include their extensive freeroll tournament schedule, with a free poker tournament every single hour! This is practically unheard of in today's online poker scene, and while the prize pools might be nothing to write home about, a chance to win real money for free throughout each day is hugely appealing.
PartyPoker also runs regular series that feature larger tournaments with boosted prize pools and huge guarantees. Overall, it's a solid option for any Canadian looking to play online poker.
READ OUR FULL PARTYPOKER REVIEW
#4. 888poker Canada
888Poker is a top choice for Canadian poker players because of its easy poker games and great poker bonus offers. You don't even need to deposit any money to get started, thanks to their free no-deposit welcome bonus. There's absolutely no catch! Simply sign up and you get free money to play real money online poker.
Furthermore, if you're new to poker, 888 is an ideal site to start on. Its software is simple and very user-friendly, so it's going to be a seamless introduction to the world of poker. With some of the softest games around, 888poker is perfect for beginners.
#5. WPT Global in Canada
WPT Global brings the internationally recognized World Poker Tour brand poker pedigree online with a platform designed for fun, fair, and secure play.
The WPT Global platform provides a large player pool, generous welcome offers, and great opportunities to win satellites to major WPT live events. It also offers recurring freerolls that reward new players from sign-up to first deposit and beyond.
Plus, there are a series of PokerNews exclusive freerolls to get in on!
READ OUR FULL WPT GLOBAL REVIEW
How to find the Best Canada Online Poker Site
If you are searching for the best Canada online poker sites, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are a few tips on how to find the best online poker sites in Canada:
- Make sure the site is licensed and regulated
- Look for a wide range of games and tournaments
- Check for bonuses and promotions
- Read PokerNews Reviews
- Consider Customer Support
- Test the site out
Top Canada Online Poker Sites for Beginners
888poker is the best Canadian poker site for beginners.
This is due to a few things, but mostly down to its user-friendly interface and its range low-buyin tournaments. When you are just starting out, as a beginner it's worth looking out for a site that offers a variety of low-stakes games and make it easy for you to start playing online poker at less risk.
As well as offering a wide range of games, including low stakes and freerolls PokerStars also offers a variety of resources and tools to help new players improve their skills.
You can also check out our PokerNews strategy resources to learn more.
Best Online Poker Sites in Canada for Freerolls
The best Canadian poker site for freerolls is PartyPoker.
While nearly all online poker sites in Canada offer freerolls, with WPT Global and 888Poker particularly offering plenty of free poker tournaments, PartyPoker is leading the way.
They have their 'Round the Clock' freerolls which occur on the hours, every hours, every day of the week. Prizepools range from $50-$200, so you can boost your bankroll anytime of the day.
You can check out upcoming freerolls by using our Online Tournament Calendar:
Best Online Poker Sign Up Offers for Players in Canada
The Canadian poker site with the best sign up/welcome offer is WPT Global.
Most online poker sites in Canada offer perks and rewards to new players as an incentive to join and start playing, but WPT Global's welcome offer takes the proverbial biscuit.
You get a first-deposit %100 match bonus up to $1500, then $287 in tournament tickets completely free! It's a truly remarkable offer and one not to be sniffed at. To claim it, scroll back up to the table above and click 'Get Bonus.'
Sign up bonuses can come in a variety of forms, but most often no-deposit bonuses, matched deposit bonuses, and ongoing reward schemes.
Welcome bonuses are usually the most generous bonuses offered by online poker sites. A typical welcome bonus would require you to make a deposit then site will then match a certain percentage of that deposit up to a specified maximum amount.
When choosing an online poker site in Canada based on bonuses, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Some bonuses may have restrictions or wagering requirements that can make them less attractive than they appear at first glance.
Check out some of the best online poker bonuses on offer for Canadian players right now to get a sense of what is available.
Is Online Poker Legal in Canada
Online gambling is often called a "legal grey area" in Canada.
In simple terms, most of the provinces (except Ontario, and with Alberta expected to follow) haven't got regulated online poker, so Canadian players typically play on 'offshore' sites. With this in mind, you should always be cautious when choosing a site to play on. We consider all our partnering online poker sites safe, so any of them would be a reliable place to start.
If you already have an account with some of the sites listed above, you might also want to check out PokerNews's in-depth reviews of Bet365 Poker and GGPoker both of which are available to Canadian poker players (outside of Ontario).
Online Poker in Ontario
If you are located in Ontario, the online poker market is now regulated. Online poker became legal in Ontario on April 4, 2022.
Fortunately for Ontarians, several major online poker sites have already successfully applied for and obtained the relevant gaming license from the Ontario authorities. This means you can head to the Canada-specific sites at 888poker Ontario, PartyPoker Ontario, and PokerStars Ontario to continue enjoying your favorite game.
Best Ontario Poker Sites
If you're based in Ontario, things work a little differently after online poker became legal in the province on April 4, 2022. Fortunately for Ontarians, several major online poker sites have successfully applied for and obtained the relevant gaming license from the Ontario authorities. This means those of you who used to play at one of the major online poker sites can head to their Ontario-specific poker sites at 888poker Ontario, PartyPoker Ontario, PokerStars Ontario, and WSOP @ GGPoker Ontario, and continue enjoying your favorite games.
Rules and regulations out by the AGCO and iGO state any Ontarian wishing to play legal online pokermust do so in a ring-fenced player pool. This means Ontario residents can only play poker online against other players physically located in Canada's largest province.
As a result, online poker giants such as PokerStars Ontario, partypoker Ontario, 888poker Ontario, and GGPoker Ontario, have created specific online poker clients where Ontarian grinders are segregated from the global dot-com player pool.
Two other key rules stand out for Ontarians. First, all cash games and tournaments will be played using Canadian Dollars instead of United States Dollars which are the industry standard. Second, the legal gambling age in Ontario is 19 years old, a year older than in most of the dot-com countries.
Best Canada Poker Apps
Most Canadian online poker sites offer both desktop software and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
There are several excellent poker apps available to players in Canada, each with its own unique features and advantages. You can download and play the best Poker apps in Canada using the links below.
| Poker Site | Details | Android App | iPhone App |
|---|---|---|---|
| 888poker | 888poker boomed after a complete revamp of their platform and game offer. Today, this is one of the best poker sites in the world. | Download | Download |
| PokerStars | The world's largest poker site is an obvious choice for everyone who likes poker. The top-class mobile apps replicate the same experience you get on desktop. | Download | Download |
| partypoker | A modern poker app to play on iOS and Android and experience all the best the partypoker client has to offer. | Download | Download |
Learn how to play poker and other useful links….
- How to Play Texas Holdem Poker
- Poker Hands Rankings
- Poker Odds Calculator
- Play Poker Online with Friends
- Poker Bonuses
Get Started - How to Play Poker in Canada
Ready to go? Hopefully by now, you've read all you need and have the information to pick a site to play on. The next step is signing up and starting to actually play. It's super simple. All you have to do is follow these quick steps and you'll be bossing the tables in no time!
- Register for an account
- Verify your identity
- Make a deposit
- Claim your bonus
- Start playing real money poker!
Canada Online Poker FAQs
Are Canada poker sites legal and regulated?
In Canada, gambling is governed at a provincial level. In most provinces, there are no laws making real money online poker illegal. This means that playing on these sites is legal, but because they are not regulated in these provinces, you should always play at an online poker site that holds licenses elsewhere and has a good record for player safety.
Ontario regulated online poker in April 2022. If you are in Ontario, you can only play legal and regulated poker on Ontario-facing sites.
Is PokerStars legal in Canada?
The regulation of online poker is a provincial issue, but there are no widespread regulations prohibiting Canadians from enjoying poker action, including on PokerStars.
Ontario regulated online poker in April 2022. So in this province, you should use the Ontario-based versions of your favorite site.
How can I find the best Canada poker sites?
You can find the best Canada poker sites by reading reviews, checking out rankings, and trying out different sites for yourself.
What payment methods are available on Canada poker sites?
The most common payment methods on Canada poker sites include debit and credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards.
Can I play on Canada poker sites from my mobile device?
Yes, most Canada poker sites offer mobile apps or web-based versions of their software that can be accessed from a mobile device.
What types of poker games can I play on Canada poker sites?
Canada poker sites offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and more.
Do Canada poker sites offer bonuses and promotions?
Yes, Canada poker sites often offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players and reward loyal ones.