Online Poker in Ontario | Top 5 Poker Rooms in 2024
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about online poker in Ontario, from picking the right site with our expert and impartial reviews to understanding the latest market updates and legal insights.
Ontario proudly stands as the first province to legalize and regulate online poker, a milestone achieved on April 4, 2022.
This landmark decision has brought the biggest names in online poker to Ontario, including 888Poker, BetMGM, PartyPoker, PokerStars, and GGPoker, making it the most diverse online poker market in North America.
With five top-tier poker sites now operating legally under provincial regulation, Ontario offers players access to premier cash games, tournaments, and a secure gaming environment.
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What Is The Legal Status of Online Poker in Ontario?
Ontario has revolutionized its online poker scene by transitioning from an unregulated market to a fully legalized and regulated one following the passing of C-218 in June 2021.
This change means that online poker in Ontario now operates in a ring-fenced environment, where Ontarians can only play against others within the province. This setup has led major poker sites like PokerStars, partypoker, 888poker, and GGPoker to create Ontario-specific clients, separating them from their global counterparts.
Despite this segregation, these sites still offer a wide variety of cash games and tournaments, although with a smaller player pool compared to the global market. All games are played in Canadian Dollars, and the legal gambling age is set at 19.
The BetMGM Ontario Network, linking BetMGM, partypoker, and bwin, is a pioneering example of a multi-brand online poker network within the province, showcasing the potential for a more interconnected poker community in Canada’s largest province.
Ontario Online Poker: A Timeline of Key Events
This timeline showcases the rapid development and expansion of the online poker market in Ontario, highlighting the key players and their respective launch dates in the province.
2021
June
Online Poker Legalization and Regulation Begin
The Ontario Senate passes C-218, and AGCO establishes iGaming Ontario.
2022
April
888poker Ontario Launches
On April 4, the inauguration of legal online poker in Ontario with 888poker, the first legal site, takes place.
2022
April
BetMGM Ontario's Debut
On April 5, BetMGM becomes the second regulated online poker site in Ontario.
2022
April
PartyPoker and Bwin Poker Arrive
On April 12, PartyPoker Ontario and Bwin Poker launch, enhancing the tournament offering in Ontario.
2022
June
PokerStars Ontario's Entry
On June 28, PokerStars Ontario opens, broadening the online poker options in the province.
2022
September
GGPoker/WSOP Ontario's Introduction
On September 30, GGPoker/WSOP Ontario, a joint venture with the World Series of Poker, launches.
BetMGM Poker Ontario Features | Details |
---|---|
BetMGM Poker Ontario Features | Details |
Launch Date | April 12, 2022 |
Poker Game Types | MTTs, Cash Games, SPINs |
Tournament Highlights | $215 Weekly Sunday, Spins, High Roller |
Poker Game Variants | Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud |
Shared Network | BetMGM, PartyPoker, and bwin |
Mobile App Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
Top Choice For | Comprehensive tournament schedule |
888Poker Ontario Features | Details |
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888Poker Ontario Features | Details |
Launch Date | April 4, 2022 |
Poker Formats | BLAST, SNAP, Cash Games, Freerolls, Tournaments |
Special Tournaments | Double or Nothing, Progressive Knockouts (PKO) |
Poker Game Types | Hold'em, Omaha, Stud |
Mobile App Platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
Top Choice For | Generous prize pool, Cash Games & Tournaments |
PokerStars Ontario Features | Details |
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PokerStars Ontario Features | Details |
Launch Date | April 12, 2022 |
Poker Game Types | NLHE & PLO Cash Games, Sit & Go, Tempest, Tournaments, Spin & Go Jackpot Sit & Go |
Stakes Range | $0.02/$0.05 to $50/$100 |
Special Tournaments | Ontario Platinum Series, Ontario Championship of Online Poker (ONCOOP) |
Poker Variants | Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 6+ Hold'em, Tempest |
Mobile App Compatibility | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
Top Choice For | Best desktop platform & mobile apps, wide selection of games & tournaments |
GGPoker Ontario Features | Details |
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GGPoker Ontario Features | Details |
Launch Date | 30 September, 2022 |
Partnership | World Series of Poker (WSOP) |
Poker Game Types | MTTs, Cash Games (NLHE & PLO), AoF, Spin & Gold |
Stakes Range | $0.01/$0.02 to $50/$100 |
Special Tournaments | Online WSOP bracelet-awarding events |
Mobile App Compatibility | Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
Top Choice For | Unique ability to compete for online WSOP bracelets |
Partypoker Ontario Features | Details |
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Partypoker Ontario Features | Details |
Launch Date | 12 April, 2022 |
Partnership | Part of the BetMGM Ontario Poker Network |
Stakes Range | $0.01/$0.02 to $20/$55 |
Special Tournaments | $215 Weekly Sunday, $535 High Roller |
Poker Game Variants | Hold'em, Omaha, Stud |
Player Pool Sharing | Access to combined player pools with BetMGM Ontario |
Mobile App Compatibility | Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
Top Choice For | Home of the Ontario Poker Championship, robust tournament schedule |
What Poker Games and Variants Are Available at Online Poker Ontario Sites?
In Ontario, online poker players have a broad range of poker games and formats at their disposal across various licensed poker sites.
Despite a smaller player pool due to regional restrictions, the offerings are diverse.
Dominating the scene is Texas Hold’em, the most popular variant, along with Pot-Limit Omaha. These games are widely available and cater to most players’ preferences.
The most prominent sites in Ontario also feature other poker variations, including Seven-Card Stud and mixed games like H.O.R.S.E., with the selection often adapting to player demand.
Limit and no-limit versions of Hold’em and Stud further diversify the gaming experience.
While currently limited to these variants, the range of games could expand in response to growing interest and participation within the Ontario poker community.
Aside from poker, players also have the opportunity to explore a selection of casino games available at the region’s top Ontario online casinos, providing a comprehensive gaming experience.
Poker Variants and Formats | Details and Availability |
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Poker Variants and Formats | Details and Availability |
Texas Hold'em | Most popular variant, widely available |
Pot-Limit Omaha | Second most popular, broadly offered |
Seven-Card Stud | Available on busier sites |
H.O.R.S.E. and Mixed Games | Offered based on player demand |
Cash Games | Standard offering across poker sites |
Sit & Go Tournaments | Quick, dynamic play options |
Multi-Table Tournaments | Competitive format for skilled players |
Limit and No-Limit Hold'em | Variations for strategic depth |
Limit and No-Limit Stud | Additional variety in game play |
How to Play Poker Games in Ontario?
The diverse variants and types make Poker one of the most popular online casino games among Ontario players. If you’re new to poker or need a refresher on how to play poker games, take a look at these players’ top three online poker games and their descriptions.
1. Texas Hold’Em
Texas Hold’Em is hands-down the most popular and widely played version of poker.
Each player receives two cards face-down, and then a betting round ensues.
The dealer then puts three cards face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the “Flop.”
These are community cards that each player can use. After another betting round, the dealer places another card face up.
This process repeats itself one more time, leaving each player to make the best 5-card hand out of the five community cards and their two face-down cards.
2. Omaha
Omaha is very similar to Texas Hold’Em. The biggest difference is that each player starts with four face-down cards instead of two.
There are betting rounds after the cards are dealt and then more betting rounds between the flop, the turn, and the river.
Unlike Texas Hold’Em, in which you can use both, one, or none of your hole cards to make your hand, Omaha requires players to use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards.
We must mention that one version of Omaha, known as Omaha Hi-Lo, involves a split pot. Half of the pot is awarded to the player with the lowest qualifying hand. If no such hand exists, then the player with the highest hand takes the entire pot.
3. Seven-Card Stud Poker
In 7-Card Stud Poker, a round begins with each player receiving two cards face-down and one card face-up.
After a round of betting, each player gets another face-up card. This repeats until the remaining players have two hole cards and four face-up cards.
After the betting round, each player gets one last card face-down.
After the final bets are placed, it goes to the showdown, and the strongest hand wins.
If you play at the best Ontario poker sites, you will come across 5-Card Stud. This is the same as the 7-card version, except players wind up with three-hole cards and two face-up cards. Some online poker sites even offer a hi-lo version of the 7-Card Stud.
Best Banking Options For Online Poker Players in Ontario
In Ontario, online poker sites offer a wide variety of banking options for easy deposits and withdrawals, with each site providing different methods based on their agreements with payment providers.
Common methods include major debit cards like Visa and MasterCard, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill. Additionally, prepaid cards like the Play+ Card are also expected to be widely available.
The banking options for Ontario poker sites typically include the following:
Banking Option | Interac |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Yes |
Banking Option | Skrill |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Yes |
Banking Option | Neteller |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Yes |
Banking Option | Play+ Card |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Yes |
Banking Option | Online Banking |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Yes |
Banking Option | Visa/Mastercard |
Available for Deposits | Yes |
Available for Withdrawals | Varies* |
Banking Option | Available for Deposits | Available for Withdrawals |
---|---|---|
Interac | Yes | Yes |
Skrill | Yes | Yes |
Neteller | Yes | Yes |
Play+ Card | Yes | Yes |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Visa/Mastercard | Yes | Varies* |
What Does the Ring-Fenced Player Pool Mean for Ontario’s Online Poker?
In Ontario, the legal landscape of online poker has undergone a significant shift with the introduction of regulations mandating a ring-fenced player pool.
This means that players in Ontario can only compete against others within the province.
Major online poker platforms like PokerStars Ontario, partypoker Ontario, 888poker Ontario, and GGPoker Ontario have adapted to these regulations by creating Ontario-specific clients, segregating Ontarian players from their global counterparts.
How Are Online Poker Sites Adapting to Ontario’s Market?
Despite the limitations of a ring-fenced market, these sites continue to offer a wide array of cash games and tournament poker.
All games and tournaments are played in Canadian Dollars, and the legal gambling age is set at 19 years.
Notably, the BetMGM Ontario Network, comprising BetMGM, partypoker, and bwin, has become the first multi-brand online poker network in Ontario.
Is There a Future for Inter-Jurisdictional Online Poker in Ontario?
While Ontario’s online poker community is currently confined within the province’s borders, there’s potential for future changes.
Ontario regulators have considered inter-jurisdictional compacts similar to the existing compact between British Columbia, Manitoba, and Québec.
However, the presence of private operators in Ontario’s market poses challenges for integration into a compact currently dominated by government-controlled gaming monopolies.
How Does Ontario’s Online Poker Market Compare to the Rest of Canada?
The broader Canadian market outside Ontario remains a grey area, with international poker sites legally catering to players. This situation allows Canadians outside Ontario access to a global player pool. If other provinces follow Ontario’s regulatory footsteps, this privilege will evolve further.
Explore the unique landscape of online poker in Ontario compared to the rest of Canada with our detailed comparison table. See how player pools, major platforms, market structures, and more vary across these regions:
Aspect | Player Pool |
Details for Ontario | Ring-fenced within Ontario |
Details for Rest of Canada | Access to international player pools |
Aspect | Major Online Poker Platforms |
Details for Ontario | PokerStars , partypoker, 888poker, GGPoker, BetMGM |
Details for Rest of Canada | International sites for CA players |
Aspect | Market Structure |
Details for Ontario | Regulated, requiring Ontario-specific players |
Details for Rest of Canada | Considered a 'grey market', no specific provincial regulations |
Aspect | Currency |
Details for Ontario | Games played in CAD |
Details for Rest of Canada | Varies, usually in USD |
Aspect | Legal Age |
Details for Ontario | Legal gambling age is 19 |
Details for Rest of Canada | Legal gambling age varies |
Aspect | Inter-jurisdictional Compacts |
Details for Ontario | Potential consideration for future compacts |
Details for Rest of Canada | Existing compact between BC, MB, and QC |
Aspect | Regulatory Body |
Details for Ontario | AGCO and iGO |
Details for Rest of Canada | Varies by province |
Aspect | Private vs. State Operators |
Details for Ontario | Presence of private companies |
Details for Rest of Canada | Government-controlled gaming monopolies
|
Aspect | Details for Ontario | Details for Rest of Canada |
---|---|---|
Player Pool | Ring-fenced within Ontario | Access to international player pools |
Major Online Poker Platforms | PokerStars , partypoker, 888poker, GGPoker, BetMGM | International sites for CA players |
Market Structure | Regulated, requiring Ontario-specific players | Considered a 'grey market', no specific provincial regulations |
Currency | Games played in CAD | Varies, usually in USD |
Legal Age | Legal gambling age is 19 | Legal gambling age varies |
Inter-jurisdictional Compacts | Potential consideration for future compacts | Existing compact between BC, MB, and QC |
Regulatory Body | AGCO and iGO | Varies by province |
Private vs. State Operators | Presence of private companies | Government-controlled gaming monopolies
|
Are Online Poker Winnings Taxable in Ontario?
In Canada, including Ontario, winnings from gambling activities such as online poker are typically not taxable.
This is because they are not seen as income from a business or employment, as outlined in Section 3 of Canada’s Income Tax Act.
If these winnings are earned in a professional context or as part of business income, they are subject to taxation. This distinction is vital for understanding how gambling earnings are treated under Canadian tax law.
Pending Regulatory Clarifications
The situation with online poker in Ontario is still evolving. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) are refining the regulations surrounding online gaming licenses, including aspects of taxation.
Currently, land-based casinos in Ontario are taxed at 55%. Still, it remains to be seen if a similar rate will be applied to online gaming operations.
The regulators have committed to creating a competitive market, aiming to encourage players to use licensed sites. Should taxation on poker players be introduced, online poker sites are expected to comply fully and likely automate tax handling, as seen in other jurisdictions.
Ontario’s Best Land-Based Poker Rooms
Ontario is a prime destination for poker enthusiasts in Canada, boasting the province’s highest density of poker venues per square kilometre. The region celebrates live poker, with more than 15 land-based poker rooms scattered across Ontario, particularly concentrated in the southern part near the U.S. border. These venues cater to a wide range of preferences, offering daily tournaments with buy-ins reaching up to $100 (plus rebuys), alongside the allure of online poker available to Canadian citizens.
While the focus in Ontario has recently shifted towards online poker, the live poker scene in land-based casinos remains vibrant and popular.
In particular, Toronto is a live poker hub featuring esteemed venues like the Aces Club, Toronto Poker Tournament, and Toronto Poker Game Rooms. Windsor also holds its ground as a hotspot for live cash games and tournaments, solidifying Ontario’s reputation as a leading poker destination in Canada.
Popular Poker Rooms in Ontario include:
Poker Room | Location | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
Poker Room | Location | Notable Features |
Caesars Windsor | Windsor, ON | Hosts World Series of Poker events |
Canadian National Exhibition Casino | Toronto, ON | Annual Tournament with Multiple SNG flights |
Casino Niagara | Niagara Falls, ON | Great Poker game selection |
Casino Rama | Cumberland Beach, ON | Regular 1/2 NL and 2/5 NL Cash Games |
Elements Casino Brantford | Brantford, ON | Limit Holdem at 10/20 or 20/40 |
Great Blue Heron Charity Casino | Port Perry, ON | Among the highest pot sizes in ON |
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto | Toronto, ON | Central hub for live poker |
OLG Rideau Carleton Raceway | Gloucester, ON | Best For Texas Hold 'Em (Limit and No Limit) |
FAQ: Answers to Most Common Questions About Online Poker Ontario
Yes, online poker became legal in Ontario on April 4, 2022, following the passage of C-218 in June 2021. This legislation legalized all online gambling, including poker, for Ontario residents.
Yes, you can play GG Poker in Ontario. GGPoker has partnered with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to offer its services in the province, providing a platform for players to participate in online poker legally within Ontario’s regulated gaming environment.
To play PokerStars in Ontario:
- Be physically in Ontario and at least 19 years old.
- Download the Ontario-specific PokerStars software or app.
- Create and verify your account.
- Deposit funds using available methods.
- Play various poker games and gamble responsibly.
- Withdraw your winnings, adhering to PokerStars’ terms.
Yes, 888 Poker is legal in Ontario. The platform is fully licensed and regulated to operate within the province following the legalization of online poker and other forms of online gambling in Ontario on April 4, 2022.
Ontario’s best online poker sites include PokerStars Ontario, GGPoker Ontario, 888poker Ontario, partypoker Ontario, and BetMGM Poker Ontario.
Each offers a variety of games and tournaments and is licensed and regulated for secure play. Choose based on your preferences for game types and user experience.
Online poker in Ontario became regulated and legal on April 4, 2022, following the enactment of Bill C-218. This led to the launch of several major, regulated online poker sites explicitly catering to the Ontario market.
No, there is no Ontario online poker ban. The province legalized and regulated online poker on April 4, 2022. Ensure that the information you read online about poker and poker sites in Ontario comes from trusted sources and is up-to-date.
In Canada, online poker winnings are not usually taxed if they’re from recreational play. When poker is played professionally or as a business activity, the winnings may be taxable.
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Anthony Odiase is a casino expert writer with 6+ years of experience. He specializes in writing reviews and articles for iGaming and online gambling sites, providing gambling tips to novices and professional gamblers in Ontario, Canada and across several countries. With a vast knowledge of the Canadian gaming sector and seeing the growth of online gaming products and services, he has published several high-quality reviews.