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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close This operator is licensed and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operates under an agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO). It is presented to you as it has passed Gambleontario.ca evaluation criteria according to our editorial principles. You must be +19 to participate. T&Cs apply; proceed to the operator site to read before taking any action. Play responsibly.

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.

Best Poker Sites in Ontario

Our Poker experts spent over 20 hours reviewing the five online poker sites in Ontario. Below, you will find detailed facts on each poker site that will help you compare them and decide which is the best for you based on your playing style and skill level.

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1. BetMGM Poker Ontario

In Ontario, poker enthusiasts can legally play at BetMGM Poker, a fully licensed and regulated platform. Powered by partypoker software, BetMGM Poker Ontario offers a familiar experience for those who have played on partypoker’s global client.

It launched alongside partypoker Ontario and bwin on April 12, 2022, forming the first online poker network in the province.

BetMGM Poker Ontario features a robust selection of game types, including Cash Games, Fast Forward, Freerolls, Sit & Go’s, Spins, and various Tournaments.

Notably, the platform hosts a range of tournaments, such as the Daily C-Note with a $109 buy-in, a High Roller event, and the Super Sunday lineup, including a range of tournaments like PKOs, Sunday Masters, and High Rollers.

The platform’s integration with the BetMGM Poker Ontario Network means players have access to a larger player pool, enhancing the overall poker experience in Ontario.

Read our expert BetMGM review

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

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2. 888 Poker Ontario

888poker Ontario, launching on April 4, 2022, was one of the pioneers in the newly regulated online poker market in Ontario. It was the first to introduce all three gaming verticals simultaneously.

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of poker formats, including popular 888poker games like BLAST, SNAP, cash games, freerolls, and a variety of tournaments.

Players familiar with the global 888poker client will find a similar, user-friendly interface in the Ontario version.

888poker Ontario stands out not only for its wide range of poker games, including Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud but also for its unique tournaments like Double or Nothing and Progressive Knockouts (PKO).

If you like playing poker on the go, 888poker Ontario’s feature-rich mobile app is available across multiple platforms, ensuring a versatile and engaging poker experience.

Check our detailed 888 Casino and Poker review

888Poker Ontario Features

Details

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

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3. PokerStars Ontario

PokerStars Ontario, which has been legally operating in Ontario since June 28, 2022, stands out as a leader in the online poker industry. This platform offers a vast array of poker games, including the popular Texas Hold’em, PLO, and unique variants like 6+ Hold’em and Tempest.

PokerStars is renowned for its extensive selection of cash games, with stakes ranging from $0.02/$0.05 to $50/$100, and a dynamic range of tournaments, from multi-table to single-table formats, catering to both free and real-money buy-ins.

While PokerStars Ontario offers a broad spectrum of games, it currently needs more variety in some areas, notably the absence of Stud, Draw, or Mixed Games in cash table formats. It compensates with a selection of MTTs covering these variants. Given PokerStars’ international presence, it’s likely that its Ontario app will expand its offerings in the future.

Read our comprehensive PokerStars Review

PokerStars Ontario Features

Details

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

GGP Poker Medium Banner

4. GG Poker Ontario

GGPoker Ontario, in partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP), offers a unique opportunity for Ontario’s poker enthusiasts. This collaboration allows players to participate in major live poker tournaments, including the WSOP Main Event, directly from Ontario.

As the last poker room to launch in the province, GGPoker Ontario stands out with its WSOP-backed platform and GGPoker software, catering to both recreational and professional players.

The platform boasts a rich array of daily tournaments and active cash game tables suitable for all bankroll sizes, from modest to professional levels.

A key characteristic that distinguishes GGPoker Ontario is its capability to host online WSOP bracelet-awarding events, offering players in Ontario the chance to compete for these prestigious awards from home.

Read our thorough GGPoker Ontario Review

GGPoker Ontario Features

Details

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

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5. PartyPoker Ontario

Partypoker Ontario, a prominent member of the BetMGM Ontario Poker Network, stands out as an independent operator with its unique games and promotions.

Launched in mid-April 2022, Partypoker is one of the first legal online poker rooms in Ontario and a trusted name in the industry. The platform uses reliable partypoker software and is known for its robust tournament schedule.

Partypoker Ontario’s partnership with BetMGM enhances the gaming experience by allowing players to compete against both PartyPoker Ontario and BetMGM Ontario player pools.

This, coupled with their 24/7 customer support and available poker app for iPhone and Android, makes Partypoker Ontario an attractive destination for online poker enthusiasts in the province.

Check our unbiased Party Casino and Poker Review

Partypoker Ontario Features

Details

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

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.

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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*

*Note that Mastercard and Visa for withdrawals may vary depending on the specific policies of each online poker site in Ontario.

What Changed For Online Poker in Ontario?

Explore the significant regulatory shifts in Ontario’s online poker landscape and their impact on players and operators. If you are an online poker player in Ontario, this will greatly interest you.

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.

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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

 

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:

  1. Be physically in Ontario and at least 19 years old.
  2. Download the Ontario-specific PokerStars software or app.
  3. Create and verify your account.
  4. Deposit funds using available methods.
  5. Play various poker games and gamble responsibly.
  6. 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.

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