The Canadian government regulates gambling on a provincial basis and the law states that it’s illegal to play poker online within the country. That said, the law is not enforced and people who want to gamble online from Canada continue to enjoy a vibrant industry that has produced some of the world’s best players.
The biggest poker sites that accept players from Canada offer a variety of bonuses to new players. These can be in the form of free chips or tournament buy-ins. Some poker sites will also match your first deposit up to a certain amount. This is called a welcome bonus and is one of the most popular types of online poker promotions.
While a few major banks have declined poker deposits in the past, most of them are now far more player-friendly and you’ll find plenty of options for moving money online to and from your poker account. These include eChecks, PayPal and Skrill which are easy to use in Canada and avoid the high third party fees that have plagued US players.
Most safe poker sites that accept Canadian players provide a good selection of mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices. They also make it clear that they are licensed by reputable international gambling authorities and have a solid track record of fairness, safety and security. Many will even have localized customer support that’s available in your native language.
In addition to the big international operators, there are now a few locally-regulated options for players in Ontario. The largest of these is GGPoker/WSOP Ontario which offers a world-class poker room with top software innovations, a massive player pool and record breaking guarantees for online events. The operator is powered by the WSOP brand and offers bracelet-awarding online events in addition to a well-rounded lineup of regulated cash games, MTTs and SNGs.
The other option for regulated online poker in Canada is PokerStars which has been a mainstay in the market since it launched. Its massive player base, high guarantees and industry-leading customer service have made it a popular choice among grinders. PokerStars also has a great lineup of live events across the nation that attract some of the best players in the world.
Other provinces are expected to launch their own regulated poker sites in the near future. The Saskatchewan iGaming authority is currently working on its regulations and expects to open the market in late 2023 or early 2024. Quebec will likely follow suit in 2024 and the province has already begun its licensing process with some of the most established operators in the world. Stay tuned for further details.