Best Canada Online Poker Sites

Thinking about where to play real money online poker in Canada? The good news is that it’s both widely accessible and legal. Canada has long been a powerhouse in the global poker scene, with players enjoying everything from small‑stakes cash games to the largest international tournaments. Today, Canadians can safely access major poker sites, with Ontario standing apart as the first province to regulate its own market — while players elsewhere continue to enjoy full access to the world’s top platforms.

Canada online poker is especially attractive because of its strong international connections. Leading platforms like GGPoker and WPT Global welcome Canadian players, offering massive global tournaments, deep cash‑game liquidity, and some of the most secure gaming environments available anywhere. Whether you’re playing from Ontario’s regulated market or another province that connects directly to offshore operators, Canadians are never far from some of the richest poker action in the world.

Legally, online poker in Canada operates through a dual framework. At the federal level, there are no laws preventing individuals from playing poker online for real money. Oversight happens provincially — with Ontario running a licensed, ring‑fenced market and the rest of the country continuing to play on international sites. This structure gives Canadians a rare advantage: players everywhere in the country can legally enjoy real money online poker, either through provincial regulators or trusted international operators serving Canadian customers.

Looking ahead, more provinces are exploring the path Ontario has already taken. Alberta and Québec have both signaled interest in establishing regulated online poker markets, which could open the door to wider licensing across the country. Until then, Canadian players can count on a thriving online poker ecosystem — one where global sites provide world‑class gameplay, and a regulated Ontario market delivers additional choice and peace of mind.

Is real money online poker legal in Canada?

Yes — real money online poker in Canada is legal. Canadian players are allowed to join and play on online poker sites without breaking any laws. The important detail is that regulation happens at the provincial level, which means the rules can differ depending on where you live.

In Ontario, real money online poker is fully regulated. The province runs a licensing system where operators such as GGPoker Ontario are approved and overseen by the local regulator, creating a safe and transparent environment for players.

In the rest of Canada, provinces have not yet created regulated online poker markets. However, Canadians everywhere outside Ontario can still legally play on trusted international poker sites. These operators welcome Canadian players, offering access to global tournaments, cash games, and international player pools.

The Best Canada Poker Sites

Players from Canada have access to many international poker sites that continue to operate in the country without any problems. So far, Ontario is the only province that instituted a local regulation requiring sites to apply for a license and creating a segregated market. See our full guide to Ontario online poker to learn more.

In all other parts of the country, Canadian poker players can sign up with international poker sites and join cash games and tournaments with players from all over the world. This includes provinces with a local monopoly provider. For example, online poker in Québec is provided by Loto-Québec, but international sites also offer their services.

Canada is not only a very populous country — it is also a country where the game of poker is very popular, in part due to the successes of Daniel Negreanu, one of the best players in the history of the game.

With all that in mind, there is no lack of Canadian real money poker sites to choose from, and these are our top picks.

GGPoker Canada

GGPoker is the biggest online poker site in the world, and it readily accepts players from Canada. Daniel Negreanu, the greatest poker player the country has ever seen, has also been the main ambassador for the brand for several years now.

GGPoker Canada caters to players of different bankrolls and preferences. It offers everything, from cash game action over tournaments with big guarantees to jackpot sit-and-go games.

Canadian players can also take advantage of a generous welcome package and participate in the operator’s rakeback program, offering some of the highest returns in the industry. With all these things in mind, GGPoker Canada is easily a top pick for serious and recreational players alike.

WPT Global Canada

WPT Global is a mobile-first poker operator that offers a quality range of cash game and tournament options for players. As an official online partner of the World Poker Tour, this poker app also features a variety of qualifier tournaments for live WPT events.

For Canadian players who enjoy playing on their phones and those looking for extremely soft games, WPT Global Canada is a solid choice. The operator also has very good traffic, which means you’ll never struggle to find a game here.

When it comes to promotions, WPT Global offers one of the largest welcome bonuses in the industry, so if you have a big bankroll to work with, there is a lot of extra value to be had by signing up here.

PokerStars Canada

PokerStars is another major international site accepting Canadian players. The operator hardly needs much of an introduction, being one of the longest-standing brands in the online poker industry.

Alongside GGPoker, PokerStars Canada is a top choice for players in the country. Great traffic, generous welcome bonus, and a revamped rewards program offering rakeback of up to 60% are just some of the reasons to play here.

PokerStars is also the only Canadian poker site spreading games other than Hold’em and Omaha. If you’re a fan of variations like Razz, Deuce to Seven, Badugi, Five Card Draw, and more, you’ll find plenty of options in both tournament format and cash games.

PartyPoker Canada

PartyPoker is one of the longest-standing online poker sites around. It accepts players from Canada and many other countries worldwide, creating a platform with a very solid player traffic.

With a generous welcome package, PartyPoker Canada gets new players off to a nice start, offering a solid deposit match and some extra MTT tickets to boot.

The operator offers a solid variety in terms of cash games and tournaments alike. For MTT players, PartyPoker hosts several interesting series a year with solid guarantees and manageable player fields, making it an interesting alternative to other Canada poker sites.

Betsson Poker Canada

Betsson Poker Canada is an interesting choice for players looking for alternatives outside of two major brands. Betsson has built quite a reputation in the gaming industry, so it is a safe and reliable option.

With a nice welcome bonus and a variety of promotions and leaderboards running around the clock, the operator offers a lot of added value, especially for more serious players looking to get the best return on their time.

Simultaneously, the platform isn’t as populated with serious pros, meaning that the games are somewhat softer on average, especially lower stakes tournaments.

888poker Canada

Players looking for an alternative to these two giants will find it in 888poker Canada. This is another site powered by a reputable gaming company that’s been around for a long time, offering a completely safe and trustworthy platform.

888poker Canada isn’t as big in terms of traffic, and its tournaments don’t have such big guarantees, but the operator still has plenty to offer, including a modern mobile app for those who prefer playing on their handheld devices.

Another big reason to play here is the weaker competition. You’ll find more recreational players populating 888poker tables, making the site a great choice for beginners looking to learn the ropes with a limited bankroll.

Best Canadian Poker Sites Bonuses & Promotions

Poker players in Canada get treated to a variety of bonuses and promotions. From big welcome offers over lucrative loyalty programs to occasional promos like leaderboards and reload bonuses, there is a lot of value to be had across the board, and if you play your cards right, these can help you significantly boost your bankroll.

Welcome Bonuses at Canada Poker Sites

Welcome bonuses are always the biggest thing to look at when deciding on a site to play at. These can significantly increase your returns during the first couple of weeks on a site, especially if you have a big bankroll and intend on putting in a decent volume at the tables.

Canadian online poker players can take full advantage of welcome offers available to the international player pool. In some instances, operators will even throw in additional perks like a small no deposit amount geared specifically toward Canada, which goes to show that operators hold the Canadian poker market in very high esteem.

These welcome bonuses will often give you up to 40% of additional rakeback, which is a significant number when combined with loyalty programs and other promotions.

Leaderboards for Tournament Players

Tournament players can take advantage of a variety of leaderboards at Canadian poker sites. These are usually active during big series, awarding additional tournament entries and cash prizes. Some of them, however, run throughout the year, rewarding the most dedicated of grinders.

Every now and again, operators will set up country-specific leaderboards, and when this happens, Canada is often one of the countries that make it onto the shortlist. These can be quite valuable, as you’ll compete against a smaller pool, giving you a better shot at winning one of the prizes.

Reload Bonuses for Canadian Players

As mentioned, Canada is one of the more attractive markets for poker operators, which results in Canadian players often getting preferential treatment.

In addition to reload bonuses offered to everyone (which all operators do every now and again), you can also expect special offers sent to your email inbox.

Keep an eye out for these and try to make full use of them when available. In the long run, these extra bonuses can add up and make a big difference in your bottom line. The best part is that claiming them won’t interfere with your usual playing patterns, so it’s just some extra money you get to pick up along the way.

Canada Online Poker Laws & Regulations

Online poker in Canada is fully legal, but it is regulated individually at the provincial level. This means the experience for players differs depending on where they live. Ontario has launched its own regulated market, Alberta is preparing for regulation, Québec has a state‑run monopoly platform, and the rest of Canada continues to connect directly with international online poker sites such as GGPoker and WPT Global.

Canada Online Poker (in Most of the Country)

Most provinces in Canada do not yet regulate online poker at the provincial level. However, players across the country — including in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Atlantic provinces, and the northern territories — can still legally play real money poker online. Canadians in these regions are free to join trusted international poker sites like GGPoker and WPT Global, where they enjoy access to global tournaments, all game types, and massive international player pools.

This open access system has long characterized Canada online poker: as long as the provider is offshore, individuals are not breaking any federal laws by playing. In fact, Canada remains one of the most attractive markets globally because Canadian players can connect with the largest poker communities in the world with almost no restrictions.

Ontario Online Poker

Ontario is the only province with a fully regulated online poker market. Since April 2022, all online poker operators must be approved by iGaming Ontario and are required to meet local licensing and compliance rules. Players in Ontario can legally play real money online poker on regulated sites such as GGPoker Ontario and WPT Global Ontario.

The province operates on a ring‑fenced model, meaning Ontario players currently compete only against each other. While this limits international liquidity, it provides a safe and transparent environment under provincial oversight. Regulators are also exploring shared liquidity agreements, which could expand opportunities for Ontario players in the future.

Alberta Online Poker

Alberta online poker is unregulated at present, but change is on the horizon. Provincial lawmakers are examining the creation of a regulated iGaming market similar to Ontario’s, which could eventually open the door for major operators like GGPoker and WPT Global to apply for Alberta licenses.

For now, Alberta players legally participate on international sites. These platforms give them access to massive tournaments and global player pools, ensuring a vibrant online poker experience even before local regulation launches.

Québec Online Poker

In Québec, the provincial lottery operator Loto‑Québec offers online gaming through EspaceJeux, but its poker options are limited. Most real money online poker players in the province use international sites such as GGPoker and WPT Global, which legally welcome Canadians and provide far greater liquidity and game variety than the local site.

Québec regulators have shown interest in expanding online poker — including the possibility of joining shared liquidity networks — but no major regulatory framework has been approved yet. For now, international platforms remain the main destination for online poker in Québec.

Online Poker Taxes in Canada

One of the biggest questions for players is whether real money online poker in Canada is taxable. The short answer: for most people, poker winnings are not taxed. However, the rules depend on whether you play casually or professionally.

Recreational Players

For the vast majority of Canadians, online poker is considered a hobby. Under Canadian tax law, hobby gambling winnings are treated as windfalls and are not deemed taxable income. That means if you play online poker casually — even if you win large amounts on occasion — you usually do not have to report those winnings to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You also cannot claim deductions for related expenses like buy‑ins, travel, or tools.

• The Federal Court of Appeal reaffirmed in Fournier‑Giguère v. Canada (2025 FCA 112) that casual poker winnings are not taxable income: source TaxPage — How Are Professional Poker Winnings Taxed in Canada?
• Canadian tax law generally sets a very high bar before gambling winnings are considered income: source Canadian Accountant — Poker Winnings Tax Court Decisions

Professional Players

If you treat poker as more than a hobby, the situation changes. Players who rely on poker for their livelihood, use it as a consistent income stream, and manage bankrolls in a commercial way can be taxed as if they are running a business. In this case, poker winnings are considered business income, and you would be required to file them on your taxes — although you may then be able to write off related expenses.

• The CRA and Canadian courts focus on whether the activity is carried out in a sufficiently commercial manner: source Tax Law Canada — 4 Recent Poker Decisions
• Earlier cases such as Duhamel v. Canada also supported the view that poker winnings are not taxable unless clearly part of a business: source TaxPage — Duhamel Case Commentary

Key Takeaways for Canadian Poker Players

• Recreational players: Winnings are not taxed in Canada.
• Professional players: Winnings may be taxed if poker is your primary source of income and run like a business.
• CRA focuses on intent, livelihood, and whether your poker activity looks commercial.
• If you play at high volume or professionally, you should seek advice from a Canadian tax lawyer or accountant.

Banking at Canadian Poker Sites

Big poker sites operating in Canada offer a variety of payment options. Once again, since Canada is such an important market, there are quite a few Canada-specific options available, which makes the entire process simpler, faster, and safer.

Generally speaking, as long as you stick to big and reputable sites, you should experience no problems banking with Canadian poker operators. These sites work with large and trustworthy payment processors and employ high level security measures to ensure the safety of your funds and your private and financial information.

Some of the most popular banking methods available on Canada poker sites include:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• NETELLER
• Skrill
• Interac
• PayPal
• Online banking
• Check withdrawals

Withdrawing Online Poker Winnings in Canada

Cashing out from your online poker account is not a problem. You can choose from a variety of options listed above, and it usually takes 24 — 72 hours to receive your winnings, depending on the selected method.

It is worth mentioning that certain Canadian banks refused online poker payments in the past, especially when coming from shady offshore operators. This is another reason to try and stick to reputable sites, as even if all sites are technically legal, banks have their own checks and procedures in place and will often flag transactions from suspicious sources.

Other than this, you will need to go through the identity verification process, showing your personal information matches the information you entered when registering the account. This is a standard procedure and usually takes up to a couple of days to complete.

If possible, try and complete the verification ahead of time so that when you request a cashout, there are no unnecessary delays. This may not always be an option, however, as the player verification request is triggered by the operator when you request your first withdrawal.

Canada Poker Apps

Pretty much all poker operators in Canada also offer mobile apps that you can download straight from the official store and install onto your Android or iOS device. Some, like 888poker, also give you an option to log in and play using your browser.

Canadian poker apps are very convenient as they give you access to cash games and tournaments around the clock, allowing you to fire up a session whenever you feel like it without requiring you to be seated at your home computer or laptop.

Equally as important, these apps are very safe, using the power of modern technology to encrypt the information and protect players from any malicious attempts. As long as you play with big-name Canadian poker sites, you can rest assured their mobile apps are completely safe and trustworthy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Poker in Canada

Is real money online poker legal in Canada?

Yes. Real money online poker in Canada is legal. Ontario runs its own licensed and regulated market, while players in every other province can legally join trusted international sites like GGPoker and WPT Global.

Learn more in our guide to Canada Online Poker Laws & Regulations.

Where to play online poker in Canada for real money?

The best places to play online poker in Canada for real money are trusted international operators like GGPoker and WPT Global, which legally accept Canadian players and offer access to global tournaments, cash games, and sit & gos. In Ontario, these platforms also run fully regulated, province‑licensed versions under iGaming Ontario.

Learn more about your options in our The Best Canada Poker Sites in Canada Poker Sites section.

At what age can you play online poker in Canada?

The legal gambling age depends on your province. It is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec, and 19 in all other provinces and territories.

Full details by region are covered in our Canada Online Poker Laws & Regulations section.

Do I have to pay taxes on my online poker winnings in Canada?

For most Canadians, poker winnings are considered a hobby and are not taxable. If you play professionally as your primary source of income, the Canada Revenue Agency may classify your winnings as business income, which is taxable.
See full details in our section on Online Poker & Taxes in Canada.

What is the best online poker site in Canada right now?

The top choices for Canadians are GGPoker and WPT Global. Both offer large international player pools, secure platforms, major tournament series, and customized Canadian options such as local payments and support.

Explore more options in our Canada Online Poker Laws & Regulations section and in province‑specific guides.