Canada Online Poker: The Complete Guide to Legal Sites

Online poker is legal and widely available across Canada, but how players access it varies by province. Gambling in Canada is governed through the Criminal Code, which allows provinces to regulate and offer gaming, including online poker, under their own authority.

As a result, most Canadian players use internationally licensed online poker sites, while Ontario operates a separate provincially regulated market with locally licensed operators. This guide focuses primarily on online poker options available across Canada outside Ontario, while explaining how the broader legal landscape works.

Below, we break down how online poker works in Canada, how provincial rules differ, and what players should consider before choosing where to play, including how upcoming changes in provinces like Alberta and Quebec could shape the market.

Canada Online Poker Laws & Regulations

Online poker is legal in Canada, with gambling oversight handled at the provincial level under the Criminal Code. As a result, how players access online poker depends on where they live.

Ontario operates a provincially regulated online poker market with locally licensed sites and a ring‑fenced player pool. In the rest of Canada, players legally access real‑money online poker through established international operators that accept Canadian players and offer global liquidity.

Alberta is moving toward a regulated online gambling framework, with changes expected in 2026, while Québec currently offers limited poker through its provincial platform and continues to allow players to use international sites. Until additional provincial markets launch, international poker rooms remain the primary option for most Canadian players.

Best Online Poker Sites for Canada (Outside Ontario)

Canadian players outside Ontario can access real‑money online poker through established international operators. These sites offer large global player pools, a full range of cash games and tournaments, and payment options suited to Canadian players. Below are the leading online poker rooms available across most of Canada.

GGPoker Canada

GGPoker is the largest online poker site in the world and a top choice for Canadian players. The platform offers extensive cash‑game action, large tournament schedules, and fast‑paced formats such as jackpot sit‑and‑gos, all supported by one of the deepest global player pools available.

With strong traffic at all stakes and a focus on both recreational and high‑volume players, GGPoker is best suited to Canadians looking for consistent action and large‑field tournaments.

WPT Global Canada

WPT Global is a mobile‑first poker platform and the official online partner of the World Poker Tour. It offers a solid mix of cash games and tournaments, along with regular qualifiers for live WPT events.

The platform is particularly appealing to players who prefer mobile play and softer competition, while still benefiting from healthy traffic throughout the day.

PokerStars Canada

PokerStars is one of the longest‑running and most recognizable names in online poker. Canadian players benefit from strong international traffic, a robust tournament schedule, and polished desktop and mobile software.

PokerStars also offers the widest variety of poker formats available to Canadians, including mixed games and less common variants beyond Hold’em and Omaha, making it a strong choice for players who value game selection and software quality.

Betsson Poker Canada

Betsson Poker provides Canadian players with access to international poker games through a well‑established European gaming brand. While traffic is smaller than the largest global networks, the platform offers a reliable experience with regular tournaments and cash games.

Betsson is best suited to players looking for an alternative to the biggest poker rooms, often featuring softer fields at lower stakes.

PartyPoker Canada

PartyPoker is a long‑standing international poker site that accepts Canadian players and connects them to a broad global player pool. The platform offers a balanced mix of cash games and multi‑table tournaments, including regular tournament series throughout the year.

It is a solid option for players seeking dependable traffic and a straightforward poker experience without excessive complexity.

Stake Poker Canada

Stake Poker gives Canadian players access to international poker games with a strong focus on crypto‑friendly payments and fast withdrawals. The platform offers steady action across cash games and tournaments and appeals primarily to recreational players.

Stake Poker is best suited to players who value simplicity, fast transactions, and a more casual poker environment.

888poker Canada

888poker is a well‑established online poker brand offering a smaller but active international player pool. While tournament guarantees are more modest, the platform is known for softer competition and a user‑friendly mobile app.

This makes 888poker a good choice for newer players or those with smaller bankrolls looking for a less intimidating environment.

Canada Online Poker Bonuses & Promotions

Canadian players have access to a wide range of bonuses and promotions at international online poker sites. These typically include welcome bonuses, ongoing rewards programs, and occasional promotions such as leaderboards or reload offers. The real value of these offers depends on how often you play and how the rewards are earned over time.

Welcome Bonuses at Canadian Poker Sites

Most international poker sites offer welcome bonuses to Canadian players as part of their global promotions. These are usually released gradually as players generate rake through cash games or tournament fees, rather than being credited instantly.

Because these offers are tied to play volume, they tend to benefit players who plan to play regularly during their first weeks on a site. The exact structure and value of welcome bonuses can vary significantly between operators.

Leaderboards and Tournament Promotions

Many poker sites run leaderboards and special promotions for tournament players, particularly during major online series. These promotions may award additional tournament tickets, cash prizes, or other rewards based on performance or volume.

Occasionally, sites run country‑specific or region‑focused leaderboards, which can offer better value due to smaller player pools.

Reload Bonuses and Ongoing Offers

In addition to welcome bonuses, Canadian players may receive reload bonuses or targeted offers from time to time. These promotions are typically optional and designed to reward continued play rather than change how players approach their regular sessions.

While not guaranteed, these offers can add incremental value over the long term, especially for players who already plan to play consistently.

Online Poker Taxes in Canada

For most Canadian players, online poker winnings are not taxed. Under Canadian tax law, gambling winnings are generally treated as windfalls when poker is played recreationally, meaning casual players do not need to report winnings to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Tax treatment can change if poker is played in a clearly professional or commercial manner. Players who rely on poker as a primary source of income, operate with business‑like organization, and play at high volume may be considered to be carrying on a business, in which case winnings could be taxable.

• Recreational players: poker winnings are usually not taxable
• Professional players: winnings may be taxable as business income
• When in doubt, high‑volume players should consult a Canadian tax professional

Banking at Canadian Poker Sites

International online poker sites serving Canada support a wide range of secure and Canadian‑friendly payment methods. When using established and reputable operators, banking is generally straightforward, with reliable processing and modern security standards in place to protect player funds and personal information.

Common deposit and withdrawal methods available to Canadian poker players include:

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

Withdrawing Online Poker Winnings in Canada

Withdrawing poker winnings in Canada is usually simple, with most payouts processed within 24 to 72 hours depending on the method used. Digital wallets and online banking options tend to be the fastest, while card and check withdrawals may take longer.

Players should expect to complete identity verification before their first withdrawal is approved. This is a standard security measure and typically involves confirming personal details provided during registration. Completing verification as early as possible can help avoid delays when requesting a cashout.

Canada Poker Apps

Most international online poker sites available in Canada offer dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android. These apps can be downloaded directly from official app stores, while some operators also support browser‑based play without requiring a download.

Poker apps allow Canadian players to access cash games and tournaments at any time, making it easy to play short sessions or stay active while away from a desktop or laptop. In most cases, mobile and desktop versions offer the same games, features, and account functionality.

Reputable poker operators use modern security standards across their mobile platforms, including encrypted connections and account protection tools. As with desktop play, sticking to established and well‑known poker sites is the best way to ensure a safe and reliable mobile experience.

How to Play Online Poker in Canada

Getting started with online poker in Canada is straightforward. Most players outside Ontario use established international poker sites that legally accept Canadian players.

First, choose a reputable online poker site and create an account. You’ll need to provide basic personal details and verify your identity, which is a standard security requirement across legitimate operators.

Once your account is set up, make a deposit using a supported payment method such as Interac, PayPal, or a credit card. After funding your account, you can join cash games or tournaments at stakes that suit your bankroll.

Online poker is available on both desktop and mobile devices. Most sites offer browser play or downloadable software, along with mobile apps, allowing you to play from anywhere. As always, it’s best to start at lower stakes, understand the rules and formats, and only play with money you’re comfortable risking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Poker in Canada

Is real money online poker legal in Canada?

Yes. Real money online poker is legal in Canada. Ontario operates its own provincially regulated market, while players in all other provinces can legally play on trusted international poker sites that accept Canadian players.

Where can you play online poker in Canada for real money?

Outside Ontario, Canadian players typically use established international poker sites such as GGPoker and WPT Global, which offer access to global cash games, tournaments, and sit & gos. In Ontario, players must use provincially licensed platforms approved by iGaming Ontario.

What is the legal age to play online poker in Canada?

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

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

For most players, online poker winnings are not taxable because they are considered recreational gambling income. If poker is played professionally as a primary source of income, winnings may be taxable as business income.

What is the best online poker site in Canada?

For players outside Ontario, GGPoker and WPT Global are among the most popular choices due to their large international player pools, reliable software, and strong tournament schedules. The best option can vary depending on your location, preferred games, and playing style.