This site was created specifically for people from Canada, for quick acquaintance with the gambling industry online. In today's article, you can know all about Best Online Poker Sites in Canada 2021. Our Canadian visitors have asked us so many times to write the review of "Best Online Poker Sites for 2021, Best Online Poker Sites in Canada 2021" because of high interest in this topic. Well, the thorough investigation by our gambling expert had been already finished and we have collected here all useful information about Best Online Poker Sites in Canada 2021 in one review. You may read it now!

Best casinos in this month

Best Online Poker Sites for 2021, Best Online Poker Sites in Canada 2021

Best Online Poker Sites in Canada 2021

Free Poker Cheat Sheet - Download and print this free overview of when to raise and when to call in poker so you can win the next game. Our table below will go through theese online poker differences:

Best Online Poker Sites for 2021

Top Online Poker Sites For Canadian Players

Online Poker Resources

To increase your chances of winning online poker, either as a beginner or intermediate player, we’ve provided you with two downloadable PDF documents.

One is a poker cheat sheet to help you know when best to call and raise. The other shows you all the poker hands, ranging from the highest (Royal Flush) to the lowest (High Card).

You can either click on the images to enlarge the PDFs, or download them to then print off and have them beside you while playing poker online for real money.

Poker Cheat Sheet

Free Poker Cheat Sheet - Download and print this free overview of when to raise and when to call in poker so you can win the next game.

Poker Hands Order From High To Low

Poker Hand Rankings List - Download and print this free overview of top poker hands. Get to know the strength of your poker hand and win the next game.

Different Types of Online Poker

One of the advantages of playing poker online is that you are blessed with a number of variations of the game to choose from, that you won’t necessarily find at a land casino.

Below are some of the most popular types of online poker:

Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker type. Each player uses two Hole cards together with five Community cards to make the best poker hand.

Hugely popular at online casinos, all video poker games are played against the house. Also, similar to slots, you can access progressive jackpots.

The most common variety of Texas Hold’em, No-Limit refers to being able to bet and raise anything up to your entire stack at any time.

Based on the Chinese dominoes games with the same name, Pai Gow Poker is played with a regular 52-card deck and one Joker card.

Similar to Hold’em, except each player receives four Hole cards and must use exactly two along with the Community cards to make the best hand.

Most commonly used in Omaha, Pot Limit refers to games where you can only bet and raise up to the amount that’s already in the pot.

In fixed limit games, you can only bet and raise in increments decided before the game begins. Many non-Hold’em games are played with fixed limits.

Played in five and seven-card versions, Stud doesn’t have any Community cards. Each player receives all their cards, some face up and some face down.

You can play live poker games, such as live Texas Hold’em, in front of a real life dealer, as well as take part in cash games and tournaments.

Cash v Poker Tournaments

When playing online poker for real money against other players, you have two options. You can either play a one-off game, or take part in a poker tournament.

Our table below will go through theese online poker differences:

Play takes place around one table

You exchange cash for chips at a value you feel comfortable with

You can walk away from a cash game at any point

Blind values stay the same for each consecutive hand

If you lose all your chips, you can buy in again and re-join the action

Played across multiple tables simultaneously

There is a set buy-in amount that all tournament players must meet

A tournament ends only when one player is crowned the overall winner

Blind values increase incrementally over a set time period

If you lose all your chips in a tournament then you're eliminated

How We Review Our Poker Sites

In order to find the best poker sites in Canada for you, our expert team plays at, tests and rates every online casino to make sure they provide a top-level poker experience. Our review method includes scoring each of the following:

View our below page guides, for more information on playing online poker.

Our #1 Recommended Poker Site

Online Poker FAQs

Yes. As long as you play at a certified offshore-based online casino, you can bet on poker and other casino games for real money in Canada.

Just make sure you are of legal gambling age to bet, according to which province you are in.

Yes, as long as you’re playing at a legitimate and fully certified poker site.

There are a wide range of online casinos available to play at in Canada. Choose from our list of approved poker sites to make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk.

Our team of reviewers has found that the following are the best poker sites to play at in Canada:

888 Poker

Bodog Poker

Full Tilt Poker

Poker Stars

Unibet Poker

Yes. If you play at a legitimate poker site, then you can gamble for real money on poker.

You can do this by playing one of the online casino’s poker cash games, live poker or even by entering a tournament.

There is no exact answer to this as it really depends on your opponent(s).

There is more predictability when playing video poker games, as you are just battling your wits against the casino site. After playing a few times, you’ll get more of a feel how to win poker more frequently.

With online cash games and poker tournaments, you may come up against both beginner and expert players. For online poker tournaments in particular, the overall prizes can be much higher.

In specific terms we recommend No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha as being the most profitable.

Texas Hold’em. This game is most popular both socially and at all kinds of casinos worldwide.

Here is a list of all the popular online poker variants:

Texas Hold’em

Video poker

Pai Gow

Stud

Omaha

No limit

Limit

Pot limit

Yes, all of the top online poker sites offer 'play for free' options on various games. Some even host free tournaments that award real money prizes or buy-ins to cash games.

You can also play online poker for free, and still win real money. This is by taking advantage of poker site welcome bonuses and other promotions.

Our free casino games page also offers various poker options, without the need to download any programmes or depositing cash.

It depends. Arranging to meet friends at a certain table on a poker site is frowned upon because it encourages collusion.

Lots of sites offer what are called ‘home games’. These are private tables you can play with your friends at and schedule games or tournaments, effectively creating your own private poker club.

Best Online Poker Sites Canada - Real Money
April 2021

What's the Best Online Poker Site in Canada for Real Money?

For most Canadians the best online poker site in Canada for real money is 888 Poker because the competition is weak and you will win more. Get other benefits by playing at 888 Poker too, like the no-deposit $88 bonus - but don't just take my word for it - lets look at some data and compare the top poker sites.

There are also other reasons to play at other top sites like bigger tournaments (Americas Cardroom), best for beginners (PokerStars) and best loyalty program (Party Poker).

Best Online Poker Sites for Canadians

888 Poker

Deposits: VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Interac, Instadebit, Apple Pay, Bitcoin (by Skrill) + 24 more

Withdrawals: Time 1-3 Days (11 options)

Party Poker

Deposits: VISA, MasterCard, Interac, Instadebit, Playsafe Card, E-Transfer + 6 more

Withdrawals: Time 1-3 Days (7 options)

Bodog Poker

Deposits: VISA, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bank Wire

Withdrawals: Time 12 hours - 3 Days (6 options)

Americas Cardroom

Referral Code: Sydney77

Deposits: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, Crypto, + 4 more

Withdrawals: Time 12 hours -3 Days (5 options)

PokerStars

Deposits: VISA, MasterCard, Interac, Instadebit + 4 more

Withdrawals: Time 1-3 Days (15 options)

How to Pick the Top Online Poker Site?

Safe Online Poker Sites -Selecting the right site to play at during these uncertain times your first concern for a Canadian player is whether your money is safe on that site. First we recommend staying away from online poker sites that have us exposure - the top 5 sites that we list do not have any. The problems with the Full Tilt Poker Shut Down as well as the inability of players to withdraw money off of Ultimate Bet (UB) and Absolute Poker was due to difficulties arising from processing payments from US players. This has lead to the US DOJ calling Full Tilt a Ponzi Scheme. The best online poker sites to play at are publicly traded so that the public can see their books and they are transparent. Not like the privately held Full Tilt and Absolute Poker. In our editors choice of the top 5 poker sites the first qualification is that they must be financially safe.

Poker site quality - This takes into account a poker sites software quality, ease of use, support and fun to play at. You want smooth running software that is easy to use, feature rich and enjoyable to play.

Level of competition - The weaker the competition the better. To make money online it is better to play against weak players than strong ones.

Traffic and growth - Finding the game that you are looking for is important this requires good numbers of players and rules out most smaller sites. Positive traffic growth is important to find new weaker players and to insure that there are enough players to give you action when you want.

Deposit and withdrawal options- Moving your money should not be a hassle, it should be straight forward and quick and secure with a variety of ways to do it.

Game variety- The more gaming options the better - for poker (Hold em, Omaha, Stud, Razz, H.O.R.S.E, H.O.S.E). Additional gaming options make for a more complete site this includes blackjack, online casino games and sports betting. Its always a plus to be able to get the best online odds to bet on hockey, football and other sports as well as play poker all in one place.

Poker Tournaments - having a good selection of tournaments and large prize pools are important as is satellite entry tournaments to the WSOP and other real world tournaments. The more profitable tournaments are the ones with weaker competition, you will make more money if you avoid Phil Ivey.

Bonuses and Promotions - Bigger and more frequent is better

Poker Sites For Canadians

The best Canadian poker sites are safe fro real money poker games, have great software and a ton of action with lots of players and a variety of stakes to play at. Canada has a lot of great poker players: Daniel Negraneu, Evelyn Ng, Gavin Smith, Isabelle Mercier and of Course Jonathan Duhamel winner of the 2010 WSOP. One thing that sets Canadians apart from US players is that we have access the best online poker sites. Canadians are winning more big titles and more money online and bringing the cash and titles back home. Poker Games available include Texas Hold em Limit and No Limit, variations of Omaha, Stud and mixed games.

Making money with online poker is how most of these pro players got their start and for good reasons. Playing online poker you can play far more hands that in a real world poker room, the rake is lower and swings in profits are far quicker giving players a couple of bad days instead of a couple of bad weeks. The smart players don't go charging after the pros - they go for the weak players - its far more profitable. We have played at and evaluated the best Canadian poker sites to play poker online in Canada. These sites are not only of the highest quality but also the most profitable we have included the good and the bad for each room so that you get a more complete picture.

Never play poker online in Canada at just any random site, it may cost you your bankroll! A great poker site must be trustworthy with a long track record of keeping your money safe.

Poker Site Traffic

The highest poker site traffic in Canada is at PokerStars with about 4X the traffic of the number 2 site Party Poker. Below are the total number of cash game players based on a recent 7 day average from Poker Scout:

Poker Site Traffic 2020 - 7 Day Average - Cash Game Players

Ranking	Poker Site	Average # Players
1	PokerStars	6800
2	Party Poker	1500
3	888 Poker	950
4	Bodog Poker	925
5	Americas Cardroom	750

Poker Site Popularity in Canada

Although PokerStars has the most traffic internationally, 888 poker and party poker are more popular in Canada. The reason they are more popular is tough competition at PokerStars and better loyalty programs like cash back to name but two.

How I Pick The Best Poker Sites for Canadians

To find the best Canadian poker sites for April 2021 you must consider not only what rooms accept Canadians but also traffic volumes and that you get the fastest deposits and Withdrawals and more. Those factors are a must - you do not want to play at a site that leaves you hanging like when blacklisted sites shut down. Quality websites that are properly run, that's the starting point in finding the right site to play for money online. That's where we come in to review and rate the best online poker sites in Canada and offer you exclusive promotions and bonuses.

Factors used in choosing the best sites include: poker site quality, level of competition, traffic and growth, deposit and withdrawal options, game variety, reputation, financial security, US exposure, tournaments and more. By ranking the sites we make it easy for you to pick the best online poker site to play at.

Real Money Poker Sites

Picking a profitable poker site with weak competition is one of the key factors to being successful at online poker. Weaker competition gives good players an edge and the ability to be profitable in the long term at real money poker sites.

The best real money poker sites for Canadians have: high quality software that is easy to use, excellent customer support, weak competition, a multitude of safe secure deposit and withdrawal options, good poker game variety, poker tournaments running 24/7 at a variety of stakes, a great sign up bonus and high player traffic.

Our editors have rated the top real money online poker sites and have come up with their top picks for Canadians to play poker online for real money at. 888 poker is the #1 real money poker site for Canadians with its long standing reputation, award winning software - high traffic levels, the fastest growth amongst online poker sites in the last 12 months, quick highly reliable withdrawals and deposits, a great sign up bonus for new players, VIP rewards program and lots of fishy players.

Real Money Poker Canada

Playing poker online for real money in Canada is legal, super easy and if you are half decent you can even make a living from it. Bankroll management is key to being an effective real money poker player so never bring more than 1/20th of your bankroll into any one poker game.

Deposit Options

Signing up to play for real money at an online poker room you have several deposits depending on your preference:

VISA

Prepaid VISA

MasterCard

Prepaid MasterCard

PayPal

Instadebit

Ukash

Wire Transfer

Click and Pay

Entropay

Our Recommendation is to Use a Credit Card VISA /M/C or Prepaid VISA / M/C. The reason is that your funds will be available immediately and no fee added for making the deposit. Its also safe - if you are really worried about putting your credit card information online (unjustly paranoid) then go to your local shop and get a prepaid one.

Poker Bonuses

Online poker rooms offer sign up bonuses and deposit bonuses - free money some times - initial deposit match bonuses will match you dollar for dollar or better like at Bodog poker where you can get $2 in bonus money for every dollar you deposit. You can even get free money with no deposit required. 888 poker offers Canadians $8 free with no deposit required - just download the software and sign up. Now for the real exciting part. Playing online the number of hands that you play per hour is 3-5 times greater than at a real world casino - and you can play at any stakes that you wish - from just pennies right up to thousand dollar blinds. This increased hand count makes for a much quicker transition through the inevitable dips in your cash roll that all poker players go through, as well as the increased earnings by playing more hands.

Best Low Rake Poker Sites

The low rake poker sites do very in percentage rake for different No Limit Texas Holdem stakes. PokerStars does have lower rakes but it has a weaker rewards progam than the other sites. The only rakeback poker site is Americas Cardroom at 27%, but the cash back rewards at Party Poker in Canada is even better at 20%-40%. Most tournaments online are priced in at 5.00% with the very highest buy-ins being reduced. The maximum rake per pot also does differ between different sites. Check the table below for low rake poker site comparisons for No Limit Texas Holdem games for 6-9 players.

Stakes	888 Poker	Party Poker	Bodog Poker	ACR Poker	PokerStars
$0.01/$0.02	6.25% / $4.00	5.00% / $1.00	5.00% / $2.00	5.00% / $3.00	3.50% / $0.30
$0.05/$0.10	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $1.00	5.00% / $2.00	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $1.50
$0.10/$0.25	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $2.00	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $2.00
$0.25/$0.50	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $2.00
$0.50/$1.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $2.50
$1.00/$2.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $2.75
$2.00/$4.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $3.00
$3.00/$6.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $3.50
$5.00/$10.00	5.00% / $5.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $3.00
$10.00/$20.00	5.00% / $5.00	5.00% / $3.00	5.00% / $4.00	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $3.00
$25.00/$50.00	5.00% / $5.00	5.00% / $5.00	N/A	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $3.00
$50.00/$100.00+	5.00% / $5.00	5.00% / $5.00	N/A	5.00% / $3.00	4.50% / $5.00

The different poker sites have nearly identical poker rakes at 5% at all stakes with PokerStars, Americas Cardroom and Party Poker having the lowest caps. Overall PokerStars has the Lowest rake for most No-Limit Holdem cash games online, just don't play the $3.00 / $6.00 game with its higher cap.

Cash Rewards

Cash Rewards programs give players a percentage of the rake that they pay back up to 40% through cash back rewards programs and gives the bankroll of frequent players a large boost that can turn an average break even player into a net winner.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Poker Site

Do They Accept Canadian Players? - Not all sites accept Canadian Players. All the online rooms we list do accept Canadian Players. For the top Canadian friendly poker rooms.

What Operating System is on Your Computer? - Some sites do not have Mac versions available and not all Mac software runs as well as Windows software. All of the 5 poker sites recommended here are Mac compatible. But if you run Linux you need no-download software like at 888 poker.

Traffic Levels For Canadian Hours - Many poker sites have good traffic but they are mainly from European countries and traffic levels in the evenings in Canada are very low. Rooms with higher traffic levels for Canadian prime time hours are Americas Cardroom and Bodog..

Is The Competition Weak? - If you play at some sites the rooms are filled with sharks trying to take your money, you will be much more profitable and have a better time playing against weak players that are looking just to gamble or have fun. The fishiest poker sites are 888 poker, Americas Cardroom and Bodog.

Company Reputation, Financial Security and Support - Online poker and gambling has been around for a while now and the places where you play for real money should have rock solid a reputation, be more than adequately financially secure and offers fast cash outs. Support should be quick and responsive with multiple ways to access it. These companies treat customers fairly because they are in it for the long haul - only the safest sites get selected for our top 5.

Software Quality and Reliability - Poker software not only needs to look nice with sharp graphics high quality software has tested random number generators, is functional and easy to use and is up and running almost all the time with few disconnects.

What Promotions and Bonuses are Available? A great sign up bonus for new players plus frequent promotions where you can get free cash and prizes need to be of interest to you and truly rewarding. While many promotions are ongoing some of the best ones are offered for only a limited time.

If your not sure what online poker site to play at or weather its safe to play at for real money - those are very common concerns and the reason for us to create this website to give you only the best options of the most popular sites. Choose from one of our top sites and give it a try, change the skins for the table and avatar options to get a better feel for the site - that often makes a big difference on your enjoyment level. Now go flop that set and make your move on the unsuspecting online world.

New Poker Sites 2021

There are no new poker sites in 2021 that are worth your time in 2021. You are much better off sticking with large established sites and only try a new one once it has been deemed credible.

New sites need to prove that they are financially stable and can pay back your money. New sites that are also able to show consistent growth and popularity as well as financial stability, Licensing, and credible individuals in charge.

The benefits of playing on a new online poker site include better sign up bonuses and bigger player promotions. In order to gain players attention the sign up bonus may be double or more when compared to established poker sites. Though these sites are new we have evaluated them to ensure that they are reliable, safe, secure and financially sound. No site meet this criteria this year.

The Fishiest Poker Sites

The fishiest online poker site is 888 Poker, the next two easiest places are Bodog and Americas Cardroom. Party Poker is tougher and PokerStars is by far the toughest poker site.

We have ranked the fishiest poker sites after careful examination of all the top poker sites that accept Canadian players. The poker sites with the most fish have high growth with a lot of new players, more gamblers, less poker pros, few prop players and a lot of recreational players that like to play because of cool software and features.

Finding the easiest poker sites with a lot of fish and few sharks is where its at to help you win more money online. Weak players give a lot more action and play with almost any hand. They like to call a lot and will often show down to the river with nothing.

Free Poker Sites

Play poker online for free with no download in Canada - Governor of Poker 3 plus get my top picks and reviews of the best free online poker sites in Canada. Here you can even find out which sites let you play poker for free with no download and get free poker money or how to win real money in free poker tournaments - freerolls.

Compare Online Poker Sites

Comparing online poker sites is the best way to pick the right site for you to play at. A great online poker site a game at the stakes you want when you want and a lot of fish with few sharks and a rich sign up bonus to get you started. Top notch security, software, support and fast cash-outs are a must. Sites with no US exposure are more financially secure and less risky to play at - all of these factors and more have gone into our extensive rankings. Additionally sites on poker networks including 888.com, Party Poker, Bodog, Winner, and PokerStars are the best online poker sites for Canadians to play poker online.

Online Poker Site FAQ's

Is it legal to play online poker in Canada?

Online poker is legal to play in Canada both for free or for real money. There is no laws against playing poker online in any of the provinces or territories and you are legal to play at 888 Poker, Party Poker, Bodog, Americas Cardroom and PokerStars.

Are online poker sites rigged?

There are some online poker sites that have been rigged in the past, they include Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet. The poker sites for Canadians that I list here are not rigged and are safe to play online poker at.

Safe poker sites are licensed and regulated by the government in the jurisdiction of their license. Third party audit sites like eCOGRA audit and verify that there is no rigging or scamming going on - if there is it will show up there or on Reddit forums first.

What are the safest online poker sites?

The safest online poker sites in Canada are those that you find on this website, they have a long track record (15 years or more) of fair games and have a strong reputation with high traffic levels. The safest 5 sites are: 888 Poker, Party Poker, Americas Cardroom, Bodog, and PokerStars.

Licensing and third party audits monitor poker sites for random number generators and segregated players funds is another factor that needs to be verified to ensure the safety of your real money accounts.

Can you play online poker for real money online in Canada?

You can play real money poker games online in Canada in Canadian, US dollars or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Many deposit options are available such as credit Cards like VISA and MasterCard but NO PayPal.

Real money poker sites offer deposit bonuses on your first deposit of up to $1000, additionally there is often free poker money or no-deposit bonuses.

Crypto withdrawals are the fastest, but other options like bank wire or check by mail might be more to your preference.

What poker site has the most players?

PokerStars has the most players over all and is number 1 in traffic worldwide. Party Poker is number 2 and 888 is third. 888 poker has the most Canadians followed by PokerStars then Party Poker.

How do I get an online poker bonus?

Its super easy to get an online poker bonus: first follow one of the links from this site to the poker room of your choice, second create your new player account, third make a real money deposit and your bonus will be linked to your account, fourth and finally you must complete the play through requirement in order to have the bonus cash released into your account.

What are the best poker sites on Reddit?

The best poker sites on Reddit for Canadians are a mixed bag of the 5 that I recommend on this website with either Party Poker or 888 Poker being recommended the most. You have to watch however that it is not just a poker site trying to pump itself in a well know forum.

How much do online poker players make?

Online poker players go from huge losses to huge winnings, but if you are a decent player with good bankroll management and you put in 6+ hours a day 5+ days a week, you should be able to make $100 000 plus per year. This is playing at middle stakes where the competition is not too tough and you need to be ready for the swings.

The most profitable players have accounts at multiple online poker rooms and specialize in either cash games, sit n gos, heads up or tournaments to make their living. Sit n gos and cash games have the lowest swings while tournament wins are less frequent.

Canadian Poker Sites

Are you looking to play at a top online poker site for Canadians? Do you really want to spend time trying them all out? Thought not, so we went out and found the best online poker sites that players from Canada can enjoy.

All of our top Canadian sites for 2021 listed here were selected because they:

Provide Canadian poker players with fast and secure deposits and cashouts.

Offer 24/7/365 customer service and large sign-up bonuses.

Have great software and plenty of tournaments and cash games.

Our top rated Canadian site this month is 888 Poker.

Now that you've finally found this page of the best online Canadian poker sites, you can get down to playing your favorite games. Just visit any of our recommended sites below for a guaranteed great experience for Canadian online poker.

Blacklisted Sites

Our team of experts are here to bring you their recommendations on the best Canadian poker websites to look out for. But we’re also here to tell you which ones you’ll want to avoid. The following sites have all been noted for inadequate player protection, unfair games or questionable customer service.

Finding The Best Canadian Online Poker Sites

The best online poker rooms for Canadians offer players many options, from convenient banking features to qualifiers to major live events such as the World Poker Tour event held each year at the Fallsview Casino at Niagara and TV events. When searching for Canadian-friendly poker sites, it's important to make well-informed decisions regarding where you'll play online, especially with real money.

There is so much more to the question “What is the best online poker site?” because there are also other factors to consider before you sign-up and play, such as loyalty programs, bonuses and the perks each website offers. All of this and much more is discussed in our detailed reviews of Canada's best internet gambling websites, written by the expert Pokersites.com team. We also have a list of CAD websites that accept the Canadian Dollar currency.

Fortunately for Canadians, online poker play is completely legal in Canada

Fortunately for Canadians, online poker is completely legal in the country. In fact, after the so-called 'Black Friday' of the game, many USA players migrated to Canada to enjoy playing legally online. This means that the best CA options have high traffic and can focus more on features and specifically catering to you, without having to worry about legal issues. The top sites accept the Canadian Dollar for secure payments (deposits), withdrawals (cash outs) and wagers with no currency conversion issues or fees.

It is also very important that the big names like Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, Party Poker or 888 Poker have their websites, software and customer service in both English and French. In fact, it's very common for them to have their dedicated software available in the French language. However, only the most popular and best poker rooms for Canadians maintain full customer service teams in French to serve players in areas such as Quebec and Montreal.

Great Tournaments & Freerolls

The best Canadian poker rooms offer special qualifying tournaments and promotions specifically designed for you and other players in your region. For example, a site like PokerStars, Party Poker or 888 Poker Canada will offer a freeroll qualifying tournament to play in a live WPT tournament nearby. Loyalty programs at these sites also have prize packages and loyalty rewards specifically for players in Canada.

Canada online poker sites serve an already large market in North America so people new to Texas Hold’em at sites such as PokerStars can play alongside other local people in their chosen language and currency. Special CA poker sites with support for French speaking players can help players by making them feel more comfortable and allowing them to interact with other players. These venues are a great entertainment alternative to the live casinos in Vancouver or near Toronto in Niagara Falls, and many other locations around Canada.

So as you can see, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to online poker for Canadians. Read our expert room reviews which provide a breakdown of the factors we consider when rating them. Choose one of these top rated sites and play today for your exclusive and completely free welcome bonus.

Is it legal to play online poker in Canada?

Yes - no Canadian poker player has been charged with a criminal offence just for playing online, so there is nothing to be worried about in this respect. Canadian players can play legally on worldwide online poker sites, against players from various different countries.
Things are a little different for those operating an online gambling site as, with some exceptions such as the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and state-run sites in British Columbia and Quebec, Canadian-facing online poker rooms cannot be located within Canada's borders. This does not affect you as a player though.

What specific gambling laws do I need to know about?

The Canadian Criminal Code covers the concept of an 'unauthorised gambling house' however this has never been acted on in relation to online poker sites, and there is no indication it even applies to online gambling activities. Some individual territories and provinces within Canada have laws of their own in relation to licensed Internet poker rooms, so it is worth staying on top of the situation in your home territory or province.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

If you make a profit playing online poker then you will be subject to Canadian taxes, however if you make a loss then this is not something you need to worry about. This is particularly relevant to professional poker players, who would be well advised to report winnings and make the relevant tax filings in response. Recreational players making relatively insignificant amounts of money might still escape the attention of the authorities, however it is not worth running the risk of failing to report a profit, however small.

Are Canadian poker sites reliable?

Yes, most of the options available to Canadian poker players are hugely reliable, and hold licences in some of the best respected and trusted jurisdictions in the world. Under the terms of these licences, online poker rooms will be subject to regular checks and audits, and many will be bound by the terms of their licence to ensure player funds are kept segregated from operational funds. We have provided our own scrutiny above and beyond this to ensure we only recommend sites we would trust ourselves.

Is it safe to deposit money with a credit card?

Many Canadian poker sites will accept credit card deposits , however it is always worth checking before signing up for a real money account. Deposit methods are usually listed in the cashier section, while many sites will allow you to take advantage of toll-free customer support numbers or online live chat to make absolutely sure your preferred deposit method is accepted.

What about other deposit methods?

There are countless other options if you prefer not to deposit using a credit card, and one of the more popular is e-wallets. These allow you to set up an account with a reliable and encrypted third party site, meaning you are not required to give any card or bank details direct to the site in question.

What kinds of games are available?

This will vary from site to site, but Canadian poker players can enjoy the most popular variants, like No Limit Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, across the board. Certain rooms will also offer games like Five Card Draw, Seven Card Stud or Seven Card Razz, for those of you who prefer something a little different.

How long does it take to claim my winnings?

It generally depends on your withdrawal method. Some of the best Canadian sites will allow you to withdraw to e-wallet accounts and it will take just one day, though other methods such as paper cheques have been known to take longer.

Best Online Poker Canada for 2021

Online poker in Canada has a long and illustrious history and Canada, to some people’s surprise, played a major role in the poker boom of the early 2000s. Some of the world’s best poker players hail from Canada, including the world-renowned Daniel Negreanu, and it continues to be a premier location for playing online poker.

Top Canadian Poker Sites

Texas Hold’em may not have originated in Canada but it’s actually easier to play the game online in the Great White North these days than it is in other parts of the world - including Texas. Online poker players in Canada can access the best poker sites in the world and their international player pools. Canadians can also play on some exclusive Canadian-only sites and get exclusive offers that aren’t available to other players.

The other thing about Canada, as you’re likely well aware, is that the winters can be pretty cold and long. That’s the perfect environment to play online poker! See our list of the best Canadian poker sites ranked and reviewed below. Click "Play Now" to get started with a new account and bonus!

Best Online Poker Sites Canada

Picking the best poker sites you can play on while in Canada depends on what you want from your online poker playing experience. Do you want top software innovations, interesting poker variations and mixed games and a massive lineup of poker tournaments and tournament series? You should probably take a look at PokerStars first and see if it works for you. Want some soft cash games, a growing lineup of weekend tournaments and tournament series and great opportunities to win live poker packages? You should probably give 888poker or partypoker a try.

Want the weakest competition of them all? Tiger Gaming Poker is definitely an option. Want the safety and security of a government-operated poker site, even if it means less traffic and smaller prize pools? That's there for you too. And that's the essence of online poker in Canada. Players are spoiled for choice with an infinite number of games, stakes and variations to choose from on a variety of great and reputable online poker sites. And did we mention the tax-free winnings?

Whatever you decide, before you start playing make sure you know the basics and have a solid grip and understanding of How to Play Poker and basic poker strategy. This cheat sheet with poker hand rankings can help you figure out which hand wins in a poker game if you're literally just beginning at the game.

Playing Online Poker in Canada

As mentioned Canada is one of the few places that offers both government-run online poker sites in addition to private poker sites. It’s a fairly unique system in the online poker world and it’s helped create a burgeoning industry for both province-run sites and offshore operators. The customer is the real winner as they get more poker options than almost any other country. It’s what brought hundreds of professional poker players to Canada after Black Friday narrowed the U.S. online poker market significantly.

In turn those poker pros helped stimulate the poker environment in cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. It was win-win for everyone and Canada remains one of the premier places in the world to be an online poker player. The spin-off of the strong online poker industry in Canada is a booming live poker scene across the country, too. The Playground Poker Club in Montreal might lead the way in major poker events but live casino in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto are always overflowing with poker players.

What Happens to Online Poker Winnings Under Canadian Tax Law?

The short answer here? Nothing. Poker winnings for casual players are entirely tax-free. Canadian tax law is rather unusual when it comes to online poker because most gambling in the country is government-run and 100% tax free. Now, there are a number of online poker sites that aren’t run by the government but most casual poker players still benefit from that tax-free approach to gambling.

It’s somewhat of a different story for professional poker players, however. The Canadian Revenue Agency views poker winnings as subject to tax if they are “income from a business.” This interpretation is rather vague but the general idea is that if you make 100% of your income from online poker and are a consistent winner then you should be paying taxes. The vast majority of poker players are not in that category and
therefore their winnings are tax free. If you’re consistently making money from online poker, there’s a good chance you’ll want to speak to an accountant.

Best Poker Bonuses for Canadian Poker Players

Poker sites around the world offer enticing sign-up bonuses to recruit new costumers. Generally these sign-up bonuses take the form of what’s called a ‘deposit match’ bonus where the poker site will match a percentage of the amount initially deposited. In other words if you put $50 on a poker site with a 100% deposit match then you’ll receive an additional $50 (provided you play enough real-money hands or some other qualifier). Sometimes online poker sites will also offer instant deposit bonuses where you’ll instantly receive $5 or some other amount just for making your first deposit. Most new players receive at the very least a few ticket to freerolls or small tournaments.

Canadian poker players certainly get access to those bonuses and sometimes they’ll even receive special promos that are just for Canadians. For instance you might get to play a freeroll where hockey game tickets are up for grabs or something specifically Canadian. Make sure that you shop around a bit when looking for the best possible sign-up bonus. Sites like PokerListings are able to cut exclusive deals with operators that enable extra perks on top of the sign-up bonus. Read more about the best online poker bonuses here:

Can I Qualify Online for Live Poker Tournaments in Canada?

All online poker sites offer satellites for various online poker tournaments around the world. That gives you a chance to play a potentially enormous live event for a fraction of the price. If you’re looking to qualify for local poker tournaments in Canada you’re likely going to want to check out the government-run sites as they’ll give you plenty of options.

If you’re looking to play in live tournaments abroad you might be better off with one of the off-shore operators. In fact there are some fantastic international poker tournaments that take place in tropical settings like the Bahamas that make for a perfect winter getaway. There are a large number of Canadians who have escaped a bitter winter for a few weeks of fun and sun thanks to playing particularly well in a big online qualifier.

9 Best Poker Sites in 2021: The Biggest Online Poker Rooms for US Players

Leanbackplayer.com announces the release of the review "Best poker sites in 2021"

DETROIT , March 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Poker is one of the most fun and intellectually stimulating hobbies out there, but unless you live near a casino, it can be hard to find a game.

That's where playing online comes in.

Through the magic of the internet, you can play real-money poker at any time of the day or night. All you have to do is find the right card room.

Unfortunately, some of the poker websites out there are less than reputable. To help you find a trustworthy game, we've put together a list of the best poker sites that accept players from the U.S. and Canada .

Now it's up to you to get on there and start making some money.

First look at the best poker sites:

Biggest poker site and top pick: Ignition

Softest games: Bovada

Best mobile experience: BetOnline

Best rakeback deals: America's Cardoom

Best video poker site: Red Dog Casino

Best for grinders: Black Chip Poker

Fastest payouts: Intertops

Best free poker: WSOP

Best variety: PokerStars

We'll do in-depth review of each of these sites below, but first, here is how we score poker sites in our guides:

How We Found the Best Poker Sites: Our Ranking Methodology
Simply listing the best poker sites wouldn't do you much good if we didn't also explain why we feel they're the best. Here are the criteria we used when ranking the best poker sites:

Traffic
Simply put, you need players to get games going. There's nothing worse than sitting by yourself at a table for hours, waiting on action that's never going to come.

The more players a poker site has, the better.

Competition Level
Ok, so maybe there's one thing worse than sitting by yourself, and that's having someone sit down and clean you out in a few minutes.

You don't want to be the fish on a site full of sharks, so we looked for poker rooms that offered a nice balance of skill levels.

Variety
Playing the same types of poker games over and over again gets old after a while. If a poker site had a nice variety of options in addition to Texas hold'em, they received a boost in our rankings.

We also liked to see a variety of limits and tournaments, including sit-n-gos and massive, big-money tourneys.

Reputation
It's a lesson you might have learned the hard way: not every poker site is run by reputable people.

We checked to make sure that the site runs legit games, and that your money is as easy to get out as it is to put in.

Software
Some online poker sites have beautiful, intuitive layouts — and many others don't.

This is more than a purely aesthetic consideration, though, as ugly or confusing software could cause you to make an expensive mistake.

Rake
The rake is the money the site takes out of each pot as their cut. The more rake they take, the harder it will be for you to beat their games.

Not every site charges the same amount of rake, so those that are less greedy were rewarded in these rankings.

Bonuses
Poker sites compete for your business, and the biggest way they do that is by offering bonuses. These could include a deposit bonus, rakeback offer, or loyalty program.

While some bonus programs are mere afterthoughts, others can be used to add a significant amount to your bottom line.

The Best Online Poker Sites for 2021 Reviewed

1. Ignition — Best Overall, Biggest Poker Site

Accepts players from 46 US states

Anonymous tables available

Lots of big-money tournaments

Can play up to 15 tables at once

Not available in the UK

Available in 46 states, Ignition has the most American players you'll find anywhere. It's the best place to start if you're looking to dip your toe into online action.

The site works hard to make the games fun for amateurs rather than a feeding ground for professionals. That includes hosting anonymous tables that ban tracking software and hide user names.

Pros can still make a living here. You can play up to 15 ring games simultaneously, and they have a ton of big-money tournaments.

You'll pay to enjoy all these features, though, as Ignition has a fairly high rake at around 4.35% on average. That's not insurmountable, but it is more than you'll find at many other sites.

Very soft games

Zone Poker is great for fast-paced action

Good variety of sit-n-gos

Also has a reputable sportsbook

Difficult to clear bonuses

Appearance is a bit dated

Originally known as a top online sportsbook (and for being part of the Bodog network), Bovada swooped in to meet the needs of the US poker market after many of the larger sites dropped out.

Bovada is known for having some of the softest cash games you'll find anywhere, as many sports bettors drop by the poker tables from time to time.

The site attracts newbies, as they have several features that are friendly for action players. These include Zone Poker, which gives you a new hand to play immediately after folding the last one.

Their sit-n-gos are fun too, as they have special jackpot sit-n-gos that are for three players only and randomly determine the prize pool.

Their bonuses are a bit lacking, though, as you usually only have 30 days to clear them. The software seems to be trapped in the early 2000s as well, but that's not a huge issue, given the site's other advantages.

3. BetOnline — Best Mobile Experience

Can play on a variety of platforms

Fantastic mobile experience

Bad-beat jackpot tables available

Very fast hands

Tons of fees

PayPal not accepted

No one can say that BetOnline doesn't make it easy to play, as their client is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Instant Play.

They definitely took the user experience into consideration when designing their software. It's full of useful features like auto-rebuys and easy-to-find hand histories. You can find a variety of bad-beat jackpot tables to play as well.

The mobile apps are just as easy to play as their desktop counterparts, and regardless of which one you're using, it's easy to get a ton of hands in.

The site's biggest downfall is its greed. They charge fees on just about everything, including card deposits and bank wire withdrawals. They also don't accept PayPal, which is frustrating.

Offers rakeback program

Lots of NLHE traffic

Has action at even the highest stakes

Great variety of tournaments

Rakeback deal disqualifies you from some bonuses

Excessive late registration causes tourneys to last extremely long

If you don't like the thought of a poker room taking a cut of your hard-earned money, America's Cardroom lets you get some of it back through their 27% rakeback deal.

Signing up for the rakeback deal will disqualify you from certain bonuses and VIP benefits, however.

The NLHE traffic is excellent, and you can find cash game action at even the nosebleed stakes. You'll also find quite a few PLO and limit HE players around, if those are more your speed.

You'll find some great tournaments here, too. They have a $150k -guaranteed Sunday MTT to go with a variety of smaller PLO tourneys.

They offer late registration for those tournaments, too — as much as 3 hours or more in some cases. This can cause the events to drag on forever, as well as reducing your odds of cashing.

Good for pros

Welcomes HUDs and other software

Offers rewards program for high-volume players

On-demand freeroll tournaments

Amateurs may be at a disadvantage

No mobile app or Mac compatibility

While anonymous tables that outlaw HUDs and other software may be all the rage, Black Chip Poker goes the other way by supporting most of the top tracking programs on the market today.

That makes it a godsend for pros, but amateurs may find it makes the cash games harder for them to beat — or even survive for more than an hour or two.

They don't have a rakeback program per se, but they do have "The Beast" — which is basically a rewards program for high-volume cash game players. Still, it's nice to get a bonus for playing cards, and they don't take additional rake to fund it, which is even better.

One thing that struggling players will appreciate, however, is their on-demand freeroll tournaments. You can play one of these anytime you want, and while the payouts are small, they're a good way to grind together a bankroll.

For some reason, Black Chip Poker doesn't have a Mac client or a mobile app, so unless you have a Windows desktop, you'll be left out of the game.

Very fast payout speed

Easy to deposit money

Generous rakeback program

Top-notch customer support

Very small player pool

Limited game selection

If you want to access your winnings in a hurry, Intertops can certainly accommodate you. You can get your money in one business day through Bitcoin or many third-party banking sites, or you can get a check in as little as a week.

They support a wide variety of deposit options, so putting cash on is as easy as getting it off. Their customer service is second to none as well.

Intertops even has a rakeback program that pays out at 36% — even more than America's Cardroom. So why isn't it the choice for best rakeback deal?

Simple: it's hard to earn as much money from it due to the relatively low traffic you'll find at Intertops. It can be very difficult to sustain a game, especially if you're not playing micro-stakes NLHE.

The game selection is limited as well, with only hold 'em, PLO, and PLO8 being offered.

Best free action online

No deposit required

Can also purchase special coins that can be wagered

Browser-based software

Cashing out is confusing

If you don't like the idea of wagering real money — or you're not sure if poker is legal where you live — WSOP can keep you in the game without putting your bank account (or freedom) at risk.

The site works by letting poker players compete for free coins, no deposit required. However, you can buy special coins that you can use in games — and if you take coins off other players, you can redeem them for cash.

If it sounds just like real money online poker, it is — just a bit more convoluted and a lot more legal (hopefully, anyway).

If even this makes you uncomfortable, though, the free action is the best you'll find online. You don't have to download anything to play, either, as the site works in a web browser.

Cashing out your winnings is confusing as well, and it may be that way on purpose to discourage people from doing so.

Players outside the U.S. have also complained about not being able to cash out at all, so be careful if you're looking to play for real from overseas.

One of the oldest poker sites on the internet

Tons of users

Incredible variety of stakes and games

Never have to wait long for a game

Some real sharks on here

Only available in PA and NJ for American players

One of the oldest online poker rooms in existence, PokerStars is still the biggest on the planet. You'll find a ton of players at every game and limit, ensuring you can always get a game going.

They offer just about every type of poker you could want, including razz and badugi. If you ever get bored here, then there's a good chance you're just not a poker fan.

That said, you'll also run into some sharks here, as there are professionals at almost every table. You'll need to pay close attention to who's playing what, or else you could lose several buy-ins in a hurry.

There's one other big issue with PokerStars: it's only legal for poker players living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey . If you live in any other state, you'll have to stick to the play-chip games.

9. GGPoker — Best for Canadian Players

Thriving games available all hours of the day

Lots of cool features not found elsewhere online

$100k guaranteed in daily tournaments

Features keep games fresh and exciting

Rewards program has element of chance

No round-the-clock support

Americans can't play on GGPoker, but most everyone else can — and quite a few people do. The site has excellent traffic numbers, and you can find thriving cash games at all hours of the day.

The site has some really cool features you normally would only find in live games, such as the chance to run all-in hands up to three times or the ability to raise blind. These help keep the games fresh and exciting.

Even the tournaments have cool options, like the opportunity to make a deal if you reach the final table.

You'll find over $100,000 in guaranteed tourneys every day, so the extra features are just icing on the cake.

Some of those features work against you, however. To earn money through their loyalty program, you'll have to spin a wheel — and you may end up getting screwed out of your hard-earned rewards as a result.

The customer service is lacking as well, as they don't have round-the-clock chat or phone support.

Online Poker FAQs

How do deposit bonuses work?

Most sites offer bonuses on your initial deposit — anywhere from 100-200% up to a certain limit.

However, these bonuses aren't given out instantaneously, as unscrupulous players would then just take the free money and leave.

Instead, you have to earn your deposit bonus — and you earn it by playing raked hands. Some sites make it easy for you to earn a deposit bonus, while others require you to play for hours and hours on end.

It's a smart idea to read the fine print on a site's bonus structure before you sign up, as some look good on the surface but are nearly impossible to fully earn.

Is online poker legal in the USA ?

That depends on where you live. Certain sites are legal in certain places, so check your local laws before signing up anywhere.

Are online poker sites safe?

There are two basic questions here: will the site cheat you, and will the other players cheat you.

Most sites (including the ones on this list) are reputable. They're not rigged, and they're not looking to cheat you. They want you to come back and keep spending money, after all.

The sad fact about playing online is that some of the players will always be looking for ways to get an unfair advantage, though.

While the sites have security teams that are trained to spot fraud constantly monitoring games, it's a good bet you'll get cheated once or twice in your career.

Luckily, these cheats are seldom capable of making too big of a dent in your bottom line.

How do I deposit and withdraw money?

Different sites will have different deposit methods, but you can typically deposit with a credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, or a third-party website like Neteller.

As for payout methods, you can usually withdraw money the same way you deposited it, or you can request a check or wire transfer. Some sites charge a fee for some of these transactions, so watch out for that, and they don't all have the same payout speed.

What are HUDs and other tracking software?

Some players use heads-up displays (HUDs) that show them a variety of stats on the other players at the table. These stats include pre-flop raising percentage, folding percentage, and the like.

This can give those players a boost in their decision-making skills, as they'll be able to see at a glance whether a player raises all the time or almost never.

Many people feel that this kind of software is unethical, and many sites have made a push to ban them in recent years.

Some still allow (or even encourage) their use, though, so check to see how a site feels about them before you sign up.

Which Site Will You Find Your Next Game On?

If you love Texas hold'em, Omaha , or any other card game, then playing poker online is a great way to scratch your gambling itch from the comfort of your own home.

There are a ton of options when it comes to internet poker rooms, however, and some are certainly better than others. We prefer Ignition Poker, but the sites on this list represent the best online poker sites available to North American players today.

Now that it's easier than ever to find a game, the only question is how much money can you make playing cards?

You probably don't need us to tell you that any form of gambling comes with risks and should not be undertaken as a solution to solve your financial troubles. It's worth remembering the phrase…the house always wins!

If you suffer from a gambing problem or suspect somebody you know does, then we strongly suggest that you call the National Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 to talk with an advisor for help and to make gambling safer for you or your loved ones.

Poker rooms listed on our site may not be available in your region. Check your local laws to ensure online poker is available and legal where you live. Leanbackplayer is an independent and reader-supported review site and may receive commissions for recommendations made in their websites guides.

Visit these organizations for free gambling addiction resources:

Online Poker Sites for Canada

This is the place to be if you’re looking for the best online poker sites for Canada players. The landscape has changed over the years, but the game of poker is just as popular as ever.

There are a handful of Canadian poker sites that stand above the rest when it comes to the total player experience, and we’re going to show you them.

We take our ranking process very seriously. As you will see when you get to the next section, we dig deeply into every aspect of the online poker sites that we evaluate.

When recommending real money online poker sites for Canada or anywhere else, we need to check off all the boxes.

Best Canada Poker Sites in 2021

There are several key factors that we dive into when we’re establishing our rankings for the top Canadian poker sites online. We’re not looking to recommend internet poker rooms that are just satisfactory, we’re looking for the sites that offer the best possible all-round experience.

This means that poker sites need to perform well in a number of key areas to make our list. Let’s take a look at some of the most important.

Licensing Jurisdiction

The Canadian real money poker sites that have received our stamp of approval are licensed in reputable jurisdictions. Applicants must bring sufficient operating capital to the table, and they have to submit to background checks. When a site is approved, they have to cough up hefty licensing fees.

All of our preferred online poker sites carry permits that have been issued by government bodies that provide strict oversight. You may win, and you may lose, but you can rest assured that you will be treated fairly at these poker rooms.

Banking Options

When a site passes the first test, we go straight to the monetary part of the equation.

We will never recommend a website unless they make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds. These real money Canada poker sites facilitate efficient transfers, and Bitcoin is an alternative currency that can be utilized.

Reputation

There are online poker forums and message boards that are frequented by people that have played at them and others that are looking for feedback. Social media groups have also been created that serve the same purpose. We participate in these groups to monitor the firsthand experiences that are shared.

Though we do not jump to any judgments based on one single anecdote, if we see a pattern developing, we take it seriously. We have our own experiences to draw upon, too.

Longevity is another indicator, because a poker site that has been able to withstand the test of time must be doing something right.

Customer Service Availability

When money is changing hands, it’s important to have access to customer service if and when you need it.

The top Canada poker sites place an emphasis on the player experience, so they’re readily available over the phone and through email. Some sites have live chat functions.

Effective Site Designs

If you’re going to spend time at an online poker room, the virtual environment is definitely a factor. We evaluate relevant design details, including ease of use, because intuitive navigation is key.

The leading poker sites have invested considerable resources to perfect their site designs.

Player Participation

You can’t play real money poker online in Canada if there are no other players that join a game. Even if everything looks great on the surface, in large part, the volume of players will dictate the quality of your experience over the long haul.

The sites that have received our stamp of approval are popular because they have built solid reputations. There are peaks and valleys as you might imagine, but you will always be able to find a game with enough willing participants.

The Benefits of Online Poker

When you tap into the world of online poker, you add an exciting new dimension of entertainment to your life.

The convenience is off the chain when you can play from anywhere at any time. This is the most overarching benefit, but there are a number of other reasons why online poker is the way to go.

Great Learning Environment

If you’re interested in learning how to play poker, or if you simply want to get better, it’s tough to play in a land-based casino environment. People in these card rooms are grizzled veterans, and they don’t have any patience for newcomers that don’t understand protocol and nuanced rules.

The dynamic is entirely different when you play online at one of our approved Canada poker sites. Yes, there are other players, but you cannot see them or hear their remarks.

Many of the sites even offer free gameplay, so you can play without risking anything until you’re ready to move onto real money poker games. You can also learn to play variations of poker that you’re not familiar with to add variety and broaden your skillset.

Generous Bonuses

When you first sign up on one of our highly-rated Canadian poker sites, you will be greeted with some type of welcome bonus. In many cases, it will be a percentage of your original deposit, and it can actually be 100%. There’s nothing better than free money, and there are other promotions beyond the signup bonuses.

And guess what? Nothing is stopping you from opening accounts at multiple different poker sites. If you go this route, you can pocket several different welcome bonuses. Once you identify the online poker room that you like the most, you can stick with that operator and earn loyalty rewards points.

No Tells

When you play poker with others in a physical environment, savvy players look for “tells.” This is some type of indicator that someone may inadvertently reveal through their actions. For example, the look in your eyes and the facial expression you show when you first look at your cards can be hard to mask.

Some people will finger their chips in a certain way when they have a good hand or show some signs of impatience. In addition to physical actions, decision-making patterns can be detected.

You never have to worry about tipping anyone off when you play at the Canada poker sites online, because you cannot be seen. On the surface, this may not seem like a big deal, but you can rest assured that winning players do exploit tells to gain an edge.

Games at Canada Poker Sites

There are a few different types of games that can be played at real money online poker sites for Canada players. The exact offerings will depend upon the policies of each respective site. There are also different formats.

You have options, and when you understand all of them, you can add variety to your poker playing experiences. Here’s a look at the various different formats and games that are most commonly available.

Poker Formats

Online poker rooms typically offer three different structural formats. When you get into a cash game, you can come and go as you please. If you choose to do so, you could play one hand then pick up your chips and leave the table. You keep whatever you win on any given hand.

Cash games can carry either pot limit or no limit designations. The no limit is self-explanatory, and with pot limit, the maximum bet is the amount that’s in the pot when you’re making a wager.

Tournament play is another option. Everyone that’s participating will pay a buy-in fee, and the accumulation is the prize money minus the cut that is raked by the house. All players are given the same amount of tournament chips, so everyone starts out on an even playing field.

Some tournaments have a minimum guaranteed amount of prize money, and it will vary depending on the price of the buy-in and the number of players that are expected to comprise the field.

Sit and gos are the third option. This type of poker can best be described as a much smaller tournament with either six or nine players, but you have a better chance of winning. The final three finishers get shares of the prize money in a nine-player game, and for six-player sit and go tournies, it’s the top two.

Texas Hold‘em

One poker game that you will definitely see on all of the online poker websites is Texas Hold‘em. In Texas Hold‘em, each player is dealt two cards face down. The dealer then overturns three cards that are the community cards. This is called the “flop.”

All of the players use the community cards along with the two individual cards that belong to each respective participant. There’s a round of betting after the flop, then a single card is added to the community cards. This is called the “turn.”

Once again, there is a round of betting, and then the last card is overturned by the dealer. This stage is called the “river.” There is betting after the river card is revealed. When all bets are in, the cards are overturned and the winner takes down the pot.

Omaha

The game of Omaha is another variant that is offered at all of the top Canadian poker sites we recommend. In this game, each player is dealt four cards face down.

Community cards are drawn by the dealer in the same sequence as they are for Texas Hold‘em. You can only use two of the four cards in your hand and three of the community cards.

There is high hand Omaha, and there are also hi/lo games. With the latter, the pot is divided with half going to the person with the highest hand, and the other half won by the player with the lowest hand.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud is another game that you often see at internet poker rooms.

To initiate a game, each player is dealt two cards face down and one card face up. Then, there are additional rounds with each player getting another card face up until everyone that has not folded has seven cards.

Other Variations

These are the three poker games that are most commonly played online, but there are some others, including the following.

Canada Online Poker FAQ

There is no absolute answer to this question.

Some of the leading poker sites do require a software download, and others offer browser-based poker rooms.

Since there is no intermediary processing entity, the transactions can be consummated very quickly in a cost-effective manner.

Believe it or not, there are cash games that have blinds as low as .01/.02. Some tournaments have buy-ins of a quarter or a single dollar.

Of course, there are other games to satisfy players that are on all portions of the budgetary spectrum.

We’re not lawyers, so we don’t like to answer legal questions with any kind of definitive answer. And, in any case, gambling laws are often something of a grey area.

With that said, as far as we’re aware it’s perfectly legal to play online poker in Canada.

Yes, as long as you play at reputable online poker rooms.

Stick with our recommended Canada poker sites and you’ll be fine.

Ready to Play?

We have done extensive research to identify the top poker sites for Canadian players. These online poker rooms offer tournaments, cash, and sit and go games, and there are different variations.

There are very inexpensive games, and the limits go up incrementally, so there’s something for everyone. Our approved Canadian poker sites offer generous bonuses, and they facilitate swift and efficient asset transfers.

Playing poker online for real money is a lot of fun, and it’s rewarding, because you can always get better as you gain experience. We have provided the basics here, and you can explore our website to obtain further information about poker and other forms of gambling.

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