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 Online Poker Games in Canada. Our Canadian visitors have asked us so many times to write the review of "Online Poker Sites in Canada, Online Poker Games in Canada" 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 Online Poker Games in Canada in one review. You may read it now!

Best casinos in this month

Online Poker Sites in Canada, Online Poker Games in Canada

Online Poker Games in Canada

PokerStars.com is our second choice for Canadian poker players. The world's biggest online poker room is home to Canadian Daniel Negreanu, who is considered by many to be one of the best tournament players in the world. You can oftentimes find Daniel playing poker at PokerStars, especially during the popular WCOOP and SCOOP tournament series. Below you'll discover how to get started on your rise up the online poker ranks.

Online Poker Sites in Canada

Are you looking for a place to play online poker in Canada? Welcome to our page dedicated to Canadian poker players! Here you will find the best online poker rooms in Canada, as well as the latest news and information to help you find the best rooms and poker bonuses in the industry.

Poker is booming in Great White North, and several of the top Canadian poker players got their start playing online poker right from their home in Canada. Mike McDonald, Jonathan Duhamel and Mike Watson became rising stars of the game thanks to their success playing poker online.

Below you'll discover how to get started on your rise up the online poker ranks.

BEST ONLINE POKER ROOMS IN CANADA

888poker is our top choice for Canadian poker site because of its easy poker games and great poker bonus offers. Formerly known as Pacific Poker, 888poker has grown its customer base to become the second-largest real-money online poker site in the world.

Canadian poker players can get a deposit bonus of up to $888 by using the bonus code POKERNEWS10. This bonus, exclusive to PokerNews.com players, is a 100% match bonus on your first deposit, up to the $888 maximum. You'll also have a chance to jump-start your poker career with an extra FREE $20 bonus!

Download 888poker via PokerNews Canada and enter code PNFREE88 to receive $6 in real money tournament tickets plus $2 in real cash to try 888's small stakes poker games.

Canadian players will get a special PokerStars deposit bonus when using our links and bonus code. Once you're signed up and receive the standard 100% up to $600 cash bonus, you'll be able to compete in the biggest and richest online poker tournaments in the world. PokerStars is also known for its stellar customer service and is widely considered to be the safest and most financially secure online poker site around.

ONLINE POKER LEGAL IN CANADA?

Online gambling is often called a "legal grey area" in Canada, but that doesn't mean it is illegal to play online poker. You're certainly not committing a crime when you log into an online poker room and place a real-money bet. However, regulations in several areas of Canada are relaxed, so you need to be cautious when choosing a site to play on. We consider all our partnering online poker rooms safe, so any of them would be a reliable place to start.

HOW TO MAKE AN ONLINE POKER DEPOSIT

Depositing money onto an online poker site is easy for Canadian players. Most can deposit with their credit cards to any of our top sites. It is much easier to process Canadian poker credit card deposits than a lot of other countries. You can also make use of the many e-wallet systems that are available, such as Skrill or Neteller.

HOW DO I WITHDRAW MY MONEY?

Withdrawing funds from an online poker room in Canada is just as easy as depositing, if not easier. Most banks will accept a wire transfer, and you can also go directly through VISA or MasterCard, as well as payment processors like Skrill and Neteller.

ONLINE POKER GAMES IN CANADA

Most sites in Canada have an abundance of poker games. If you like playing no-limit hold'em cash games and tournaments, then 888poker and PokerStars are going to be your best bets. If you're into Omaha, Stud, or mixed games, then PokerStars is your best option, as they have by far the widest selection and the largest player pool. There's always a game running!

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.

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.

Canadian Poker Sites

Canadian law doesn’t explicitly allow or disallow online gambling. Although this means that many consider it a gray market, when it comes to poker, the reality is that Canadians have access to all the major international sites.

Online poker has thrived in Canada over the years, and it came as no surprise to see many US poker players move to the country to pursue their poker careers after Black Friday in 2011. More recently, Canadian sportsbooks might be on the way, as the government looks to repeal the prohibition on single-game wagering, one of the few forms of gambling that’s expressly forbidden under current law.

That said, you won’t find many sites based out of Canada. Domestically, most forms of gambling can only be conducted by the provincial lotteries. Thus, while companies like PokerStars and Partypoker serve Canadian customers, they do so from servers located abroad. The only officially authorized, locally-run poker product in the country is OK Poker, available to residents of Quebec through its lottery site, Espace Jeux.

Whatever site they choose, Canadian players themselves are in no way committing a crime by playing online poker.

Best poker sites for Canadians 2021

Rank	Poker Site	Traffic	Software	Bonus	Bonus Offer
1.	888 Poker	B	B+	A+	100% up to $800
2.	GG Poker	A	B+	B+	$100 in Bonus Tickets with $20 Deposit
3.	PokerStars	A	A-	B	100% up to $600
4.	Party Poker	B	B	B-	100% up to $500

In terms of sign-up benefits, 888Poker is arguably the best poker site for Canadians. New registrants can receive a 100% bonus on deposits up to $400, as well as an additional $88 bonus. 888.com was once the second largest poker site in the world behind PokerStars, but has seen traffic decline in recent years. However, because its strategy is to focus on recreational players, it may be the best launching point for online poker newcomers.

Of course, PokerStars is the biggest online poker room in the world, and because of this, it offers the biggest fields, the biggest prize pools, and the broadest selection of game types. New registrations can receive a 100% deposit bonus of up to $600, plus entry into an exclusive $2,500 guaranteed free roll reserved strictly for first-time depositors.

And finally, the third of the big three poker operators, PartyPoker. Currently expanding its live poker operations (and therefore offering satellites for these events online, including those held in Canada), PartyPoker also offers a 100% deposit bonus up to $500, plus $10 for free and a tournament ticket worth $10.

Playing Online Poker in Canada

What is the best deposit method for Canadians at online poker sites?

While the simplest option would seem to be using your Canadian credit card, there are some complications that can arise from this. It really all comes down to which credit card company you are with; some are reluctant to process online poker deposits due to the risks involved in funds being charged back to them. As this is seen as an online gambling deposit, there is obviously a risk of this happening.

It’s for this reason that online payment systems are the best route for depositing. Alas, Canadians are unable to use the more commonplace systems (PayPal and Neteller) for online gambling deposits, but Skrill has emerged as a reliable and safe method that also benefits users with low transaction fees.

Alternatively, Canadians can transfer money directly to and from their bank accounts. Most poker sites will also allow you to process cashouts in both Canadian dollars and US dollars.

Are online poker winnings taxable in Canada?

One of the main draws for Canadian online poker is that winnings from it (and other forms of gambling) are not considered to be income. Therefore, poker and gambling winnings are tax-free. This is partly thanks to the Canadian lottery, which does not tax its winners.

However, if you are a professional poker player or gambler, your winnings would then become a business income, so you would have to declare this to abide by the tax laws.

Essentially though, for newcomers and recreational players, you’ll be able to keep the entirety of your winnings.

Live poker in Canada

The Playground Poker Club in Kahnawake (just outside Montreal) has arguably become the most popular poker room in the country, with different online poker sites choosing this location as the venue for their live events.

PokerStars has held its Canada Cup ($3,300 Main Event, $2 million guaranteed) at Playground, while Partypoker is holding its Canadian Poker Championships throughout August and September 2017. This means that online players in Canada can satellite into live events online for a fraction of the buy-in.

The nearby Casino Montreal might be the best choice for newcomers and amateur players, due to the lower overall skill level of the common player. However, because of this the rake fees are slightly higher than those in dedicated poker rooms.

In Ontario, players can visit the OLG Casino Brantford which offers 14 Texas Hold’em tables. Cash games always run, but they also offer a varied tournament schedule including ladies events, bounty events, and deep stack tournaments.

The River Rock Casino in Richmond, British Columbia, is open 24 hours a day, offering around-the-clock cash games. Other recommendations include Casino Nova Scotia, Caesars Windsor, Northlands Park in Alberta, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Medicine Hat Lodge Resort in Alberta, Casino de Mont-Tremblant, and Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino (also in Alberta).

Best Canadian Poker Sites

All our chosen sites accept deposits in GBP so there is no hassling around with currency conversions when building your bankroll.

All of our recommended poker sites operate within the law to give you peace of mind when you sign up and play.

Our team of reviewers have logged thousands of hours in online real money play and know just what makes a good poker site tick.

What to Consider when Looking for Poker Sites

When you play Internet Hold'em or any other card game in Canada, one of the most important attributes of the best Canadian websites is that they accept the Canadian Dollar (abbreviated as C$ or CDN). While some online poker sites Canada players frequent might accept this currency, they must also accept popular deposit options in this currency. After all, if a site from Canada does not accept Canadian Dollar payment options, it will hold little interest to Canadian real money players. It is also important that the best rooms for Canadians allow players to play online Hold'em in English and French. Some will provide their website pages and software in French, but the best Texas Hold'em Canada players can enjoy also feature French customer service operators available 24/7 (something that may be especially important for Quebec players).

Online Poker Varieties

Two of the most popular varieties of this fun Internet card game are Texas HoldвЂ™em and Omaha and both are offered by our top online poker rooms for Canadians. In fact, the best Canadian cardrooms offer both these games as ring games and tournaments, providing you with even greater choice. Additional poker sites guides as seen on CardsChat.com cover the specific information about each game.

Accepting Canadians requires that VIP Clubs are competitive and promotions are enticing, to provide extra benefits on top of the bonuses. In combination with bonuses and promotions specifically for real money Canadian online poker site players, special country-based tournaments can be further incentives for Canadian Internet gamblers.

If you do not like the look of any of the sites that we recommend here then the best poker sites at another website might appeal to you. As an estimate, there are over 1000 companies in total offering card games, casino games and betting on the Internet. Some of the most trusted Canadian poker sites we recommend include PokerStars and 888.

Find the Top Poker Sites

Another important feature of the best online Canadian gambling sites is that they accept the most popular deposit methods available. For example, Moneybookers is one of the most commonly used online payment options in real money gambling in Canada and is almost always accepted on the Internet. eChecks, or electronic checks issued by your bank in Canada, are also accepted. eChecks are one of the most secure and frequently used online deposit options at the top real money online poker sites for Canadians. Finally, many players at the best online cardrooms Canada has to offer like to use major credit cards for their simplicity and speed, making them good deposit options when playing for real money.

Frequently Asked Questions about Poker

I've never played online poker before. Should I bother exploring Canadian poker sites?

Definitely. There are lots of free games to help you get a feel for the online game. If you've only played live poker before, you'll find the experience offered by the top Canadian poker sites to be exceptional. They really do their best to mimic the live experience, complete with realistic graphics and even a chat box so you can talk to other players at the table

Are the poker sites that are run by the lottery actually better than the big international sites?

Not necessarily. If you're looking for bigger welcome bonuses and more generous ongoing promotions, you'll find that the international poker sites for Canadians are far more generous.

Can I deposit in loonies?

No. The big Canadian poker sites also serve international markets and share player pools with other countries. That means when you sit down to play, you could be playing with someone who lives down the street. And you could also be playing with someone who lives down under. Canadian poker sites welcome players from other countries with open arms. The big advantage of this is that you'll find much bigger guarantees and available games at all hours of the day.

Do Canadian poker sites offer freerolls?

Yes. Many Canadian poker sites give you access to freerolls just for signing up. Others offer special freerolls the first time you deposit. And some of the big sites run freerolls throughout the day with small prizes, so you can always win something for nothing.

How do I know if a Canadian poker site is compatible with my device?

Just read our poker site reviews. You'll be able to see if the Canadian poker room you want to play at works on your device. Read our guide to mobile poker to find out more.

Is there one Canadian poker site that's better than the rest?

Poker sites are attractive to different players for different reasons. Some players demand larger-than-life prize pools. Other players like smaller communities. Some players only care about Hold'em while others demand RAZZ and HORSE. Some poker players want certain features that aren't available elsewhere. Bottom line? What makes a good Canadian poker site is subjective and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Reading our reviews will help you sort out which one is perfect for you.

Online Poker in Canada

Jennifer Newell | August 24th, 2017 | Updated On: March 12th, 2021

Online poker in Canada is one of the most enjoyable and prosperous games you can play online. If you aren’t familiar, poker is a card game that involves betting and comes in various forms. Players are dealt a series of cards that you place bets on in an effort to beat your opponent and win the pot. There are many versions in which they differ in the number of cards dealt, how many are hidden, the amount available to the community, and the betting procedures.

If you’re looking to play online poker in Canada there’s a variety of safe sites that have poker rooms available for play right now. Canadian poker players can play against each other in real time without ever having to be face to face. Be sure to read each of our reviews on our favourite poker sites for Canadians, to know which poker room fits your playing style and standards.

Online Poker Sites in Canada

History

Before we get into rules, variations and tournaments, we think a little history lesson of online poker is in order. The online poker boom began in the late 1990s. This was due to the fact that players were able to be playing poker for free, but that soon transition to the opportunity for players to play cash games. The first recorded real money online poker game was dealt in 1998. Fast-forward to 2010, online poker had spread itself across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after games in the online world. Today, finding online poker rooms is effortless. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there is a site and a table for you.

How to Play Poker

There are some general rules for online poker in Canada, here are a few:

Now that you’ve got the idea of how poker works, let’s take a look at the different takes on the classic game.

The Different Versions of Online Poker

As we mentioned previously, there are quite a few popular variations on the classic poker game. One thing that they all have in common? They make use of the 52-card deck and use real money wagers. The most favored poker variations are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud.

How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker

This version of poker involves players being dealt two cards that are placed face down on the table. All players then share 5 community cards. These community cards are gradually revealed through three rounds:

The Flop – Three Cards Revealed

The Turn – One Card Revealed

The River – One Card Revealed

The point of Texas Hold’em is for you to predict which cards will appear and how to properly use them. You need to determine:

Based on cards dealt, you can decide whether to fold or place a bet. All aspects are considered when betting. However, some poker players may not have a strong hand and will attempt to deceived (or bluff) their opponents into thinking otherwise. Bluffing is something that is not seen in many other casino games.

How to Play Omaha Poker

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em in the betting and layout of the community cards, but the initial deal is different. In Omaha, you are dealt four cards instead of two. You must make the best possible hand with two of the four and three community cards. Just like Texas Hold’em, the flop, the turn and the river are the same. Betting is also the same in each round and after the final bets are placed, the player with the better hand wins.

How to Play Stud Poker

When it comes to Stud Poker, before the cards are even dealt, players must place a modest bet known as the ante. (Perhaps the originator of the term “upping the ante”) Every player is dealt two cards, and an additional community card is recognized as “third street”. The player with the smallest ranked third street is liable for the small bet amount or “the bring in”. You can opt to fold, check, or call in each round of betting. Another round of betting follows, and a “fourth street” is dealt. The player with the strongest card begins the next bet. The “fifth street” and sixth street” follow the same process. The seventh round is called the river and is positioned face down. After the last round of betting ends, the player in possession of the strongest hand wins it all.

Real Money Online Poker Canada

Playing online poker for real money is the ultimate test of a Canadian card player's skill. So it is important to make sure you try out your game by playing at the best real cash online poker sites in Canada. Here we've reviewed all the major cardrooms and highlighted which ones are worth your time and money, so you can be sure of finding a trustworthy site offering quality poker tournaments.

If you are looking to get your start in online poker, then 888 Poker is one of the best places to get the ball rolling. All of the shortlisted sites here will run internet Hold'em games at a range of skill levels and real money betting ranges, as well as providing good bonuses and promotions to Canadian players.

Our real money sites offer:

Safe and secure banking options

Mobile and tablet support

Highly lucrative bonuses for Canadian players

Playing Online for Free: Learn Before You Earn

Playing poker online for real cash requires concentration, nerves of steel and a mind that is able to make good decisions quickly.

Before we get into the nuances of how we found the best real money online poker sites Canada has to offer and how you can join the action, it's important to give you some tips on how you can improve your own skills for free.

As we said, becoming a profitable poker player is a two-step process that requires you to learn how to play and then learn how to find the best sites to play at. Although we can't go into detail on how you can become a better poker player, we will tell you that it's possible to hone your skills at the play money tables.

Designed to replicate the full workings of real money poker game, these tables don't cost anything to sit down at and that means you can practice your moves without blowing your bankroll. Basically, before you ante-up at any real cash poker game online, you should first take a trip to the play money tables and work on your skills for free.

Once you've done this you can then move onto step two and follow our tips for finding the best real money poker rooms Canada has to offer.

Play Online For Real Money: How We Find the Best Sites

Playing poker online for real cash requires concentration, nerves of steel and a mind that is able to make good decisions quickly. Your aim is to make the right choices in each hand and to win as much money during your playing time as possible. Obviously, if you play real money poker against weaker opponents, then your profit margin is going to be better.

While finding these weaker players, or 'fish' as the poker world prefers to call them, is important you should also look for a site that has good, reliable software that allows you to easily play many games simultaneously. Remember, the more Hold'em you play, the more money you are going to make and the faster you are going to gain experience.

So what important factors did we take into account when producing our list of Canada's top real cash online poker sites?

Fish: Well we first went on a fishing expedition to find the most productive bankroll building sites. We looked for websites that had more fish than Canada has salmon, and also had a good mix of player traffic throughout the different stake levels. Therefore, whether you enjoy playing a few hundred dollars a hand, or just a few cents, you know that you are playing in a productive real money online poker site that will bring you in some profit from weak opponents.

Bonuses: Next we looked at all important welcome bonuses. Nothing boosts a bankroll like free money and we hunted down some of the best bonuses available. Each of the real money poker rooms on our list offers new players a true red carpet treatment and the opportunity to get your hands on some great bonus cash.

Tournaments: When you are playing online card games for real money you want the chance to win seats at big live events, or get entry into some huge online Hold'em tournaments. As a result, each of our top rated online poker real cash sites let you get involved in some hot tournament action.

Traffic: Player traffic is also vital for a Canadian online poker site. There is no point in looking for a game to play and being unable to find good opposition. So we made sure that each site offering online Hold'em for real cash on our top list has good player traffic to make it easy to find a game.

Software: Finally, we looked at software to ensure that the online real money poker sites we recommend all have intuitive interfaces that make finding and playing a poker game simple and easy. We have also ensured that each Canadian real cash online poker site offers superior customer support and plenty of deposit options to let you get to the virtual felt quickly.

Security: The final thing we look at when judging a real money C$ poker room online is an operator's security credentials. We make sure that every site we recommend is certified by a recognised licensing authority so that you know your money and personal details are safe at all times.

If you're willing to put in some practice at the play money poker tables and then follow our recommendations, we're 100% confident that you're online gaming experience will be the best it can be.

As you can see from our comprehensive checklist, we make sure that every Canadian online poker site contained in our list of leading platforms is the highest quality possible. We want you to make more money when you ante-up for real cash in Canada and we believe you'll have the best opportunities possible when you follow our advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to play with real money?

It's perfectly legal to play with real money online in Canada as long as you're from a location that allows online gambling. Canadian residents and visitors are both free to gamble online.

How do I start?

To start gambling online simply make an account and deposit money into a top-rated poker site online and begin playing at some of the tables.

How do I choose a good site?

Choosing a good site is a difficult process. Look at some of our top-rated sites to get you started. A good site should offer a high deposit bonus and have a solid player base with easy players or fish and remain safe and secure to use.

Should I use bonuses if available?

You should always use bonuses if they are available. The new bonuses can be a good source of early income for new players at poker sites, and many skilled players rely on them to increase their bankroll.

Can I play for money on my mobile or tablet?

It's possible to play for money on both a mobile device and tablet. Many of our top poker sites have an app or a mobile-compatible website that makes this possible on a range of devices.

What poker games offer the best winning opportunities?

Texas Hold'em commonly offers the best winning opportunities of any poker game because it is the most popular. This popular game draws in new players all the time, and these are the players that are easy to beat to expand your bankroll.

Top Canadian Online Poker Sites 2021

If you're looking for the best online poker rooms for Canadians, you're in the right place. We are the premier resource for real money online poker players from Vancouver to Halifax.

It doesn't matter whether you're an Omaha player in Ontario or an MTT player in Montreal, we'll show you where to find the best action on the web.

We'll guide you in making real money deposits and getting the most out of your CA bank account or card. We'll even let you know how online poker sites keep safe and secure.

You don't have to be Daniel Negreanu to benefit from our expert information. We cater for beginners taking their first Hold'em steps and seasoned grinders alike. The hardest job you'll have is picking which amazing site to play at.

Hunt out the best online poker sites for CA players:

Play against the bigger player pools in the world

Compete at a range of stakes for the biggest prizes

Earn the best welcome bonuses and VIP schemes on the net

We only list the best of the best from the online poker world, and you are guaranteed:

Secure Banking

100% Legal

Lots of action

Freerolls

Great Sign Up Bonuses

24/7 Customer Service

Solid Reputation

Choosing a Top Online Poker Site

Online poker is experiencing another boom right now. The sheer spread of games and stakes has never been better. Canadians can play Hold'em on their PC or Mac without downloading software, and mobile online poker rooms allow you to gamble on the move.

And when it comes to stakes, nothing beats the range of online poker games. Many sites offer freerolls to give players without a bankroll the chance to win cash. Micro-stakes tables let you spin up a small budget, while big-money tournaments allow you to take a shot at the big time.

We have ratings of the best online poker sites on the net in 2021. You can also read reports on the latest mobile poker online apps and games, perfect for Android or iOS players.

The best online and mobile sites for Canadians

Top software that works on PC, Mac or no-download

Innovative developments like fast-fold poker and Missions

What Makes A Good Canadian Poker Room?

With so many hundreds of online poker sites to choose from, where do you even start? Our reviewers have spent years playing at and reviewing online poker rooms. They know which sites are worth depositing at and which are worth avoiding.

Being Canadian players, our OnlinePoker.ca team knows which websites are best for Canucks. That huge online poker room might have lots of players, but what if it has a poor record of accepting Canadian bank cards? And it's no good if a site has big-money tournaments but you get charged for converting C$ into US dollars or Euros.

Benefits of Canadian-friendly poker rooms online:

Deposit and withdraw using Canadian dollars

Software and games in French AND English

Satellites into live events in Canada and the USA

Being able to use a Canadian payment option is important. You want to avoid fees and currency conversion charges when you play online poker. The best gaming sites usually waive fees when you deposit or cash out, but your bank might not be so accommodating. Our team flags up any banking options that will cost you.

If you live in Quebec, you might need games and sites in French. While most of the leading online poker rooms have dual language, some don't. Save time and cash by following our Canada-friendly reviews.

Finally, if you want to win buy-ins into the biggest live events in Canada or America, we'll show you how to find the best satellites with lots of guaranteed prize packages.

Games To Suit All Budgets

There's one huge advantage online poker has over its live cousin: picking your stakes. Most gambling websites let you play poker online from as little as $0.01/0.02. Even better, new players can enjoy daily and weekly freerolls that cost nothing to enter. Hone your skills, learn the rules, and win a few bucks totally free.

Texas Hold'em games running 24/7

Cheap buy-ins for recreational players

Big guarantees to make your bankroll go further

As you improve, you can take advantage of small-stakes cash games and Sit 'n Gos. Popular sites have plenty of players so you won't be left waiting for a game.

And if you're a comfortable player looking for some bigger action, our recommended sites will point you in the direction of million-dollar tourneys and special festivals.

Stay Legal and Secure

Even if you've found a fishy Hold'em game to play in, it doesn't matter if the licensing isn't up to scratch. We only feature sites that possess a legit gaming license.

The most secure poker transactions and payouts

rusted licenses from the biggest jurisdictions

Audited software for a fair game

With proper licensing comes a responsibility to protect players' personal details and funds. Gambling online can be risky, so it's vital for players in Canada to trust the poker sites with their money.

Luckily, at OnlinePoker.ca we've seen all kinds of poker rooms come and go. We've been able to compile a blacklist of online poker sites so you know who to avoid.

Earn an Online Poker Bonus, Whatever Your Budget

Even if you're playing at the low stakes, you can earn free cash when you play online poker. The rooms are desperate to attract new customers all the time. As a Canadian real money player you can make a first deposit and have your cash "matched" by the poker website, just for playing.

The more you play, the more player action points you will earn. Points can then be converted for C$ or tournament tokens. Sites vary in the bonuses they can offer, and we'll show you how to make the most out of your bankroll.

Blacklisted Poker Websites

Is online poker legal in Canada?

Yes! It is legal to play online poker in Canada. But, like everywhere else in the world, gambling has not had a totally smooth history in terms of legality in Canada. Laws have been on the books since 1892, when they restricted but did not totally ban gambling. This original law has been amended over the years until 1970, when significant changes allowed each province in Canada to have most of its own authority over the licensing and regulation of gambling. Today, this applies to both online and casino gambling. Some provinces such as Winnipeg and Montreal have embraced the gambling industry and opened up casinos. It is not legal to operate an online casino in Canada, but residents can play online poker at any international casino.

What is the minimum age to play?

In Canada, gambling is regulated at the Province level, not by the Canadian government. This means that each province gets to set its own rules for how old their citizens must be in order to gamble, including online gambling, buying lottery tickets, and playing at casinos and poker rooms. Most commonly, the minimum age is 19 years old. Some provinces such as Ontario have the age limit set at 18.

How is it regulated?

Gambling was first regulated in Canada by the Criminal Code of 1982. The code has gone through many changes over the last century to allow gambling in varying levels of legality. In 1910 the code was amended to allow the occasional game of chance, as long as all profits went to charitable organizations. The Canadian government made massive changes to the code in 1970, allowing the creation of a multi-billion dollar industry in Canadian gambling. Canada's first casino opened in 1989 in Winnipeg, and now most provinces have their own casinos. One type of betting that is not legal is sport event betting. You can bet on a multiple-match tournament such as the National Hockey League tournament in what is called a parlay, but you cannot bet on individual matches.

How do I begin playing?

It is easy to begin playing at any online casino. You can simply search for Canadian online poker rooms, find one that you like and create an account. The first thing you should look for is game selection. Make sure you pick a site to play at that has all of your favorite online poker variations. It is easier to stay at one site for all of your games if you find one that you like, rather than creating a bunch of new accounts all the time. Once you have an account, use your credit card, debit card, e-wallet or another deposit method to add money into your casino bank roll. Then you can start playing, betting and winning right away!

Can I play in Canadian Dollars?

Yes, you can play in Canadian dollars. There are several casinos out there that allow you to easily deposit, play and withdraw your money in CDN. There is also the option of playing at an international casino in whatever currency they automatically go for, and have your CDN deposit automatically switched over to the local currency wherever the casino is operated. For example if you play at an Italian owned casino, you would automatically see your Canadian Dollars turn into Euros after you make a deposit. To do this you should use a site such as Paypal or another online e-wallet site so that you can easily withdraw and exchange your money back into CDN.

Can Canadian players play at any site?

Yes, you can play anywhere. Since it is totally legal for Canadians to play online gambling games, you can easily access any internationally owned casino and start playing. You might want to search for sites that specifically accept Canadian dollars, because this will make it easier when you are depositing and withdrawing money from your online poker account. Otherwise you will have to exchange your currency every time you take money out of your account, and with varying exchange rates this could cost you a significant amount, especially if you play often.

Legal Canadian Online Poker Sites for 2021

Canadian players have made their mark at poker tables across the country, internationally and particularly at online gambling sites. For millions of players poker is the perfect winter cure, and once they face the arctic chill, online poker sites enjoy a spike in player activity.

Despite poker’s mass appeal, there are several unanswered questions when it comes to online poker legality in Canada, especially since its neighboring Americans have serious debates on their side of the border.

Two beliefs separate poker enthusiasts, while some believe it is entirely permissible others are content with the fact that online poker exists in a legal gray area and either way several online poker sites are eager to welcome players residing in Canada.

Some provinces offer sites run by the government as well as global sites based within the Canadian borders.

You are able to play at an online poker site if you live in Canada, however the laws stipulates that any company that is based in Canada must hold a full gambling license to be able to legally offer any type of gambling game or gambling service to citizens and residents of Canada.

List of Poker sites accepts player from Canada:

Visit bet365 For latest offers

Not all online poker sites are run and operated to the same high standards, and with most forms of gambling which are internet based you must ensure above all else that any poker site you choose to sign up to and play at is run and operated to the very highest standards to ensure you never experience any kind of problems.

Legal poker games are provided to residents by provincial gambling agencies in BC, Manitoba, and Quebec, while players in Ontario can play video poker via OLG although community card poker games are not legal. Basically, the gambling laws in Canada vary by venue, game type, legal age, and province. For the past eighteen years, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission of Quebec has regulated, and licensed gambling sites and numerous international sites welcome all players from Canada that are of legal age to their sites, even though the legality of this action is still under debate.

Shared Canadian Law Powers

Since the 1867 Canadian Confederation, the provinces and the federal government have shared responsibilities and powers. Several areas remained under the strict domain of the federal government and included banking, foreign affairs, citizenship, and trade.

Provincial responsibilities include public works, education, and the granting of business licenses within their borders. Shared domains include justice, agriculture and immigration and the federal criminal code previously banned all forms of gambling although in 1969 lotteries were legalized.

By 1985 provinces received the authority to regulate all forms of gaming as well as poker.

Canadian Differences At Provincial Level

By traveling across Canada, each of the provinces has its own opinion when it comes to gambling, and most surprisingly that includes the legal age. Travelers won’t find poker rooms or casinos in every part of the country although in some provinces online casinos are now catering for residents. Online sites fully licensed by the provincial government are legal, and most of them offer online poker as part of their entertainment collection. Provincially operated poker rooms are hugely popular in Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario. The provincial poker rooms are exclusively available to residents based in the specific province, and despite these sites legality, several have been criticized for lack of gaming variety, competing for promotional wise with offshore sites and smaller player
pools.

Online Poker Advertising In Canada

Anyone watching sports via television in Canada has seen advertising for online poker rooms and even while these promise members enticing prizes and an everlasting selection of entertainment, several residents are still unsure of the legal aspects. Most of these online sites currently operate from locations outside of the Canadian borders although they are overly pleased to welcome Canadian players and this is where the legal online poker gray area is entered.

Online gambling falls under the jurisdiction of each province although it is a bit more complicated for players residing in Canada, especially when certain games are hosted from other countries. It’s a hard question to answer if a Canadian player takes a virtual seat at a poker table hosted in the UK and his fellow players are from Scotland and France, where is the actual game taking place? In reality, it is a computer dealing the cards, and just as much as the government could not prevent Canadians from visiting Las Vegas to enjoy a poker tournament, they also could not prevent citizens from logging into international gambling sites. Currently, no records exist of any Canadian players ever being prosecuted for playing online poker so many players are not concerned about the legal aspects and continue to enjoy online poker.

Poker, Game Of Skill, Difference

Poker, classified as a game of skill and unlike roulette, scratch cards, and slots, participants’ success is partially in their own hands. Winning relies on player’s abilities to outwit their opponents. In the eyes of the court, this is a huge distinction, since many regulations at provincial level strictly apply to games of chance like raffles and lotteries. One of the main differences is that poker room interests are more towards the games it provides instead of the outcome of each game. In blackjack, the dealer is the players opponent and only when the player loses the casino wins. The online poker rooms operated on an entirely dissimilar business model in the eyes of the law since they make the magic happen by supplying virtual tables, software, and payment methods, and take a small rake from each player. Even when poker is viewed as gambling, players are not wagering against the house, and this is a significant legal difference.

Canadian Poker

Canada is the runner-up worldwide for the country home to the most WSOP winners and for players dreaming of becoming the next Jonathan Duhamel or Daniel Negreanu, it might be the most suited country to realize this potential. Several legal options are available, making it easier to understand why thousands of Americans flocked to provincial poker rooms in 2011 after the stateside clampdown.

No matter your choice, playing offshore or at provincial legal sites, it is always important to play at poker rooms that are regulated and licensed by reputable jurisdictions. The Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake is Canada’s own jurisdiction, granting gambling licenses to several offshore gambling and poker sites. A Dickinson Wright law expert claims that a player is not committing a criminal offense by engaging in offshore poker play.

Thanks mainly to the lottery’s main selling point, winnings from poker are not considered as income and are tax-free. Should a Canadian citizen make a living from gambling, and it is his/her primary income, it is seen as a business and funds need to be declared according to the tax law. Enjoying poker as a form of entertainment means winnings are yours tax-free and Canadians are indeed fortunate as this isn’t the case in many other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canada based poker players who are thinking of moving some or even all of their land based real money poker playing action online are likely to have lots of questions that they are looking for the answers to and as such below are the most often asked questions by poker players thinking of playing poker online, along with the respective answers to those questions.

Are there any age restrictions in place?

How can I be assured I am accessing fair games?

What methods can I use to deposit?

How quickly do poker sites payout?

Can I play in free poker tournaments online?

When is the best time to log in and play online poker?

However, what you will find is that when an online poker site has a large paying poker tournament up and running there will usually be a huge number of player slogged into those sites as high paying poker tournaments are of course always popular with players.

Will I be playing against professional poker players?

What Poker taxes do I have to pay?

What poker games can I play online?

What type of software do I have to download?

However, if you just what to get stuck into playing poker online without having to spend any amount of time downloading the software many poker sites online have a web browser based gaming platform and as such you can instantly play any type of poker game from within your webs browser and by doing so will never need to use up any of the storage space on your computer by downloading a gaming platform on to it.

Legal Commonwealth Licensing Jurisdictions

UK Gambling Commission – You will be hard pressed to find an online gaming license issuer that is as experienced and regulates all of their license holders as strictly as the UK Gambling Commission.

Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner – Gibraltar is where dozens of different online gambling sites are based and regulated, and if you demand the very best poker sites at which to play at all those licensed in Gibraltar are high recommended and will never let you down.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission – You should find every single online poker site that holds an Alderney gambling license are run to the highest standards and will offer you a safe and enjoyable online poker playing experience.

Isle of Man Casino Control Commission – The Isle of Man is where a lot of casino software and online casino and poker game designers are based, and this small island has a very robust and experienced Gambling Commission who oversee and regulate lots of online casino sites.

Other Gambling Jurisdictions

We have just informed you of four of the very best online gambling licensing commissions, now let us tell you about two online gambling license issuing entities that you should avoid one is the Government of Curacao and the other is the Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gambling, whilst they both offer online poker site licenses you will never be able to seek assistance from either of them should you run into any problems playing at any poker site licensed by them.

Ryan Knuppel Author

Ryan (aka Knup) has been writing sports betting content for over a decade now. He covers anything and everything related to United Stats sports including football, basketball, baseball, golf and more. He has finished first place in several gambling related contests over the years which gives him instant credibility in the betting world. Ryan is a die-hard St. Louis.

Online Poker in Canada

Online poker had an explosive growth in the early 2000’s and to be honest the boom is most likely over now, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a game. Even though its best days are behind it, online poker is still huge and Canada is still a stronghold for the game.

Canadian Poker Pro Daniel Negreanu

Is online poker legal in Canada?

If you’re wondering if its legal to play poker in Canada, the simple truth is yes! It is legal. Nobody has ever been charged in the country for playing poker online. It is important that you carry out extensive research on the web-based card rooms to ensure that you get the gaming experience you want. Remember there is a huge choice of poker rooms these days and which room you choose depends on factors such as whether you play tournaments or cash games, holdem or Omaha, during the day or at night etc. Look for a solid room that has steady traffic during peak times including attractive bonuses to increase your chances of building a decent bankroll. Choose poker rooms that cater to Canada that are operating on reputable platforms because the software will determine factors such as login time, connection, quality, clarity, speed, interface reliability, and security.

Recommended Poker Sites

Best Canadian Online Poker Sites

Each online poker site in Canada has unique features and promotions, and some offer tailored bonuses to Canadian residents. Most of these sites have full schedules of regular tournaments including major monthly events that attract myriad players from all over. Luckily enough, pretty much every major real money web-based poker room accepts players from Canada without issue.

The following is a list of the best online poker sites that offer a secure, top quality poker experience to Canadian gamers:

888 Poker

Established in 2002 – then known as Pacific Poker – 888 Poker has been in the poker business than most gaming sites. For several years, the site suffered a decline in traffic due to their awful software until they re-launched with a more competitive offering and have since become one of the most popular sites among Canadian poker players. The gameplay on the modern client with crisp graphics, and its also worth mention the vast array of games and tournaments on offer. Once you download and install, you’ll notice the range of cash games and the ease of navigation the platform boasts.

Players can play their opponents through webcams. This has with no doubt brought internet poker very close to the live experience. The games to explore include Texas Hold’em, Omaha – both high and low, and 7 Card Stud – also high/low.

888 Poker App

There’s nothing like playing a few hands of poker on the go. Whether you’re stuck on a train and want to pass some time or, you simply cannot miss a vital tournament, mobile poker offers all of us some great flexibility. There are dedicated mobile poker sites available but for the best results, we recommend downloading an app.

888Poker’s App is one of the best in the industry for combining speed with functionality. It’s free to download and it offers the perfect way to ensure that you never have to miss out on a tournament again. It’s available for iPhone, Android and other platforms so head to your store and download the 888Poker App today.

bet365 Poker

For a number of years, Bet365 has been on the front in bringing an array of online gambling related sites. The company has a top of class management team that has contributed to great success by the site. Bet365’s online poker experience is highly exceptional as seen from the VIP treatment that players receive each time they log in.

This game has indeed utilized one of the powerful software platforms in online poker. It boasts a friendly interface with some of the best bonus deals in the poker business. Once you sign up, you’ll receive an attractive signup bonus.

There are plenty of cash-games that are always running depending with the poker variant you choose for your game. Regular checkout for tournaments is best recommended for you to determine the game of play. Bet365 poker games include Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Low and 7 Card Stud.

William Hill Poker

Considered one of the top play-tech online sites, William Hill Poker has been around since the beginning of online poker. The site offers players great promotions as well as events that cater for all Canadian players. William Hill has loads of open cash games and each poker variant is fully licensed and regulated by the platform. Installing the software will mean that you’ll be dealing with a number of games together with freeroll and paid tournaments. Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud, are among the games you’ll experience in William Hill. The payment system is reliable in that there are no payment delays in this site making it friendly to Canadian players.

PokerStars

Is Pokerstars legal in Canada?

Pokerstars have worked hard to become established in many parts of the world and it is perfectly legal to play with this organisation if you are based in Canada. The operator allows players to bet and fund in $CAD and there is even a separate section on their website that explains certain parts of their set up to Canadian customers.

Anyone looking to open an account here will need to meet certain requirements. You must be of legal betting age inside your own country and you can expect to be asked to submit proof of ID in order to confirm that. As long as those requirements are met then yes, Pokerstars is legal in Canada.

Boasting the largest number in terms of real money players and also some of the largest tournament payouts, Poker Stars was, and is still, one of the top online poker sites in Canada and the rest of the world. The stand-alone poker site sponsors an assortment of logo-clad pros including celebrity players enabling it to reach a larger audience meaning more traffic. Poker Stars offers poker lovers up to 9 awe-inspiring poker games each with its own unique features.
The games represented include: Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Low, 7 Card Stud, Razz, HORSE, 8-Game Mix, Five Card Draw, 2-7 Triple and Single Draw and last but not least, Badugi. The tournaments are superb and the customer service very responsive.

Party Poker

This is a site that was started in 2001 by a group of investors having the main agenda of offering virtual fan to poker lovers from all over the world – Canada included. The site operates on an independent network and also has its own privately developed program. In October 2010, the company released a top-of-the-game brand new software to help in Party Poker download. The software featured smooth and clean graphics with features like rabbit hunting and a show-a-card feature complimenting the whole idea. The game offers gamers four unique games, namely; Texas hold’em, Omaha Hi/Low, 7 Card Stud Hi/Low and Double Hold’em.

Tournament selection is excellent and the VIP program is really good for players who play a lot. The best part is that Party Poker has a very consistent and reliable team when it comes to customer service.

New Poker Sites

The world of online poker is a very crowded sector of the iGaming industry and there are new operators coming on board on a regular basis. Not all poker sites are created equal, however, and some are definitely more rewarding than others.

To assess those sites, keep looking for our recommendations but there are some key things to watch out for. Is there a welcome bonus with a high sum on offer and fair terms? Is there a good choice of tournaments with a wide range of buy-in levels? Look for these factors and you can assess whether a new poker site will be good for your needs.

Poker Deposit Methods for Canadians

To play poker online, you need money in your account. However, choosing a reliable, safe, and efficient deposit method can be challenging for many Canadians. The many challenges and changes have made some financial institutions uncomfortable with poker deposits. The good news however is that there are many other ways you can deposit cash into your account to play poker. Listed below are some of the best deposit methods to choose from:

Credit Cards

You can use your Master Card or Visa card to make a deposit. Both cards are accepted at all online poker sites. Some banks however decline allowing the transfer of funds from their customer’s bank accounts to online poker sites due to security reasons. However, many banks have no objection and will allow the transfer.

Ask your bank whether they allow funds transfers to poker sites, if they do not you can get a credit card from a bank that allows such transfers and use it for that specific purpose.

e-Wallets

An e-wallet acts as an intermediary between your bank and web merchant. Some popular e-wallet transfer services include PayPal, instaDebit, Click2Pay, and entroPay. PayPal is the most popular e-wallet. Their charges are slightly higher compared to other e-wallets. PayPal works well with many poker sites. Click2pay offers debit cards that allow users to use money from their account.

Neteller deposits – This is a popular eWallet money transfer method that was previously used in almost all poker sites before they stopped accepting processing US payments. However, the option is still popular in Canada and Europe with a known history of protecting the financial details of players. With a Neteller account, you can deposit, transfer, and withdrawal funds. The option is accepted by all merchants who support Neteller. All you have to do is create an account with the service to be able to transfer funds into your poker account.

Bank Transfers

You can fund your online poker account through a bank transfer. Some popular bank transfer services you can use include:

Wire transfer – You can fund your online poker account using wire transfer such as western union. Wire transfer is slightly expensive when transferring small amounts of cash compared to e-wallets. To make a wire cash transfer, you need to make a request your local bank for their unique transfer procedure.

eChecks – This includes writing a virtual check. With this option, all you have to do is fill your bank info in the cashier of your particular poker site and click confirm. The money is then credit to your poker account instantaneously. You will immediately see the cash go from your bank into your poker account. However, since many poker sites have to wait for the check to clear, you may not be able to access your profits immediately. Many poker sites work well with eChecks.

Citadel – This wire transfer option only works with a few selected banks. This option adds a layer of verification on to the traditional account-to-account wire funds transfer. Ask your poker site about this service before using it to ensure the site accepts the method.

InstaDebit – This option works as a hybrid between an eCheck and eWallet. The option allows the transfer of funds from your bank to your poker site securely. No personal details are transferred with this payment option making it secure and safe to use.

Other Methods

Ukash – Ukash allows safe, easy, and private payments online. Ukash Vouchers can be purchased from many local stores using cash. Once you buy an Ukash Voucher, you are given a PIN code, which you can use to pay instantly and directly. Using Ukash is just spending cash. You can fund your poker account without sharing your personal information. When asked about your preferred deposit method by your poker site, just choose Ukash option and then put the code and the amount of your voucher such as $ 10, $ 20 etc. You can buy your Ukash based on how much you intend to deposit into your online poker site.

EcoAccount – An EcoAccount will allow you to transfer funds from your Account to your poker site. EcoAccount is a safe online account that comes with an Ecocard for secure online transactions. Once your Ecocard account is funded through your credit card or bank account, you can then instantly deposit funds to your favourite poker site.

Conclusion

There are many options when it comes to choosing a good Canadian poker deposit method, but in our opinion the best method is to choose one of the eWallers. An eWallet provides a flexible, safe, and fast way to fund and withdrawal funds, having a eWallet account is a good option for your poker deposit method.
Important tips to keep in mind when choosing a deposit method include:

Flexibility– Choose a method that gives you flexibility to deposit and withdrawal your funds. Some methods have some restrictions while others are a bit flexible. Consider all your options before choosing your option

Fast, stress free deposits– The ideal deposit method should allow you stress free and speedy deposits. Some deposit options may take days while others are instant. For instance with EChecks, you can deposit funds instantly but you are not able to withdrawal your profits for some days while the poker site clears the check. Ewallets such as PayPal and MoneyBookers allow instant cash deposits

Safety– You obviously need to make sure that the deposit option you choose is safe and secure. Some deposits methods such AS Ukash allow funds transfer without revealing your personal data while others such as eChecks will require you to fill in and transfer your details online

Personal taste and preferences– When all is said and done, it all comes down to personal preference. Make sure you are comfortable with the option you choose.

There are many Canadian Poker deposit options to choose from as discussed above. Make sure the option you choose is safe, secure and meets your individual preferences.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: PokerNews looks at the best online poker rooms, bonuses and deals in Canada. Click here for all the information you need to know before making a deposit. at Online Poker Games in Canada