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A Look At The Online Poker Industry In Canada In 2021, Poker Strategy 2021 in Canada

Poker Strategy 2021 in Canada

Changes In Canada Beyond Cryptocurrencies Many quickly discovered that you can find some of the best Canadian online poker sites on bestcasinosites.net, and soon found themselves enjoying hours of play. It was a great escape from the concerns related to the pandemic, but also offered players the opportunity to win some money.

A Look At The Online Poker Industry In Canada In 2021

The Impact Of Ethereum On The Online Poker Boom In Canada

by Card Player News Team | Published: Oct 29, 2020

What Will Happen To The Online Poker Industry In Canada In 2021?

It may be several months before Canada is able to get back to some form of normalcy. The Covid-19 virus had a dramatic impact on Canadians as movement was limited, businesses were forced to shut down, and sports leagues went dark.

Even with signs of improvement, it will likely be quite some time before the world as a whole is able to restore equilibrium. The travel ban between the United States and Canada is still in place, which is going to have a dramatic impact on the upcoming sport seasons as both the NBA and NHL will have to make some adjustments to accommodate franchises on both sides of the border.

An Enjoyable Activity At Home

Major sports leagues did get underway late in the summer, albeit with greatly modified rules and teams playing before empty stadiums. This gave fans something to enjoy, but many found a new activity in Canada to keep them occupied during the shutdown. That was online poker.

Many quickly discovered that you can find some of the best Canadian online poker sites on bestcasinosites.net, and soon found themselves enjoying hours of play. It was a great escape from the concerns related to the pandemic, but also offered players the opportunity to win some money.

The availability of online poker was especially important considering that the Canadian government seemed to have dropped the ball when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared an “emergency recess” of Parliament in late August, sending lawmakers home without passing a new sports betting bill. With the NBA back on the court, the NHL on ice, and MLB at the diamond, this was the chance to give fans the opportunity to bet on their favorite sports, but the Prime Minister dropped the ball.

This move helped to ensure that online poker would continue to thrive. This is an industry that is reaping the benefits of the government’s restrictions, but many industry analysts are wondering what 2021 holds for online poker in Canada. This not only includes online poker itself, but industries surrounding who could also impact this industry.

The Digital Currency Craze

While most people have heard of bitcoin, the familiarity with the digital currency likely ends there. They do not fully understand how this currency is used or where they even acquire it, so it is almost a myth or a nice story with no personal impact.

Online casinos are recognizing their value, however. Many of these sites are enabling players to fund their account using the cryptocurrency, but it does not end there. The use of bitcoin is just one of several that Canadian online poker sites are enabling customers to use.

Ethereum is becoming a very popular choice as well, primarily because it is far easier for customers to acquire this digital currency than it is for them to get bitcoin. The number of bitcoin is capped, but that is not true with Ethereum. This helps to keep its value low, ensuring that the average person has the opportunity to purchase the coin. With more investors purchasing this digital currency, Canadian gambling sites are accepting this tender as a means to fund player accounts.

Adding to the appeal of Ethereum is that this is far more than just a digital coin. Ethereum is a programming language as well, and many casino sites are being developed using their platform, dApps. For Canadians owning Ethereum coins, having the currency will make it far easier to do business with online poker sites that are using the programming language.

The Math Makes Sense

There is another major advantage for players using Ethereum. In 2017, bitcoin proved to be the most volatile investment on the market. The value shot up nearly 2000%, reaching $20,000 per coin, then plummeted, losing 80% of its value in the span of about three months.

This year, many analysts expected bitcoin to go through another rapid increase in value, which has not occurred to date. These kinds of swings make it so that investors are less likely to use bitcoin to fund an account. If a coin is worth $5000 today and one uses that to fund their online account, they are going to feel pretty silly if all of a sudden that coin is worth $8000 a week from now.

In addition, how does one fund their online account with $100 with a coin worth $5000? The math does not seem to add up.

This is not an issue when using Ethereum. Currently, one coin is worth about $390. There is no projection that this will raise in value even 30% in the next six months. Thus, you can be pretty sure that the value of this coin will remain stable, something that online gambling vendors recognize as well.

Monkey Wrench Anyone

Adding to the equation is that there are several countries and major corporations that are creating their own cryptocurrencies. This includes Facebook, who has been actively working to create their coin, Libra, and Walmart. IBM is said to be working on a digital currency, and several governments across the globe are doing this as well, including major powerhouses like Russia and China.

With more currencies flooding the market, it is likely that bitcoin is going to see a rapid decline in value. Even if there are a limited number of these coins, people will have additional options to use for purchasing.

The same could be said for Ethereum, but the fact that this is far more than just a coin is what will help to keep them on top. The programming language and application development makes it so that companies are going to use this digital currency to do business. Ethereum uses blockchain technology, which makes it a secure system to use, and the platform is open source, meaning that programmers can access the language to create applications that are easy to integrate.

Already nearly two dozen online casino websites have been designed and developed using Ethereum as the platform language. Interestingly enough, several of them are even written catering toward users of bitcoin who want to use this coin to fund their account. This includes the Bitcoin Penguin Casino and Bitcasino.io. This ability to integrate so that they can accept any kind of currency makes it inevitable that Ethereum will be an industry leader for years to come.

Changes In Canada Beyond Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are going to be used in greater numbers by online players in 2021. There is no doubt that users are going to see the benefit of investing in cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and Ethereum, and are going to use them as payment options on casino sites.

As more applications are developed using Ethereum, customers are going to lean toward this digital currency. That makes it advantageous for both the site and the player to have a ready supply of the coin.

This is not the only news in the online poker industry, however. The year 2021 should be a banner year for those living in Alberta, as it is expected that the Canadian state will offer online gambling in the upcoming year. Because of the pandemic, there is expected to be a substantial decline in revenue to the province, and it is hoped that the tax revenue generated through online gambling will help to make up for the loss.

In addition, iGaming is expected to become accessible across most of the country. Alberta added this to their bill, meaning that only Saskatchewan will not offer some form of iGaming.

One additional change that Canadian should expect is that several websites have already or plan to redesign their online casinos to make the poker experience more enjoyable. There has been a recognition that the industry was on overload because of the rapid increase in the number of players due to lockdowns.

This necessitated a change so that sites would operate more efficiently. While working on this issue, developers also created a more user-friendly environment, which should add to the enjoyment for players.

More To Come?

This is likely just the beginning. It will be several months before in-location casinos are able to operate to full capacity, something that may not even occur until 2022. If that is the case, more people are going to be driven toward online poker as their option, which should help this industry to thrive even more.

Bodog Poker Review

The Canadian Bodog.eu Poker Room is Now Open in Latin America

Planet Mark’s Summary: Bodog has a history going back longer than most of us have been playing poker. Since 2012, when support for a lot of Europe was withdrawn, Bodog Poker has been for Canadian players. All that changed early this year, with the site opening to Mexicans and several other Latin American countries. Player pools are now shared with Ignition Poker, which accepts players from the USA. Collectively, this pool of players is known as the PaiWangLuo Poker Network (catchy, eh?!)

There is a lot to like about Bodog. First, the ‘recreational player model’ used. This prevents 3 rd party tools by keeping play anonymous, and restricts the ability of pros to mass multi-table. The result is looser games for everyone. Look out for the busy tournament schedule, Zone Poker (a fast-fold variant) and events such as the ‘Black Diamond Open’ – which feature huge tournament prize pools.

New players get a $1000 welcome bonus at Bodog.eu, this is released into your account in handy increments as you collect points from the real money games.

Detailed Review of Bodog Poker 2021

This section takes the main features and games at Bodog, and covers them in detail.

Bodog Poker 2021 – Cash Games

This is the only North American site to feature a fast-fold poker game. Called ‘Zone Poker’, this game sends you to a new hand as soon as you have folded. You are combined with new players from a ‘pool’, and can also fold before the action reaches you. By chopping out the wait time between hands (you’ll be surprised how long you spend waiting for others to bet), the game is sped up considerably. Zone Poker is up to 4 times as fast as regular cash games.

This game can be played on the mobile poker site, as well as through the downloadable client. Stakes start at $2 (1c / 2c blinds) and go up to 50c / $1.

Regular cash games remain hugely popular. The most popular tables are the 6-max games. You will play using a seat number, instead of a nickname. This means that nobody knows who you are if you step out of a game and enter a new one. This effectively stops 3 rd party tools (even those that can get around the restrictions). Since pros use these to get reads / spot fish, this system does level the playing field for newer / recreational players. You can play a maximum of 4 cash game tables at once. These games are also available via the mobile client.

It will come as no surprise that 6-max NL Holdem is where all the action is. You’ll find games from 2c blinds up to $10 ($1000 buy-ins), higher at the weekends on occasion. There are 9 handed games too, along with Omaha (PLO is the biggest of these).

Bodog Poker Review 2021 – Tournaments

Almost all tournaments at NL Holdem at Bodog – covering the usual speed and table size variations. These are played anonymously. You get an entry number at the start of each game, which stays with you for that tournament only. You can play more than 4 tournaments at a time. In total, there are $2 million in guarantees each week. Looking at the schedule you’ll see most games are firmly in the lower buy-in category, more than 95% of them $22 and under.

Sundays sees the $100k guaranteed. This is the single biggest regular tournament. If you can’t afford the $162 buy-in, then there are plenty of qualifier games which run through the week. These are always soft, though on Sundays just before the big event starts, they go crazy – a great opportunity for anyone with some skills in poker satellite play.

A couple of times a year, Bodog (and Ignition) run the ‘Black Diamond Open’. This is an online tournament event festival with many big guarantees. The biggest of these is around $350,000 guaranteed. Again, plenty of satellite qualifiers are running. Finally, for the tournament section, you can win seats in live events. Some of these are out in the Caribbean, while others include ‘Vegas Weekends’ which just happen to coincide with the World Series of Poker. You can see the qualifier games listed in the tournament lobby. Check out www.bodog.eu for the latest games.

Sit and Goes at Bodog.eu

I will cover Sit N Go Tournaments separately, in my unique Bodog SNG Review (will link to this as soon as it is ready).

Bodog Poker Mobile and Desktop Software

You can play on a download client, or reach cash games and Zone poker via a non-download mobile version.

When you read that the main feature of the software is that it ‘allows you to focus on the game-play’, this might not sound promising. Fortunately, the software is not all that bad – it is simply a little dated in the overall look and feel. The distinctive red and black coloring can be seen, and a segment of the table will light up for each player when it is there turn to act.

Navigation is easy, using a panel with filters – and the game-play is smooth and easy. If you are using the mobile client, I recommend Zone Poker, this works fast, avoiding the need to play multiple tables.

Deposit Methods at Bodog.eu

Bitcoin is the deposit method of choice for this site – though it is not the only one. If you enjoy online poker then taking 10 minutes to set up a Bitcoin wallet is well worth your time. Once you have one, you will be able to deposit and withdraw quickly – and you’ll never see gambling transactions on any bank or credit card statement. For more on how BTC deposits work, check out my detailed Bitcoin Poker Sites article here.

You can also deposit using credit cards, or money transfer services. If your credit card gets declined by your bank, I recommend speaking to the Bodog support team about the options. This site has a reputation for excellent service (and for fast payouts!).

Bonuses and Promotions at Bodog Poker

I like the welcome bonus at Bodog. This is paid in increments, up to a maximum of $1000. Incremental payments mean that you still get a chunk of bonus money, even if you do not have the time (or the patience) to collect the full quota of points.

The table below shows the incremental payouts – you get the first installment of $5 after collecting just 15 points. You’ll have 30 days to collect as many as you can.

Those same points can be exchanged for tournament entries and cash bonuses – and make up the backbone of the loyalty program. There is a royal flush and a bad beat bonus too. Other promos tend to be one-off, including live event qualifiers. If freerolls are your thing, you’ll find plenty of crowded free-to-enter tournaments. Bodog have a sportsbook and casino – in addition to the poker room, you’ll be offered promos at both of these.

Summing Up / Easy Next Steps

There is a lot to like about Bodog, which has risen to become one of the biggest poker sites online after their expansion south and tie-in with Ignition. I look forward to the day when this site is able to offer games in the UK and Europe again!

Anonymous games and multi-tabling restrictions were condemned when they were first introduced. When you see what a difference restricting the multi-tablers makes for everyone, in terms of the softness of the games, you will realize how smart a move this was. Add to this a solid fast-fold poker game, generous bonus with easy incremental targets, and some big events / promos – and you have a winning combination.

If you live in Canada or Latin America, check out www.bodog.eu for yourself now!

More Detailed Poker Site Reviews:

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 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.

Play Online Poker in Canada 2021

Perhaps the most popular casino card game in the world, poker has become a cornerstone of online gambling in Canada, with many people learning how to play poker online for real money.

Where to Play Poker Online

If you’re a Canadian player looking to play poker online, here are our favourite sites:

Different Variations of Online Poker

Recommended Poker Strategy

Different Variations of Online Poker

Though you can certainly run across additional types, these are the most popular variations of online poker in Canada:

Texas Hold’Em Poker

Five-Card Draw Poker

Omaha Poker

3-Card Poker

Video Poker

Stud Poker

Other Online Poker Variations

Razz Poker – rather than playing for the usual high hands, players attempt to get a hand from Ace to 5

Omaha Hi/Lo Poker– Like Omaha, but with the pot split between the best high hand and the best low hand

HORSE Poker – a variant that combines different variations of gameplay

Pai Gow Poker– play against the dealer with multiple hands in this variant

Canadian Poker Sites Comparison

Which poker sites have the best welcome bonuses, or the best tournaments to pick from? Check out our comparison tool, which allows you put these sites side by side before gambling online in Canada !

Recommended Poker Strategy

Know the Rules & Stick to What You Know

Online poker’s many variations can get complicated – stick to the variations that you understand you get some experience.

Stay Calm, Cool & Collected

In most variations of online poker, you’re wagering against real people. Maintain your composure, stick to your strategy, and don’t get baited into betting on a hand you don’t like.

Don’t be Afraid to Fold

Folding is not the same as losing. Great online poker players aren’t afraid to walk away from a hand if they feel they’re beaten. Live to fight another day.

Online Poker Game Types

Note: these game types are not the same as the game variations we listed above. Game types refer to the gameplay type itself, rather than differences in rules. At a good online poker room, you’ll be able to find different game types for each of the variations that we listed above.

With that said, there are five main types of poker that Canadian players will find online:

Cash Games

Cash games of online poker have no fixed time to finish, and are played for real money. Players can leave the game at their leisure.

Poker Tournaments

More of a commitment, in a poker tournament players commit to playing until the tournament ends, and cannot cash out before then. You play until you’re out of chips, and receive a certain payout amount depending on where you finished.

Sit N Goes

Also known as SnGs, the tournament begins as soon as your table is full, and often wrap up in under an hour. If you lose all your chips, you’re done.

Fast-Fold Poker

A variation of online poker in which, if you fold quickly, you can move to a new table to play again right away. This is a great game type for playing quickly.

Lottery Sit N Goes

An even faster version of fast-fold poker, with games often finished in less than ten minutes.

Winning Poker Hands

Nearly all variations of online poker are played with the standard 52-card deck. The value ranking of each card goes in descending order (Ace >King > Queen > Jack > 10 > 9, etc.)

It is important to note that Ace can be used as either high or low in straights (e.g. you could have a five-card straight that runs A-2-3-4-5, or 10-J-Q-K-A.)

The following table will show poker hand variations, ranked from best to worst:

Featured Canadian Online Poker Site

The trusted online poker room is owned by the same company that runs the popular BetOnline brand. The software, games and many of the promotions are identical across the two sites. You will find the distinctive blue design of Sportsbetting.ag on both the download and instant-play software

Generous welcome poker bonus

Guaranteed prize tournaments

Several deposit options

How to Choose an Online Poker Site

Regardless of your experience level, finding a great online poker room can be challenging. When participating in online gambling in Canada by playing poker for real money, you need to factor in deposit methods as well as your safety and security.

If safety is your biggest concern, checkout our list of safest online poker sites, but for everyone else, here’s what to look for when choosing an online poker site for real money play:

Player Traffic

Player traffic is a fancy way of saying how many players typically visit a poker site. If there is a high amount of player traffic, that site must be popular among players, and typically a site is popular for a reason. The more players there are, the better the prize pools will be.

Game Software

New players often don’t realize just how important a role the software plays in enjoyment of online poker. By reading through our reviews, you’ll quickly learn just how valuable a good software provider can be.

A great way of separating a good poker room from a bad one is by the features offered by the client. Another is the smoothness of the gameplay – online poker games should be fast to load and run flawlessly without any interference.

Keep in mind, Gamble Online has done this work for you, but if you’re skeptical and want to truly do your homework, we would recommend looking into the software provider at your site of choice. Good navigation, design, graphics, features, and tools offered play a bigger role than you might think.

Bonuses and Promotions

We’re going to come right out and say it: you shouldn’t play at an online poker site that doesn’t offer bonuses. Promotions are increasingly common at good gambling sites, with the majority of solid brands offering an initial deposit bonus, matching your initial deposit up to a certain amount – for example, if you deposit $100, the site will give you $100 to play with.

Beyond the welcome bonus, poker bonuses are usually released in increments based on the stakes and number of hands you play.

Other promotions to look for include bad beat jackpots, loyalty programs, rakeback, and giveaways to major tournaments like the WSOP. Be sure to do your homework on bonuses before signing up for a new online casino account.

Variety of Games and Tournaments

We also recommend checking out the cash game and tournament varieties at a prospective site, as some poker sites don’t offer a very large choice.

Since enjoying competition and playing great poker are presumably your main reason for joining an online poker room, make sure you know about the different competitions offered – whether that’s high stakes, small buy-in, or something in between – before you deposit.

Best Online Poker Operators for Canadian Players

To help you choose the right poker operator, we’ve broken down the top five online poker sites in Canada, along with some key information:

Operator	Bonus	Minimum Deposit	Payout Speed	Accepts Bitcoin	Mobile Play	Read Review and Play
1. Bodog	$1,000	$20	15 minutes – 2 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
2. America’s Cardroom	$1,000	$20	1 – 15 days	Yes	Browser only	Read Review
3. BetOnline	$1,000	$20	15 minutes – 15 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
4. Sports Betting	$1,000	$20	1 – 14 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
5. Bet 365	$1,000	$20	1 – 14 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review

Canadian Online Poker Blacklist

The Gamble Online team of experts do NOT recommend the following online poker sites because they failed to pass the high standards we require of our top-rated outlets.

Play Online Poker in Canada 2021

Perhaps the most popular casino card game in the world, poker has become a cornerstone of online gambling in Canada, with many people learning how to play poker online for real money.

Where to Play Poker Online

If you’re a Canadian player looking to play poker online, here are our favourite sites:

Different Variations of Online Poker

Recommended Poker Strategy

Different Variations of Online Poker

Though you can certainly run across additional types, these are the most popular variations of online poker in Canada:

Texas Hold’Em Poker

Five-Card Draw Poker

Omaha Poker

3-Card Poker

Video Poker

Stud Poker

Other Online Poker Variations

Razz Poker – rather than playing for the usual high hands, players attempt to get a hand from Ace to 5

Omaha Hi/Lo Poker– Like Omaha, but with the pot split between the best high hand and the best low hand

HORSE Poker – a variant that combines different variations of gameplay

Pai Gow Poker– play against the dealer with multiple hands in this variant

Canadian Poker Sites Comparison

Which poker sites have the best welcome bonuses, or the best tournaments to pick from? Check out our comparison tool, which allows you put these sites side by side before gambling online in Canada !

Recommended Poker Strategy

Know the Rules & Stick to What You Know

Online poker’s many variations can get complicated – stick to the variations that you understand you get some experience.

Stay Calm, Cool & Collected

In most variations of online poker, you’re wagering against real people. Maintain your composure, stick to your strategy, and don’t get baited into betting on a hand you don’t like.

Don’t be Afraid to Fold

Folding is not the same as losing. Great online poker players aren’t afraid to walk away from a hand if they feel they’re beaten. Live to fight another day.

Online Poker Game Types

With that said, there are five main types of poker that Canadian players will find online:

Cash Games

Cash games of online poker have no fixed time to finish, and are played for real money. Players can leave the game at their leisure.

Poker Tournaments

Sit N Goes

Also known as SnGs, the tournament begins as soon as your table is full, and often wrap up in under an hour. If you lose all your chips, you’re done.

Fast-Fold Poker

A variation of online poker in which, if you fold quickly, you can move to a new table to play again right away. This is a great game type for playing quickly.

Lottery Sit N Goes

An even faster version of fast-fold poker, with games often finished in less than ten minutes.

Winning Poker Hands

Nearly all variations of online poker are played with the standard 52-card deck. The value ranking of each card goes in descending order (Ace >King > Queen > Jack > 10 > 9, etc.)

It is important to note that Ace can be used as either high or low in straights (e.g. you could have a five-card straight that runs A-2-3-4-5, or 10-J-Q-K-A.)

The following table will show poker hand variations, ranked from best to worst:

Featured Canadian Online Poker Site

Generous welcome poker bonus

Guaranteed prize tournaments

Several deposit options

How to Choose an Online Poker Site

If safety is your biggest concern, checkout our list of safest online poker sites, but for everyone else, here’s what to look for when choosing an online poker site for real money play:

Player Traffic

Game Software

Bonuses and Promotions

Beyond the welcome bonus, poker bonuses are usually released in increments based on the stakes and number of hands you play.

Variety of Games and Tournaments

We also recommend checking out the cash game and tournament varieties at a prospective site, as some poker sites don’t offer a very large choice.

Best Online Poker Operators for Canadian Players

To help you choose the right poker operator, we’ve broken down the top five online poker sites in Canada, along with some key information:

Operator	Bonus	Minimum Deposit	Payout Speed	Accepts Bitcoin	Mobile Play	Read Review and Play
1. Bodog	$1,000	$20	15 minutes – 2 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
2. America’s Cardroom	$1,000	$20	1 – 15 days	Yes	Browser only	Read Review
3. BetOnline	$1,000	$20	15 minutes – 15 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
4. Sports Betting	$1,000	$20	1 – 14 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review
5. Bet 365	$1,000	$20	1 – 14 days	Yes	Browser and App	Read Review

Canadian Online Poker Blacklist

The Gamble Online team of experts do NOT recommend the following online poker sites because they failed to pass the high standards we require of our top-rated outlets.

25 Best Online Casinos in Canada: 2021's Top Canadian Casino Sites Ranked by User Experience, Bonuses, and Fairness (CA)

Leanbackplayer.com announces the release of the review "Best online casinos in Canada"

TORONTO , March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- If you live in Canada and want to find the best online casinos, you'll need to find the ones that offer great gameplay, lots of fabulous bonuses - and which are fair.

Naturally, there are other criteria to consider - as well as lots of casinos to consider.

The good news is that in this article, we've narrowed things down to just 9 of the best online casinos in Canada of 2021. We'll shortly be outlining these casinos and explaining exactly why and how we chose them.

Best online casinos in Canada by category:

1. Low wagering requirements: PlayOJO Casino
2. Best high RTP slots: Spin Casino
3. Best for roulette: JackpotCity Casino
4. Best for sports betting: Bodog
5. Best new casino site in canada: CasinoNic
6. Best for poker: Royal Vegas
7. Best for blackjack: Ruby Fortune
8. Best live online casino in CA: Casino Tropez
9. Best mobile experience: Royal Panda

Runner ups for top canadian casino site:

Hey, I'm Will from LeanBackPlayer. Like you, I enjoy online gambling. And like you, I want to play at the best Canadian online casinos. Probably like you, I've also had my fair share of ups and downs when it comes to gambling. But possibly not like you, I've literally tried and tested almost every online casino site imaginable.

With years of experience under my belt playing slots, online poker, Blackjack, and other table games, I've figured out what works and what doesn't work when it comes to a great online casino experience. I've won enough money to allow me and my family to live comfortably - and I now want to help you make a start on your online gambling career.

I believe, after all, that you can only succeed with online gambling once you've signed up to the right site. So, enough of my yakking, let's get into this …

How We Found the Best Canadian Casinos: Our Ranking Methodology

More than anything else, we need to sign up to fair online casinos.

Ask anyone who's gambled at an online casino whether the casino they use is rigged or not and you'll probably find that those who win lots will say that it isn't rigged, while those who lose frequently will say that it is rigged.

So what's the real answer?

It's not for me to say which sites are definitely rigged. But I've closely examined the RTP on the table games and slots at various Canadian casinos, as well as spoken to other seasoned gamblers, to help me choose sites that are provably fair for you.

Moreover, any online gambling site in Canada must pass a rigorous examination by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission who tests them for fairness and reliable payouts.

The best online casinos offer a wide range of games for you to choose from. These include your classic casino and table games, such as Baccarat and Blackjack, as well as a huge variety of each game.

For instance, some sites let you play 21 different varieties of Blackjack. This is important because everyone is skilled at different games. So you need to find out what games you're good at and then sign up to the sites that let you play them.

When it comes to bonuses, there's more to consider than just the size of the bonus. For example, you need to take into consideration the wagering requirements. You could grab an eye-catching bonus and win, only to find out you can't withdraw it until you've gambled huge sums of your own money.

As such, I've made sure to choose sites that won't rip you off on the bonus front.

It's also worth mentioning that sites that are aimed at recreational players, such as Royal Panda , offer more rewards. Moreover, as well as the welcome bonus, you should also keep an eye out for extra perks, including reload bonuses and free spins.

The Best Online Casino Sites in Canada Reviewed

PlayOJO Casino deserves its place as my top pick, thanks largely to the fact that there are no wagering conditions attached to the welcome bonus. It's a quite big deal, as it's hard to find a fairer offer. Moreover, if you combine it with a huge variety of casino games where you'll never be bored, it's impossible to find a better online casino.

If you enjoy a fair real money casino experience, and you're looking for an operator with lots of gambling opportunities, then PlayOJO is definitely worth a look.

Provably fair casino

Low rollover to bonus ratio

Huge variety of casino games

If you can't get enough of slots, my advice is to have a crack at Spin Casino. The site offers a HUGE amount of slots fun, and you can play all day long on their video slots and progressive jackpots. There are bonuses galore, too, as well as table games and poker.

Hundreds of slots

Colourful, fun user interface

Real life croupiers!

JackpotCity Casino is my top pick for roulette. It lets you play the American, French and European versions of the popular casino game, plus you can play it on the app, too. The site also offers a huge roulette bonus and progressive jackpot roulette, a game that gives you the chance to win big money.

Reputable - it's been open for 22 years

Progressive jackpot slots available

Simple and straightforward user interface

4. Royal Vegas - Best for Poker

If you love poker, Royal Vegas is the casino to check out. Belonging to the highly reputable Digimedia Casino brand, Royal Vegas offers 700+ casino games that range from slots to live dealer games - as well as, of course, lots of high-traffic poker games.

Excellent mobile client

Regular bonuses and promos

Massive jackpots available to be won

5. Ruby Fortune - Best for Blackjack

Best Blackjack sites can be hard to find, but Ruby Fortune stands out thanks to its polished gaming experience. The graphics are so good that you actually feel as though you're in a live casino, while the payouts can be huge. Microgaming and Evolution Gaming provide the games, and there are almost 700 games in total to choose from.

Gigantic payouts

24/7 live chat available

State-of-the-art gaming and casino experience

6. Casino Tropez - Best for Live Casino

Casino Tropez is especially ideal if you love playing live casino games. It offers a unique experience alongside good functionality, great games, and top-notch gameplay. Gaming possibilities here are almost endless, and the user layout is easy on the eyes.

15 years' worth of experience

Outrageously good live casino games

Generous welcome bonus

7. Royal Panda - Best for Mobile

Royal Panda's mobile client is the best in town. Load time is good, the user layout is perfectly adapted to mobile screens, and the game variety is exactly the same as it is on desktop. Even better, you don't need to download and install an app to get started.

3000+ games to choose from

No need to download and install an app

Live casino games available

Online Casino Gambling in Canada

The online gambling situation in Canada is both a simple one and a complex one. It's simple in the sense that online gambling is legal but complex in the sense that betting sites aren't allowed to set up shop in Canada itself.

Essentially, it means that only offshore gaming sites, such as those who've obtained their license from the Malta Gaming Authority, are allowed to operate in Canada .

That all said, you as a participant have less to worry about because online gambling is fully legal in Canada .

Gambling has, of course, been a popular pastime in Canada since the late 1800s when it rose to prominence in central America. Today, online gambling is regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Most Popular Casino Games in Canada

If you're still fairly new to online casinos, let's now take a look at the most popular casino games you can expect to find at an online casino in Canada .

Slot machines are gambling games that come with spinning reels. There are now literally thousands of slots available at different sites, and each one has its own rules and themes. For instance, there are TV and movie-themed slot games, adventure-themed slot games, as well as progressive slots (which come with bigger jackpots).

Online roulette is one of the most popular casino games of all time. There are three main types of roulette - American, European and French - so you'll want to find the game you're most comfortable with before choosing a betting strategy.

Just like there are lots of variants of roulette, there are also lots of variants of Blackjack, a popular card game that can be played at online casinos in Canada .

Blackjack is a game of skill, luck and judgement, and it can be found at all the best online casinos. However, it is in my opinion, the best site for Blackjack players due to its excellent visuals.

Baccarat is an online casino card game that's super popular thanks to the fact that there is a very thin house edge. In other words, players have lots of chances to win big money, especially at high traffic sites, such as PlayOJO.

Poker is arguably the most popular online casino game for real money. You can play cash games, tournament games, and even "free" games while you build up your skill level. There are also video poker games available at specific sites, including Ignition, as well as multiple variants.

Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese dice game that you can now play online at some gambling sites. It's a game of chance/luck, and "sic bo" essentially means "dice pair." Because the game is so fast-paced, it's especially ideal for those who enjoy playing slots and want to see quick turnarounds.

Pai Gow is another Chinese online casino game. It's based on Chinese Dominoes and works a little bit like poker. The major difference is that you need to make two hands (and not one). A skill game, it's suited to those who prefer to take their time when gambling for real money, although you can also find many free-play versions of it online.

Keno works like bingo, or even the lottery. You're given numbers ranging from 1 to 80, and payouts are dependent on the amount of numbers you choose, and the amount of those numbers that are hit. Like bingo and the lottery, it's purely a game of luck.

Craps is a popular online casino table game that you will find at most online casinos. Essentially, you get to throw two dice. If you throw a 7 or an 11, you win, but if you throw a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. It's fun, but essentially it comes down to luck.

Bingo remains one of the most popular gambling games in the world. While it's possible to hit a huge jackpot and win big, many players are happy to play it for a bit of fun to pass the time. You'll find it at most online casinos, including PlayOJO.

How To Choose an Online Casino

Whilst I've outlined a list of the top online casinos in Canada of 2021 above, I still need to stress that there are things you personally need to take into consideration before making your final decision. Moreover, you might decide to choose a site that I haven't listed.

In this section, I'm going to show you how to choose an online casino by taking specific factors into consideration. These will help you avoid sketchy online casinos that - among other things - refuse to payout winnings.

More important than anything else is an online casino gambling license. A gambling license confirms the site is not only legit, but that it's also legal to operate in Canada . If a site doesn't have a license, or if it has one that appears to be very dodgy after you've done some research, avoid the site altogether.

Canada has a solid gaming industry which is tightly regulated, and gambling is regulated by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.

Welcome Bonus and Promotions

All online casinos offer a first deposit bonus. This welcome bonus is usually a match deposit bonus that matches your first deposit with extra "play" money.

As well as the welcome bonus, you should also look out for extra promotions, such as reload bonuses, free spins and VIP schemes. The more promotions there are, the more you can play without risking your own money.

Make sure to check the wagering requirements too, as these will affect how and when you can withdraw any winnings.

Game Variety and Other Features

The top sites offer a huge library of casino games, as well extra features including state of the art graphics and animations.

Game variety is an important consideration because it helps to keep the excitement going, and it means you can take some time finding the games you're comfortable with. Plus, different games come with different payouts.

So lookout for a mix of casino games, table games, card games, live dealer games, and more.

Deposit Methods and Withdrawal Options

It's really important that you find out whether or not a site has your preferred banking options before you sign up. While most sites these days offer multiple deposit methods and withdrawal options, including credit cards, eWallets, and check, they all offer different ones.

Moreover, some sites let you deposit via a certain method but don't let you withdraw via the same method. So it's essential that you check this out first, as well as withdrawal fees and times, the availability of instant banking and cryptocurrencies.

Casino Reviews and Complaints

Lastly, before you sign up to a gambling site in Canada , make sure to read some casino reviews first. Find out what others are saying about the site and take a look at the complaints. Are there more positive reviews than negative ones? Are the complaints minimal or does it look like people are genuinely frustrated with this site?

Reviews give you a huge insight into how reputable and trustworthy a site is, including how reliable it is in terms of payouts and what the customer service is like.

You can use sites like TrustPilot to find and read user reviews.

Canadian Online Casinos FAQ

Is online gambling popular in Canada ?

Thanks to its accessibility via desktop and mobile apps, online gambling is just as popular in Canada as it is anywhere else around the world in 2021.

Can I gamble for free?

Some sites let you play specific games and slots for free. This is an entirely risk-free way of "testing the waters" without losing any real money. However, you also can't win real money this way.

On the other hand, gambling sites offer welcome bonuses, which essentially lets you play for free before taking the plunge with your own money.

How fair is online gambling?

Online gambling at reputable sites that are fully licensed is 100% fair. It's mostly down to luck whether you win or lose, however.

How do I make deposits and cash-outs at Canadian online casinos?

A simple look at the deposit methods and choose your preferred one. When you want to withdraw any winnings, take a look at the withdrawal methods and again choose your preferred one before following the guidelines.

Can I play at online casinos using Canadian dollars (CAD)?

Yes. In fact, many sites let you choose from multiple currencies.

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 gambling problem or suspect somebody you know does, then we strongly suggest that you call the Gamblers Anonymous at 1-626-960-3500 to talk with an advisor for help and to make gambling safer for you or your loved ones.

Leanbackplayer is committed to responsible gambling. Underage gambling is an offence, all sites are 18+ ONLY. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and only bet what you can afford. Casinos 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 through links made in their website's guides, this does not affect the ranking methodology or position of the top picks.

Visit these organizations for free gambling addiction resources in canada:

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: What Will Happen To The Online Poker Industry In Canada In 2021? It may be several months before Canada is able to get back to some form of normalcy. The Covid-19 virus had a dramatic impact on Canadians as movement was limited, businesses were forced to shut down, and sports leagues went dark. Even with signs of improvement, it will likely be quite some time before the world as a whole is able to restore equilibrium. The travel ban between the United States and Canada is still in place, which is going to have a dramatic impact on the upcoming sport seasons as both the NBA and NHL will have to make some adjustments to accommodate franchises on both sides of the border. An Enjoyable Activity At Home Major sports leagues did get underway late in the summer, albeit with greatly modified rules and teams playing before empty stadiums. This gave fans something to enjoy, but many found a new activity in Canada to keep them occupied during the shutdown. That was online poker. Many quickly discovered that you can ... at Poker Strategy 2021 in Canada