Best Online Poker Sites for Canadian Players
We have shortlisted the best online poker sites in Canada. Play with confidence at recommended and trusted real money poker sites that offer great welcome bonuses and huge player pools.
- Fast 1 day withdrawals
- Softer games with lots of fish
- Secure banking options inc PayPal
Top Canadian poker sites
Playing poker online should always be an enjoyable and safe experience. Unfortunately, not all poker sites available in Canada are safe.
Here are some online poker sites that appear to be secure, but failed to pass our rigorous tests for real money poker games in Canada:
| POKER SITE | RATING | SIGN-UP BONUS | Our Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
2.98 | 150% upto $1500 |
We're getting reports of no withdrawal options being offered and we dread to think what will happen to any new players that sign up at Full Flush. Stay away and invest your cash in a recommended site. |
|
 |
2.13 | 200% upto $2000 |
In recent months there have been mounting rumours of extortionate withdrawal rake requirements and ridiculous withdrawal times (up to 5-6 months) at EuroClub. Stay safe and play elsewhere. |
|
 |
0.00 | 100% upto $1000 |
Lock Poker makes the top of our blacklist for not paying players over a long period of time, owing a suspected $15 million! Avoid this site at all costs, though it's rumoured to be now be closed. |
How we rate canadian poker sites
At Cardschat, we only recommend the best online poker sites for Canadian players. To be considered one of the best, a poker room must pass the following checks during our strict review process.
Our recommended online poker sites must protect Canadian players with state-of-the art security technology and firewalls. Ensuring users' funds and personal details are kept safe and secure.
The best poker websites must offer a wide selection of poker variants such as Omaha, Three Card, Pai Gow, Five-Card Draw and Mississippi Stud poker. We ensure players can always find something new and test their skills with different rules and levels of opposition.
All real money poker sites we recommend must come with great bonus offers, particularly for new members. Players can expect freerolls, welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and more.
A welcome bonus opens the door, but we expect the VIP treatment to continue. An excellent loyalty program gives Canadian players the chance to keep picking up poker bonuses the more they play.
As the payments industry becomes increasingly disrupted, we expect the poker websites we review to offer the latest in deposit and withdrawal methods. This ensures Canadian players can play as soon as they want and collect their winnings instantly.
Customer service should be competent and available through multiple channels, such as email, live chat, and telephone – ensuring any unlikely problems are resolved quickly.
Best Online Poker Sites Canada
888 Poker
With more than 10 million registered members, 888 Poker is one of the fastest-growing online poker rooms with a seven-day average of 1,100 cash game players.
A well-established poker site with a massive community of players, 888 Poker initially launched in 2002 under the name of Pacific Poker before renaming in 2006.
Brand ambassadors within the 888 Poker Canada community include WSOP Champion Martin Jacobson, famous WSOP reporter Kara Scott, and online poker icon Chris Moorman.
888 Poker Games
If you want to play poker online at a faster pace, SNAP Poker is 888's exclusive fast-fold poker variant. It allows users to instantly get a new hand after folding.
The selection is just as impressive when switching over to tournaments. 888 Poker Canada is known for its busy schedule and special series.
888 Poker Banking
As one of the best online poker sites in Canada, 888 accepts a range of payment methods that includes:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- NETELLER
- MuchBetter
- Skrill
- Interac e-Transfer
- Wire Transfer
Withdrawals from 888 Poker Canada are processed within three working days and paid to the same methods used for deposits. The closed loop offers extra security for playing poker online for real money.
888 Poker Bonuses
The 888 Poker Club gives members extra benefits based on their activity. You can claim prize scratchcards, entries to freerolls, and gold tokens just by playing here regularly.
GG Poker
Now one of the best online poker sites in Canada, GG Poker originally focused on Asian markets, before launching as the flagship poker room on the Good Game Network in 2014.
Averaging 5,400 cash game players over seven days, GG Poker Canada has impressive traffic levels and this number is only expected to grow as GG expands even more.
Team GG Poker brand ambassadors include Canadian poker legend Daniel Negreanu, Dan Bilzerian, and Elky.
GG Poker Games
In addition to the familiar poker games, GG also has some exclusive options, such as Flip & Go, All-In or Fold, and Rush & Cash.
When it comes to online poker tournaments, the schedule is always packed. There are daily guarantees and events for all bankrolls. GG Poker also has satellites for the WSOP Main Event and holds its own series with large prize pools, like GGMasters and MILLION$.
GG Poker Banking
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Interac
- Skrill
- NETELLER
Withdrawals from your GG Poker account are also pretty straightforward. There is a $1 fee per transaction and processing varies from a few minutes to a couple of days.
GG Poker Bonuses
PokerStars
Launched in 2001, PokerStars is by far the largest online poker site.
With a seven-day average of 8,200 ring game cash players, PokerStar's traffic puts it well ahead of other top online poker sites in Canada.
Current PokerStars Team members include Andre Akkari, Muskan Sethi, and Lex Veldhuis.
PokerStars Games
- Omaha
- Seven-Card Stud
- Five-Card Draw
- Razz
- 2-7 Triple
- HORSE
- Six-Plus Hold'em
In the tournaments department, PokerStars Canada has a busy weekly schedule and often adds special series, such as SCOOP and WCOOP, in formats for low, mid, and high stakes.
PokerStars Banking
- InstaDebit
- MuchBetter
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Paysafecard
- Interac
- EcoPayz
The operator offers very fast withdrawals, often processing requests within 24 hours for verified members. You can learn more about it in the full PokerStars review at CardsChat.
PokerStars Bonuses
The second welcome offer is a 100% bonus on the first three qualifying deposits made within 60 days.
Check out our list of guides below for even more online poker games:
Finding Online Poker Bonuses
| Rank | Poker Site | Exclusive Bonus | Rating (5) | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
888 Poker
|
C$1400 | ||
| 2 |
GG Poker
|
C$100 | ||
| 3 |
PokerStars
|
C$600 | ||
| 4 |
Party Poker
|
C$100 | ||
| 5 |
Unibet
|
C$300 |
Real Money Poker Sites vs Free Money Poker Sites
When you first look to play poker online, it can be difficult to decide between playing real money poker or free online poker. Use our comparison table below to help you decide what's best for you.
- Real Money Poker Sites
- Free Money Poker Sites
- Chance to win real money
- Will help you improve faster
- Benefit from poker bonuses
- Tense but exciting atmosphere
- Earn loyalty bonuses
- No chance of losing real money
- Great practice for beginners
- Try different variations of video poker risk-free
- Casual atmosphere
- Try different video poker sites
Is Online Poker Legal in Canada?
It is not illegal for players in Canada to access real money poker sites – provided the poker rooms are properly licensed and regulated.
Where confusion can sometimes occur, is that Canada does not allow online poker sites or online casinos to be based/registered in Canada, so poker rooms entering or operating in the Canadian market must seek their appropriate licenses elsewhere.
As a result, many online poker sites in Canada are regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
Based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, a First Nations reserve located in Quebec, the commission can legally offer gambling licenses to poker, casino and sportsbook sites.
In terms of age restrictions, you must be 19 to play poker online in most of Canada, but there are some exceptions to this rule. In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec the age limit is 18. So, for the majority of online gambling in Canada, it is safe to assume 19 is the limit.
FAQs
Is it legal for me to play online poker in Canada?
Yes, provided you play at a licensed and regulated online poker room that is based outside of Canada.
As the Canadian government does not allow for Canadian-based online gambling websites, most poker rooms open to Canadian players will have a license from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory – a First Nations reserve.
Are Canadian poker sites safe and secure?
Yes. The real money online poker sites we recommend here aren't just Canadian-friendly, they are top-of-the-line poker rooms no matter where in the world you live.
Having been through a strict review process, the safety, reliability, and security of these sites is beyond question.
Are my poker winnings subject to Canadian taxes?
No, poker winnings are not taxed in Canada because of the guiding principle that the gambling is done with after-tax dollars. Therefore, any potential windfall is exempt from tax.
Do many poker sites accept Canadian poker players?
Yes. Essentially every major real money poker room accepts players from Canada (and Canadian-friendly deposit methods) without issue.
If you don't already have your heart set on a specific poker site, you should compare and check our recommendations for the best Canadian online poker site, including 888 Poker, GGPoker, PokerStars, and more.
What's the deal with online poker bonuses?
The bonuses offered to Canadians by online poker sites come in different shapes and sizes. Some are genuinely valuable while others are pretty much gimmicks designed to get new Canadian card players in the door.
Make sure to take a good hard look at the wagering requirements on the website to see if you have a realistic chance of actually receiving your bonus, based on how much you gamble.
Also, don't forget about the loyalty programs that can really add up in the long run.
How are the tournaments at the top poker sites for Canada?
The top poker sites for Canadians have full schedules of regular tournaments, not to mention the big monthly events that attract tons of players.
Stick with any of the tried-and-true top real money Canadian poker sites listed above, and you won't have to worry about a thing!
Problem Gambling
We aim to promote responsible online gambling. If you think you have a problem, please visit one of the following resources to seek assistance:
Responsible Gambling Council
http://www.responsiblegambling.orgThis site provides tips for safer ways to gamble, as well as assistance with spotting the signs of problem gambling and gambling addiction. This site also gives access to research into problem gambling.
Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario
http://problemgambling.caA self-help service for problem gamblers, and for their family and friends including a community forum. This site also has a link to the helpline which is open 24/7 and staffed by helpful and informative advisors.
Gamblers Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.orgGA meetings are available around the world, in face-to-face and online form. This anonymous help service provides a safe space for problem gamblers to talk and provides a program to assist self-help.
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