Online Poker in Manitoba: Gambling Laws & Legality
Online gambling, including poker, is legal in Manitoba. The gaming process is regulated by the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act and the Consumer Protection Act. According to these acts, online poker and casino operators have the status of service providers and must comply with consumer protection laws in their activities. In case of rights violations, you can file an official complaint with the regulator. This opportunity applies only to legal service providers, which currently is only PlayNow. All other poker rooms and casinos have not received a local license, which means choosing another service provider increases your risks. In case of rights violations, the local regulator will not be able to protect you.
Legality of Online Poker in Manitoba
PlayNow is the only legal operator operating under a local license. This is the safest option for playing.
Despite this, many players prefer large international brands that provide quality services and a wide selection of games.
International industry leaders accept players from Manitoba due to the lack of a ban on player access to offshore rooms. In fact, while in Winnipeg, you can play on PokerStars, GGPoker, or 888Poker, but these brands do not have a local license, which means that in case of problems, you will have to file a complaint with the regulator that issued the license to operate in Malta, the Isle of Man, or another offshore zone.
| Status | Online Poker is Legal |
| Start Date | April 2012 |
| Legal Poker Rooms | PlayNow |
| Shared Liquidity | Yes. With British Columbia and Quebec. Saskatchewan soon. |
| Legal Sweepstakes Poker | Stake.com, GlobalPoker, clubWPT |
| Minimum Age | 18+ |
| Regulator | Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries |
| Tax | from 10.80% to 17.40% depending on the amount of winnings |
The Best Manitoba Online Poker Sites
Manitoba offers a variety of options for online poker players. While PlayNow is the only locally licensed and legal operator, many players are drawn to international platforms for their extensive game selections, larger player pools, and enticing bonuses. Below, we’ll explore the top online poker sites available to Manitoba residents, highlighting what each has to offer.
PlayNow
In April 2012, Manitoba Lotteries began collaborating with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to provide services to Manitoba residents. As a result, a legal monopoly, PlayNow, appeared for the province, offering the opportunity to play poker. The platform started operating in January 2013. This poker room unites players of the Canadian Poker Network, including British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba. Saskatchewan is expected to join the network soon.
The platform allows you to play online casino games, place sports bets, and play poker. For poker, a client is available for Windows and Mac OS. At peak times, the room (and the entire network) gathers up to 500 participants. During off-peak times, from 200 to 300 players are divided among 418 gaming tables. Thus, you can find several tables for low-limit cash games. In the evening, you can participate in a tournament.
For beginners, the room offers the opportunity to play in a free tournament. For regular players, there is a rake race with $20,000 in prizes.
GGPoker
Currently the industry leader in online poker. The room offers an attractive bonus for first-time depositors, a large selection of cash game tables, and tournaments. This is the room with the highest stakes; here you can see famous professionals at the tables. If you are registering on GGPoker for the first time, we recommend trying the Flip&Go game.
PokerStars
One of the most respected brands in online poker. The room is suitable for tournament players thanks to the WCOOP, SCOOP, and other tournament series. You will find a wide selection of tournaments with affordable buy-ins every day. PokerStars also stands out with the largest selection of poker types, including those that can no longer be found at competitors. The room is home to one of the most interesting poker formats—Spin&Go.
888Poker
888Poker is an excellent choice for beginners who want to try their hand starting with a no-deposit bonus. The room features a low level of play, a convenient interface, and can offer its own unique poker types, such as Blast.
Sweepstakes Poker in Manitoba
Sweepstakes is a game format regulated by a different framework than gambling. You can play poker or casino games with free virtual Gold Coins, and as a bonus, receive special Sweeps Coins (SC), which can later be exchanged for prizes. You can choose from a large number of sweepstakes casinos; many of them operate in Canada, except Quebec.
The number of sweepstakes poker brands is limited. Three poker rooms operate in Manitoba.
Stake.COM
This is a new and rapidly gaining popularity sweepstakes poker network. The room offers a large number of games up to medium limits. Here you will find a sufficient number of tournaments. At the end of 2024, the room raised the rake, which caused a negative reaction from the audience. At the same time, playing in the room is comfortable and interesting. Residents of Manitoba will enter the international player pool of Stake, so peak activity in the room may shift towards the daytime rather than the evening.
GlobalPoker
This is an American sweepstakes brand that led the segment some time ago. GlobalPoker is suitable for tournament players, as the room holds its own tournament series with the involvement of stars such as Michael Phelps. GlobalPoker has a convenient game client, quality service, and peak traffic suitable for players from Canada. You can play against players from most U.S. states.
clubWPT
This is an old social poker brand offering the opportunity to play poker tournaments by subscription. You can try to qualify for WPT tournaments through online satellites. This also applies to the attractive WPT Montreal tournament. Otherwise, clubWPT cannot boast advantages compared to competitors.
How to Play Online Poker
Step-by-step guide for those who want to start playing poker:
- Choose a poker room that suits you.
- Go to the room’s page.
- Find the button to register an account “Sign-Up” or “Register“.
- Register an account by providing your truthful information.
- Complete account verification, confirming that you are over 18 years old.
- Now you can proceed to the game.
Banking Options
Both legal and offshore poker rooms accepting players from Manitoba accept deposits with MasterCard, Visa, and AmEx cards. Additionally, there are electronic payment systems, including PayPal, Interac, and Webcash.
Online Poker Cash Games
The legal room PlayNow offers several cash game tables at low limits. This will be enough if you are a beginner and want to familiarize yourself with poker as safely as possible.
If you are looking for high buy-in cash games, they are currently easiest to find on GGPoker—this room leads the industry and attracts a large number of major players.
PokerStars boasts the largest selection of poker types. You can find games in Lowball, Razz, and Seven-Card Stud. There is a lot of low and medium-limit play in this room. The interface is convenient in both the mobile and desktop versions of the game client.
For beginner players, 888Poker can be a good choice. You can get a no-deposit bonus and try cash games without risking your family budget.
Online Poker Tournament Series
The only legal poker room, PlayNow, holds its own series with a guarantee of $500,000. The series is called GT Series and takes place several times a year. At other times, you can find several active tournaments with guarantees during the room’s peak time.
If you have chosen industry leaders registered in offshore zones, you will have no problems choosing tournaments. GGPoker holds WSOP Online tournaments, as well as a large number of regular tournaments with guarantees, including the most expensive events.
PokerStars holds popular WCOOP and SCOOP series and offers a large schedule of tournaments with guarantees and acceptable buy-ins. Additionally, you should pay attention to the North American Poker Tour satellites, the final of which will be held in Las Vegas.
And 888Poker will offer seasonal XL series that take place four times a year. The room is also popular among tournament players due to low buy-ins and an attractive level of play.
Gambling Tax in Manitoba
Residents of Manitoba must declare their winnings in online poker or casinos and then pay a tax that varies depending on the amount won. If you won less than $36,842 during the tax period, the tax rate will be 10.80%. If the winnings exceeded this amount but did not reach $79,625, the rate will be raised to 12.75%. If the winnings exceed $79,625, you will need to pay a 17.40% tax.
Problem Gambling
If you or your relatives are experiencing signs of problem gambling, you can contact GameSense. This organization was created in the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for free support of people in difficult situations. You can contact an operator for free via chat on the website or call 1-888-795-6111.
For residents of Manitoba, there is a hotline at 1-855-662-6605. This service is organized by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. You can also call the 24-hour phone line at 1-800-463-1554.
These services will help you set up self-exclusion from gambling providers, tell you about signs of problems, and possible ways to solve gambling issues.
Since the fall of 2024, the University of Manitoba has courses to help people with gambling problems, where you can obtain the appropriate certificate.
Live Poker in Manitoba
Most live poker rooms are located in Winnipeg and are united in the Manitoba Poker Network. You can start searching for a game with the Trip Aces Poker Tour club, located at Flea Whiskeys, 601 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 2W1. The club offers daily Texas Hold’em tournaments starting at 2:30 AM in the Flea Whiskeys bar. The most expensive tournaments are $150. Details by phone 204-557-8138 and email [email protected]
Northern Stars Poker Tour holds affordable rebuy tournaments at Sonix Bar & Grill at 423 McMillan Ave. Winnipeg, MB. Tournament buy-ins range from $20 to $40. You can also find $60 tournaments at the Caboto Centre at 1055 Wilkes Ave. Winnipeg, MB.
Famous Players from Manitoba
Only three players from Manitoba have crossed the $1,000,000 mark in poker tournament winnings. The most successful player is Haralabos Voulgaris from Winnipeg. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba. This professional player of Greek-Canadian origin has not won WSOP or WPT tournaments but has cashed in high roller tournaments at Triton Poker and the WSOP. In Winnipeg, he owns a Greek restaurant and some commercial real estate. An interesting fact is his ownership of the Spanish football club CD Castellón, which is based in the Valencia region and plays in the Segunda División. Over his poker career, Haralabos has won $5,473,797 in prizes.
Second in winnings is Patrick Serda, also from Winnipeg. Over his poker career, he has won $1,878,808. His greatest successes are 2nd place at EPT Prague in 2016, where he won $750,216, and second place at WPT Montreal in 2018, where he received $652,801.
The third player to cross the million in winnings is Eric Wasylenko, also from Winnipeg. In poker, he has won $1,042,845. He doesn’t have major victories but has regularly cashed in tournaments since 2016 in Las Vegas, Cambodia, Vietnam, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Malta, Macau, Manila, Romania, and many other countries.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Manitoba?
Yes, online poker is legal in Manitoba. The only locally licensed operator is PlayNow, which is regulated by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
Can I play on international poker sites like PokerStars or GGPoker in Manitoba?
While it’s possible to access and play on international sites like PokerStars and GGPoker from Manitoba, they are not locally licensed. This means you won’t have protection from local regulators if issues arise.
What taxes apply to gambling winnings in Manitoba?
Gambling winnings in Manitoba are taxed based on the amount won. Rates range from 10.80% for winnings under $36,842 to 17.40% for winnings over $79,625.
What are the best online poker sites for Manitoba players?
PlayNow is the only legal site. However, players also use international sites like GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker for a wider variety of games and tournaments.
How can I start playing online poker in Manitoba?
Choose a poker room, register an account with truthful information, verify your age (must be over 18), and then you can start playing.
Are there sweepstakes poker options available in Manitoba?
Yes, sweepstakes poker rooms like Stake.com, GlobalPoker, and clubWPT operate in Manitoba, offering alternative gaming formats.
What banking options are available for online poker?
Players can use MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, PayPal, Interac, and Webcash for deposits and withdrawals in both legal and offshore poker rooms.
Where can I find live poker games in Manitoba?
Live poker can be found in Winnipeg at venues like Trip Aces Poker Tour and Northern Stars Poker Tour, among others.
Who are some famous poker players from Manitoba?
Notable players include Haralabos Voulgaris, Patrick Serda, and Eric Wasylenko, all hailing from Winnipeg with significant tournament winnings.
What should I do if I have a gambling problem?
Contact organizations like GameSense or the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba through their hotlines for support and resources.