Online Poker in Nova Scotia | Best Poker Sites in NS

Legality of Online Poker in Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia has legalized online casinos, offline casinos, and sports betting. The regulator is the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel, and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia (AGFT). The primary legislation governing the gambling industry is the “Gaming Control Act.” It is the AGFT that issues licenses to operators, allowing them to accept customers from NS. Currently, only the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is licensed to operate and offers the Pro-Line product for sports betting enthusiasts. Pro-Line became legally available on February 11, 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no restrictions on operators running with an offshore license, nor are there barriers for players. As a result, many foreign providers operate in NS.

Online poker is not regulated by local legislation and remains in a gray area. Therefore, players from NS can play in major international poker rooms despite the absence of a local license.

As of 2025, the regulator is studying the possibility of changing the rules in a manner similar to Ontario. In that case, any operator offering gambling services to NS players would need to open a local office and obtain a local license.

Status	Online Poker is Unregulated
Start Date	None
Legal Poker Rooms	N/A
Shared Liquidity	None
Legal Sweepstakes Poker	Stake.com, clubWPT
Minimum Age	19+
Regulator	Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel, and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia (AGFT)
Tax	up to 21% for professional players

The Best Nova Scotia Online Poker Sites

There are no locally licensed poker rooms in NS, but poker enthusiasts can freely play on international platforms such as PokerStars, 888Poker, GGPoker, and WPT Global.

PokerStars

The room accepts players from NS, supports deposits via local bank cards, and offers a good selection of online tournaments and cash tables. PokerStars is the best choice for those who want to play alternative types of poker, such as Seven-Card Stud, 2-7 Lowball, and more. The room hosts major online series like WCOOP and SCOOP, each featuring dozens of tournaments with various buy-ins.

GGPoker

The largest poker room accepts players from Nova Scotia into a shared player pool. It has the widest range of cash game tables and tournaments with the highest buy-ins.

Additionally, the parent company of the GGPoker brand (NSUS) has owned the World Series of Poker since 2024, so it offers the greatest number of satellites to WSOP tournaments. There is a separate WSOP Circuit stage for Canadian players, but to participate in the Main Event, one must travel to Toronto.

WPT Global

This online room of the popular World Poker Tour series not only offers a good opportunity to play online but also an interesting chance to qualify through satellites for live WPT events. Canadian players can try to qualify for a WPT stop hosted at the Playground casino in Montreal.

partypoker

One of the oldest poker rooms accepts players from NS with full access to cash tables and tournaments. On partypoker, you should try the Fast Forward tables, which allow you to play more hands in less time.

Sweepstakes Poker in Nova Scotia

Sweepstakes is a format in which participants play with virtual chips. Playing in sweepstakes poker rooms is completely legal in NS and can be done for free. In some sweepstakes rooms, you can win additional prizes such as branded T-shirts, caps, poker merchandise, and gift cards. Players from NS are accepted by Stake.com and ClubWPT.

Playing on Stake.com

Stake is one of the global leaders in the sweepstakes format. Since 2024, the brand has offered the opportunity to play poker within its standard interface. NS players join the worldwide pool of this poker room, where a large number of cash tables and enough low buy-in tournaments are available.

Stake is a good choice for beginners seeking a softer playing field at lower limits. Stake can be installed for free, and you can play using virtual chips.

Playing on ClubWPT

Unlike Stake, ClubWPT offers free play, but with a paid subscription, you gain access to satellites for WPT series tournaments.

You will encounter a softer level of play here, but because WPT Global already offers the chance to qualify for WPT stops, choosing this sweepstakes brand comes down to personal preference.

How to Play Online Poker in Nova Scotia

Starting to play online poker from NS does not require any special steps. You need to decide whether you want to play in classic poker rooms or opt for free sweepstakes. Then choose your preferred room, visit its website, and register an account. Both classic rooms and sweepstakes allow you to play with virtual chips to see if you like the platform.

If you have chosen classic poker rooms (PokerStars, GGPoker, partypoker, 888Poker, or WPT Global), your next step is to make a deposit and play for real money.

If you choose sweepstakes, you should wait for a promotion that offers the largest number of sweep coins (SC) as a bonus. These points can be exchanged for real prizes, so the more you acquire, the higher your chances of claiming a reward from the room’s store.

Banking Options

The NS regulator does not restrict deposit methods. You can use bank cards and convenient electronic payment systems. You do not have to use cryptocurrencies or other payment solutions.

However, if you want to use cryptocurrencies, this option is available at Stake.com and at certain poker rooms such as Coinpoker.

Online Poker Cash Games

If you want to find the best option for online poker cash games, you should determine your priorities. If you want the widest variety of tables at any stake level, GGPoker is your choice. If you want a no-deposit bonus for cash games, try 888Poker. If you are looking for the softest field and don’t mind being limited to lower stakes, check out Stake.com.

Online Poker Tournament Series

For tournament players from NS, GGPoker and WPT Global are good options because they provide satellites to offline events held in Canada. GGPoker offers the opportunity to play in WSOP Circuit events, while WPT grants access to the World Poker Tour series. PokerStars also deserves attention, especially during major series such as WCOOP and SCOOP.

Gambling Tax in Nova Scotia

NS does not tax recreational players, but professional players must pay 8.79% on winnings up to $29,590, and then the tax rate gradually increases up to 21% for winnings over $150,000. Note that this tax is paid by professional players who regularly receive payouts from poker rooms. If you have just registered in one of the poker rooms and happened to win $100, that amount is not taxed.

Problem Gambling

Problem gambling remains a serious concern in Nova Scotia, as demonstrated by data and statistics from official resources like the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, the Mental Health and Addictions website, and Nova Scotia Gaming. Self-exclusion programs, counseling services, and dedicated hotlines are available for anyone struggling with gambling-related issues.

Even moderate gambling involvement can have negative impacts on financial stability and personal relationships, according to local research. For help and information, residents can call the toll-free Nova Scotia gambling helpline at 1-888-347-8888 or the provincial mental health crisis line at 1-888-429-8167.

Additional resources and support can be found online through Nova Scotia Health and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Live Poker in Nova Scotia

The largest casino in NS is Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, located at 1983 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y5. The casino is open Mon–Thu from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends. The casino has 6 poker tables where games typically run on weekends. More information can be found on the casino’s website.

Famous Players from Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia can boast several notable players who have achieved success in the poker world.

The top player is Alexander Livingston from Halifax, who currently resides in Las Vegas. Alexander has won more than $9 million at the poker tables, including titles in PokerGO Tour events. Most importantly, he claimed a WSOP bracelet in a Seven-Card Stud tournament in 2022, then another one in a 6-max PLO tournament in 2024. His largest payout is $4 million, earned for finishing third in the 2019 WSOP Main Event.

In addition to Alexander Livingston, Owen Crowe stands out among Nova Scotia players, having won over $3 million with victories in WPT tournaments and the L.A. Poker Classic.

Third on our list is Cory Carroll from Dartmouth, who has won nearly $2 million. Cory has not claimed any WSOP bracelets, though he once reached a WSOP final table and made two WPT final tables. His success is tied to the World Poker Tour series and online poker, where he plays under the nickname “UGOTPZD” and has shown strong results on PokerStars.

FAQ

Is online poker legal in Nova Scotia?

Online poker is not specifically regulated in Nova Scotia and is considered to be in a gray area. Players can participate on offshore sites without legal barriers.

Do I need to pay taxes on poker winnings in Nova Scotia?

ecreational players do not pay taxes on their winnings. However, professional players must pay a sliding tax rate starting at 8.79% for winnings up to $29,590, eventually rising to 21% for winnings exceeding $150,000.

What are the best online poker rooms for Nova Scotia players?

Popular international platforms such as PokerStars, GGPoker, 888Poker, and WPT Global welcome NS players. Each room has distinct advantages, including wide game selections, tournament series, and various deposit options.

Are sweepstakes poker sites allowed in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Sweepstakes poker (e.g., Stake.com, ClubWPT) is fully legal. Players can enjoy free games for virtual chips and sometimes win additional prizes or access premium tournaments via subscriptions.

Where can I find live poker in Nova Scotia?

The largest venue is Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, featuring 6 poker tables. It usually hosts live games on weekends, and its detailed schedule can be found on the official website.