Online Poker in Ontario: Gambling Laws & Legality
The province of Ontario legalized online poker starting April 4, 2022. Thanks to this decision, more than 14 million people can legally and safely enjoy playing poker from home. In this article, we will examine the status of online poker in Ontario, present a list of legal poker rooms, and provide information about game types, deposit methods, and taxes for Ontario residents.
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Legality of Online Poker in Ontario
Before the market was legalized, online poker was in a gray area. Users from Ontario had access to poker rooms registered in offshore zones and holding appropriate licenses.
On January 28, 2022, the Ontario government announced the legalization of online poker. The decision came into effect on April 4, 2022. To oversee the online gaming industry, a division called iGaming Ontario was created, which is part of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This regulator issues licenses to poker rooms, allowing them to operate within Ontario. iGaming Ontario also accepts complaints from players about violations by licensed service providers. If you encounter problems with any room, you can contact the regulator for assistance.
At the start of the legal market on April 4, it was separated from other regions. Thus, players from Ontario could compete only with other residents of the province.
The first to receive licenses in Ontario were well-known brands like PokerStars and GGPoker. Under local regulations, rooms were required to open offices within Ontario to provide services to the province’s residents.
On September 28, 2022, GGPoker Ontario joined the initial trio of poker rooms. A distinctive feature of this poker room was an agreement with the World Series of Poker to hold local WSOP Online tournaments, where WSOP gold bracelets were awarded.
By October 2022, the first tournament series were held for players from Ontario. PokerStars hosted the Ontario Championship of Online Poker, where Jonathan “fuzztacular” Newman won six tournaments. GGPoker Ontario held the WSOP series, where the first bracelets were won by David “Edeskie” Cowling and Xing “Mai_K_4_Life” He.
BetMGM Poker became the last to obtain an Ontario license.
| Status | Online Poker is Legal |
| Start Date | April 4, 2022 |
| Legal Poker Rooms | GGPoker.CA, PokerStars Ontario, partypoker, BetMGM Poker Ontario |
| Shared Liquidity | None |
| Legal Sweepstakes Poker | clubWPT, Stake.ca soon |
| Minimum Age | 19+ |
| Regulator | iGaming Ontario |
| Tax | For PRO players 5.05% up to $51,446 winnings and 13.16% above |
The Best Ontario Online Poker Sites
Players from Ontario have access to the world’s leading poker rooms, which have already obtained local licenses and established their presence in the region. We have reviewed each room, assessed their traffic, and will offer you the best options for play.
GGPoker.CA
GGPoker is an industry leader in online poker, and for players from Ontario, the room offers exciting opportunities like participating in WSOP Online tournaments. This is a main feature of GGPoker that competitors cannot offer. Additionally, you can participate in numerous guaranteed tournaments, play various cash game formats, and receive generous bonuses.
The room’s ambassador is Toronto native Daniel Negreanu.
For new players from Ontario, GGPoker.CA offers a C$150 welcome bonus and a 200% deposit bonus up to $777 simultaneously. The starting $150 is granted after registration and verification, with C$100 provided as tournament tickets and an additional C$50 obtainable by playing in the All-in or Fold (AoF) format.
The room operates under an AGCO license, registration number OPIG1231707.
PokerStars Ontario
While the local version of PokerStars doesn’t allow you to play in the global player pool, it still offers a large number of cash tables and tournaments with guaranteed prizes. Live tournament enthusiasts can participate in satellites for the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT), whose final is held in Las Vegas.
As with the international version, you’ll enjoy a user-friendly gaming client, including support for Mac OS users. The PokerStars mobile app is also top-notch.
The room offers its classic 100% deposit bonus up to $600 when using the code “STARS600” during your deposit. Players of the legal PokerStars Casino can also receive free spins after verification.
The room operates under an AGCO license with the number OPIG1232716 and is managed by a separate company, TSG Interactive Canada Inc.
BetMGM Poker Ontario
Operating on the user-friendly partypoker software, this room offers a modest selection of games. One advantage is the shared player pool among several legal brands—BetMGM, partypoker, and Bwin. However, the total number of players across all three rooms is less than that of competitors like GGPoker.CA and PokerStars. With fewer players and tournaments, you might find advantages such as a generally lower skill level among players. You can find several low-limit tables and a number of attractive tournaments with guaranteed prizes. The room’s flagship tournament has a buy-in of C$530.
Top Poker Sites Available in Ontario
At the time of writing of this article, the Ontario online poker site market is only 6 months old, and so far, most of the big players globally have set-up shop. Below is a chart showing the operators currently offering real money poker to Ontario.
Sweepstakes Poker in Ontario
The sweepstakes gaming format is regulated by separate legislation and often can offer poker enthusiasts accessible gaming where traditional rooms cease operations. Sweepstakes is a social poker or casino platform where you can play any type of games for free using virtual chips called Gold Coins. Additionally, players can earn bonus units called Sweep Coins (SC), which can be exchanged for real prizes.
In Ontario, sweepstakes poker is offered by clubWPT. You can purchase a subscription to this service and play poker, including participating in tournaments where tickets for major live WPT series tournaments will be raffled.
In addition to clubWPT, the launch of a local version of the social casino Stake.ca is expected, where online poker will also be available. Currently, Stake.com is available to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec), but in Ontario, the brand has already initiated redirection to the local site Stake.ca, which had not been launched at the time of writing this article.
How to Play Online Poker in Ontario
The registration process in licensed rooms is almost identical to what players are accustomed to in international poker rooms.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Choose a licensed room that suits you from GGPoker, PokerStars or BetMGM.
- Visit the room’s website.
- Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button to start the registration process.
- Provide accurate information, including your age, name, and address.
- Confirm your email by clicking the verification link.
- Download and log into the gaming client using your username and password.
- Start playing.
Banking Options for Players in Ontario
The regulator has not imposed strict limitations on licensed poker rooms. You can use Visa and MasterCard for deposits; electronic payment systems including PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller; bank transfers; and services like Paysafecard, Interac, Trustly, Payz, among others.
Deposits are free of charge and have no age-related restrictions. The minimum deposit is C$10.
Online Poker Cash Games
Cash game limits start from C$0.01/0.02 and go up to C$50/100. You can find tables for No Limit Hold’em (NLH), Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), and several popular variations. For instance, PokerStars offers Short Deck games, while GGPoker.CA provides plenty of action in All-In or Fold and Five-Card Omaha.
It’s important to note that while GGPoker.CA is the leader, even during peak times, traffic doesn’t reach a thousand cash players. PokerStars trails by about a third, and other licensed rooms can’t offer sufficient action. BetMGM Poker Ontario might be suitable if you play one or two low-limit tables. Beyond GGPoker and PokerStars, other legal rooms may not be ideal for cash games.
Online Poker Tournament Series
Tournament series are more robust in Ontario compared to cash games. Each room offers daily tournaments with guaranteed prize pools, and they also host their own tournament series and satellites to live events.
GGPoker.CA is particularly appealing for tournament players due to its local version of WSOP Online, where you can win WSOP gold bracelets. Additionally, you can participate in WSOP Circuit tournaments to win a ring. The room features 8 WSOP Online tournaments with buy-ins ranging from C$100 to C$1,500.
PokerStars Ontario offers the ONCOOP online series, running parallel to the WCOOP on the international platform. Within ONCOOP, you can participate in numerous tournaments with buy-ins from C$50 to C$1,000. The total prize pool exceeds C$2,000,000.
BetMGM hosts tournaments designed for smaller player pools, which may be convenient for beginners. Currently, the brand doesn’t offer a major series.
WSOP Toronto
WSOP Toronto is a stop in the WSOP Circuit series, held at the Great Canadian Resort in Ontario. The inaugural series took place in 2024 and included 8 tournaments, where players could win a WSOPC championship ring in addition to prize money. Over 6,000 players participated, and the main event attracted 1,600 entrants, some of whom qualified through GGPoker Ontario satellites. Khaled Aljoma from Mississauga won the main event, earning a prize of C$427,191.
Gambling Tax in Ontario
In Ontario, gambling winnings are generally not taxed. According to Canadian tax law (paragraph 40(2)(f)(ii) of the Income Tax Act), prize money and gambling winnings are not considered taxable income for most players. However, exceptions exist. If you are a professional player, such income is taxable at rates starting from 5.05% for earnings up to $51,446 and up to 13.16% for earnings over $220,000.
If an Ontario resident wins in a Las Vegas (Nevada) casino, the situation changes. In the United States, gambling winnings for Canadian citizens are taxable starting from amounts over $1,200 USD. A 30% tax is automatically withheld upon withdrawal, and you’re required to declare this income in your Canadian tax return. While such winnings are not initially taxed in Canada, the amounts withheld in the U.S. can be credited when calculating your final tax obligations in Canada, preventing double taxation.
Problem Gambling
If you or your loved ones notice symptoms of problem gambling, you can seek free help from organizations operating in Ontario and other Canadian provinces.
For Ontario residents, immediate assistance is available by calling The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-230-3505. The hotline is available 24/7.
We recommend contacting CAMH, the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada. You can receive free consultations and attend group meetings for people with gambling problems. Separate sessions are held for family members and players aged 16 to 25.
The organization will help you understand the issues, and provide guidance on protection and assistance for loved ones.
More information is available on the CAMH website.
Toll-free: 1-800-463-2338
You can also contact ConnexOntario by phone at 1-866-531-2600 or via online chat at Connex site.
Live Poker in Ontario
At the forefront is Great Canadian Casino Toronto, which has risen to the top of the list after announcing its partnership with GG Poker to host WSOP Circuit and bracelet events. This new venture not only enhances the poker room with an upgraded player’s lounge, improved wi-fi, and additional TVs but also promises premier tournaments and integrated bad beat jackpots. Following closely is Pickering Casino Resort, the province’s newest poker venue, offering 24/7 action with a mix of cash games and regular tournament events that cater to both local and visiting players.
Other casinos like Casino Niagara, Elements Brantford, Caesars Windsor, and Great Blue Heron provide additional options with varying strengths. Casino Niagara, for instance, stands out in the Niagara region with an extensive range of table limits and daily tournament action, although its higher rake can be a drawback. Meanwhile, Elements Brantford and Caesars Windsor offer competitive cash games and rake policies, even if tournament offerings are limited. Overall, the evolving landscape of Ontario’s poker scene now gives players more choices and a revitalized live gaming experience.
More Information:
Famous Players from Ontario
Ontario can boast some of the most successful poker players. The leader of the overall Canadian rankings is Daniel Negreanu, who was born in Toronto. Throughout his career, Daniel has won over $54,278,685 in prize money and is among the top 10 poker players of all time. Negreanu is a major star in both live and online poker. In the WSOP series, he has won 7 championship bracelets, 1 WSOP Circuit ring, and has finished in the money 277 times in tournaments. In just one WSOP series, Negreanu won $23,458,275! In online poker, Daniel represents the GGPoker room, which operates legally in Ontario. If you visit the room’s website, Daniel will be the one greeting you on the homepage.
Another well-known player from Ontario is Sam Greenwood. He was also born in Toronto, but unlike Daniel Negreanu, he continues to live in his hometown. Greenwood has won over $35,674,182, with the majority of his winnings coming from Triton Poker tournaments. In WSOP tournaments, where Greenwood represents Canada, he has won only 1 championship bracelet and $1,149,768 in prize money. By the way, Sam has a twin brother, Lucas, and an older brother, Max, who also live in Canada and play poker.
Third in earnings in Ontario and fourth in all of Canada is Daniel Dvoress, with nearly $32 million in winnings. Born in Mississauga but residing in Toronto, Daniel has an impressive career that includes a $4,080,000 win at partypoker Live and major victories at EPT, WSOP, and Triton events. He holds both WSOP and WSOP Europe bracelets.
FAQ
Can you legally play online poker in Ontario?
Yes, online poker is legal in Ontario. You can choose from rooms that have received licenses to operate in the province. Currently, PokerStars, GGPoker.CA, BetMGM Ontario, and partypoker hold such licenses.
When did online poker become legal in Ontario?
Regulations establishing a legal, closed market for poker rooms came into effect on April 4, 2022. Under these regulations, all license holders must open offices within the province, and iGaming Ontario oversees their activities.
Who regulates online poker in Ontario?
The provincial government created iGaming Ontario to issue licenses and monitor operators’ activities. iGaming Ontario is a division of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
What are the best sites to play poker in Ontario?
All poker rooms licensed to operate in Ontario are major, well-known brands. Thanks to strict regulation, you can be confident in a safe gaming experience. The most popular rooms are GGPoker.CA (formerly GGPoker Ontario), known for hosting the World Series of Poker online version, and PokerStars, appreciated for its robust tournament schedule.
Can you play PokerStars in Ontario?
Yes. PokerStars was among the first to obtain a license to operate in Ontario and has been operating legally since the market opened on April 4, 2022. While in the province, you can legally play poker.
Can you play partypoker in Ontario?
Yes, the partypoker brand holds a license for legal operation within the province. You can be assured of a secure gaming environment.
Can you play GGPoker in Ontario?
GGPoker Ontario received its license to operate in the province as the fourth entrant, and by 2024, the room rebranded to GGPoker.CA. You can participate in the local WSOP Online version and compete for championship bracelets.
Can you play 888poker in Ontario?
No, since Feb 2025 888Poker stop working in Ontario.
Can you play BetMGM in Ontario?
BetMGM Poker received its license later than others but has been operating legally for several years, offering a good selection of games for poker enthusiasts in Ontario.
Can I play live poker in Ontario?
Yes. The province has 10 legal poker rooms. In Toronto, you can find up to 30 cash tables at Great Canadian Casino Resort, 18 tables and regular tournaments at Pickering Casino Resort, and 4 tables at Casino Rama. In Ottawa, there’s Hard Rock Casino with 5 cash tables, and in Western Ontario, you can visit Elements Casino Brantford, which hosts up to 10 cash tables.
Do I have to be a resident of Ontario to play?
No, there’s no requirement for legal rooms to admit only province residents. However, you must be physically located in Ontario to play. So if you’re visiting or on vacation, you can legally play poker in licensed rooms.
What sites can I play poker on legally in Ontario?
PokerStars, GGPoker.CA, BetMGM Ontario, and partypoker have obtained licenses to operate legally within Ontario.
Do Canadian players need to provide personal information?
Yes, all licensed poker rooms enforce strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. To start playing, new players must complete a verification process where the room confirms personal details such as name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. This is necessary to prevent underage gambling and to protect individuals who have self-excluded from gambling activities.
At what age can I start playing online poker?
The minimum age set by the Ontario regulator is 19 years. You can complete the KYC procedure by providing documents that verify your age.
Does Ontario have shared liquidity?
No. Currently, players from Ontario are isolated from other player pools. For example, if you play on BetMGM Ontario, you won’t encounter players from BetMGM in U.S. states where it is legal.
Are there any Ontario poker mobile apps?
Yes. Major poker rooms operate in the province, and their mobile applications are among the best in the market. PokerStars offers an app with a user experience refined over a decade. WSOP Ontario provides a convenient and engaging mobile client from GGPoker. BetMGM also offer fully-featured mobile apps with all the functionalities of their desktop versions.
Are Ontario online poker games rigged?
Playing on offshore-licensed poker rooms may expose you to increased fraud risk. However, rooms licensed in Ontario are under strict regulation by iGaming Ontario, ensuring fair play.
Do Ontario residents need to pay tax on winnings?
No, gambling winnings are generally not taxed in Ontario if you are a casual player. According to Canadian tax law, prize money and gambling winnings aren’t considered taxable income. Professional players must pay taxes on their winnings at rates starting from 5.05% for incomes up to $51,446 and up to 13.16% for incomes over $220,000.
How are winnings taxed for an Ontario resident in Las Vegas casinos?
An Ontario tax resident winning in Las Vegas will have 30% tax withheld on amounts over $1,200. This amount must be declared in your Canadian tax return, and the tax paid can be credited against your Canadian taxes to prevent double taxation.
Can I play free poker in Ontario?
Yes, online poker and even online casinos offering free play remain legal in Ontario following regulation. However, rules may restrict social poker and casinos with in-app purchases.
Poker enthusiasts can access free applications like clubWPT, PokerStars Play, and other social poker options.
Is sweepstakes legal in Ontario?
The sweepstakes format is legal in Ontario, but attempting to move gambling to another framework is prohibited. Therefore, you cannot play Stake.com from Ontario.