Online Poker in Saskatchewan: Gambling Laws & Legality
Online poker in Saskatchewan is legal and available to players starting at age 19. The only platform that has received a local license is PlayNow, but provincial legislation does not restrict the activities of major international platforms operating under offshore licenses. The most popular brands among local players are GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker. In this article, you will learn more about online poker in Sask.
Legality of Online Poker in Saskatchewan
The Sask. regulator granted a monopoly to PlayNow, created by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). However, the province’s legislation does not restrict players’ access to platforms operating under offshore gambling licenses. These “grey market” representatives are more popular among local residents because they offer a wider range of opportunities. However, choosing brands operating under an offshore license involves additional risks. If your rights are violated, you would have to file a complaint with the licensing authorities, which may be located in Malta, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar.
Saskatchewan does not limit the activities of these “grey” operators within the province, and there is no liability for players who prefer these providers.
| Legal Status | Online Poker is Legal |
| Start Date | 21 Oct 2022 |
| Legal Poker Rooms | PokerNow |
| Shared Liquidity | No, but expected soon. |
| Legal Sweepstakes Poker | Stake.com, GlobalPoker, clubWPT |
| Minimum Age | 19+ |
| Regulator | The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) |
| Tax | from 10.50% to 14.50% depending on the amount of winnings |
The Best Saskatchewan Online Poker Sites
Beyond the locally licensed PlayNow, players in Saskatchewan can access a variety of large international poker platforms operating under offshore licenses. These sites often feature bigger player pools and more diverse games, though they carry certain risks and complexities when it comes to dispute resolution. Below are the top options for Sask. players.
PlayNow
The legal platform PlayNow was the first to receive a license to serve Sask. residents. Since November 3, 2022, the operator in the province has been SIGA.
As President and CEO of SIGA Zane Hansen noted, unlike all offshore platforms, all revenue generated by PlayNow is reinvested in Saskatchewan.
PlayNow offers poker through the Canadian Poker Network, which includes players from Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba, but as of the end of 2024, it does not include players from Saskatchewan. Thus, while in Sask., you can only play against players from your own province, resulting in a limited number of cash game tables.
At peak times, PlayNow gathers about 500 players in the combined pool for several provinces. This is enough for a few cash tables and small tournaments.
If you are a beginner, PlayNow can be a suitable and safe platform. You can play online poker, place legal sports bets, and in case of any issues, you can contact the local regulator with a complaint. Questions can be addressed to the regulator via [email protected]
GGPoker
GGPoker is a modern leader in online poker. The room can offer a large number of cash tables and the biggest regular tournaments. It also features the highest stakes and the chance to play with famous professionals, including Daniel Negreanu. The brand is owned by NSUS, which also runs the WSOP series, making GGPoker the best opportunity to qualify for WSOP and WSOP Circuit events. The room offers unique poker formats, including Flip&Go, an attractive welcome bonus, and a convenient interface for regular players.
PokerStars
PokerStars is one of the oldest poker rooms, proven reliable over the years. Here you will find any required number of tables, good regular tournaments with guarantees, and the opportunity to play rare poker variants. PokerStars is popular among players who prefer fast poker and the Spin&Go format.
888Poker
888Poker is often chosen by beginners for its no-deposit bonus and the chance to play against opponents of a suitable level. This room offers enough low-limit games and regular series for tournament players.
Sweepstakes in Saskatchewan
Sweepstakes poker or casinos are formats governed by separate legislation, often available where online poker is banned. Typically, sweepstakes platforms function as social poker rooms or casinos where you can play for free against other players and potentially receive real prizes. Play is conducted using Gold Coins (GC), and you can also receive Sweeps Coins (SC) as a bonus, which can be used for play and ultimately redeemed for real prizes.
Stake.COM
Stake.com is an international leader in the sweepstakes format. This platform offers sports betting and casino gaming, and since summer 2024, also online poker. Players from Saskatchewan join the international player pool of Stake.COM and can play against players worldwide, except those from the US (who play at Stake.US) and Ontario (who play at Stake.CA). You will find a sufficient number of cash tables and some tournaments, though currently, the room does not host its own tournament series.
GlobalPoker
GlobalPoker is a US-based platform for sweepstakes poker. Here you can find tournament series and the chance to play against American players and invited celebrities. The room suits tournament players who prefer the sweepstakes format but offers fewer cash games than Stake.
ClubWPT
ClubWPT is one of the oldest platforms, offering poker by subscription. You can purchase a subscription and participate in tournaments, including qualifiers for World Poker Tour series events. There is a special WPT Calgary stage for Canadian players.
How to Play Online Poker
If you are a beginner and the number of players or the selection of limits does not matter much to you, you can choose the legal platform PlayNow or try free play on sweepstakes platforms like Stake.com. If you play regularly or prefer tournament action, consider “grey” operators, where a larger number of players gather, offering more game variety and the possibility of hosting major tournament series.
After choosing a suitable operator, go to the official website, find the option to register an account or download the gaming client for your platform (Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS), and then register an account.
Both the legal platform PlayNow and operators with offshore licenses will verify your documents (KYC procedure) and ensure the age requirement of 19+ is met.
After that, you can make a deposit in a convenient way and start playing poker.
Banking Options
The legal platform PlayNow accepts deposits and pays out winnings via AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa cards. Electronic payment systems, including PayPal and WebCash, are also available.
Operators working in Sask. under offshore licenses offer more payment solutions, including cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, popular e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafe Card.
Online Poker Cash Games
By choosing the legal PlayNow platform, you can find a few tables at stakes up to NL10 during peak evening hours. The game is played in NLH only, so this platform is not suitable for fans of other poker variants. If you take additional risks and choose rooms operating under licenses issued outside the province, you can access a larger volume of play.
All international platforms (GGPoker, PokerStars, 888Poker) can offer more than 10 NLH tables at stakes up to NL100 at any time. You can also play other poker variants like PLO. These rooms provide large player pools for fast-fold poker and their own unique cash game formats. GGPoker and 888Poker are popular among All-in or Fold enthusiasts, while PokerStars leads in fast poker (Zoom Poker).
A distinctive feature of PokerStars is access to rare poker variants, including Lowball and Seven-Card Stud. It is also the only popular room with Courchevel poker tables.
Online Poker Tournament Series
The legal platform PlayNow is not well-suited for tournament players due to the limited number of participants and inability to host large series. Offshore rooms, on the other hand, attract tournament players with their massive series. GGPoker’s parent company owns the WSOP brand, so all WSOP Online tournaments are held there. PokerStars offers access to satellites for the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) events. All three leading international platforms host their own major tournament series, such as WCOOP on PokerStars or the XL series on 888Poker. They also have a packed schedule of regular guaranteed tournaments.
Gambling Tax in Saskatchewan
If you are a Saskatchewan resident, you must declare your winnings from online poker and casinos. According to Paragraph 40(2)(F) of the Income Tax Act, the government does not levy taxes on either live or online casino winnings. However, provinces set their own tax rates. For Saskatchewan residents who play professionally, the tax is 10.50% on winnings up to $49,720. If you win more during the tax period, the tax increases to 12.50% on amounts up to $142,058, and all sums above that are taxed at 14.50%. If you are a professional player who has losses, you may also include your losses in your tax return.
Problem Gambling
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has organized a 24-hour toll-free hotline to help players and their families facing gambling problems. By calling this hotline, you can get necessary information, block accounts at legal poker rooms and casinos, and learn about support group meetings in your city. The call is free, and family members can also call for short-term consultation. Call 1-800-306-6789.
Live Poker in Saskatchewan
The best place to play poker is Casino Regina, located at 1880 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina, SK S4P0B2. The casino accepts players aged 19 and older and offers up to 9 poker tables. Games include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Dealer’s Choice. You can check the casino’s website for a table list and limits. You can find games from $1/$2 NLH up to $10/$20 Omaha 8. Casino Regina is the only place that hosts local poker tournaments, usually NLH events with re-entry and buy-ins of $80+20 and $130+20. For more information, call 1-800-555-3189 or email [email protected]
You can also find cash tables at other casinos:
| Casino | Address | Number of Tables | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Regina | 1880 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina, SK S4P0B2 | 9 | 1-800-555-3189 |
| Gold Horse Casino | 3910 41st Street, Lloydminster, SK S9V2A5 | 6 | (306) 825-3777 |
| Dakota Dunes Casino | 204 Dakota Dunes Way, Dundurn, SK S7K2L2 | 4 | (306) 667-6400 |
| Northern Lights Casino | 44 Marquis Road West, Prince Albert, SK S6V7Y5 | 2 | (306) 764-4777 |
Famous Players from Saskatchewan
Three players from Saskatchewan have won over a million dollars in poker prizes. The most successful is Ryan Smith from Saskatoon, who has earned $1,489,255 and ranks in the top 100 among all Canadian players. His greatest achievement was 6th place at the WPT World Championship in 2022, earning $111,535. He also won the 2024 Venetian DeepStack Championship Poker Series tournament in Las Vegas, claiming $53,757. Another noteworthy result is his 660th place in the 2024 WSOP Main Event.
Michael Smith from Saskatoon is not far behind with $1,422,337 in career earnings. Michael travels more frequently and boasts cashes in Taipei, Prague, Vietnam, Cape Town, Malaga, Melbourne, and of course Las Vegas. His greatest success was 5th place in the WSOP 2022 Million Dollar Bounty. Reaching the final table earned him $206,250.
The third player from Saskatchewan is Tyler Bonkowski from Regina, who has won $1,102,813. Tyler can boast a WSOP bracelet, which he won on June 8, 2011, in the WSOP $3,000 Limit Hold’em event, earning $220,817. A month later, he took 60th place in the 2011 WSOP Main Event, winning another $130,997.
FAQ
What is the minimum legal age to play online poker in Saskatchewan?
You must be at least 19 years old. This age requirement applies to all locally licensed platforms (like PlayNow) and any offshore sites you choose to join.
Which platform holds the local license in Saskatchewan?
PlayNow is the only locally licensed online poker platform.
Can Saskatchewan players legally access offshore poker sites?
Yes. Saskatchewan does not restrict access to offshore platforms. Many players choose international brands like GGPoker, PokerStars, and 888Poker because they offer larger player pools, more tournaments, and higher stakes than local options.
What payment methods does PlayNow accept?
PlayNow accepts major credit cards (AmEx, MasterCard, Visa) as well as PayPal and WebCash. This ensures convenient deposits and withdrawals under local regulations.
How does the player pool on PlayNow compare to that of offshore platforms?
PlayNow currently pools players only from Saskatchewan (and eventually other Canadian provinces), resulting in fewer cash tables and smaller tournaments. Offshore sites like GGPoker or PokerStars feature massive, international player pools, ensuring more game varieties and tables at any time.
Are online poker winnings taxed in Saskatchewan?
Recreational winnings are typically not taxed, but professional players must declare their earnings. Professional poker income is taxed from 10.50% to 14.50%, depending on the total amount won during the tax period.
Where can I find live poker in Saskatchewan?
Casino Regina is the top choice for live poker, offering up to nine tables of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Dealer’s Choice. Several other casinos, such as Gold Horse, Dakota Dunes, and Northern Lights, also host live games, though on a smaller scale.
Are sweepstakes poker platforms legal in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Sweepstakes poker is legal and operates under separate regulations. Platforms like Stake.com, GlobalPoker, and ClubWPT offer “social” play using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for prizes. These sites are popular where traditional online poker may face restrictions.
What distinguishes sweepstakes poker from traditional online poker?
Sweepstakes platforms let you play poker-like games with virtual currency, offering the chance to win real prizes without directly wagering cash. This model often circumvents standard gambling laws, making these sites accessible even in regions with strict poker regulations.
How can I start playing online poker on any chosen platform?
Simply visit the site, create an account, verify your identity (KYC), and make a deposit using available payment methods. For PlayNow, you’ll have direct local support. For offshore sites, be aware that regulatory bodies are located abroad, so resolving disputes may require reaching out to foreign licensing authorities.