Discover the best legal, regulated online poker sites in Ontario, offering a wide range of games, tournaments, and top-notch software. Compare player traffic, tournament series, online poker apps, and more across all regulated operators in the province.
If you reside outside of Ontario, please go to our guide to the best poker sites in Canada.
- Wide range of sports and casino games
- Fast Payouts available 24/7
- Payment Methods: Gigadat, iDebit, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Visa
- Generous welcome bonuses for casino players
- Fast Processing Withdrawal Times
- Payment Methods: ApplePay, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, PayPal, Paysafecard, Visa
- Wide variety of games and payments options.
- Geneours welcome bonus for casino
- Payment Methods: iDebit, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Visa
- Wide range of sports and games to bet on
- User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android devices
- Payment Methods: Mastercard, Neteller, Paysafecard, Skrill, Visa
- Wide variety of games
- Atractive Welcome Bonus
- Payment Methods: ApplePay, Bank Transfer, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, PayPal, Paysafecard, Visa
- Wide range of betting options and casino games
- Generous bonuses and promotions for new customers
- Payment Methods: Gigadat, iDebit, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, Visa
Online Poker in Ontario
Online poker players in Ontario can enjoy an impressive selection of world-class operators. With nearly 15 million residents, Ontario boasts the largest player pool of any regulated North American jurisdiction, making it an exciting hub for poker enthusiasts.
Real money online poker officially launched in Ontario on April 4, 2022, with 888poker Ontario becoming the first licensed site to open its virtual doors. Since then, several other major industry players have joined the Ontario online poker market, creating a competitive and ever-evolving landscape.
The Best Ontario Online Poker Sites
Currently, six active operators offer fully licensed online poker sites in Ontario, with more rooms working towards launching their Ontario-specific offerings. Let’s take a closer look at the top poker rooms:
PokerStars Ontario
PokerStars Ontario launched on June 28, quickly becoming one of the province’s best online poker rooms. Known for its impressive daily and weekly tournament schedule, PokerStars Ontario offers a wide variety of games, including No-Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and 8-Game.
Games on Offer: MTTs, Cash Games, Spin & Go
Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main Highlight: Best desktop platform & mobile apps
GGPoker Ontario
Powered by the famous GGPoker software and backed by the World Series of Poker, GGPoker Ontario offers a rich schedule of daily tournaments and busy cash game tables. The room’s standout feature is its ability to host online WSOP bracelet-awarding events, giving players in Ontario a chance to compete for prestigious poker trinkets.
Games on Offer: MTTs, Cash Games, AoF, Spin & Gold
Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main Highlight: Win online bracelets, powered by GGPoker software
BetMGM Poker Ontario
BetMGM Poker Ontario, powered by partypoker software, offers a full suite of popular game types. Together with partypoker and Bwin, BetMGM forms the first online poker network in Ontario, allowing players to access shared player pools and compete in various tournaments and cash games.
Games on Offer: MTTs, Cash Games, SPINs
Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main Highlight: Good value MTT schedule
888poker Ontario
888poker Ontario was the first licensed operator to go live in the newly regulated Ontario market. The room offers a full selection of popular 888poker formats, attracting players with daily MTTs and ambitious guarantees.
Games on Offer: MTTs, Cash Games, BLAST, SNAP
Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main Highlight: Great range of cash game stakes
Partypoker Ontario
Partypoker Ontario operates as a standalone operator within the BetMGM Ontario Network, offering a great tournament schedule and a variety of cash games, including NLHE and PLO.
Games on Offer: MTTs, Cash Games, Sit & Go
Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main Highlight: Trusted industry name
Run It Once Poker Ontario
Run It Once Poker is the latest addition to the regulated US market and may also launch in the regulated Ontario market in the future. Owned by Rush Street Interactive, Run It Once Poker could potentially enter the Ontario market and provide more gaming options.
Games on Offer: Not specified
Apps: Not specified
Ontario Poker at a Glance
Operator Launch Dates:
- 888poker – April 4, 2022
- Bet365 – April 4, 2022 (without poker)
- BetMGM/partypoker/bwin – BetMGM Launched April 5, partypoker & bwin launched April 12, 2022
- PokerStars – June 28, 2022
- GGPoker/WSOP – Sep 30, 2022
Ontario’s Online Poker Regulators
When it comes to online Poker in Ontario, the industry is carefully regulated by two prominent agencies: the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO). These organizations work together to ensure a safe and transparent gambling environment for players in the province.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and regulating all forms of gambling activities in the province. Established under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, the AGCO aims to maintain the integrity of Ontario’s gambling industry while protecting consumers and promoting responsible gambling practices.
The AGCO’s responsibilities include:
- Issuing licenses and permits for various gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries, and online gambling operators.
- Conducting thorough background checks and due diligence on operators to ensure their suitability for licensing.
- Monitoring and enforcing compliance with gambling laws, regulations, and standards to prevent illegal and fraudulent activities.
- Investigating complaints and resolving disputes related to gambling activities in the province.
- Implementing measures to combat money laundering and protect players from problem gambling.
iGaming Ontario (iGO)
iGaming Ontario (iGO) is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, specifically established to manage and oversee the private entities that are regulated in the Ontario iGaming market. Its primary focus is on the regulation of online gambling operators and ensuring that they operate in compliance with Ontario’s gambling laws and regulations.
iGO’s responsibilities include:
- Licensing and regulating private online gambling operators in the province.
- Monitoring and evaluating operator performance to ensure fairness and transparency in their operations.
- Implementing responsible gambling programs and player protection measures to safeguard consumers.
- Collaborating with the AGCO to address any issues related to the online gambling industry in Ontario.
Ontario’s Segregated Player Pool
One key aspect of Ontario’s online poker regulations is the requirement for a segregated player pool. The regulations specify that all play must be restricted to players physically located within Ontario’s borders, creating a ring-fenced market within the province. This means that players in Ontario can only play against other players within the province and cannot participate in shared liquidity with players from other jurisdictions.
Operators are expected to deploy products that cater exclusively to the Ontario market and ensure that their platforms and services are accessible only to players within the province. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the market and protect Ontario players from unregulated and potentially risky offshore gambling sites.
The Future of Shared Liquidity
While Ontario currently operates as a segregated market, the future of shared liquidity within Canada remains a topic of discussion. The success of inter-jurisdictional compacts in the United States, such as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allowing players from different states to compete together, serves as an example of how shared liquidity could benefit the Canadian online gambling landscape.
While shared liquidity is not part of the current plan for Ontario, it remains a possibility in the future. Ontario’s regulators have previously considered inter-jurisdictional compacts, and the existence of the Canadian shared player pool between British Columbia, Manitoba, and Québec demonstrates that the concept is feasible. However, any implementation of shared liquidity would require careful consideration of regulatory and commercial factors to ensure its success and effectiveness.
FAQ about Online Poker in Ontario
Is Online Poker Legal in Ontario?
Do I Have to Be Physically Present in Ontario to Play Online Poker?
What is the Best Online Poker Room in Ontario?
Top Online Poker Rooms in Ontario:
- PokerStars
- GGPoker
- BetMGM Poker
- 888poker
- Partypoker
Does Ontario Share Player Pools with Other Provinces?
Are Ontario Online Poker Rooms Safe?
Are There Any Ontario Poker Apps?
Yes, the top online poker sites in Ontario offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, providing a seamless gaming experience for players on the go.
Can I Win WSOP Bracelets by Playing Online Poker in Ontario?
Are Ontario Online Poker Games Rigged?
Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, visit the National Council of Problem Gambling.
