Best Ontario Poker Sites and Rakeback Deals in 2025
Looking to play online poker legally in Ontario? Since the province launched its regulated iGaming market in 2022, players must use poker sites licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operated through iGaming Ontario (iGO).
Two of the best options in this new market are GGPoker Ontario and 888poker Ontario. Both are fully licensed and offer exclusive player pools to Ontario players, along with unique welcome bonuses, tournaments, and rakeback deals not available anywhere else.
In this guide, we break down the best poker sites in Ontario, compare their rakeback deals, and other benefits at these poker rooms.
Top Online Poker Sites in Ontario
Looking for the best regulated poker sites in Ontario? Below are the top two licensed options for players in the province.
GGPoker Ontario – Best Ontario Poker Site in 2025
GGPoker Ontario, formerly known as WSOP.ca on September 30, 2022, was rebranded to GGPoker.ca to match its global sister site in April 2023.
Fully licensed by the AGCO and regulated through iGaming Ontario, it accepts only Ontario residents aged 19+, with strict geofencing and compliance tools built in.
Rake & Rakeback (Fish Buffet)
- A flat 5% rake on cash games, aligned with Ontario standards and marginally lower than PokerStars’ 5.5%
- Ontario version of Fish Buffet offers up to 70% fixed weekly cashback, tiered from 20% to 70% based on fish points
- Additional leaderboard prizes (NLH/PLO, Spin & Gold) can push effective rakeback to ~75%
Player Traffic & Game Selection
GGPoker Ontario accounts for about 57% of the province’s cash-game market, with an average of 350 to 400 active seats during peak evening hours between 8 PM and 11 PM ET. The traffic is consistently strong, making it the busiest regulated poker room in Ontario.
Players can enjoy all the most popular formats, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Spin & Gold, and All-In or Fold. Regular tournament highlights include the Ontario MILLION$ and official WSOP Circuit events, which are exclusive to the provincial player pool.
The software is well-regarded for its modern, graphic-rich interface, complete with a built-in HUD and smooth, fast gameplay that holds up well across desktop and mobile.
Welcome Bonuses & Promotions
- 100% matched deposit bonus up to C$777, clearing C$1 for each C$5 of rake generated
- Free rewards package with up to C$100 in Spin & Gold tickets over six days, plus earn up to C$50 in cash-game dollars by completing daily All-In or Fold challenges.
These offers are especially valuable when combined with GGPoker’s fixed cashback system, making it easier to build a bankroll from day one.
Banking & Payout Speed
GGPoker Ontario processes all transactions in Canadian dollars and supports Interac e-Transfer, credit/debit cards, MuchBetter, LuxonPay, Skrill, Neteller, and instant bank transfers.
Withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours, with e-wallets often completed the same day. This is noticeably faster than other Ontario poker sites, which typically take 24 to 48 hours.
Pros & Cons
- Largest liquidity in Ontario; always game availability
- Top-tier rakeback (70–75%) with fixed returns
- Robust software with aesthetic design and built-in HUD
- Fast CAD payouts and Canadian payment methods
- Ring-fenced limits and no high-stakes action above $5/10
- Loses access to global series like GGMasters Overlay
- Geolocation required and account pauses when outside Ontario
This mix of softer games, top-tier rakeback, and exclusive events makes GGPoker Ontario the best poker site for Ontario players.
888poker Ontario – A Strong Ontario Poker Option in 2025
888poker Ontario (also referred to as 888poker Canada on its main .ca site) launched on April 4, 2022, as one of the first poker rooms to go live in Ontario’s regulated market.
It is fully licensed by the AGCO and operated under iGaming Ontario. The platform is geofenced and available exclusively to Ontario residents aged 19 and over.
Rake & Rakeback
888poker uses a “weighted-contributed” rake model that starts at the flop, with around 5% rake capped at CA$1 to CA$2 per hand depending on the stakes.
Players can earn weekly cash-game rakeback of up to 50%, paid directly in cash within 72 hours of the week’s end. The structure is tiered:
| Weekly Rake | Rakeback |
| $50 – $499 | 20% |
| $500 – $599 | 35% |
| $1,000 or more | 50% |
This rakeback is paid out in cash and stacks with other promotions and loyalty rewards.
Player Traffic & Game Selection
Traffic on 888poker Ontario is modest compared to GGPoker. The room averages around 100 players online, with a few hundred at peak hours.
The focus is mainly on tournament play, with nearly 50 events running daily and buy-ins reaching up to CA$525. Standout events include the $10,000 Mystery Bounty, as well as Sunday Mystery Bounty and Highroller formats.
Cash games are more limited, mostly No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, with about 30 tables running during peak times at stakes from $2/$5 up to $10/$20.
Software
888poker Ontario runs on the Poker 8 platform, which is available on desktop and mobile (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
It supports features like SNAP fast-fold poker, Blast jackpot SNGs, multi-tabling, and is one of the few regulated sites in Ontario to allow third-party HUDs like Hold’em Manager and PokerTracker.
Welcome Bonuses & Promotions
New players at 888poker Ontario can choose between:
- 100% matched deposit bonus up to CA$1,000, released in CA$10 increments for every 100 Bonus Points earned through real-money play. Requires promo code Welcome100.
- No Deposit Bonus: Free Tournament Tickets granted gradually over 7 days after registration. Each ticket expires 24 hours after being issued.
You can claim the no deposit offer right after registration, or use the deposit bonus with code Welcome100 when adding CA$10 or more to your account.
Banking & Payout Speed
All transactions are processed in Canadian dollars. Players can deposit and withdraw using Interac e-Transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets.
E-wallet withdrawals are generally processed within 24 hours, while Interac and card payouts can take two to four business days, depending on the provider and whether KYC is completed.
Pros & Cons
- First-to-market with full Ontario licensing
- Strong tournament offering with Mystery Bounties
- Poker 8 software supports fast-fold and jackpot games
- HUD support and user-friendly for multi-tablers
- Lower liquidity and fewer cash-game tables
- Lower rakeback cap (50%) compared to GGPoker's 75%
888poker Ontario is a solid pick for players who enjoy structured tournaments and recreational competition. While the lack of direct rakeback may deter volume grinders, its Mystery Bounty events and stable software offer a smooth, casual experience for Ontario-based players.
GGPoker Ontario vs 888poker Ontario: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GGPoker Ontario | 888poker Ontario |
| License | AGCO + iGaming Ontario | AGCO + iGaming Ontario |
| Player Pool | Ontario-only | Ontario-only |
| Software | ~350–400 seats at peak (largest in Ontario) | ~100 average online players |
| Game Variety | GGPoker custom client with built-in HUD | Poker 8 with SNAP, Blast, HUD support |
| Tournaments | Ontario MILLION$, WSOP Circuit Events | Mystery Bounty, Sunday Highrollers |
| Rakeback | Fish Buffet with up to 75% cashback | Weekly rakeback up to 50% based on cash-game volume |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to CA$777 or Free CA$150 rewards package | CA$20 No Deposit Bonus + 100% up to CA$1,000 |
| Withdrawals | ~24h (e-wallets often same day) | 24h for e-wallets, 2–4 days for Interac/cards |
| Best For | Volume grinders, cashback seekers, mixed-game players | Recreational MTT players and low-volume grinders |
How to Find the Best Ontario Poker Sites
Choosing the right poker site in Ontario means looking beyond just the welcome bonus. You’ll want a fully licensed platform that matches your playing style, offers solid rakeback, and provides real long-term value.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check for AGCO and iGaming Ontario licensing: Only regulated rooms are legal for Ontario residents. Look for a ".ca" domain and official licensing logos.
- Compare traffic levels and game variety: If you prefer full tables and busy MTTs, sites like GGPoker Ontario are ideal. For softer fields or fewer distractions, 888poker Ontario may be a better fit.
- Understand the rakeback model: Some sites offer fixed cashback (like GGPoker’s Fish Buffet), while others focus on loyalty rewards. Choose based on your volume and goals.
- Look at payout speed and CAD support: Always pick sites that offer fast withdrawals in Canadian dollars using trusted methods like Interac or MuchBetter.
- Read up on the software: A clean, stable client with mobile support and optional HUD access can make a big difference for multi-tablers or recreational players alike.
Taking the time to compare these factors helps ensure you get the best value and safest experience when playing online poker in Ontario.
If you’re not based in Ontario or want to compare with other provinces, check out our complete guide to poker sites in Canada for national coverage.
Final Thoughts: Which Ontario Poker Site Is Best for You?
If you’re looking for the best online poker experience in Ontario, GGPoker Ontario is the clear standout. With the largest traffic in the province, industry-leading software, and up to 75% fixed rakeback, it offers the most value, especially for grinders and serious players.
Whether you’re into cash games, Spin & Gold, or WSOP-style tournaments, GGPoker delivers nonstop action and high-value promotions designed for Ontario residents. Plus, its Fish Buffet system and leaderboard boosts make it unbeatable for long-term rakeback.
888poker Ontario is still a solid alternative, particularly for recreational MTT players or those who prefer simpler software and lighter fields. But when it comes to overall quality, volume, and rewards, GGPoker Ontario leads the pack.
Take advantage of their current bonus and cashback system to start your grind with an edge.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in Ontario?
Yes. Online poker is legal in Ontario as long as you play on sites that are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operated under iGaming Ontario. These platforms are regulated to ensure fair play, responsible gaming, and player protection.
Which poker site should I choose in Ontario?
The best site depends on your goals. If you’re a frequent player, look for platforms with strong traffic, good rakeback programs, and regular tournaments. Casual players may prefer simpler software and softer fields. Always compare features like game variety, bonuses, and payout speed.
Can I earn rakeback on Ontario poker sites?
Yes. Many Ontario-licensed poker sites offer rakeback or cashback programs. These typically reward you based on how much you play, with percentages increasing at higher rake levels. Some sites also combine rakeback with loyalty points or missions.
Do I have to pay tax on poker winnings in Ontario?
Generally no. For most recreational players, poker winnings are not considered taxable income in Canada. However, if you play professionally or rely on poker as a main source of income, you may need to declare it for tax purposes.
Can I play on international poker sites from Ontario?
No. Players in Ontario must use locally regulated poker platforms. These are geofenced and separate from international sites. If you try to access an offshore site while in Ontario, you’ll likely be redirected or blocked.
What is the minimum age to play poker online in Ontario?
You must be at least 19 years old to play on any legal poker site in Ontario. Age verification is part of the registration process on all licensed platforms.