Best Canadian Poker Sites

Online poker has a long and rich history in Canada. The Great White North has been an online poker stronghold for many years now, dating back all the way back to the establishment of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in 1996.

As of today, more than 250 different online gaming companies are licensed by the commission.

In addition to that, PokerStars, the biggest online poker site in the world, was founded by Canadian businessman Isai Scheinberg in 2001.

After Black Friday hit on April 15, 2011, many professional poker players and US pros moved to Canada as the country was unaffected by the shutdown.

In Canada, it is legal to play Texas Hold’em or any other poker game you love.

Almost all online poker rooms accept Canadian residents and, together with its astonishing natural beauty, making it a dream location for poker players

This has already been the case for 25 years now, since the iGaming industry took off in the nineties.

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Independent Poker Networks

GG Poker Network

WSOP Ontario Rakeback Deal
$777 Bonus | 70% RB
New Customers Only | 19+ | T&C Apply
Upon making your first deposit, you will receive choose between a 100% up to $777 first deposit bonus OR $100 in rewards. You will also get up to 70% cashback via the Fish Buffet, our private freerolls and various other GGPoker promotions.

Winning Poker Network

Americas Cardroom Rakeback Deal
$2000 Bonus | Elite or 27% RB | $10,000 VG Race
New Customers Only | 18+ | T&Cs Apply
Upon making your first deposit, you will receive $2000 bonus, 27% rakeback (or Elite Rewards) along with other exclusive promotions and races.

iPoker Network

Horizon Poker Network

EVERYGAME Poker Rakeback Deal
$1000 Bonus | $10k VG Race
New Customers Only | 18+ | T&C Apply
Upon making your first deposit, you will receive $1000 bonus and 36% rakeback along with our exclusive promotions and various other Everygame offers.

888 Poker Network

888poker Canada Rakeback Deal
$888 Bonus | $20 Free | 50 % RB
New Customers Only | 18+ | T&C Apply
Upon signing-up, you will receive a $20 free no deposit bonus. Once you make your first deposit, you will receive a 100% up to $888 bonus and up to 50% rakeback for cash game players, along with various other promotions.

Is Online Poker legal in Canada?

Online poker is legal in Canada as long as the poker network or poker site is located offshore.

Canada Poker Sites

Canadian gambling laws apply, that’s why it is important to choose one of the six recommended Canadian poker sites as they are fully licensed, independently regulated, and therefore most reliable.

Where the confusion lies is in local laws, as legislation differs from state to state. In 2012, British Columbia launched the first regulated and fully legal online poker site casino in North America.

Due to the fact that the Canadian gambling market is regulated, only residents of British Columbia can play at this poker room.

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The best Canadian Poker Sites

As all the bigger online poker sites are accepting Canadian residents, there is a huge variety of online poker rooms to choose from. That means it is not easy to find the best Canadian poker site.

We want to make your life easier and limit the selection down to the six best Canadian poker sites, which are GGPoker, Betfair, PokerStars and Natural8.

Canada Poker Sites

All of them fulfil the most important criteria such as great bonuses, traffic, software, security and rakeback.

So you can’t go wrong with either one of them, and now it’s only a question of what you lay your focus on.

If you are looking for high traffic, a wide variety of cash games and tournaments and opportunities to qualify online for big live tournament series, then you should give PokerStars or GGPoker a try.

In case you are looking for the softest games and high percentage rakeback deals, Betfair and Natural8 are your best bet.

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The best Canadian Rakeback Deals and Poker Bonuses

As our aim at VIP-Grinders.com is to make playing online poker for real money most profitable, we have made an in-depth comparison of the rakeback and first deposit bonus of the Top 6 Canadian Poker Sites.

Canada Poker Sites
Canada Poker Sites

When it comes to rakeback, then Natural8 and GGPoker are clearly leading the pack. All three sites are giving you the chance to earn up to a massive 60% rakeback!

Comparing the first deposit bonus, it quickly becomes evident that Natural8 is a big step ahead of the competition as it is offering a staggering 200% up to $1,000, which means your maximum bonus amount is a whopping $2,000!

In second place is Americas Cardroom, which is also offering a fabulous welcome poker bonus of $1,000, followed by GGPoker with a $600 First Deposit Bonus.

In conclusion, our two GGNetwork Rakeback Deals offer the best poker bonus to rakeback ratio and therefore the biggest rewards of all Canadian Poker Sites.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is online poker legal in Canada?

Yes, online poker is legal in Canada. The Canadian Criminal Code does not specifically prohibit online gambling and there are no federal laws against playing poker online. Individual provinces have the authority to regulate online gambling within their borders.

What are the best online poker sites for Canadian players?

Some of the top online poker sites for Canadians include PokerStars, 888poker, and partypoker. These sites offer a wide range of games, good traffic, and reliable software. GGPoker and WPT Global are also gaining popularity among Canadian players.

How do I deposit and withdraw funds on Canadian poker sites?

Most Canadian-friendly poker sites offer various deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit cards, eWallets like Skrill and NETELLER, and bank transfers. Some sites also support Interac e-Transfer, which is popular among Canadian players.

Are my winnings from online poker taxable in Canada?

Generally, poker winnings in Canada are not taxable unless you’re considered a professional player. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) views recreational gambling winnings as windfall gains rather than income. However, if poker is your primary source of income, you may need to report your earnings.

What poker games are available on Canadian online poker sites?

Canadian poker sites offer a wide variety of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and mixed games. You’ll find cash games, Sit & Go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments (MTTs) with various buy-in levels.

Are there any Canadian-specific poker tournaments or series?

Yes, many online poker sites host Canadian-themed tournaments and series. For example, PokerStars often runs the Canadian Grand Prix, which features guaranteed prize pools and satellites specifically for Canadian players.

Can I play online poker on my mobile device in Canada?

Absolutely. Most major poker sites offer mobile apps or mobile-responsive websites that allow you to play on your smartphone or tablet. These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.

What's the minimum age to play online poker in Canada?

The legal gambling age varies by province in Canada. In most provinces, it’s 19 years old, but in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, it’s 18. Always check your local regulations and the terms of service of the poker site you’re using.

Are there any restrictions on playing online poker from Canada?

While online poker is generally unrestricted in Canada, some provinces have their own online gambling platforms. For example, Quebec has Espacejeux, and British Columbia has PlayNow. These platforms may offer poker, but they typically have a smaller player pool compared to international sites.