Published by Leonardo Calcagno

Online poker in Canada operates within a complex regulatory framework that varies by province. Ontario became the first province to establish a regulated online gambling market in 2022, while other provinces maintain different approaches to online poker regulation. Canadian players seek platforms that combine security, game variety, and reliable payment processing.

GGPoker Leads Through Market Position and Regulatory Compliance

GGPoker operates as the largest online poker network globally, with an average of 10,134 concurrent cash game seats according to GameIntel data from June 2025. This represents a year-over-year increase of nearly 50% from approximately 6,800 concurrent seats in the previous year. The platform accounts for more than half of the international online poker market when measured by player traffic.

The site maintains multiple regulatory licenses that establish its operational legitimacy. GGPoker holds licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. The company transitioned from a Curacao license to the Isle of Man license in January 2021, which provided enhanced regulatory oversight and player protection measures. The Isle of Man license carries a five-year validity period and is whitelisted by the UK Gambling Commission.

For Canadian players in Ontario, GGPoker.ca launched on September 30, 2022, under NSUS Limited with registration number OPIG1231707 from iGaming Ontario. The platform initially operated as WSOP.ca before rebranding to GGPoker Ontario in April 2023. Ontario players participate in a segregated liquidity pool, meaning they compete only against other players from the same province.

Security measures include ISO 27001 certification for information security, SSL encryption for data protection, and a Random Number Generator certified by BMM Testlabs. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario provides additional oversight for the Ontario operation. Players must be 19 or older and physically located within Ontario to access the platform.

GGPoker’s software incorporates several proprietary features. Smart HUD, launched in 2018, provides real-time statistical information during gameplay without requiring third-party software. The All-In Insurance feature allows players to protect themselves against bad beats by purchasing insurance on all-in situations. The integrated staking platform enables players to buy or sell tournament action directly through the client.

The platform’s partnership with the World Series of Poker grants exclusive rights to host online bracelet events outside the United States. In 2025, GGPoker hosted 33 bracelet events with a collective prize pool of $114 million. The Ontario market receives its own dedicated WSOP Online series with eight bracelet events.

PokerStars Maintains Secondary Position

PokerStars operates as the second-largest online poker platform globally, though its market share has decreased in recent years. Traffic data indicates the platform averaged approximately 2,000 concurrent players by mid-2025, down from 4,500 players in late 2022.

The platform holds licenses from multiple jurisdictions and has operated in the online poker market since 2001. PokerStars offers various game formats, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and specialized tournament structures. The Spring Championship of Online Poker in 2025 featured $125 million in guaranteed prizes across its tournament schedule.

Canadian players can access PokerStars through both international and Ontario-specific platforms. The Ontario version operates under iGaming Ontario regulations with segregated player pools. Payment methods include standard credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

888poker Serves Mid-Volume Players

888poker operates as a mid-sized poker network with a presence in regulated markets across multiple jurisdictions. The platform maintains licenses in Gibraltar, the UK, and other territories. Canadian players outside Ontario can access the international player pool, while Ontario residents have access to a provincially regulated version.

The software includes basic features such as multi-tabling capabilities and tournament scheduling. 888poker processes payments through standard banking methods and maintains regular withdrawal timeframes. The platform offers lower-stakes games compared to larger networks, which may suit recreational players.

Game variety includes standard poker variants and tournament formats. The platform runs regular promotional campaigns and maintains a loyalty program for frequent players. Security protocols include encryption and regulated random number generation.

PartyPoker Focuses on Tournament Play

PartyPoker operates under licenses from Gibraltar and the UK Gambling Commission. The platform emphasizes tournament offerings with various buy-in levels and structures. Canadian players can participate in the international player pool, though the platform has not yet entered the Ontario-regulated market.

The software underwent updates in recent years to improve functionality and the user interface. PartyPoker processes withdrawals within standard timeframes and accepts common payment methods. The platform maintains partnerships with live poker tours and events.

Security measures include standard SSL encryption and third-party auditing of game fairness. The platform’s traffic levels place it among mid-tier operators in the global market. Tournament guarantees vary based on seasonal schedules and special events.

Unibet Poker Operates an Independent Network

Unibet Poker runs on proprietary software separate from major poker networks. The platform maintains licenses from Malta and the UK. Canadian players can access the site, though player pools remain smaller than major networks due to the independent operation model.

The software emphasizes recreational play with features that limit professional advantages. Table selection is randomized, and players cannot use third-party tracking software. These restrictions create different gameplay dynamics compared to other platforms.

Payment processing includes standard options with varying withdrawal times based on method selection. The platform offers regular promotions targeted at recreational players. Game selection focuses on Texas Hold’em with limited mixed game offerings.

Financial Considerations for Canadian Players

Payment processing varies across platforms based on licensing and operational structures. GGPoker Canada charges a CAD 1 fee on all withdrawals, with processing times between 24 and 72 hours. The platform accepts Mastercard, Interac, PayPal, Neteller, and other payment options specific to Canadian users.

Other platforms maintain different fee structures and processing times. Players should verify current withdrawal limits, fees, and available payment methods before depositing funds. Currency conversion may apply when playing on international platforms.

Ontario’s regulated market requires operators to maintain player funds in segregated accounts and submit to regular auditing. Players in other provinces accessing international sites should research the regulatory oversight and fund protection measures in place.

Regulatory Framework and Player Protection

Ontario’s iGaming market launched in April 2022, creating the first provincially regulated online poker environment in Canada. Operators must obtain licenses from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and register with iGaming Ontario. This framework provides oversight, dispute resolution mechanisms, and requirements for responsible gambling tools.

Players in other Canadian provinces can legally access internationally licensed poker sites. These platforms operate under licenses from jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man. Each licensing authority maintains different standards for player protection and operational requirements.

The segregated liquidity model in Ontario means players compete only against others within the province. This creates smaller player pools compared to international networks but provides additional regulatory protection. Players must verify their location through geolocation technology to access Ontario-regulated sites.

Tax implications vary based on provincial residence and the amount of winnings. Professional players may face different tax obligations than recreational players. Consultation with tax professionals can clarify individual situations based on playing volume and income levels.