Best Ontario online poker sites for September 2024
Online poker in Ontario has been legal and regulated since April 4, 2022. Use our shortlist to find the best poker sites in Ontario that offer plenty of poker variants, tournaments and more. Each poker site is licensed, regulated and perfect for players in Canada.
Best online poker sites in Ontario
Ontario online poker and casino sites to avoid
We only ever recommend the best Ontario poker and casino sites. Our team of experts use a comprehensive 25-step rating process to ensure that only the best of the best make it to our shortlist. If we think a casino isn't worth playing at, we add it to our list of online gaming sites to avoid.
Online poker in Ontario
Ontario poker online first came to the province on April 4, 2022, following the passing of laws to legalize and regulate online gambling services. Since then, some of the biggest names in the online poker industry have set up shop in Ontario. Each is under the regulation of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and its subsidiary, iGaming Ontario.
Before Ontario online poker became regulated, the province was an unregulated “grey” market. This means there were no laws at all, either criminalizing or legalizing online gambling. Still, internationally-licensed poker sites could offer their services to people in the province. However, thanks to its new regulated industry, Ontario has become a unique market in Canada.
Online poker rooms are open to all residents and visitors in Ontario, provided they are aged 19 or over and physically present in the province. All legal gambling sites in Ontario must hold a license with the AGCO and feature a link to iGaming Ontario on their homepage. For players, this is hugely important because it means legal operators provide a safe gaming environment that meets strict regulatory and player safety standards.
Is online poker legal in Ontario?
Yes, online poker in Ontario has been legal and regulated since April 4, 2022. Any poker site or app that holds an iGaming Ontario licence is fully regulated and safe to play at. Some of the biggest and most respected poker brands operate in Ontario including 888, PartyPoker and PokerStars.
The regulation of online poker has always been a provincial issue, and there are no clear Ontario gambling laws that prohibit Canadians from playing. However, Ontario was the first province in Canada to launch its own clearly regulated online poker market. Rest assured, online poker in Ontario is fully permitted in the province. All players need to do is prove that they are physically located in Ontario using a casino's GeoLocation software.
? Status | Legal |
??? Date launched | April 4 , 2022 |
?? Best Ontario poker site | |
?? Regulated by | AGCO & iGaming Ontario |
Our top Ontario poker operators
888 Poker
888 Poker is one of the largest and most respected online poker casinos in Ontario. The brand has over 20 years of experience and ticks all of the right boxes with players. We love 888Poker for its range of software providers, easy sign-up process, and range of poker tables to join. Rest assured, 888Poker is widely regarded as one of the best Ontario online poker casinos.
Learn more in our 888 Ontario casino review.
?? Tournaments | Yes |
?? Popular poker games | Hold'em, Omaha, Stud & more |
?? Poker app | Yes |
? AGCO License | Yes |
WSOP @ GGPoker
Back in 2022, WSOP and GGPoker joined forces to create WSOP @ GGPoker — a unique poker site only available to players in Ontario. Any poker fan will be very familiar with WSOP and its strong legacy. Today, the online casino is a go-to destination for poker fans and offers a range of online tournaments as well as mixed games, short deck games and more. It's hard not to recommend them as a top Ontario poker site.
?? Tournaments | Yes |
?? Popular poker games | Omaha, Texas Hold'em, No Limit Hold'em & more |
?? Poker app | Yes |
? AGCO License | Yes |
PartyPoker
PartyPoker is another fully licenced and legal Ontario poker operator. Over the years, this online casino has made a real reputation for itself. Players in Ontario like the brand in particular for its multi-skin network that comprises a player pool from BetMGM Poker and bwin Ontario. The result? You get round-the-clock poker action, bigger poker tournaments and even bigger prize pools. We highly recommend PartyPoker for Ontario poker fanatics.
?? Tournaments | Yes |
?? Popular poker games | Short Deck, Omaha, Texas Hold'em & more |
?? Poker app | Yes |
? AGCO License | Yes |
Unibet
Another highly reputable poker casino, Unibet has been in the industry since 1999. This Ontario online poker app is highly reputable and is a go-to choice not just for players in Canada, but for players worldwide. This big-name brand offers a whole host of games and top software providers, as well as a great mobile app that works on both iOS and Android devices.
?? Tournaments | Yes |
?? Popular poker games | Texas Hold'em, Razz, Omaha & more |
?? Poker app | Yes |
? AGCO License | Yes |
Regulated online poker in Ontario
Like the rest of Canada, Ontario previously had an unregulated online gambling market. How did this change? Back in June 2021, lawmakers approved Bill C-218, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. This Act essentially permitted local jurisdictions to introduce single-event betting in Canada. And shortly after in July 2021, Ontario created iGaming Ontario (iGO), which was another play to help usher in a newly regulated gaming market in the province.
As a result, some of the world's most renowned poker gambling brands now operate legally in Ontario. However, there are still some limitations. The regulations in Ontario mean that games are restricted to players within the province, meaning there's a segregated player pool and poker community. The good news? Ontario is a huge province with a population of over 15 million people, making it one of the largest regulated areas in North America.
Legal history of Ontario online poker
Looking to learn more? Below is a quick snapshot of how online poker became legal and regulated in Ontario.
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The Ontario Senate passes C-218 - June 2021
The C-218 bill is passed and legal online gambling comes to the forefront of Ontario.
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iGaming Ontario is created - July 2021
iGaming Ontario is created as a subsidiary of the AGCO, with the aim of managing the province's newly regulated market.
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888Poker launches - April 2022
888Poker becomes the very first legal Ontario poker brand to launch in the province
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BetMGM launches - April 2022
BetMGM becomes the second Ontario online poker site to be regulated in the province.
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PartyPoker launches - April 2022
The third regulated site to launch, PartyPoker is available to players in Ontario.
How we rate the best Ontario poker sites
We strive to only ever recommend the best Ontario poker casinos and apps. Our team of experts review every online casino using rigorous 25-step rating criteria, ensuring only the best sites make it to our shortlist. For an online poker site to make it to our list, it has to offer a truly standout gaming experience. Below is a snapshot of how we rate poker casinos and what we look for in our rankings.
What types of poker can I play online in Ontario?
Poker has become one of the most popular casino games — and certainly the most mainstream. While most people know the likes of Texas Hold’em, online poker Ontario operators provide other popular variants. That means when you select one of the Ontario online poker sites we recommend, you can pick between the following games:
- Texas Hold’em
- The most popular poker form. In a game round, the player gets two face-down cards known as hole cards. These are your personal cards, and the first round of betting is based on the quality of these cards for each player.
- After the first betting round, the dealer turns over three cards onto the betting table (known as the flop). Another round of betting follows the flop. The next two rounds consist of the dealer showing two cards individually, and the player can choose to call, raise, or fold on each round.
- Five-Card Draw
- Considered the simplest form of poker, five-card draw also serves as the basis for video poker machines. While similar to Texas Hold’em, the core difference in a five-card draw is that the player receives all five of their cards at the same time. From there, the usual poker game rules apply. Players win by having the best hand combination, such as a pair, three-of-a-kind, full house, and so on.
- Omaha High/Low
- A very popular variant available at Ontario online poker sites, Omaha Hi-Lo borrows elements of Hold’em. Specifically, there is a three-card flop and then two additional cards. The one major difference is that Omaha High/Low gives the player four hole cards as their hand instead of two cards in Texas Hold’em. It is a slightly more complex variant because players must not use two of the hole cards. Instead, use the other two with the three-card flop to make the best hand.
- Seven-Card Stud
- Before the rise of Texas Hold’em, seven-card stud was the most popular poker variant in North America. Still popular at online poker sites, seven-card stud is a more challenging version of poker ideal for players with experience. Games start with two to eight players, and they involve bringing in bets, one card up and one down hole card, and special rules for the last cards if no one folds.
- Razz
- Many players do not realize that razz is seven-card stud, but with a twist. Here you play low only, which means the best Ace to Five low poker hand wins the round. In other words, no wins are possible with any card with a value of over five. Other aspects of the game are the same as seven-card stud, with players receiving seven cards throughout a hand, but only a five-card hand (two hole and three flop cards) can win.
- H.O.R.S.E
- Perhaps one of the most obscure poker games, especially for beginners, H.O.R.S.E is a revolving tour of the best poker variants. The game changes between Hold’em (Texas), Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Seven-card Stud, Eight or Better Seven-card Stud. Starting with Hold’em, H.O.R.S.E games move through each of these popular poker games each round.
- Pai Gow
- A popular dominos game, Pai Gow also works as a fast-paced game for Ontario poker online players. During a game, each player receives seven cards that they split into two hands, one with five cards and the other with two cards. Usual poker winning combinations are the same. Pai Gow is even more interesting because it is a rare poker variant where players compete against each other and the dealer.
- Caribbean Stud
- Based on classic five-card poker, Caribbean stud removes the competition against other players. Instead, you will only play against the dealer/house. Importantly, Caribbean stud is one of the few poker games where you cannot bluff or try to deceive your opponent. In all other aspects, including winning hands, the game is the same as five-card stud.
How do you play poker?
The aim of the game is for players to make the best hand using five community cards and two hole cards. All players start with two cards face down. Players then make initial wagers known as the 'small' and 'big blind'. Three community cards are then dealt face up, followed by a second round of betting. This continues until all five community cards are on the table. The winner is the player with the best hand according to poker hand rankings.
If you're new to the game, check out our full how to play poker guide for more information.
Play free online poker in Ontario
Looking to practice your poker? Test out your skills with a selection of our free games below. You can choose from dozens of online poker games for players in Ontario, including titles from leading providers like Microgaming, iSoftBet and Play’n GO.
Ontario poker apps
All poker app casinos in Ontario are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Many big-name gambling sites will have official apps to use that are tailored for both iOS and Android devices. And when it comes to poker, you'll be able to choose from dozens of mobile games. Most poker apps in Ontario will offer classic poker variations as well as live dealer options and more.
There are plenty of benefits to using an Ontario online casino app. Usually, you'll have a more bespoke gaming experience as well as smoother performance and mobile-friendly UI. Our top tip is to enable push notifications — that way you can be notified when the latest poker games are added to the casino's library.
Poker tournaments in Ontario
Online poker is still relatively new in Ontario. This means that operators are continuously adding more poker tournaments and building a community of players. That said, you should still be able to find daily poker tournaments at some of the best Ontario poker apps. This includes regular 'Sit and Go' tournaments, multi-table tournaments as well as online 'poker festivals' hosted by big names like PokerStars. Some of the most popular tournaments in Ontario include PokerStars’ Ontario Championship of Online Poker (ONCOOP) and the WSOP Online Circuit Series
Freeroll poker tournaments
Freeroll poker is when you can enter a poker tournament online without needing to buy your way in. Yes, this means you can enter for free and compete for a real money prize. When you enter, the online casino will provide you with a set amount of chips (all players have equal chips), and then you play in a tournament format with winners taking away a prize. Freeroll poker tournaments are hugely popular in Ontario and will feature at some of the top sites.
Casino.org poker freerolls
Find out more about poker freeroll tournaments and get exclusive entry passwords from Casino.org on our freerolls poker page.
How to play poker – our four top tips
Let’s start this section by saying there is no way to guarantee wins. Like all casino games, poker is based on luck, so no betting decision or strategy can change that. However, poker is interesting because you can employ tactics such as bluffing to help your cause. Whether you bluff or not, the following tips will help beginners and experts alike to take their poker game to the next level:
Learn the rules and hand rankings
When you choose an online poker variant, always learn the rules of the game. Online poker games will provide game rules from the software provider, while online resources are also available. Understanding the rules gives you the best chance of making the best betting decisions. You should also understand the hand rankings to know when you have winning cards in your hand.
Bet small at first
This one is more for beginners but can also be used by experienced players using a new poker variant. Choosing small bets will help your bankroll last as long as possible and allow you to become more familiar with the game. When you get more comfortable, start raising your wagers accordingly based on the strength of your hands.
Pick the best games
This is where we can help! Dozens of software providers offer games at Ontario online poker sites. Understanding which games are the best and which you should avoid is crucial. Our team reviews the best poker sites and games, helping you make an informed decision that is best for your needs.
Gamble responsibly
The golden rule of online casino gaming is to always gamble responsibly. This means betting within your means and only spending money you can afford to lose. Only you know your budget, but try to make it disposable income that does not eat into your monthly expenses. Top online poker Ontario sites have responsible gambling resources such as account limits, time outs, and advice.
Best Ontario poker sites for beginners
New to online poker? Not to worry – our goal is to connect you with the best Ontario online poker casinos for beginners. Alongside offering simple variants like Texas Hold’em, our beginner-friendly poker platforms provide a smooth and efficient experience across the board. We pay special attention to factors, including the following:
- Easy registration: Beginner-friendly casinos make registration easy to understand and seamless.
- Helpful customer support: Beginners often need help, so responsive and knowledgeable customer support is essential.
- Beginner-friendly games: Whether it is low-limit poker tables or basic variants, beginners value games they can “pick up and play.”
Best Ontario poker sites for advanced players
On the other end of the scale, we also provide access to top online poker sites for expert players. We understand that advanced players have specific needs that reward them for their dedication to playing poker:
- High-limit games: Poker casinos for advanced players offer a variety of high-limit tables where players make larger bets for bigger potential wins.
- Tournaments: Top poker websites have a good range of tournaments with considerable prizes.
- VIP programs: Top poker platforms have special VIP programs where VIP players can access exclusive poker tables, account managers, and more.
Advanced online poker tips
Online poker can take a lifetime to master. Even the most experienced poker players will still find ways to improve their skills and learn more about the game. Below are some more complex tips for anyone starting to play online poker in Ontario.
What is multi-tabling in poker?
Multi-tabling is where you play online poker at multiple tables simultaneously. Many pros will play between 16 and 24 online poker games at the same time - whether they're cash games, Sit 'n' Gos, or tournaments. This allows for a fun and fast-paced game and is rumoured to be another way to increase profits over time.
What is card counting in poker?
Card counting means keeping track of the cards that have been dealt to work out which cards might be remaining. You won’t be able to count cards when you’re playing poker online in Ontario. That’s because the deck is randomly shuffled after each round by Random Number Generators (RNGs).
Good poker bankroll management
Make sure you have your bankroll sorted before you start playing for real money. It's easy to have dollar signs appear in front of your eyes and want to dive into that $50 tournament or $5/10 cash game. But if you don't have the funds behind you, you'll quickly go bust.
Our best advice is to set aside a certain amount of money you're prepared to bet with. If you take a hit, drop down the levels, build your bankroll back up, then make a jump up the stakes if you're comfortable. As a rule of thumb, when playing cash games you should have 20-30 buy-ins set aside (especially if you're playing more than one table). For tournaments, a bankroll of 50 buy-ins is sensible.
Importance of table position in online poker
Your position is important in online poker because it can give you an informational edge. You can see what other players do before you act and can change your strategy based on what information they give you.
What is the late position in poker?
The late position refers to the dealer or the 'button' and the person seated to their right, known as the 'cut off'. If you're in the late position, you'll be able to see what everyone else does before you. Half the table may have folded their cards, or a couple of players may have just called a bet. After the flop, a late position could be any seat where you act last.
What is the early position in poker?
The early position is the seat to the left of the big blind. In full-ring games, this can include the first two or three seats that have to act first on the preflop betting round. The early position can be the hardest to play because you have no knowledge of what other players will do. Our advice is to only play solid, strong hands when in the early position.
Online poker terms glossary
Learn the most common terms and phrases for your next poker game with our extended glossary below.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Action | Player's turn to bet, raise, or fold |
All-in | Committing all your chips in a poker hand |
Backdoor | A draw requiring two connectors or same suited cards to complete |
Bad Beat | An unlucky loss against the odds |
Bankroll | Amount of money a player sets aside for poker |
Big blind | Mandatory bet before cards are dealt (by player after two seats after button) |
Boat | Full house |
Blind | Mandatory bet placed before cards are dealt |
Bluff | Bet or raise without the best hand in order to induce an opponent's fold |
Board | Shared or community cards |
Bubble | Player eliminated before the money in a tournament |
Burn | The card the dealer discards before dealing community cards |
Button | Seat where the dealer is sitting |
Call | Bet the amount of another player's bet |
Check | Choosing not to bet but stay in the hand |
Chip | A token used in poker to represent cash, with different colored chips representing different cash values. |
Continuation bet | A bet made post-flop by player who bet first pre-flop |
Drawing dead | When a player cannot win the hand, regardless of community cards to come |
Fish | An inexperienced or bad player |
Fifth street | The final community card, or river, dealt out |
Flop | The first three community cards dealt |
Flush | A hand consisting of five cards all the same suit |
Fold | Throwing away your hand |
Fourth Street | The turn card |
Full house | A hand consisting of three-of-a-kind plus a pair |
Freeroll | A free tournament with no buy-in and a pre-determined prizepool to be won |
Freezeout | A game without a re-buy option |
Gutshot | Uncompleted straight requiring one card |
Heads-up | A poker game between two players only |
Kicker | A highest unpaired card in a hand used to break ties |
Limp | To call the big blind pre-flop |
Loose | A reckless or aggressive player |
Monster | A very strong hand |
MTT | A multi-table tournament |
Muck | To fold a hand without revealing hole cards |
Nuts | The best possible hand |
Offsuit | Hole cards of different suits |
Outs | The cards remaining in the pack that can complete a winning hand |
Overpair | Holding a pocket pair higher than any possible using community cards |
Play the board | Using all community cards to create hand |
Pocket pair | A pair in your starting hand |
Position | A player's turn in betting order |
Quads | Four of a kind |
Rags | Terrible opening hand, like 7-2 offsuit |
Rainbow | A flop consisting of cards of different suits |
Raise | To bet more than the previous bet |
Rake | A percentage of pot taken by cardroom |
River | The fifth and final community card |
Satellite | A tournament awarding entry into a larger tournament |
Set | Three of a kind including a pair in the hole |
Showdown | Two or more players revealing cards to decide a winning hand |
Side pot | Extra pots contested after a multiple all-in |
Sit and Go | A tournament that starts once all seats are filled (normally a single-table tournament) |
Small blind | Mandatory small bet before cards are dealt (made by player seated after button) |
Straight | A hand consisting of connecting cards |
Split pot | An equally divided pot for tied hands |
Tilt | A loss control of your emotions in a poker game, meaning you become aggressive and angry (due to a bad beat). |
Top pair | A pair including a hole card and the highest community card |
Trips | Three of a kind including only one hole card |
Turn | The fourth community card |
Under the gun | The first player to act before the flop |
More gambling guides for Ontario players
Responsible gambling in Ontario
The best online casinos in Ontario take the need to promote responsible gambling very seriously. At each casino, you should be able to find detailed information about how to stay in control of your gambling. There should also be links to specialist agencies that can offer experienced advice and practical support to people. In Ontario, these include:
- iGaming Ontario, the body regulating the online casino market in the province, offers responsible gambling advice.
- ConnexOntario, an organization broadly focused on mental health, includes assistance for problem gambling in its portfolio.
- The Center for Addiction and Mental Health delivers a problem gambling website with a wealth of self-help tools and practical support.
- The Responsible Gambling Council has worked for many decades in this area and is an experienced source of assistance.
FAQs on Ontario online poker
What is the best Ontario poker site?
The best Ontario poker site for September is %TopPartnerName%. Head to our shortlist to find more reputable and reliable online poker sites in the province.
How can I find reputable poker sites online in Ontario?
You can find the most reputable poker sites in Ontario by checking out our list of the best online poker casinos. We provide access to the top sites legal in Ontario and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Look for an iGaming Ontario link on the casino homepage to ensure licensing.
Are there any Ontario poker apps available?
Absolutely! Several major online gambling brands offer a dedicated app for iOS and Android. Many online poker sites also work on mobile browsers thanks to HTML5 technology.
Are online poker games rigged in Ontario?
No, operators regulated by the AGCO have met regulatory standards to achieve their license. This means the site is secure, your data is protected, and games are safe. Every online poker Ontario site we recommend is licensed in the province.
What do I need in order to play poker online in Ontario?
All you need to play poker online in Ontario is to find a reputable online poker casino, register with the operator, deposit money, and start playing. You’ll need to verify your account by supplying proof of ID and address. Some casino operators might also want you to prove your financial capability to gamble online.
Can I play poker online for free in Ontario?
Yes, but you may be limited to virtual poker games. Many online casinos provide demo versions of their games while freeroll poker tournaments are also available. However, games against real players are unlikely to be available for free.
Which poker variations can I play online in Ontario?
Popular online poker variants available to players in Ontario include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Caribbean Stud, five-card stud, seven-card stud, Razz, H.O.R.S.E, and more.
What’s the difference between poker tournaments and cash games?
In a cash game, you play for the total value of the chips of all the players on a table. Tournaments are different because each player has the same number of chips supplied by the casino by buying your way into the tournament.
What’s the difference between ‘limit’ and ‘no limit poker’ games?
In no-limit poker, players are able to bet or raise the number of chips they want without restriction. In a limit poker game, there will be a ceiling on the number of chips you can bet or raise per round.
Written by Hannah Cutajar
With over five years of experience, Hannah Cutajar now leads our team of online casino experts at Casino.org. She is considered the go-to gaming specialist across several markets, including Canada. Hannah regularly tests Ontario online casinos to recommend sites and apps with top games, safe payments, and stellar customer service. Her number one goal is to ensure players get the best experience online through world-class content.