One of the most common card games in the casino, poker has a strong following and interactive experience. There’s something to be said about playing poker, a card game bringing skill, decision making, bluffing, and reading people to win big. Playing poker online for cash is both legal and a fun way for Canadian players to spend an evening. You’ll want to find a platform that’s regulated and holds safety in the highest regard. You’ll also want to ensure that the poker website is licensed, keeping the gaming fair for all players.
Many platforms offer different buy-ins, with low-stake and high-stake games. They’ll contain the more popular poker games, along with less common (but equally fun) games. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to build your way into a perfect hand with Texas Hold’Em or coast your way through a game of Omaha. Most online gaming sites offer a registration bonus, matching the first deposit up to $1,000; you’ll receive double the fun just for joining.
To help get you started, here are some high-quality poker sites for Canadians.
TigerGaming
Established in 1999, TigerGaming is a smaller platform that caters to avid players. The website is fully licensed and regulated, with a gambling license from the jurisdiction of Curacao. They encourage responsible gaming with connections to help users struggling with addiction. You’ll be able to access a variety of cash games, including the Hold’Em, Omaha, and Texas 6+. Stakes are available in low, medium, and high stakes, making play preferences simple to navigate.
Players can see both the usernames of other players at the table, as well as the balances of everyone sitting at the table. You can also pull the data and statistics on any player. These insights highlight the more experienced players (as this platform occasionally holds professionals online).
SBPoker
In operation since 2012, this platform is a regulated and licensed website. It currently holds a license from the jurisdiction of Panama. Conveniently, this platform is also based out of the same location. SBPoker now allows registration from Canada and the United States. There is no restriction on joining, depositing, or playing anywhere within North America (despite current online gambling laws). Users will have access to No-Limit Hold’em, Fixed-Limit Hold’em, Texas 6+, and Omaha. Tournament schedules and offerings are slightly weaker than other platforms, but they occasionally guarantee a $1,000 prize for the top position.
Every player has the username and the bankroll displayed throughout the game, as the website doesn’t currently support anonymous playing.
Bodog
With a spotless record and fantastic bonus structures, Bodog poker brings an unmatched user experience. Initially founded in 1994, the Bodog casino remains one of the best platforms for recreational poker players. This online room bars professional players from entering the site, focusing on novice and amateur players. You’ll be able to play in a downloadable version, including PC and mobile, or online through the website. An anonymous table keeps users invisible while sitting at tables, protecting inexperienced players from bullying or ‘sharks.’
Zone poker is a fast-paced functionality for players looking to get more from their table time. The software registers a folded hand and connects the user to a new hand instantly. You’ll also love the all-in percent functionality designed to help users value their current poker hand. This platform is exclusively Canadian at this time and only allows Canadian registration.
BetOnline
Considered one of the best platforms in the US market, the online platform was developed in 2011. Unlike other websites, this website allows both Canadian and US participants, bringing heavy gameplay to the tables. Users can access more than just poker on the site, with an online casino, eSports, sportsbook, and card play conveniently connected to the software.
All games on the software show the username and balance of the player, which can be intimidating for short bankrolls. When it comes to game functionality, you’ll find a wide variety of poker games; Hold’em, Omaha, Americana, Razz, 32 Card Draw, and Stud are all offered online.
888Poker
Established in 2002, this website is owned by 888 Holdings, an established company that holds an online casino, sports betting platform, and poker room. Currently one of the second largest poker rooms, 888Poker brings exciting cash games, tournaments, and interactive gameplay to the industry. Accredited by eCOGRA, Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, and the Government of Gibraltar, playing in a safe and secure environment is a top priority.
Consistently known for delivering high-quality poker games, finding games is a breeze. The well-organized lobby divides games by type and buy-in, along with a tournament registration section. Games offered include Fixed-Limited Hold’Em, No-Limit Hold’em, Stud, and Omaha. The platform primarily caters to the Canadian market. However, they’re expanding into the US market as it becomes legalized within the individual states (for example, Nevada is legalizing online gambling).
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