Canadian Poker Sites

Is it legal to play online poker in Canada?

Yes - no Canadian poker player has been charged with a criminal offence just for playing online, so there is nothing to be worried about in this respect. Canadian players can play legally on worldwide online poker sites, against players from various different countries.
Things are a little different for those operating an online gambling site as, with some exceptions such as the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and state-run sites in British Columbia and Quebec, Canadian-facing online poker rooms cannot be located within Canada's borders. This does not affect you as a player though.

What specific gambling laws do I need to know about?

The Canadian Criminal Code covers the concept of an 'unauthorised gambling house' however this has never been acted on in relation to online poker sites, and there is no indication it even applies to online gambling activities. Some individual territories and provinces within Canada have laws of their own in relation to licensed Internet poker rooms, so it is worth staying on top of the situation in your home territory or province.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

If you make a profit playing online poker then you will be subject to Canadian taxes, however if you make a loss then this is not something you need to worry about. This is particularly relevant to professional poker players, who would be well advised to report winnings and make the relevant tax filings in response. Recreational players making relatively insignificant amounts of money might still escape the attention of the authorities, however it is not worth running the risk of failing to report a profit, however small.

Are Canadian poker sites reliable?

Yes, most of the options available to Canadian poker players are hugely reliable, and hold licences in some of the best respected and trusted jurisdictions in the world. Under the terms of these licences, online poker rooms will be subject to regular checks and audits, and many will be bound by the terms of their licence to ensure player funds are kept segregated from operational funds. We have provided our own scrutiny above and beyond this to ensure we only recommend sites we would trust ourselves.

Is it safe to deposit money with a credit card?

Many Canadian poker sites will accept credit card deposits , however it is always worth checking before signing up for a real money account. Deposit methods are usually listed in the cashier section, while many sites will allow you to take advantage of toll-free customer support numbers or online live chat to make absolutely sure your preferred deposit method is accepted.

What about other deposit methods?

There are countless other options if you prefer not to deposit using a credit card, and one of the more popular is e-wallets. These allow you to set up an account with a reliable and encrypted third party site, meaning you are not required to give any card or bank details direct to the site in question.

What kinds of games are available?

This will vary from site to site, but Canadian poker players can enjoy the most popular variants, like No Limit Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, across the board. Certain rooms will also offer games like Five Card Draw, Seven Card Stud or Seven Card Razz, for those of you who prefer something a little different.

How long does it take to claim my winnings?

It generally depends on your withdrawal method. Some of the best Canadian sites will allow you to withdraw to e-wallet accounts and it will take just one day, though other methods such as paper cheques have been known to take longer.