What Are the Best Online Poker Casinos in Canada?

Online poker sites offer players a number of exciting game variations and many chances to win big. If you’re looking to play for real money, there are an assortment of sites that enable players to enjoy this card game safely and make secure transactions. Players can delight in real-time games without ever having to see their opponents face-to-face. We’ve reviewed the best sites on offer, so keep reading to find the perfect site for your new poker fix.

Top Rated Real Money Online Poker Sites (March 2024)

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How Do We Review Canadian Poker Sites?

A lot goes into our process of rating the best online poker sites. We strive to provide our readers with understandable recommendations, in order to help them find the greatest sites. Usually, we investigate the following elements when selecting the best sites:

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Game variety

We like to see online poker sites that provide their loyal players with a diverse offering of exhilarating game variations. We also ensure that the sites we recommend host tournaments with buy-ins that are accessible for all players, not only high rollers.

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Trustworthiness

We ensure that all the  sites that make our list have glowing reviews and offer players a safe and reliable space to have fun and win. The best sites offer a variety of secure payment methods, and get payouts to winners in good time. No sites that have been suspected of foul-play can be found anywhere near our lists.

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Mobile optimization

With the world of online gambling transitioning faster and faster into the mobile realm, we make sure that players who game on their phones will enjoy mobile-friendly experiences through our top-rated casinos. Most of the sites on our list boast mobile-optimized online games, or alternatively offer downloadable apps.

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Bonuses and welcome deals

When online sites offer players a range of bonuses, it shows that they care about their customers. Websites that gift regular bonuses, to both new and old players, stand out in particular. It’s a fantastic way to gather loyal players who have a knack for poker games.

The History of Online Poker

Before delving into the details of online poker, we figured you could use a quick history lesson on the fascinating game. The online game rose in popularity in the late 1990s, partly due to the fact that players were able to play for free on the internet. Soon after, playing games for real money became the new reality, with the first recorded game played online for real money taking place in 1998.

A decade later, poker sites were no longer a novelty and had spread across the web. The game was soon recognized as one of the most sought-after in the online world. Today, finding rooms is an easy feat. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a website and a table with your name on it.

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Unleash Your Poker Skills: 6 Game-Changing Online Variants

Like most traditional table games, you won’t be hard-pressed to find online game variations. These variations range from classic Texas Hold’em to Omaha and Stud Poker. One thing they all have in common is that they all use a deck of 52 cards and real money wagers.

Tablet showing Texas Hold'em Poker sitting on a poker table with cards and chips.

Before you join a table, you need to learn how to play poker, including the rules, hand rankings, game strategies. To key you up on the different games, we’ve gathered the different types of games.

Texas Hold’em

The goal of Texas Hold’em is for players to predict which cards will appear and how to properly use them. Based on the cards dealt, players can decide whether to fold or place a bet. You will be dealt two private cards and then five community cards are placed on the table. The players must use a combination of their own cards and the community cards to make the best possible hand.  All aspects are considered when betting. However, some players may not have a strong hand, and will attempt to deceive (or bluff) their opponents into thinking otherwise.

Omaha

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em in terms of betting and the layout of community cards, but differs when it comes to the initial deal. In this variant, players are dealt four cards instead of two. Players are then charged with the task of making the best possible hand with two of the four, and three community cards. Like in Texas Hold’em, the game takes place over three rounds, and at the end, the player with the best hand wins.

Stud

In Stud Poker, players must place a modest bet known as the ‘ante’ even before any cards are dealt. Each player receives two cards, and an additional community card is recognized as ‘third street’. The player with the smallest ranked third street is liable for the small bet amount or ‘the bring in’. Players can opt to fold, check, or call in each round of betting. Another round of betting follows, and a ‘fourth street’ is dealt. The player with the strongest card begins the next bet. The ‘fifth street’ and ‘sixth street’ follow the same process. The seventh card is called ‘the river’ and is positioned face down. After the last round of betting ends, the player in possession of the strongest hand wins.

Eights

Eights Poker adds an exciting twist to traditional game play. In this version, each player is dealt eight cards instead of the usual two or five. This creates more opportunities for strategic decision-making and increases the complexity of the game. Eights Poker requires players to carefully consider their hand and make calculated moves to outsmart their opponents.

Aces

In Aces Poker, each player is dealt four cards instead of the usual two or five. However, the catch is that all four aces are wild cards, meaning they can be used as any card in the deck. This adds an element of unpredictability and strategic thinking as players try to maximize their chances of winning real money with the help of these powerful cards.

Caribbean Stud

Slightly similar to Stud Poker, each player is dealt five cards, with the first card facing down and the rest facing up. The goal is to create the best possible hand using a combination of personal and community cards. Unlike Aces Poker, there are no wild cards in Caribbean Stud, so players must rely solely on their ability to call a bluff and make strategic decisions based on the visible cards.

Real Money vs Free Online Poker

Playing online for real money requires confidence and a clever strategy — that is if you wish to win, of course. As is the case with casino games, playing for free or for money have their own advantages and disadvantages, such as:

Playing Real Money PokerPlaying Free Poker
✅ Most importantly, players can win big if they play well or if luck is on their side✅ Players can develop strategies and hone their skills in a risk-free environment
✅ Players can make use of great welcome bonuses to give them an edge✅ Players can try different game variants at no personal expense
❌ Players could make mistakes and lose significant amounts of money❌ It’s impossible to make any cash winnings
❌ There may be a loss in internet connection that results in players forfeiting their game and bets❌ It may lull players into a false sense of security, since players are more relaxed and less competitive

Playing for Keeps: Finding the Best Real Money Online Poker Sites

These online rooms are recommended for both beginners and experienced players because of their user-friendly interface, low stakes, and wide variety of exciting games.

Reviewed CasinoNumber of Poker GamesTypes of GamesPoker AppPoker TournamentsVideo Poker
1 HellSpin Casino 25 Jackpot Poker, Three Card, Tower, Magic Poker
2 North Casino 11 Casino Stud, Three Card, Sit & Go
3 Betplays Casino 92 American Gold, Three Card, Joker Poker, Triple Edge
4 888 Casino 21 Texas Hold’em, Omaha, BLAST, SNAP
5 TonyBet Casino 14 Caribbean, Poker Room, Triple Edge, Russian Poker

1. HellSpin Casino

HellSpin Casino deals a winning hand with its curated selection of online poker options covering the full spectrum of games. From no-limit Texas hold’em to Omaha and five-card stud, their game variety ensures poker nuts have plenty of tables available and can also compete in tournaments and live games.

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  • Top poker games from leading providers
  • Regular tournaments with large prize pools

Reputable casino offering live-dealer poker for an immersive gaming experience.

2. North Casino

Thanks to its wide game selection of games and easy-to-use interface, serious players all agree that North Casino is the place to play online poker in Canada. Whether you’re a fish or a whale, this casino’s many tables with varying poker rules, limits, and side bets will keep even the most discerning players satisfied.

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  • Poker titles from Microgaming
  • High-quality software for smooth gameplay

Leading online casino with welcome and reload bonuses for playing poker.

3. BetPlays Casino

BetPlays Casino raises the stakes with its online poker offering, boasting a comprehensive selection of popular games powered by world-beating software. If their packed lobby of online poker games doesn’t reel you in, then a 100% matched deposit bonus up to $2,000 + 250 free spins should do the trick.

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  • Poker titles from leading providers
  • Mobile-friendly casino platform

Top promotions and robust security at this casino ensure safer gaming.

4. 888 Casino

More than any other table game, 888 Casino specializes in online poker. Canadians can choose from as many as 23 poker games plus a selection of live-dealer games for immersive action. With betting limits ranging from $0.10 to $5,000, there’s no shortage of tables to join for all budgets and skill levels.

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  • Poker variants include Texas Hold’em and Omaha
  • Seamless gaming software with innovative features

Join a vibrant poker community with forums and strategy guides.

5. TonyBet Casino

TonyBet Casino deals players in with various poker games spanning themes far and wide. Caribbean Poker, Red Panda, and Poker Room all form part of their mix, and there’s even a fishing-themed poker game called Hook, Line, & Poker. Regular tournaments and promotions serve to keep players engaged.

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  • Intuitive interface for a hassle-free poker experience
  • Welcome and ongoing bonuses for active poker players

Celebrated casino with regular poker tournaments and promotions.

Ready to Dominate the Poker Table at TonyBet Casino?

When clicking on our link to play at TonyBet Casino, you will be redirected to their home page. To experience the most authentic way to enjoy poker, we’ve got what you need to get started:

  1. Click the “casino” tab
  2. Scroll down to the search bar
  3. Type in “Poker” to display all the available options
  4. Pick a game, and start competing!
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Hint
Don’t forget to make your deposit to mimic the experience of a pro-level player!

How to Play Poker Online

Poker is not known for being one of the easiest casino games out there. However, once you’ve mastered the basics, the world of online poker is yours to conquer. We’ve compiled a list of the general rules of the game with which you should become familiar:

  • During each round of bets, players can opt to check, fold, or call the bets.
  • Players are permitted to call, despite the number of chips they have.
  • Players must try to generate the best hand possible out of the cards dealt – including community cards.
  • The strongest, or highest-ranked hand, will always triumph.
  • If players fold or lose, they cannot get back the bet amount.

Now that you have a basic idea of how online poker works, let’s take a look at the different takes on this classic table game.

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Is there a requirement to pay taxes on poker in Canada?
As a general rule, winnings from gambling are not taxable, as they do not come from a source of income (for example, a business). However, if gambling winnings are received as part of business income or in the context of a business activity, then those winnings are taxable. Read more on Canadian gambling tax.

Play to Win: Experience the Thrill of Online Poker Tournaments

Thanks to the advent of online casinos, the days of having to travel for a live tournament are long gone. Nowadays, players have the opportunity to compete in online tournaments all over the country, and even the world. Tournaments take place all the time online.

Other than a stable internet connection and a secure site, players also need to feel confident in their abilities before diving into tournaments. When online poker with real money is on the cards, this is even more applicable. Online rooms are inhabited by seasoned, as well as professional, players who are hell-bent on winning big.

Hands using laptop with poker on the screen.

Despite this, all the best online sites we recommend give players the chance to hone their skills and develop their strategies before moving into the tournament arena. Be sure to make use of the free-to-play option as well as practice games in order to ready yourself for the big guns.

The Definitive Poker Player's Glossary

Use this glossary as a quick resource to learn about poker terms you may not be familiar with.

Poker TermDefinition
1 Blind or Ante An enforced bet made by players to remain in the round.
2 Bluff To bet even though you may not have a good hand. Otherwise, known as a “poker face”.
3 Bring In The minimum bet which the player with the lowest ‘third street’ card must pay.
4 Call To match the bet.
5 Check When a player declines to make another bet until an opponent does so.
6 Community Cards They are available to all players in order make to their final hand.
7 Flop The term used to describe the first three community cards the dealer places on the table.
8 Fold To forfeit the round losing any bets made in that round.
9 Hole cards These are allocated to individual players, face down. Only they can see them.
10 Pot The total sum of bets made by players during the game; is given to the winner at the end of the game.
11 Pot Limit A player can bet or raise up to the pot limit.
12 Raise To increase the betting amount.
13 River The final community card.
14 Tilt When a player suffers a few bad rounds and begins to make poor/reckless decisions.

Top Tips and Strategies

To get you on the path to playing well and winning big, we’ve compiled a brief guide of some top tips and strategies for poker pros. Let’s look at 3 tips you can implement into your playing right away:

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Vary the Betting Amount

It’s important to keep your opponents guessing as to what you have in your hand. In fact, it’s a vital skill you’ll need if you want to become an exceptional  player. Varying your bet size accomplishes this in a few ways. By changing the amount you bet, it’s difficult for other players to decipher what type of bet you are wagering and in turn, what type of cards you’re holding. If you make the mistake of placing the same bet consistently, good players will pick up on it and may be able to read into what you have in your hand.

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Spot Betting Patterns

With the catalogue of different bets we have provided in our betting strategies guide, you now have the tools necessary to not only use them, but to spot when other players are making these bets as well. The skill of spotting betting patterns will help you to make smart decisions at the table.

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Keep it Simple Against Simple Players

While it may be tempting to use every betting tool you have at your disposal, many of the more complicated bets and strategies will only be needed when playing very skilled players while competing at the best online poker sites. That’s why we recommend keeping to a very basic strategy. It will keep your game simple yet effective, and will give you an opportunity to refine your skills prior to entering high stakes games.

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