888poker vs PokerStars Ontario

Overview

888poker and PokerStars are both fully licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operate through iGaming Ontario. They sit at second and third on our ratings list, separated by just one-tenth of a point. The choice between them comes down to what you play: PokerStars is hard to beat for tournament volume, while 888poker suits beginners and casual players better across most other dimensions.

Software

PokerStars has a more polished, feature-rich client built on over two decades of refinement. Table customization is deep, multi-tabling is fluid, and the interface is fast on both desktop and mobile. Third-party HUDs are permitted, which some experienced players prefer. Zoom Poker, PokerStars' signature fast-fold format, has a devoted following and runs regularly in Ontario.

888poker's client is clean and approachable. Its standout features for Ontario players are BLAST, a jackpot sit-and-go where tables last just a few minutes with a randomized prize pool, and webcam tables that let you see opponents via video. Snap Poker is 888poker's fast-fold cash game option, comparable to Zoom. The interface is intuitive and well-suited to players new to online poker, though it doesn't match PokerStars' depth of features for power users.

On raw software quality, PokerStars wins. On ease of use and recreational appeal, 888poker has the edge.

Tournaments

PokerStars runs Ontario's deepest daily tournament schedule, with events across a wide range of buy-ins and formats. The Sunday tournament series is a fixture for weekend players, and PokerStars hosts ONCOOP (Ontario Championship of Online Poker), a seasonal festival with multi-day events and significant prize guarantees. For players who prioritize tournament variety and field size, PokerStars leads this category clearly.

888poker's tournament schedule is solid but thinner. The Made To Play series runs regularly and offers good value at low buy-in levels. BLAST jackpot sit-and-gos give players a quick alternative to traditional MTTs. For serious tournament grinders, PokerStars is the stronger choice; for recreational players who want a few daily options without analysis paralysis, 888poker's streamlined schedule works well.

Cash Games

888poker's player pool skews recreational, which many experienced players find attractive in terms of game quality. Tables fill at lower and mid stakes during peak hours, and the softer average player profile can offset the slightly thinner volume compared to PokerStars.

PokerStars holds roughly 30% of Ontario's regulated player traffic, which translates to more tables running at more stakes. Zoom Poker adds convenient fast-fold action. However, the larger player pool also includes more experienced regulars, which some find less appealing from a game-selection standpoint.

Traffic

PokerStars holds around 30% of Ontario's regulated online poker traffic, making it the second-largest room in the province behind GGPoker. 888poker accounts for approximately 13% of the market. For players who care primarily about game availability and table selection, PokerStars has a clear traffic advantage. That said, 888poker's traffic is sufficient to keep tables running at all stakes during normal hours, and the recreational player mix at 888poker makes the smaller pool more forgiving for grinders.

Rake

Both rooms charge 5% rake capped at C$3 per hand at most stake levels in Ontario, which is standard across the regulated market. Neither room has a meaningful edge here. The practical difference in rake cost over time is negligible when choosing between these two rooms specifically.

Rewards

888poker's Made To Play program stands out for recreational players. Daily challenges, freeroll tickets, cashback rewards, and tournament entries keep engagement high without requiring high-volume play. New players benefit from an onboarding structure that delivers value early. The program is well-designed for players who enjoy a gamified reward loop.

PokerStars uses a Stars Rewards chest system, which has been revised several times and currently offers chests earned through rake and tournament fees. The program is functional but generally considered less generous than it was in earlier iterations. Regular players often find the chest values underwhelming relative to rake paid, particularly at lower stakes. For high-volume players, PokerStars offers VIP Stellar Rewards which improves the value proposition significantly.

Freerolls

Both rooms run daily freerolls. 888poker offers a C$1,000 daily freeroll open to all players, plus dedicated freerolls for new registrants and Made To Play participants. PokerStars runs daily freerolls and ONCOOP qualifier freerolls during its festival periods. The frequency and prize pools are comparable; 888poker's daily C$1,000 open freeroll is slightly more accessible for all player types.

Who Should Choose Which