By Alex Drummond, Editor-in-Chief · March 22, 2026
Step 1: Understand the Regulated Market
Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market on April 4, 2022, making it the first and currently only Canadian province with a purpose-built framework for online poker. The market is overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operated through iGaming Ontario (iGO).
There are six poker rooms licensed to operate in Ontario: GGPoker, 888poker, BetMGM Poker, PokerStars Ontario, PartyPoker Ontario, and Bwin Ontario. These are the only legal options for online poker if you are physically in the province. Each operates a ring-fenced player pool, meaning you play only against other Ontario players.
Step 2: Choose a Poker Room
Each room has different strengths. GGPoker has the richest tournament schedule and most feature-packed software. 888poker offers the strongest beginner funnel with freerolls and no-deposit tournament tickets. BetMGM has the clearest bonus terms and longest offer period. PokerStars has the strongest brand and tournament heritage. PartyPoker focuses on cashback, and Bwin provides an additional regulated option.
Use our comparison page or room finder quiz to match your preferences to the right room.
Step 3: Download the App or Visit the Site
Most rooms offer downloadable clients for Windows and Mac, plus apps for iOS and Android. Some rooms also support browser-based play without a download. Visit the operator's official Ontario site (not the global version) to get the correct client.
Step 4: Create Your Account
Registration requires your legal name, date of birth, a valid email address, and an Ontario address. You must be 19 or older. The room will verify that you are not already self-excluded and that your details match public records. Use accurate information because you will need to verify your identity before you can withdraw.
Step 5: Complete Identity Verification
AGCO regulations require all regulated operators to verify your identity before you can deposit, play, or withdraw. Have government-issued photo ID ready (driver's license, passport, or Ontario photo card). Some rooms verify instantly using automated checks; others may ask you to upload a photo of your ID.
Step 6: Make Your First Deposit
Minimum deposits start at C$10 at most rooms. Common deposit methods include Interac (the fastest and most widely accepted), Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes PayPal, Apple Pay, or MuchBetter. Deposits are processed in Canadian dollars.
If the room has a welcome offer, check whether it activates automatically or requires a promo code at deposit. No room currently requires a promo code. Offers are typically activated automatically when you register and make your first deposit. Visit the operator's site for current details.
Step 7: Learn the Lobby
The poker lobby is where you find games. It is organized by format:
- Cash games: Buy in with real money, leave whenever you want. Stakes range from NL2 to NL500 depending on the room.
- Tournaments: Pay a fixed buy-in, play until you bust or win. Multi-table tournaments (MTTs) can last hours.
- Fast-fold: A cash game variant where you are moved to a new table and hand immediately after folding. Called Rush & Cash (GGPoker), SNAP (888poker), Zoom (PokerStars), or FastForward (BetMGM).
- Jackpot sit-and-gos: Three-player tournaments with a randomly multiplied prize pool. Quick format, usually 5-10 minutes per game.
Start at the lowest available stakes (NL2 or micro buy-in tournaments) until you are comfortable with the software and the pace of online play.
Step 8: Set Responsible Gambling Limits
Before you play your first hand, go into your account settings and set up responsible gambling tools. All regulated Ontario rooms are required to offer deposit limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Set a deposit limit that matches your bankroll plan. These limits protect you from impulsive decisions during tilt or emotional moments.
If you need help at any time, ConnexOntario offers free, confidential support at 1-866-531-2600, available 24/7.
GGPoker
9.4/10.0 · Feature-rich software, tournament festivals, Ontar
888poker
9.0/10.0 · Beginners, low-deposit players, freeroll seekers,
BetMGM Poker
8.8/10.0 · Rewards-focused players, bonus clearance calculato
PokerStars Ontario
8.7/10.0 · Tournament players, live event qualifiers, brand-t
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You must be physically located in Ontario when you play. The poker client uses geolocation technology to verify your position. You do not need to be an Ontario resident, but you must be within the province's borders.
Yes. All six Ontario poker rooms offer mobile access, either through dedicated iOS and Android apps or mobile-optimized browser play.
You must be 19 years of age or older to play online poker in Ontario.
Regulated Ontario rooms operate under AGCO oversight, which requires game fairness standards, player fund protections, and responsible gambling tools. This provides a level of safety that offshore sites do not offer.
Withdrawal methods vary by room but typically include Interac, bank transfer, and sometimes PayPal or MuchBetter. Processing times range from a few hours to several business days depending on the method and operator.
Contact the room's customer support first. If you cannot resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with iGaming Ontario, which provides an independent review process for disputes with registered operators.