Cities like Toronto might be known for their unique entertainment venues, but some of the best entertainment can actually be found online. In early April, the province of Ontario launched its very first legal online poker rooms. In doing so, Ontario became the first Canadian province to regulate its online poker rooms. So, what does this means for Toronto locals who can now access fully vetted poker sites?
Just like players in Quebec and Manitoba, which have also launched online markets, Ontarians have to figure out which poker platforms are actually worth their time. After all, not every platform can offer the same playing experience. Some might be on the lookout for high-value welcome bonuses, while others might instead look for a platform that has extensive tournament offerings.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, if you want to play poker Ontario, then start with these top-rated platforms. Each offers real-money games on a vetted and secure website that is highly rated by experts and users alike. They’re also the only groups that have been granted gaming licenses by the province.
PokerStars
PokerStars isn’t just one of Ontario’s top online poker platforms; the brand is one of the most recognizable and trusted online poker sites in the world. In its time, the website has been the stomping ground of greats, including Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 WSOP champion.
Moneymaker played in PokerStars’ online qualifiers to gain entrance to the WSOP—and this helped pave the way for future players interested in turning their online play into a greater opportunity. Today, PokerStars remains at the forefront of online poker. Their cash games and tournament offerings are unmatched, while their customer support team is largely considered the most efficient in the industry.
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WSOP
Back in 1920, the World Series of Poker helped revitalize interest in the game. The first competition was held at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. At the time, local big-wig Benny Binion invited the most famous poker players on the Strip. The winner was then selected by an anonymous ballot.
But today, WSOP continues as one of the largest in-person gaming tournaments in the world, offering over 101 events. As of 2020, some of these are also hosted online, as WSOP continues to diversify its offerings. Along with PokerStars, WSOP benefits from name recognition and a trustworthy reputation.
888poker
Founded back in 2002, 888poker may not be quite as well-known as the above brands, but its presence in Ontario is expanding. Along with its online website, 888poker has one of the top-rated mobile poker apps in the industry. Additionally, many players gravitate toward the company because they have a robust loyalty program in their 888poker Club.
Similar to PokerStars, 888poker hosts a range of qualifying tournaments that allow winners to advance to WSOP competitions. They also include qualifiers for the European Poker Tour—but some of their more interesting tournaments have focused on other types of play. For example, 888poker hosted a Super High Roller Bowl from 2016-2018, which included an insane buy-in of $300,000. They also host a WPTDeepStacks Europe tour, which makes it a popular brand for those with deep pockets.