Is Online Poker Legal in Canada?
Worried about the legality of online poker in Canada? Don't be! Playing online poker is not an offense in any province, and has recently been formally legalized in Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario. If you choose to play at one of the
provincially regulated sites, a portion of the rake you generate will go toward funding social programs in the province. So you're really playing for a good cause!
Options for playing at provincially regulated poker sites in Canada:
Playing at one of the provincially regulated sites in Canada can be advantageous. For one, you can usually deposit directly using your credit or debit card. And if you lose, you can take comfort in knowing your losses will be going to fund social programs in the province.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages as well. While poker sites allow you to play against players from all over the world, provincially regulated sites can only put you against other players in your province. Because of this it can often be difficult to find a good table, particularly if you are into less popular games like Omaha 8 or HORSE.
At this time there are only provincially regulated options for 3 provinces:
PlayNow.com - BC & Manitoba
EspaceJeux.com - Quebec
