By Louise Federale
January 22nd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The game of poker has always been a popular entertainment choice for Canadians and in recent decades, the development of the online poker world has significantly expanded the game’s audience and appeal. Both land-based and virtual poker are enjoyed by Canadians and changing laws in the country have supported the industry’s growth.
Women are very savvy poker players.
We explore the popularity of the game, looking at recent changes to legislation, the reasons for the game’s popularity and what the future might hold for online poker and the wider casino industry in Canada:
Gambling legislation has undergone significant changes in Canada in recent years
Over the last century there has been a trend of gradual liberalization of gambling laws in Canada with more provinces granted some allowances for gambling activities as they move from prohibition to regulation. The economic benefits of the industry, including job opportunities and increase in tax revenues, as well as societal changes, have been the most significant drivers for these legislative changes.
Perhaps the most noteworthy legislative update came in 2021 with the passing of Bill C-218. The bill was passed in August 2021 and legalized single event sports betting in the country. Previously, Canadians could only place parlay bets on sporting events and wager on multiple outcomes, resulting in many turning to offshore sportsbooks for a better range of options.
This legislation has since opened up huge market opportunities and each Canadian province is able to control their own tax revenues. Ontario has been leading the way in this regard, having been one of the first to integrate single event betting into their gambling market.
Ontario has supported online gambling growth by enabling unlimited licenses, which has attracted over 30 private operators and created a thriving competitive online industry in the province.
Ontario has attracted over 30 private operators
Other locations are now also beginning to modernize and update their gambling regulations. For example, British Columbia now operates its own online gaming services through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), and holds a provincial monopoly on online gaming.
Meanwhile, Alberta has taken a slightly different approach and has now begun to encourage private operators, particularly those that offer sports betting services, through programmes run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland are also supporting single-event sports betting, although their frameworks are much less expansive and more restrictive in comparison to Ontario’s.
Candian’s now enjoy a wide variety of casino games
The shift to online play has opened up accessibility to a huge number of different casino games for Canadians. They access these games via either Canada-based gaming operators or offshore gaming sites. Top games include traditional casino games like poker, blackjack, slots and baccarat and well as new hybrid games like Slingo.
As is the case in many parts of the world, poker remains one of the most played casino games online in Canada.
What’s with the hoodies?
Why is poker so popular in Canada?
Back in 2011, almost 2.3 million Canadians said that they enjoyed playing poker at least once a month. By 2022, this number had increased sharply to more than three million, and the rate has continued to rise since then. There are a number of factors that have influenced its success:
Playing has become much easier
While playing poker once required a trip out to a land based casino, players can now access the game within a few clicks on their smartphone or computer. All they need is a device with a secure internet connection to get started and games are available to play at any time of the day. As more people seek entertainment at home, online poker is a convenient choice.
Opportunities for skill development
While some games like slots or bingo are easier to grasp, poker is a great game for developing certain skills. By playing poker you can work on your strategy skills and ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Becoming experienced at the game takes lots of patience and practice too.
A way to socialize
Are we socializing here – or is this poker competition at its very best?
Poker is a game involving multiple players and online casinos and poker sites help to facilitate the social side of the game with chat features and forums. Players are able to become part of a community and share their tips and experiences with people that share their passion for the game.
The future of poker in Canada
In Canada, the game poker is likely to grow more popular each year as laws in places such as Alberta are adapted to allow more people to play and offer more choice in games. Provinces will continue to benefit from increased revenues from the casino market too.
Lastly, technological advancements will also help to continue enhancing the online poker experience and ensure it is fun and immersive for both current players and newer audiences.
