Top Guide to Online Poker & Montreal Casino Events 2025

Here is an engaging, easy-to-read blog post about online poker in Ontario and poker events at Casino Montreal, using current data and examples.
Guide to Online Poker in Ontario and Casino Montreal Poker Events
If you love poker and live in Ontario or nearby Quebec, you’re in luck! Ontario’s online poker scene has been growing steadily since regulation started in April 2022. While 2025 has been a bit slower, lots of great poker action is still happening online and live at Casino Montreal.
Playing Online Poker in Ontario
Ontario’s online poker market is pretty exciting but also a little tricky right now. Last year, online poker sites in the province made CAD $67.7 million in revenue—a good jump from 2023’s $63 million. But the last quarter of 2024 saw a slight dip, with revenue dropping to about CAD $16 million, down from CAD $17 million the previous year. This slowdown is mostly because Ontario’s poker sites only let players from within the province play each other, limiting the action compared to international games.
Want some examples? GGPoker Ontario leads the pack, grabbing around 52% of the market. PokerStars Ontario comes in second with 30%, and BetMGM’s network holds about 12%. Smaller sites like 888poker make up the rest. So, if you want lots of action, GGPoker and PokerStars are your best bets because they have the most players and biggest games.
Looking ahead, things could get a boost if Ontario allows players to join games with other provinces or even international players. That would pump up prize pools and cash game traffic, making everything more exciting. Fingers crossed for that! Meanwhile, those just starting can find softer competition on 888poker, which is great for learning without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Try Online Poker in Ontario?
Besides the convenience of playing anytime, the licensed sites here ensure your money and personal info are safe. They offer tons of games like No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, plus exciting tournament series like the Ontario Championship of Online Poker on PokerStars. These tournaments often have big guaranteed prize pools and attract players from all over the province. Signing up is straightforward, and all sites support easy deposits and withdrawals through local payment methods.
Live Poker at Casino Montreal
If you prefer face-to-face poker, Casino Montreal still holds regular live poker events. They host cash games and tournaments for all kinds of players—whether you want something low-stakes or a big buy-in event. It’s a lively spot for local poker lovers to meet and compete in person. Plus, Casino Montreal often has special poker festivals and charity tournaments, making it a fun place to test your skills and meet others who share your passion.
What’s Next for Ontario Poker?
The online poker market in Ontario is waiting for its next big wave. Experts think opening up the player pools or adding new sites could revitalize things. In the meantime, poker rooms keep offering promotions and new games to keep players entertained. If you want the fullest experience, trying different sites like GGPoker and PokerStars will give you access to various game styles and tournaments. And if live poker calls your name, Casino Montreal has you covered.
Ontario’s poker scene offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the fast pace and convenience of online games or the social thrill of live casino poker, there’s plenty to explore. So why not join the action today? Happy playing!
FAQ
Will Ontario Poker Players Rejoin the Global Market in 2025?
Will Ontario Poker Players Rejoin the Global Market? Ontario’s online poker market is at a pivotal crossroads as of 2025, with significant discussions around whether its players will rejoin the global poker scene. Since Ontario launched a regulated, ring-fenced online poker market in April 2022, players have only been allowed to compete against others physically located within the province. This closed liquidity approach has created a mixed landscape where the market enjoys some benefits but also faces clear limitations. Ontario poker operators generated C$6.3 million in revenue in May 2025, marking a 19% year-over-year growth, suggesting healthy local activity despite market limitations. However, poker accounts for only 1.8% of the overall C$7.5 billion gamblers wagered in Ontario’s online casino and sportsbook sectors in July 2025, signaling room for growth if liquidity expands.
Can You Play World Poker Tour (WPT) in Canada?
Playing the World Poker Tour (WPT) in Canada is currently possible but with specific limitations and evolving legal considerations. ClubWPT Gold, a sweepstakes-style poker platform affiliated with WPT, has been preparing to launch officially in Canada in 2025, aimed at replacing the void left by Global Poker’s recent exit from the Canadian market. Initially, ClubWPT Gold was open for pre-registration to Canadians (excluding Quebec), but legal advice delayed their full participation in games or tournaments. However, recent developments and statements from the platform hint at a rollout “later this year,” potentially filling the gap for Canadian players who seek legal online poker options. This platform uses a subscription-based, sweepstakes model which is legal under Canadian law and allows players to win cash and prizes without gambling with real money directly. This approach differentiates ClubWPT from traditional online gambling and positions it as a compliant option for Canadian residents intending to play WPT-style poker online.
Will Ontario Poker Players Rejoin the Global Market in 2025?
Will Ontario Poker Players Rejoin the Global Market? Ontario’s online poker market is at a pivotal crossroads as of 2025, with significant discussions around whether its players will rejoin the global poker scene. Since Ontario launched a regulated, ring-fenced online poker market in April 2022, players have only been allowed to compete against others physically located within the province. This closed liquidity approach has created a mixed landscape where the market enjoys some benefits but also faces clear limitations. Ontario poker operators generated C$6.3 million in revenue in May 2025, marking a 19% year-over-year growth, suggesting healthy local activity despite market limitations. However, poker accounts for only 1.8% of the overall C$7.5 billion gamblers wagered in Ontario’s online casino and sportsbook sectors in July 2025, signaling room for growth if liquidity expands.
How Much Does It Cost to Play in the World Poker Tour (WPT) 2025?
Playing in the World Poker Tour (WPT) in 2025 involves varying costs depending on the specific tournament and level of competition. The flagship event for the WPT is the highly prestigious WPT World Championship held at Wynn Las Vegas, which features a buy-in of $10,400. This event typically runs from mid-December for about a week and attracts thousands of players globally. To enter, players pay this buy-in which covers their seat in the tournament. For instance, in the previous year, the tournament had 2,392 entries with a total prize pool of over $23 million, and the winner, Scott Stewart, took home over $2.5 million. Besides the main event, the WPT World Championship festival features 78 tournaments spread across three weeks, with buy-ins ranging from a minimum of $600 for lower-tier events to as high as $25,800 for high roller tournaments. These tournaments include various formats like No Limit Hold’em, PLO Mystery Bounty, Mixed Games, and Seniors events, providing options for all kinds of players from amateurs to professionals.
Is WPT Global Poker Available in Ontario?
WPT Global poker is available across much of Canada, but due to Ontario’s provincial legislation, players from Ontario are blocked from accessing the platform. Ontario has a regulated online poker market that requires operators to obtain a local license and comply with strict rules, such as ring-fencing player pools so that Ontario residents compete only against other Ontario-located players. Since WPT Global operates under an international license from Curaçao and does not have an Ontario-specific license, Ontario players cannot legally use WPT Global to play poker. Instead, Ontario residents must use provincially licensed platforms like GGPoker Ontario or 888poker Ontario to participate in online poker, including the WPT World Championship events.
Poker Global Ontario - The best online poker site in Ontario, Toronto, Canada. Poker offers online poker and casino games in Montreal also.
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