Online poker in Canada is caught in a tug-of-war between regulation and player demand. Ontario is the only province with a fully regulated online gaming market, but its current setup has raised more questions than answers. According to CBC News, the province collected an estimated $790 million in revenue from online gambling in the last fiscal year, taking 20% of regulated sites’ revenues. Yet poker, a game beloved by millions, has struggled to keep pace with the popularity of online casinos and sports betting. The numbers highlight the problem. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, Ontarians wagered $51.7 billion on regulated casino platforms and $9.7 billion on sports betting. Peer-to-peer poker, however, accounted for just $1.6 billion, or roughly 2% to 3% of the market. A major reason for this disparity lies in the restricted player pool. Ontario’s framework currently requires that its residents play among themselves, cutting them off from international networks that create bigger games, larger prize pools, and more competitive dynamics.
This disconnect has left many poker enthusiasts dissatisfied. Before Ontario launched its regulated market, players often logged onto offshore platforms, where they could compete against opponents worldwide. With provincial restrictions now in place, many Ontarians find themselves unable to access the level of games they once enjoyed. Legal experts and industry figures note that unless Ontario adapts, players will continue seeking alternatives outside the regulated system. The province has even taken its online gaming model to court, asking whether international player pools could be legally incorporated into its framework. At the same time, offshore sites continue to thrive, offering exactly what local players crave: international liquidity, higher stakes, and a broader selection of tournaments. For Canadian poker fans outside of Ontario, the situation is simpler’ most provinces still allow residents to play on international platforms without restrictions. This has created fertile ground for established global operators like Americas Cardroom to gain traction and meet the growing demand.
Americas Cardroom’s Expansion into the Canadian Market
Americas Cardroom has positioned itself as one of the biggest beneficiaries of this environment. For Canadian players frustrated by the limitations of Ontario’s provincial framework or those in other provinces seeking trusted platforms, Americas Cardroom delivers an international experience without borders. The site has built its reputation on accessibility, fairness, and massive prize guarantees, making it a natural destination for players who want more than the restricted local options.
The platform’s Canadian outreach has been reinforced by leveraging local figures who resonate with the country’s poker audience. Chief among them is Jon Pardy, a professional poker player who first rose to fame as the winner of season two of Big Brother Canada. Pardy, who has since joined Americas Cardroom as one of its Pros, brings a mix of mainstream visibility and poker credibility. His involvement adds an authentic Canadian presence to the platform, reassuring players that Americas Cardroom isn’t just catering to global markets but is also invested in building a Canadian poker community. In interviews like his chat with BetOnDrew and Michael Loncar, Pardy has spoken about poker’s entertainment value and his work with the site, further strengthening his role as a bridge between Canadian players and the international poker scene.
On a practical level, Americas Cardroom offers Canadians the ability to join round-the-clock tournaments, enjoy diverse poker variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and compete for millions in guaranteed prize pools. For casual players, another advantage is that poker winnings are generally not taxed in Canada, provided poker is not treated as a full-time business. This tax-friendly environment, combined with Americas Cardroom’s established infrastructure, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking both fun and financial reward.
Crypto Integration and the Global Edge
One of Americas Cardroom’s most strategic moves has been its embrace of cryptocurrency, a feature particularly relevant to Canadian players. While traditional payment methods remain available, the platform allows deposits and withdrawals in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other popular digital currencies. This flexibility not only appeals to tech-savvy poker enthusiasts but also simplifies cross-border transactions that can otherwise be slow or costly through banks.
For Canadians, the integration of crypto is further supported by local infrastructure. Companies like Bitcoin4U have been operating cryptocurrency ATMs in Canada since 2015, with over 170 machines across 15 countries, including a significant presence in Canadian cities. These ATMs make it possible for players to buy or sell Bitcoin with cash, bridging the gap between online platforms and real-world access to funds. As a result, Canadians can move seamlessly between poker winnings and local currency, all while enjoying the privacy and speed that crypto offers.
This digital-first approach also positions Americas Cardroom ahead of many provincial operators, who remain tied to more traditional banking methods. By aligning itself with the global shift toward cryptocurrency, Americas Cardroom not only appeals to Canadian players today but also ensures its relevance as the industry continues to evolve.
Conclusion
The future of online poker in Canada is still unfolding, with Ontario wrestling over regulatory models and the rest of the country watching closely. In the meantime, Americas Cardroom has stepped into the gap, offering Canadian players the international liquidity, entertainment value, and financial flexibility they crave. By enlisting Canadian personalities like Jon Pardy and doubling down on crypto integration, the platform has tailored its global powerhouse model to meet local needs. For Canadians eager to reclaim the thrill of playing against the world, Americas Cardroom has become a leading destination—and a reminder that the poker boom isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
