How To Play Poker Online For Money In Canada
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RBC or TD Visa Card Blocked / Declined For Poker Deposits? This Article Shows You The Different Options Available For Canadians Looking To Make Poker Deposits – And Lists The Easiest Sites To Deposit At.
RBC and TD Bank (among other banks) have recently been declining a lot of poker (well, all gambling) deposits, citing 'security concerns'. The good news is that there are plenty of straight-forward ways for you to safely deposit at online poker sites – many of them provide you extra speed and security compared to using your Visa card.
Cards are still the top choice of most players, so I’ll cover those first. Next, while some of the popular ‘eWallet’ services available to Canadians have pulled out - there are still some options here with InstaDebit being the biggest of those still available. Interac is reliable and quick, and does work from all of the banks - as does iDebit. Money transfer options are another reliable option, which uses the big global wiring services like Western Union or MoneyGram. A new addition to the list (for Bodog and the offshore US friendly sites which welcome Canadians) is Bitcoin, which has become very easy to use.
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Canada Poker Deposit Methods – Credit / Bank Cards + Notes On TD Visa Declines
Both Visa and MasterCard are accepted at all poker sites nowadays. Most players can still deposit using their with no problems – and this is the fastest way to get money onto poker sites.
Unfortunately, 'security concerns' mean that TD and RBS Visa cards and some other banks too are sometimes declined. As usual it is a payment processing game of cat-and-mouse (or maybe Poker?) between the banks and the sites. There is no legally binding reason for these declines – just bank policy to make extra sure that they are not breaking the UIGEA laws from the US.
If you insist on cards, then getting one from another bank will do the trick. You can also buy prepaid Visa cards, I advise you to check with your poker site which are working before you buy.
My main recommendation is simply to use your card to fund one of the electronic wallets – and then deposit on the poker sites from there, or use Interac, which takes money from exactly the same bank account without the risk of a block!
Canadian Poker Site Deposit Methods – eWallets, The Perfect Work-Around
An eWallet is simply an intermediary payment service which sits between your bank and merchants on the web. PayPal is the best known - though unfortunately no longer supports Canadian players for gambling deposits. Alternatives include Click2Pay, InstaDebit and EntroPay (which is a virtual Visa card) all of which are working well at the time of writing. One of the biggest brands, Moneybookers (Skrill) have recently pulled out of the CA area for gambling transactions - following Neteller, which pulled out some time ago.
Many players use these to keep a portion of their poker bankroll flexible. When a bonus offer comes in from a leading site, you can take advantage right away, then withdraw your profits back into the wallet once done. These services mean that no gambling transactions appear on your bank statements, and can be used for general purchases too... eWallets can also keep your poker bankroll safely out of the hands of your wife (or husband!!).
Here are my recommendations:
#1 Click2Pay: This is a popular service and it comes with a debit card that allows you to use the cash from your account. It works with all the major sites including PokerStars, and some iPoker Network sites.
#2 InstaDebit This is the one of the best known eWallets, the charges are higher than at some others (for withdrawals rather than deposits), though you do get the flexibility to use this at millions of online merchants. This one works great with the awesome 888Poker.
Canadian Poker Site Deposits - Interac Poker Deposits
There is something uniquely Canadian about Interac. This payment method is not only safe and secure (you have to log on and send funds via e-mail from your bank account, rather than give anyone card or banking info), it is run by a non-profit.
The best thing about Interac is that it is 100% reliable. All of the major banks support this and so do the major sites. The only (small) downside is that this is a slightly convoluted process - you need to start the deposit at the poker site, then go to your bank to initiate, then go back to the poker site. Considering how reliable Interac is, this is a small price to pay. You can find out more in this detailed article on Interac Poker Deposits.
Canadian Poker Deposit Options – Bank Transfers
This is not just for the high-rollers, in fact there are some bank transfer options available to Canadian players which are perfect for smaller stakes players. If you want to make bigger ($5k+) transfers, then I recommend you speak with the support staff at your poker site first. You never know, they might be able to offer you a special deal or bonus!
Here are the types of bank transfer deposit method currently available to Canadian players:
#1 – Interac: I covered this above, this is super-reliable, and all of the main sites will support it (you might need to speak to them first, as not all sites call it Interac (can be listed as local bank transfer or even iDebit)
#2 – InstaDebit: This one works like a cross between an eWallet and an eCheck. The key advantages are an instant transfer between your bank and the poker site, plus added security as no personal data needs to be transferred with the payment. This one is recommended for use at PokerStars / Full Tilt.
#3 – Western Union / MoneyGram: I look at these as standby methods, since you need to physically take the cash to a branch office (though WU now have SpeedPay to avoid this step too). Neither company support gambling deposits, meaning you'll be wiring to an individual who will collect on behalf of the poker room. This is reliable and trusted - a popular method south of the border.
You should ask about direct wires even for small amounts, this will depend on your bank more than anything else - though the support staff at all of the top 5 sites will know the latest (they would not be top 5 sites without your deposits after all!).
Canadian Poker Deposit Options - Bitcoin
Technology has moved on and Bitcoin is not a mainstream deposit option. Setting up a wallet at one of the online services like blockchain.info is no harder than setting up a PayPal account. These work by using strings of letters and numbers as the Id or the receiver. You'll go to a poker site, generate a receiver Id, and then go to your Bitcoin wallet to send it. More and more poker rooms are embracing BTC - and this has the added advantage of being completely out of sight for any authorities / tax people!.
The sites which welcome Bitcoin are mostly the offshore US friendly operators (think ACR Poker and BetOnline). NetBet on the iPoker Network do accept these now.
Bitcoin deposits are becoming more popular, you can find out more in my detailed Guide to Bitcoin Poker Deposits.
Canadian Poker Deposit Options – Mark’s Conclusion + The Best Sites For Easy Deposits And Speedy Cash-outs
My conclusion is clear, when the banks start to decline transactions - poker fans will always find a way to get money on board. Intrac, InstaDebit and prepaid cards are the easiest options - though not the only ones.
When it comes to speed and simplicity (as well as big-brand trust) I have one strong recommendation:
Fastest And Smoothest CA Deposits - 888 Poker:
Not only will 888 Poker handle deposits and withdraws smoothly - they are so confident you'll like their poker room that all new players get up to $88 free (no deposit or credit card info needed) to try out the games.
If you like what you find, the 100% welcome matched bonus can be claimed at any point down the line. Soft games, BLAST! and SNAP! poker variations, tons of guaranteed tournaments and fishy (soft) games all combine to make 888 my go-to site and an easy top rec for Canadian readers.
Check out 888Poker.com now to see those fishy games and grab your $88 new player bonus!
More Articles Covering Poker Site Deposits
- US Poker Deposits Guide (Still not easy, but there are now some reliable methods getting established)
- PayPal Poker Sites Guide(not for Canadian's I'm afraid)
- Main Poker Site Deposits Page With Links To Articles On Individual Sites + Other Methods
- Best Interac Poker Sites 2021
- MasterCard Poker Sites
ByChoosing to play poker online for money is simple – once you know what to look out for. This page covers everything you need to know on playing poker online in the US. We break down how to find a safe and easy to beat poker room, and rank the best casino sites to play online poker real money in the United States. This includes poker sites like Bovada Poker, Ignition Poker & America’s Cardroom.
Before you jump into a US real money poker game, though, here are the key factors to consider:
- Site Safety: Choose licensed, trusted and tested rooms
- Game Selection: What choice of games are available, and at what buy-ins?
- Bonuses / Rewards: How well will your play be rewarded?
- USA Friendly Poker Site: This depends on which state you are playing from.
These days, the biggest and best US poker rooms are based offshore. They are licensed by their host country, and welcome players from all over the world – including the USA.
You can also find smaller in-state poker rooms. Four individual US states currently provide regulated online poker rooms, namely Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Games are shared between players from the first three states mentioned, with the US poker market expected to grow as more states start to offer regulated online poker for real money in the future. Likely contenders include such states as West Virginia, Maryland, Missouri and New York.
Best Online Poker Sites for Real Money in 2021
Deposit Limits: $10 - $5,000
Accepts: Visa, Bitcoin, Mastercard, Bank Wire
Ignition is a popular option for players in the United States. They offer most popular cash game variants and more than $1.5 million in weekly online poker tournament guarantees. Ignition also offers Zone Poker, similar to Zoom Poker where you’re moved to a new table and dealt a new hand every time you fold.
Ignition Poker also offer a wide variety of poker promotions.
Join Ignition Poker here and get up to $2000 free!
Deposit Limits: $10 – $5,000
Accepts: Bitcoin, Visa, Bank Wire
Licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Bovada is one of the oldest online poker sites servicing America. Bovada offers anonymous tables and a mobile-optimized design allowing play on all mobile platforms. The design makes it feel like you’re playing in Las Vegas rather than your home computer.
They offer a wide variety of cash games and tournaments with over $1.5 million in weekly guarantees.
Join Bovada Poker here and get a $500 bonus!
How To Play Online Poker In Canada
Deposit Limits: $25 - $25,000
Accepts: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Visa, MasterCard, Money Transfers, Bank Wire
BetOnline is the newest online poker site for American players. This site is part of the BetOnline group which includes a well-known and reputable Sportsbook as well as an online casino. BetOnline launched their poker room in 2012 and has quickly become one of the largest US accepted poker rooms on the market.
When you make your 1st, 2nd and even 10th deposit to the poker room, you will receive 25% upfront in cash.
Join Bet Online Poker and qualify for a $1,000 deposit bonus!
Deposit Limits: $25 – $25,000
Accepts: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Visa, MasterCard, Money Transfers, Bank Wire
Sportsbetting.ag offers a robust online poker option with excellent cash game and tournament action. For cash games, they provide weekly cash leaderboards with $10,000 in prizes weekly. They offer over $45,000 in weekday guarantees, over $130,000 in guarantees on Saturday and over $275,000 in guarantees on Sunday.
If you like fast-fold poker variants like Zoom Poker, you’ll love Boost Poker. Get a new hand every time you fold in this fast-paced game.
Join Sportsbetting.ag – 100% up to $1000 for new US players!
Deposit Limits: $25 - $2,500
Accepts: Bitcoin, credit cards (MasterCard, Amex, Visa), money transfers
Intertops Poker is fully licensed by Curacao and the Netherlands Antilles and offers a wide variety of cash game and online poker tournaments. Their software is available as both a PC downloadable client and a mobile-optimized web version.
This site is perfect for players looking to grow their poker bankrolls at lower stakes.
Join Intertops Poker here and claim a 200% match bonus!
Deposit Limits: $50 - $25,000
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin
America’s Cardroom is one of the most popular online poker rooms for American players with over 1 million hands of poker played daily. They are a popular room because they readily accept American players and offer a wide variety of online payment options including Bitcoin.
America’s Cardroom offers a wide variety of tournaments with substantial daily guarantees. Their Sunday tournaments have guarantees ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.
Join America’s Cardroom here and claim $1,000 in bonus cash!
Deposit Limits: $50 - $10,000
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Wire
Black Chip Poker is a legally licensed online poker real money site for US players. Licensed in Costa Rica, BCP is part of the Winning Poker Network. New players qualify for a 100% deposit bonus up to $1,000 or you can take advantage of the cryptocurrency offering, giving you a 200% match bonus when you make your first deposit with Bitcoin.
The poker room provides a variety of tournaments including the Million Dollar Sunday tournaments.
Join Black Chip Poker here and claim a 100% match bonus!
You can play poker online for real money in the United States as long as you’re outside of banned online gambling states like Washington. If you’re looking for where to play online poker from the USA, or which casino sites accept US players, check out the poker websites above. Each casino site provides players with a special bonus and have the ability to process poker deposits.
8 Things to Look For Before Playing with Real Cash
The list below covers the main factors to consider when choosing an online gambling or online poker real money USA site. It is important to choose a site which works for your experience level and skills. If you are a recreational player, who enjoys the occasional casino game and casual poker game, then your requirements are different from those of a multi-tabling pro grinder.
1) Comparing The Features of Different Online Poker Sites
A great online poker site has a good selection of poker games featuring a wide variety of buy-ins and game combination. The Winning Poker Network, 888poker and partypoker, for instance, regularly runs large poker tournaments, while online poker players can easily find high limit poker cash games at site such as Bovada and Ignition. If you plan on enjoying poker from your iPhone or Android Smartphone, the fast-fold game ‘Zone Poker’ from Bovada is also good choice.
2) What to Look for in Poker Site Reviews?
When visiting an online gambling news or poker news sites, focus on those real money poker reviews based upon first-hand experience. This will show in comments about navigating through the menus, the softness (or otherwise) of the games – and other small features. When reading poker reviews, it’s also best to get more than one opinion for a more well-rounded view.
3) How to Compare Poker Bonus Offers?
Welcome bonuses are good for boosting your initial bankroll. However, different poker site have different bonus ratings, with these bonuses then varying in their size, as well as terms of satisfaction. Furthermore, your welcome bonus will typically expire after 30 to 60 days, so make sure your site offers subsequently offers ongoing rakeback, loyalty schemes and regular promos.
4) What Games and Variations are Available?
The three basic poker formats are cash games, poker tournaments and Sit n Goes. While No-Limit Holdem is the most popular variant offered at US online poker rooms, other poker formats available include Pot-Limit Omaha, Razz, Stud and Draw. Needless to say, choosing the biggest sites also means more games and a wider variety of stakes to enjoy.
5) Licensing at Legal Online Poker Sites for Real Money
Check the poker room has an online gambling license before depositing at any online poker real money USA site. After all, licensed legal online poker sites are required to adhere to the strictest legislation and operating standards. Reputable international sites are licensed by the governments of their host countries, with popular jurisdictions including Curacao, Panama, The Isle of Man, Malta and Kahnawake in Canada.
6) Banking at Poker Sites for US Players: Depositing and Withdrawing
Getting your money deposited on a online poker real money USA site is straightforward, with the most common poker deposit methods as follows:
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted, though transactions can be blocked by banks, quick and easy when they do work.
- Prepaid Credit Cards: Check with your site for the best working brands, then buy from convenience stores.
- Bitcoin / Other Cryptocurrencies: One-off setup needed, though once you have a cryptocurrency ‘wallet’ these coins will solve your deposit and withdrawal problems completely.
- Money Transfer: Send cash from your local Western Union or MoneyGram office.
Deposit methods are fairly similar across the various online gaming sites, including credit cards, money transfers, bitcoin, as well as other cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, withdrawing with cryptocurrency is easy, with other ways to withdraw your cash including as a paper check or bank wire. Make sure you check for minimum withdrawal amounts, and any fees, though. Withdrawal options and administration charges may differ, too, so look for sites with a low minimum, and at least one free withdrawal per month, such as Betonline.
7) Poker Site Complaints: Red Flags to Look Out For
There are always bad players who claim that every site has a ‘rigged deal’ simply because they do not understand the game well and are not be able to win money playing poker. Far more important are any complaints concerning delays in payments, which are a red flag for any poker site. Also, customer feedback concerning the softness of poker games is important, with numerous comments suggesting a site is full of pro ‘grinders’ probably worth avoiding.
8) The Small Print: Read the Poker Rooms Terms / Privacy Policy
Check the terms and conditions of a poker site before you play with real money, and look out for online gaming caps on withdrawal amounts, high minimum withdrawals and time restricted bonuses. Reputable poker rooms have a ‘Responsible Gaming’ policy and self-exclusion options, as well as a number of contact methods, such as phone number, e-mail and physical address.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find detailed answers to some common questions below. These cover a wide range of topics, from which is the best room through to how to play using Bitcoin!
What’s the Status of Online Poker in the US in 2021?
The first hand of online poker was dealt in 1998 and now there are millions dealt every single day. The industry has exploded and changed considerably during the past 23 years. That growth has been pretty volatile, especially in the United States where online poker has faced its challenges. It exploded during the early years only to have setbacks by the UIGEA and Black Friday. The latter was the biggest hit to date, but the good news is that things have been only getting better since then. More and more states are legalizing online poker and now that several have shown its success and ability to bring in revenue.
Is Playing Real Money Poker Legal from My State?
Offshore poker sites are not under US jurisdiction. They do, however, maintain their right to accept players from anywhere in the world, including the United States. There may be no US federal laws stopping individual players from enjoying casino games and real money poker online, but state laws do vary, though. Some States, for instance, already have legalized regulated online poker rooms, including New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware and Pennsylvania. On the other hand, some states have clearly banned real money online poker games, thus making poker illegal, including Utah and Washington State. While federal law prevents banks and gambling sites transacting within the USA, legislation does not cover individual players.
Are There Any USA Friendly Poker Sites That Accept Bitcoin?
Yes, all the main offshore online poker sites accept Bitcoin as a payment option. There are some sites which accept other cryptocurrencies, too, including Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin and Ethereum.
Where can I Play Poker Online for Real Money?
A perfect site would include soft games, a huge choice of tables, big guaranteed tournament prizes, plenty of promotions and bonuses – and smooth, fast software that can be accessed from many different devices. Several sites come close, with the biggest and best USA real cash poker rooms found here.
How To Play Poker Online For Money In Canada Now
How do Poker Sites Structure Themselves to be Legal in the USA?
The ‘Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act’ of 2006 prohibits financial transactions to online gambling sites in the USA. Sites offering real money poker games to American players stay legal by being located outside of the US. The sites we subsequently recommend are fully legal in their host countries and maintain the right to welcome players from anywhere in the world, citing global free trade laws. Meanwhile, federal can enforce the UIGEA on the US banks and financial networks, but UIGEA does not cover players.
Is Playing Online Poker Profitable?
One of the best things about online poker is that skilled players are able to learn poker strategies and win money. While you won’t be profitable right away, if you are better than your opponents, then over time your bankroll will grow. You’ll need to study, though, and once you have identified your own leaks and developed winning poker strategies, making a living playing online poker becomes possible. You can even transfer your skills and poker strategies to the live arena and play at land-based casinos such as the Rio in Las Vegas, which hosts the iconic WSOP tournament series every year.
What Can I Do if a Poker Site is Delaying Payments?
That depends on the licensing arrangement of the site you are playing at. If you chose an unlicensed site, then your chances of getting money back if they close or go rogue are small. As far as legal online poker at international licensed sites is concerned, complaining to their official licensing body will provide you a much better chance of being paid. After all, the loss of a license is something many United States poker sites take seriously.
Is Online Poker Safe?
We’re sure you’ve heard a few scary stories about online poker, but if you follow all the elements we mentioned above, then you have nothing to worry about. Like in any business, there are good and bad actors out there and we’re doing our absolute best to show you only the best. All the sites we review and promote on our site have been proven safe over the years. If you make sure to follow all the guidelines we’ve established, you’ll be safe during all your online poker adventures.
I Don’t Know How to Play Poker, Any Advice?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Poker is like chess, it only takes a few minutes to learn the rules, but it takes a lifetime to master. Lucky for you, there are plenty of great and free resources all over the internet to help you improve your game. The basic rules are everywhere, including one by Bicycle cards. After you get the basics down, a good place to start deepening your game is on Two Plus Two, has threads detailing and discussing every kind of poker strategy out there.