From Poker Halls to Online Poker: Exploring Canada's Urban Gaming Scene
Poker has a long history in Canada. It started with indigenous people playing simple games of chance. And with European influence, it grew larger and more diverse. They brought in cards and a whole set of new rules. This is how poker came to be
Soon after that, this extremely engaging card game became everyone's favorite pastime. Interestingly, gambling in Canada has been sanctioned for years. Despite Canada's history being tied to poker for so long, it had its first legal casino in 1994
This blog dives into the evolution of poker halls in Canada, from their historical beginnings to the rise of online platforms. We'll explore how technological advancements, culture, and innovation continue to shape the country’s poker scene today.
History of Poker in Canada
Gambling is so interwoven into our pop culture that viewing it as a separate entity is difficult. Gambling in Canada dates back to the early 1800s when Montreal was a fur trading center.
However, gambling has a negative social connotation. So it faced a blanket prohibition when the Canadian Criminal Code was first introduced. This meant “no gambling” in any and every possible sense, including poker. This marked a period during which poker and other games of chance were banned throughout the country.
However, attitudes toward gambling began to shift in the mid-20th century. In 1969, new laws gave provinces the freedom to regulate gambling.
Today, poker halls remain an integral part of Canada’s gaming culture. Cities like Montreal and Vancouver host world-class poker venues. These venues hold major events like the World Poker Tour, and local tournaments draw players from around the globe.
Why is Poker so Popular in Canada?
Ever since Canada's provinces got the freedom of regulating the law, poker became an accepted form of entertainment nationwide.
The advent of online poker in Canada came in 1998. That year, a Canadian guy named Randy Blumer launched Planet Poker, the world’s first real-money poker site. It made poker so much easier to access, and when online poker exploded in the 2000s, even more Canadians got into it.
Canada's poker champions, such as Daniel Negreanu and Jonathan Duhamel, have also inspired many. Canada's strong poker infrastructure further supports its popularity. Cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are home to world-class poker rooms. The cold winters also make indoor activities like poker especially appealing. All these factors combined make poker a beloved pastime in Canada.
Iconic Poker Halls Across Canada
Playing live poker is pretty sweet. Let's learn about some of the hottest places around Canada to play poker:
Playground Poker Club
Playground Poker is one of the most popular poker rooms in North America. It's located on the outskirts of Montreal, in Kahnawake. You can get a table here for as low as $1/$2 for regular cash games.
Players usually go for No Limit Hold'em or Pot Limit Omaha, but if enough people want to play something like Stud or Limit Hold'em, the club’s usually down to opening a table for it
Address: 1500 Unit C Route 138
Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
River Rock
River Rock was literally a venue for the WSOP circuit circa 2013/14. This casino is a serious site for players looking to hit the jackpot ‘round the clock. Finding a 24/7 open casino is rare in this country, but River Rock brings it to you
Poker at River Rock isn’t just about No Limit Hold'em. You can also dive into Omaha, Omaha 8 or Better, and Seven Card Stud, available in both Limit and No Limit formats
Address: River Rock Casino Resort
8811 River Road
Richmond, BC, V6X 3P8
Casino Montreal
River Rock and Playground attracts a lot of seasoned players. This often results in newbies losing their luck in these parts. But don't worry! If you're ever in Montreal and feel like playing, you can always head over to Casino Montreal.
Address: 1 Avenue du Casino
Montréal, QC H3C 4W7
The Rise of Online Poker
Online poker in Canada has grown a lot recently. The classic card game is now a virtual hit. Online poker rules also vary by region. For example, Ontario launched iGaming Ontario to offer legal online poker with rules. This not only disciplines the players but also funds provincial expenses.
In 1995, Andrew and Mark Rivkin, two Canadian brothers, started a business called CryptoLogic. They chose their parent's basement as the location
The following year, CryptoLogic got its first licensee, InterCasino. This online casino used CryptoLogic’s gaming software and payment services. They later inspired a number of online poker sites.
Each year, online poker earns millions for Canada's gaming economy. Some of this money helps with tax revenues. Which can later fund public services like healthcare and education
Also, you might be wondering about the extinction of brick-and-mortar poker halls. Chill, online poker isn’t replacing traditional poker halls—it’s adding to them. It has its fair share of challenges. Like, concerns about gambling addiction and player safety. To address this, platforms offer tools like spending limits and self-exclusion options.
Economic Impact of Poker in Canada
Casinos, assuming they have goodwill, can play an important role in the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue. In British Columbia (B.C.), the gaming industry supports around 37,000 jobs. This includes both direct roles in casinos and indirect employment in related sectors.
In Canada, legalized gambling makes a lot of money. Most of it comes from lotteries and casinos. In British Columbia alone, casinos brought in about $1 billion for the provincial government in the 2018-19 financial year.
For the 2019-20 fiscal year, gambling brought in $2.5 billion in revenue. And $1.3 billion went to the B.C. government. This money is used to fund public services like healthcare, education, and community programs.
B.C. has 16 casinos, 17 community gaming centers, and two horse-race betting tracks. In comparison, Nevada in the U.S. has 219 commercial casinos and four tribal casinos. Yet, Canadian casinos bring the government more revenue because gambling is regulated differently in Canada. You can also view them as “money machines” for provinces.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Many casinos and businesses nowadays think of CSR as an important part of their business. Casinos with Corporate Social Responsibility work in a way that brings a positive impact on their community.
We can view Casino Nova Scotia as an example. It donates C$2.5 million annually through the Great Canadian PROUD program. This program offers emergency shelter, counseling, and support for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Similarly, Grand Villa Casino donated a total of C$50,000 over three years to support the MHSU at Burnaby Hospital. They have a program that prefers therapeutic approaches for mental health and substance abuse patients. The financial help continues its strong partnership with the Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
Final Words
Poker halls are getting fancier every second. Some of them are now blending traditional card games with eSports lounges and gourmet dining. But enough about urban gaming hubs. Let's move on to online platforms. Expect to see more live dealer games, personalized gaming experiences through AI, and global tournaments.
Explore what speaks to you and join the ever-growing poker community—it’s time to take a seat at the table.