Ontario Poker Hits Near-Record C$6.9M Ahead of Alberta Launch
Ontario’s regulated online poker market generated C$6.9 million (USD $5.1 million) in revenue in March 2026, its second-highest monthly total since the market launched in April 2022, according to figures released by iGaming Ontario.
The result was up 4.5% from March 2025 and brought year-to-date poker revenue to C$18.2 million, 7% higher than the same period last year. The only stronger month on record was March 2024, when operators generated C$7.1 million.
March has consistently been one of Ontario poker’s strongest months. Three of the market’s five best months on record have fallen in March, although the reason remains unclear.
Two possible explanations have been put forward: Canada’s tax refund cycle and online qualifiers tied to live poker events. Traffic data tracked by SharkScope and published on PRO DB suggests the increase was not driven by higher player volume.
Ontario follows the same seasonal pattern seen across European online poker markets. Activity peaks in January before it falls into summer, with the lowest traffic levels recorded between June and October. That may indicate March revenue was supported by higher-stakes cash games and larger tournament buy-ins rather than increased session counts.
GGPoker, which industry estimates place at around 50% of Ontario’s online poker market, pointed to its live-event satellite programme. The operator said Ontario players continue to respond strongly to qualification paths tied to WSOP Circuit events across Canada. WSOP Montreal ran from March 23 to April 7, and Ontario previously recorded strong March activity during qualification periods for WSOP Toronto events.
Alberta Launch Puts Liquidity Question in Focus
On July 13, Alberta is set to open its regulated online gaming market. The launch could reshape Canada’s online poker market if regulators permit shared liquidity between Alberta and Ontario.
BetMGM and FanDuel have both applied for licences in Alberta, according to the source. BetMGM Poker Ontario operates on a shared network with bwin and PartyPoker, while PokerStars is in transition to a PokerStars-FanDuel Ontario hybrid structure.
BetRivers already operates online casino and sports betting in Ontario and is expected to launch similar products in Alberta. The company could also enter online poker in both provinces if cross-provincial liquidity sharing is approved. Regulatory approval for cross-provincial pool sharing has not been confirmed.
💡 TGJ Take
Ontario’s March results show that regulated online poker can still grow in a mature, ring-fenced market when operators maintain strong tournament ecosystems and live-event qualification paths. Alberta is the larger commercial story. If liquidity sharing is approved, operators with existing shared-network infrastructure will have a clear advantage on day one. For poker affiliates active in Canada, the pre-launch period in Alberta is one of the few remaining low-competition acquisition windows in North American online poker.
