Toronto Poker Rooms: Your Burning Questions, Answered!

Hey poker enthusiasts!

We recently published a post on Toronto poker games and we thought we'd continue on the topic.

But with a twist.

To answer the commonly asked questions people have about Toronto poker rooms.

(Whether private poker clubs or official casinos).

Specifically, we'll talk about the rake structure, tourneys, and where to play poker in Toronto in general.

Without further ado, let's get started.

Does Toronto have a poker room?

For a very long while, Toronto didn't have dedicated poker rooms within city limits due to local regulations and municipal bylaws.

Fairly recently, a new poker room was introduced in Woodbine Casino, but unfortunately many poker players aren't happy with its rake and their dealers.

But that doesn't mean there's no where else to play!

There are nearby options in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and across Ontario where poker enthusiasts can play, like:

• Toronto Poker Game
• Casino Niagara
• Great Blue Heron
• Casino Rama
• Canadian National Exhibition Casino 

If you're willing to drive a little outside of Toronto to Quebec province, then you should absolutely check out the Playground Poker club as well.

Are poker rooms legal in Ontario?

Next...

Is poker legal in Toronto?

Yes, it is legal to play poker in Toronto. Most poker rooms are legal in Ontario under provincial regulations.

In Toronto, playing poker is legal in venues such as Casino Niagara, which operate under provincial regulation and licensing. These establishments follow strict rules to ensure fair play and security.

Private clubs operate in a gray area; they can legally host games if they are membership-based and not open to the general public, and if the house does not take a rake. However, the legality can be complex and sometimes contested, so these clubs and their owners often operate with a level of discretion.

Home games are generally legal as long as they are played among friends and no rake is taken. Public or unlicensed games, particularly those involving a rake or organized by a business, can be considered illegal gambling and subject to legal action.

Generally speaking:

Ontario allows for the operation of poker rooms within licensed casinos and charitable gaming establishments. These venues must adhere to provincial laws and regulations regarding gambling activities.

Which casino in Ontario has poker?

In this particular case, we are talking specifically about casinos with a poker room.

Here's the list of Ontario casinos that have live poker:

• Casino Rama
• Casino Niagara
• Caesars Windsor
• Pickering Casino Resort
• Elements Casino Brantford
• Great Blue Heron Charity Resort
• Canadian National Exhibition Casino
• Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto

Out of all these casinos, we recommend checking out the Casino Niagara poker room (which has introduced the tourneys again in January 2024).

Is there a poker room in Woodbine Casino?

Yes, Woodbine Casino in Toronto has a poker room.

As part of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Woodbine Casino has recently introduced a new poker room.

While it was a highly anticipated poker room in Toronto, a lot of the players we know were disappointed. It has a high rake, lacks dealers, as well as them not knowing how to deal properly which tilts a lot of folks.

However, we still think that you should check it out for yourself and see if you like it. You never know!

Does Fallsview have poker?

Not exactly. The Fallsview Casino no longer has poker, BUT it is now in Casino Niagara.

Don’t confuse Casino Niagara with Fallsview Casino.

These are two different casinos (albeit located very close together), and while the poker games used to be at the Fallsview Casino a few years ago, they moved the poker room to Casino Niagara.

There, you can play NLH and Omaha poker there, as well as tournaments that were brought back in January 2024.

Plus, it is is the only place in Ontario that charges a session fee and one of best places to play at.

What is the rake structure in Toronto poker rooms?

Ah, the rake.

Understanding the rake structure is crucial for players as it directly affects the profitability of playing over time.

In Toronto poker rooms, the rake structure varies by venue and game type. It typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the pot, with caps depending on the stakes.

Casino Niagara is the exception, where it has a session fee every 30 mins (dealer change). 

For tournaments, the rake is included in the buy-in and usually constitutes around 10% to 20% of the total entry fee.

Private clubs may have different structures, often setting lower caps to attract regular players. Most of the poker clubs have a max 10% percentage of the pot.

What are the typical buy-ins and stakes?

This is really casino/club-dependent.

Typical buy-ins range from $100 to $500 for cash games and from $50 to $1,000+ for tournaments.

In Toronto, cash game buy-ins for No-Limit Texas Hold'em typically start at $100 for lower-stakes tables (e.g., $1/$2 blinds) and can go up to $500 or more for mid-stakes games ($2/$5, $5/$10). High-stakes games with buy-ins in the thousands are available at specific venues and private clubs.

Tournament buy-ins vary widely, from small daily events costing $50 to $100 to larger weekly or monthly tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $200 to $1,000 or more. Special events, such as series hosted at Casino Niagara or Great Blue Heron Casino, may feature even higher buy-ins with substantial prize pools.

What are the best poker rooms in Toronto?

Next...

Where to play poker in Toronto?

The top poker rooms in Toronto are:

• Casino Niagara
• Great Blue Heron
• Toronto Poker Game Club

Casino Niagara is one of the premier venues for poker in Toronto, offering a wide range of cash games and tournaments. It is known for its professional dealers, comfortable environment, and excellent service. The casino has undergone significant renovations and expansions in recent years, enhancing its poker facilities.

Great Blue Heron Casino is located just outside Toronto in Port Perry. It is a popular destination for Toronto players due to its high-quality poker events and variety of games and stakes, making it a hotspot for both recreational and professional players.

Toronto Poker Game is one of the oldest private poker clubs with professional dealers, friendly staff, freerolls, high hands, and bad beat jackpot. It gets better, now they offer special rakeback/kickbacks for qualifying players!

What amenities are available at poker rooms?

Amenities include food and drink services, parking, comfortable seating, and sometimes entertainment options.

Casino Niagara offers a range of amenities to enhance the poker experience. These include multiple dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, and bars that serve a variety of beverages. The casino provides ample parking, both free and paid, and valet services.

Inside the poker room, players can expect comfortable seating, well-maintained tables, and professional dealers. The casino often has other entertainment options such as live shows, gaming machines, and table games.

Private clubs may offer a more intimate setting with similar amenities. These might include complimentary drinks and snacks, lounge areas, and personalized service. Some clubs also provide additional perks like private parking and exclusive member events.

(Note: In Toronto Poker Game club, food and drinks are free.)

Are there any poker tournaments in Toronto?

Yes, there are regular daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments, as well as special series and events.

Toronto offers a robust schedule of poker tournaments. 

For example, Casino Niagara hosts weekly tournaments with various buy-ins, attracting both recreational players and serious competitors. These events range from low-stakes tournaments to higher buy-in events with significant prize pools.

Private clubs also organize tournaments, often with unique structures and prizes to cater to their members. These tournaments can range from friendly low-stakes games to high-stakes competitions.

(If you're willing to drive to Quebec, then you should check out Playground Poker club that has a lot more tournaments and cash games.)

Well, there ya go!

Some of your frequently asked questions about Toronto poker rooms, answered!

Hope you enjoyed this article and happy grinding!