The online poker industry is entering a period of unprecedented growth, with market size projected to leap from USD 7.98 billion in 2024 to USD 37.19 billion by 2030, representing a staggering CAGR of 29.24%.
This expansion is being fueled by the rise of smartphones, widespread internet access, advanced AI-powered gaming features, and increasingly progressive online poker regulations.
Canada, particularly Ontario, has embraced this shift by legalizing online poker under a regulated framework, while most other provinces allow access to offshore platforms without restrictions, leading Canada to contribute to some of the highest average revenue per user (ARPUs) in the world, alongside the US.
The country’s open approach gives Canadian players unprecedented freedom, with platforms like Americas Cardroom attracting casual enthusiasts and seasoned pros. Beyond traditional payment systems, blockchain integration is beginning to reshape the way poker is played and funded.
By enabling cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, online poker operators are enhancing transaction security, improving transparency, and introducing provably fair gaming through decentralized platforms. In this new environment, cryptocurrencies are more than just an alternative payment method; they are becoming a defining feature of the online poker ecosystem.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and other digital assets allow Canadian players to bypass certain banking delays and preserve privacy while competing on a global stage. With the nation’s regulatory stance leaning toward clarity and openness, Canada is emerging as a fertile ground for the next era of crypto-powered poker.
Crypto poker brands are tapping into Canada’s players and events
Americas Cardroom is one of the most visible operators promoting crypto poker into the Canadian market. The platform not only accepts popular cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and DOGE but also offers player-to-player transfers for added flexibility.
Its appeal lies in giving players control over their funds, privacy, and speed of transactions, while also offering access to massive global tournaments. For Canadian players, the legal environment is straightforward.
Playing on international platforms is permitted across most provinces, and poker winnings are generally not taxed unless earned as a consistent source of income, in which case professional players may be required to report them.
The tax-free status for casual players has helped make crypto-powered poker even more appealing, as gains can be withdrawn directly into digital wallets without the delays often associated with fiat banking systems.
The brand’s push into Canada is also being powered by personality and prestige. Americas Cardroom Pro Jon Pardy, a Newfoundland native and former reality TV winner, represents the blend of local talent and international exposure that fuels poker’s popularity in Canada, especially during special tournaments like their flagship Dual Venom events.
The momentum has also been boosted by fellow Americas Cardroom Pro Chris Moneymaker, whose iconic name in poker history brought the Moneymaker Tour to Canada for the first time in February 2025. With over CAD 1.4 million in guaranteed prizes, the event demonstrated the country’s appetite for high-stakes, globally recognized tournaments.
The strategy of pairing top-tier events with respected professionals has helped position Canada not only as a player base but also as a destination for crypto-driven poker entertainment. The combination of local representation, international competition, and seamless cryptocurrency integration makes Canada a unique and fast-growing market in the global poker scene.
Canada’s crypto-friendly stance could accelerate the industry
Canada’s rise as a crypto-friendly nation is no accident. It was one of the first countries to implement anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrencies back in 2014, long before most of the world addressed digital asset regulation.
Over the past decade, Canadian regulators have updated and refined these guidelines, creating an environment of legal clarity that stands in stark contrast to the often gridlocked U.S. approach.This proactive stance has made Canada a launchpad for blockchain innovation, attracting major players in the financial and tech sectors.
Toronto has become a hub for digital asset startups, exchanges, and fintech projects. Robinhood’s recent acquisition of Canadian crypto firm WonderFi (owner of Bitbuy and Coinsquare) underscores the size of the opportunity, with forecasts projecting more than 30 million Canadians using crypto in 2025 and revenue exceeding $900 million. Such adoption trends matter greatly to the poker industry.
The more Canadians own and transact in cryptocurrency, the more natural it becomes to use those assets in online poker play. Digital wallets, blockchain verification, and near-instant transactions all fit seamlessly with poker players’ needs, who often prioritize speed, security, and privacy. Of course, crypto poker in Canada isn’t immune to global market dynamics.
Large holders (or crypto whales) own the vast majority of Bitcoin in circulation, and their trading behavior can influence market prices. While this can impact the value of players’ holdings, it also reinforces the importance of financial strategies like diversification, stop-loss protections, and long-term holding: concepts that sophisticated poker players are already accustomed to applying in bankroll management.
In the long term, Canada’s regulatory clarity, high rate of crypto adoption, and established poker culture create a near-perfect environment for the growth of crypto poker.
As blockchain technology continues to evolve and operators like Americas Cardroom invest in the Canadian market, the lines between poker, cryptocurrency, and global entertainment are set to blur even further. Players and industry stakeholders who embrace this convergence now may well be the biggest winners in the years ahead.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Ruby Nash. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on August 17, 2025.
Cover image provided by pexels.com.