Quebec

Quebec has some of the best live poker games in Canada and a government-regulated online poker site (Espacejeux.com).

✔️ Casino de Montréal – The largest poker room in the province, with high-stakes cash games and major tournaments.

✔️ Playground Poker Club (Kahnawake) – One of the most famous poker rooms in Canada, home to huge tournament series.

✔️ Salon de Jeux de Quebec – A smaller poker room with a loyal local player base.

✅ Espacejeux.com – The province’s official online poker site, run by Loto-Québec.

✅ Many players still use offshore sites, including GGPoker, CoinPoker, and Stake Poker.

Since December 2010, Loto-Québec has maintained exclusive control over the online poker space in the province. Before this monopoly, Quebec residents had access to thousands of gambling sites, including those offering French-language services.

A commission created in 2014 compiled a list of brands providing illegal services to Quebec residents, but the situation has seen little improvement over the past decade. Despite Espace Jeux's monopoly, many players prefer offshore operators due to their superior promotions and rewards.

In response to widespread dissatisfaction, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) was formed to advocate for a regulated market similar to Ontario's. 

Supporters argue that regulation would lead to higher tax revenues and better player protection. Major sports organizations, including the NBA, MLS, and CFL, have voiced their support for the QOGC's efforts. However, despite meetings with provincial officials in 2023, there have been no significant changes.

Espace Jeux players are part of the Canadian Poker Network (CPN), a system launched in February 2011. The network includes players from Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia, with Saskatchewan expected to join when PlayNow establishes its presence in the province.

In other regions, CPN operates under the PlayNow brand, managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, while Quebec's operations are overseen by Espace Jeux. 

In 2024, the network hosted a raffle for 150 WSOP tickets, with WSOP Millionaire Maker tournaments being the most popular events.

Espace Jeux (OKPoker) is the sole legal poker platform with exclusive operating rights in Quebec. While offshore international poker sites are technically illegal, the provincial regulator does not actively block access to them.

This situation presents a potential challenge for Quebec residents, as offshore platforms do not guarantee player protection in cases of disputes or violations. 

In contrast, Ontario permits global poker brands to operate legally by establishing offices within the province.

✔️ Live poker is legal at licensed casinos.

✔️ Online poker is legal on Espacejeux.com, but offshore sites still operate.

✔️ Kahnawake Poker Rooms operate independently, offering unregulated games.

🎟️ WSOP Circuit Montreal (Playground Poker Club) – A massive annual event with huge prize pools.

🎟️ Playground Power Weekend – A great mid-stakes poker series for locals and visiting pros.

✔️ Playground Poker Club continues to dominate the live poker scene.

✔️ Quebec players are some of the strongest in Canada, often crushing online games and WSOP events.

✔️ More young players are turning to online poker, with many choosing crypto-friendly sites.

Quebec has one of the best live poker scenes in North America. Whether you want high-stakes cash games or online MTTs, Quebec has it all.

For live poker players, Montreal is the primary destination. The city hosts six casinos offering poker tables, with Playground Poker Club being the top choice. 

Located at 1500 QC-138, Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0, Canada, the spot features up to 61 tables and hosts frequent tournaments. 

The casino's schedule has up to three daily tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from C$50 to C$2,000. Satellite events for major WPT tournaments stand out in the list of offerings.

The second-largest venue in terms of table count is Casino de Montréal, located at 1900 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC H1H 1A9, Canada. The casino offers up to 12 gaming tables; however, it is not a prime destination for seasoned players.

Lastly, grinders can visit Grand Royal Wolinak Casino at 10275 Chemin Leblanc, Bécancour, QC G9H 2X4, Canada. Although modest in size and lacking in upscale amenities, the casino offers daily poker tournaments with buy-ins ranging from C$40 to C$240.

Quebec's online and live poker scenes present a mixed bag for the player community, with the potential for improvement if regulatory changes are implemented in the coming future.

Jonathan Duhamel, from Boucherville, is the province’s most successful player. He rose to fame in 2010 after winning the WSOP Main Event, taking home $8.9 million. Duhamel has also won two additional WSOP bracelets, including the 2015 High Roller for One Drop ($3,989,985) and a WSOP Europe event in 2015. His career earnings total over $18 million and he continues to reside in Boucherville.

Isabelle Mercier from Victoriaville has also made significant contributions to poker. With career earnings crossing the $1 million mark, Mercier initially studied law at Université de Montréal before moving to Paris for a master’s degree. 

While in Paris, she worked at the Aviation Club poker club, and was awarded the Staff Person of the Year title twice from the European Poker Awards. 

In 2002, the Canadian player went pro and won the Masters Classic of Poker in Amsterdam. Mercier has since participated in major tournaments, served as a PokerStars ambassador, and appeared in the film “That’s Poker.” She currently resides in Monaco and is involved in the development of CoinPoker.

Eliot Hudon from Montreal rounds out Quebec’s top players. With career earnings of over $4.8 million, Hudon gained widespread recognition after winning the WPT World Championship in December 2022, where he claimed over $4.1 in prize money.