Alberta has one of the most exciting poker scenes in Canada, with a mix of top-tier live poker rooms, growing online options, and major tournaments. Whether you're looking for high-stakes cash games in Calgary, daily tournaments in Edmonton, or online poker from anywhere in the province, Alberta has plenty to offer.
Live Poker Rooms in Alberta
Alberta is home to some of the best live poker rooms in Western Canada, offering a mix of No-Limit Hold’em, Omaha, and tournament action. We have listed some of the top poker rooms available for poker players in Alberta.
Pure Casino, Calgary
Pure Casino Calgary is a lively spot in southeast Calgary, offering a great mix of slots, table games, and poker action. It's more than just gaming. It´s know for being the busiest poker room in Alberta with its high-stakes action and daily tournaments. At Pure Casino Calgary you'll also find live music, a cozy lounge and a full-service restaurant to round out the experience. Whether you're dropping in for a night out or looking to test your luck, the atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming. If you're planning a trip north, Pure Casino Edmonton is another solid choice, known for its wide range of games and entertainment. Both locations are go-to destinations for poker fans in Alberta.
Yellowhead Casino, Montreal
Yellowhead Casino, or Pure Casino Yellowhead as the formal name is, is another great poker venue in Alberta. It´s located just off the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton and offers a wide selection of slot machines, table games and a dedicated poker room. It´s also a regular stop for WPT DeepStacks events, drawing poker players from all over with its well-run tournaments and solid prize pools. The casino’s dedicated poker room and energetic atmosphere make it a favorite on the tour, offering both serious competition and a great player experience.
Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Calgary
Deerfoot Inn & Casino in southeast Calgary blends upscale accommodations with a full casino experience, making it a top pick for poker players and casual gamers alike. The property features a 24/7 poker room, live table games, and hundreds of slot machines. Guests can relax in comfortable hotel rooms, enjoy live entertainment in the Chrome Showroom, or unwind at the indoor water park. With several dining spots and a lively atmosphere, Deerfoot is more than just a place to play, it’s a complete getaway for those looking to mix poker action with comfort and fun in Calgary.
Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Calgary
Grey Eagle Resort and Casino in Calgary offers a polished mix of gaming, entertainment and comfort. Perfect for poker players looking for a well-rounded experience. Just a short drive from downtown, the casino features a lively poker room with regular cash games and tournaments, alongside a full lineup of slots and table games. The connected hotel provides sleek rooms, great dining options, and an event centre that hosts big-name shows and concerts. Whether you're coming to play cards, catch a show or unwind in style, Grey Eagle delivers a complete resort vibe with plenty of action at the tables.
Elbow River Casino, Calgary
Elbow River Casino in downtown Calgary offers a vibrant, Vegas-style gaming atmosphere with a welcoming poker focus. Its 24/7 poker room specializes in limit Texas Hold’em and Omaha, complete with jackpot promotions and complimentary food and drinks for players. Alongside poker, the casino boasts over 600 slot machines, a full range of table games, and an off-track betting lounge. After the action, unwind at Sammy’s Sports Bar, visit the Jester’s Buffet or Deli, or enjoy live entertainment on the Bayou Stage and at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club. Elbow River delivers an energetic urban escape with plenty of poker flair.
River Cree Casino, Edmonton
River Cree Resort & Casino just outside Edmonton blends high-energy poker and gaming with full-service resort comforts. Its dedicated poker room hosts a mix of cash games and tournaments, while the casino floor buzzes with hundreds of slots and live table action. The connected hotel offers stylish rooms, several restaurants and bars, plus amenities like an indoor pool, fitness centre, and event space. With live entertainment and a friendly atmosphere, River Cree is a go-to for poker players seeking solid card action alongside a comfortable, all-in-one getaway.
Online Poker in Alberta
Alberta currently does not have a government-regulated online poker platform yet, but many players access offshore poker sites like:
✅ GGPoker – The best option for MTTs and WSOP qualifiers.
✅ WPT Global – Great for casual players and tournament grinders.
✅ Stake Poker – A crypto-friendly site with fast transactions.
✅ CoinPoker – Ideal for blockchain-based poker players.
GGPoker
A global online poker giant, GGPoker offers a plethora of options to grinders. Be it cash games, tournaments, series or monthly promotions, the site is known to offer some of the biggest prize pools.
GGPoker’s parent firm NSUS Group bought the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which meant more synergy between the site and the live poker brand. GGPoker players have access to WSOP tournaments and online qualifiers to the Main Event.
For more in-dept information about this giant, please visit our GGPoker Review.
WPT Global
As the brand from the iconic World Poker Tour, WPT Global brings the heat with regular multi-table tournaments, generous promotions, and a sleek, secure platform. The site caters to both newcomers and seasoned players with a broad range of poker formats and stakes. Any honest WPT Global review will highlight its unique edge: online qualifiers that give players a shot at live WPT events around the world. It’s a perfect blend of online convenience and real-world poker dreams—designed for those ready to level up their game.
Stake Poker
Stake Poker delivers a sleek and accessible online poker experience with a focus on fast-paced action and modern gameplay. Known for its clean interface and crypto-friendly approach, the platform offers a variety of cash games and multi-table tournaments suited to all skill levels.
Stake Poker also runs regular promotions and leaderboard races, keeping competition fierce and rewarding. With a secure setup and a growing player base, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to grind online with ease and excitement.
CoinPoker
CoinPoker puts a modern spin on online poker, using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to create a fast, fair, and transparent playing environment. The platform runs smooth no-limit Hold’em and Omaha games, with action ranging from casual tables to high-stakes battles. Players enjoy quick crypto deposits and withdrawals, plus frequent promotions and leaderboard challenges.
What really sets CoinPoker apart is its commitment to fairness, with a decentralized shuffle system designed to keep every hand honest. For those looking to combine classic poker gameplay with the speed and flexibility of crypto, CoinPoker offers a truly next-gen experience.
Banking Options
Alberta players have plenty of options for deposits and withdrawals like.
Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard remain popular for their convenience.
E-Wallets: Options like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill offer secure and instant transfers.
Bank Transfers: Reliable for large sums but slower.
Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining popularity for their speed and anonymity.
Most platforms accept deposits as low as $10, making poker accessible to recreational players.
Poker Laws in Alberta
✅ Live poker is legal and regulated at licensed casinos.
✅ Online poker is not directly regulated, but offshore sites are accessible.
✅ Home poker games are legal if the host does not take a rake.
Tax Implications of Poker Winnings
For casual players, poker prize money in Alberta is tax-free. Under Canadian tax law, gambling winnings aren’t considered taxable income unless poker is your primary source of income. Money earned by professional players is considered business income and is subject to taxation. Alberta’s tax rates range from 10% to 15%, depending on your earnings.
International winnings: If players earn more than USD 1,200 at a US casino, a 30% tax will be withheld. However, players can claim this tax credit when filing your Canadian tax return to avoid double taxation.
Alberta offers plenty of opportunities when it comes to online and live poker with the province aiming to become the next state with regulated online poker.
Major Poker Tournaments in Alberta
🎟️ Alberta Poker Championships (Yellowhead Casino) – One of the biggest tournament series in Western Canada.
🎟️ WPT DeepStacks Edmonton – A WPT event with huge prize pools.
🎟️ Deerfoot Poker Series – A popular mid-stakes tournament with a loyal following.
Well-Known Poker Players from Alberta
Doug Lee
Doug Lee from Calgary is Alberta’s top poker player, having earned over $2.1 million so far from his live tournament career.
Lee has won two WSOP Circuit tournaments with over $900K from WSOP tournaments. He has finished in the money 23 times in WSOP events and placed in the money four times during the 2022/23 Canadian WSOP Circuit series, including a 30th-place finish in the Main Event.
Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor from Chestermere is the second-highest-earning player from Alberta, with career winnings of over $2 million. The player scored two WSOP Circuit rings and has 125 cashes in WSOP events.
In the recent WSOP Circuit series in Calgary (2024), Taylor placed in the money twice. His most notable achievement is a runner-up finish in Event #48: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed) at WSOP 2024, where he won over $175K.
Poker Trends in Alberta
✅ Live poker is booming, with higher buy-in tournaments attracting top Canadian players.
✅ More players are moving online, choosing crypto-friendly poker rooms for faster payouts.
✅ Interest in mixed games is growing, with more players trying PLO and mixed-game formats.
Alberta Poker FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Are there any good poker tournaments in Alberta?
Yes, there are alot of poker tournaments in Alberta held at top casinos across the province. Venues like Pure Casino Edmonton, Yellowhead Casino, and Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary regularly host live poker events ranging from daily games to major tournaments.
Is it legal to play poker in Canadian casinos?
Yes, playing poker in licensed Canadian casinos is legal and fully regulated by provincial gaming authorities. Whether you're in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada, you can enjoy live poker games and tournaments at licensed establishments like Pure Casino Edmonton or Casino de Montréal, knowing that the games are fair and secure.
Can I qualify online for live poker tournaments in Canada?
Yes, many players in Canada qualify for live poker tournaments through online sites like WPT Global and GGPoker. These platforms often run online satellites and freerolls that award entries to major events, including those held in Alberta.
What is the legal age to play poker in Alberta?
The legal age to play poker in Alberta is 18 years old. This applies to both live poker at licensed casinos and online poker platforms. Alberta has one of the lowest minimum gambling ages in Canada, making it accessible to younger adults compared to some other provinces.
Are there any beginner-friendly poker rooms in Alberta?
Yes, several poker rooms in Alberta offer beginner-friendly tables and low-stakes cash games, making them ideal for new players. Elbow River Casino in Calgary and River Cree Casino in Edmonton are especially known for their welcoming poker environments and staff who assist first-timers. Many casinos also offer poker lessons or have tables with lower buy-ins like $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em.
Does Alberta have any charity poker tournaments?
Yes, Alberta hosts various charity poker tournaments throughout the year, especially in major cities like Calgary and Edmonton. These events are often held at licensed casinos such as Pure Casino Calgary or Deerfoot Inn and Casino, and support local nonprofits and community initiatives. Charity poker events in Alberta follow AGLC regulations and offer players a chance to contribute to a good cause while enjoying live poker.