The World Poker Tour's sweepstake platform, ClubWPT Gold is shifting its model in the US and it looks like it's preparing for a for Canadian poker launch. What will this mean for poker enthusiasts in Canada and what can we expect?
ClubWPT Gold Launching a Canada Poker Model
In recent posts on the ClubWPT Gold X account, it has been suggested that the company is gearing up to enter the Canadian market. This comes as the company makes changes to the way it operates in the US.
Brand ambassador, Doug Polk, mentioned a Canadian launch in a recent promotional video that was put out. He said, "we'll have Canada, hopefully, at some point within a little bit here."
When ClubWPT was asked about this, they mentioned that a Canadian market entry could happen later this fall.
The World Poker Tour announced plans for ClubWPT over a year ago and it went live in the US in early 2025. It's only available in the U.S. in 44 states. When the WPT first announced it, it was suggested that it would be available in Canada and the US and at the time, Canadian residents were able to pre-register. When it went live though, Canada wasn't included.
Canada wasn't included because of legal advice received by the WPT and it was only US players who received access. That could all be about to change now.
Ontario Could Be Included in the ClubWPT Canada Poker Launch
At the moment it's still unclear as to whether Ontario or Quebec will be included in the Canadian market launch. For Ontario, they will need an AGCO license.
The WPT offers real money poker games across Canada already. Ontario is not included though due to strict regulations on online poker platforms. There a several AGCO licensed gambling sites in Ontario that offer real money poker and these include BetMGM Poker, PartyPoker, and GGPoker.
These regulated sites can't pool players with users in other jurisdictions though. In other provinces and on sites like PokerStars, Canadian players can compete against player in more than 100 countries through the WPT Global website.
ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes gaming model with Gold Coins that players could use to play free social games and Sweep Coins that would let them participate in tournaments with the chance to win prizes.
In September, it announced that instead of buying Gold Coins for free games, players could use them to buy an analysis with a poker training tool. For every dollar they spend on hand analysis, they'll get a dollar in chips that can be used in poker tournaments. The move comes after several US states banned dual-currency gaming.
If it launches in Canada it will fill the gap left by Global Poker that is closing down.
Latest News
