What's New in Ontario Poker this December 2024?

Welcome to this edition of What's New in Ontario Poker, your top source for fresh updates and exciting developments in the Ontario poker world. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a recreational player, staying in the know about the latest live events, online tournaments, and special promotions can give you a valuable edge. This month, we're highlighting key stories that every Ontario poker enthusiast should know about, including an update to developments to the ongoing push for Ontario to rejoin global liquidity with recent arguments put forth at the Ontario Court of Appeal, the increased rake on Pokerstars Ontario as well as their ongoing 25 Days of Tournaments promotion and the gigantic Red Spade Sunday that they will be ending the year with. Let's dive in a bit deeper.

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Ontario Court Hearing on Player Pooling: Key Arguments and Stakeholders
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The Ontario appellate court recently heard significant arguments regarding the contentious issue of merging Ontario's online poker player pool with global networks. The debate stems from the province’s decision to ring-fence its player base following the launch of iGaming Ontario, requiring poker sites to separate Ontario players from their international counterparts.

Proponents of joining the global pool, including major poker operators, argue that it would enhance player experience by increasing liquidity, which translates to larger tournaments, faster game starts, and more diverse game offerings. This move, they claim, would make Ontario more competitive in the global poker landscape.

However, critics, including consumer protection advocates and provincial lottery corporations, contend that player pooling could expose Ontario players to higher risks of fraud and unregulated practices prevalent on international platforms. They argue that the current ring-fenced model protects the local player base and ensures adherence to provincial gaming regulations​
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This hearing comes at a time when Ontario is also grappling with similar debates in the daily fantasy sports and broader iGaming sectors, reflecting the complexities of balancing local autonomy with global competitiveness​

For more on this topic and my perspective on how player pooling benefits sites at the expense of local players, check out my previous article here.

Stay tuned for updates as the court’s decision could significantly reshape the future of online poker in Ontario!

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Pokerstars Ontario Increased Rake

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PokerStars has recently announced a rake increase for its Ontario market, which will impact players across cash games and tournaments. This decision aligns with similar changes made in the U.S. markets and reflects adjustments to account for the unique dynamics of segregated player pools in regulated regions.

The new rake structure will affect both micro and mid-stakes cash games, raising the maximum rake cap on several stake levels. In tournaments, the effective rake has also increased for certain buy-in ranges, with higher fees now embedded in many prize pools. While PokerStars suggests these changes aim to enhance overall liquidity and sustainability, many players perceive them as an added financial burden, particularly in a market that already operates with limited player traffic compared to global networks.

These adjustments have sparked criticism among Ontario players, who argue that higher costs diminish the already restricted profitability in the closed-pool environment. The timing is notable, as the ongoing discussions about Ontario joining a shared liquidity pool with other jurisdictions remain unresolved, leaving local players bearing the increased costs without the potential benefits of a larger player base.

For more detailed insights on PokerStars' approach to rake adjustments and their broader implications, you can review the coverage on PokerFuse

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Pokerstars 25 Days of Tournaments

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PokerStars Ontario Launches "25 Days of Poker Madness" Series

PokerStars Ontario is bringing festive excitement to the province this December with its "25 Days of Poker Madness" tournament series. Running from December 5 to December 29, the series features daily tournaments with buy-ins of $10 and $50, catering to players of varying bankrolls. Additionally, participants have opportunities to win through freerolls, which offer tournament tickets and other prizes, including sporting event tickets and exclusive merchandise from Team PokerStars Pros.

The series introduces a creative twist, with each day unveiling a unique tournament format announced at 9:00 PM EST via the PokerStars client. The tournaent is held at 7:30 PM EST the following day. This dynamic approach ensures variety and keeps players engaged throughout the series. Whether you're chasing cash prizes, trying your luck in freerolls, or competing for added rewards, the event promises something for everyone to enjoy.

For more details on the series, visit the official PokerStars Ontario page​

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Red Spade Sunday

PokerStars Ontario is set to close out 2024 with its largest Sunday event of the year—Red Spade Sunday—scheduled for December 29. This one-day poker extravaganza features three headline tournaments with a combined guaranteed prize pool of $350,000:

• Red Spade Rumble ($10 buy-in): $50,000 guaranteed, starting at 6:00 PM ET.
• Red Spade Special ($100 buy-in): $175,000 guaranteed, starting at 7:00 PM ET.
• Red Spade High Roller ($1,000 buy-in): $125,000 guaranteed, starting at 7:05 PM ET.

Players can buy in directly or qualify via the Power Path satellite system. For example, Step 3 tickets can be used for the Red Spade Rumble, Step 4 for the Special, and Step 5 for the High Roller. This event promises exciting competition for players across all bankroll levels while offering substantial rewards to end the year on a high note​

For more details, visit the official PokerStars Ontario page.

That's a Wrap!

That’s a wrap for this December 2024 edition of What’s New in Ontario Poker. This month, we explored some of the biggest developments shaping the Ontario poker scene, from PokerStars’ increased rake and its festive 25 Days of Poker Madness series to the anticipated Red Spade Sunday event. We also delved into the ongoing player-pooling debate and its potential impact on the local ecosystem. Ontario’s poker community continues to evolve, offering players fresh opportunities and challenges both online and live.

As we move into the new year, there’s no better time to stay sharp, plan your strategy, and embrace the exciting road ahead. Good luck on the tables, and join us next month for all the latest updates and insights!

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