The World Poker Tour’s sweepstakes poker platform, ClubWPT Gold, appears ready to enter the Canadian market later this year. Ambassador Doug Polk hinted at the expansion in a recent video, stating, “we’ll have Canada, hopefully, at some point within a little bit here.” The platform’s social media channels have also suggested a rollout “later this year,” potentially in the fall.
Canadian Gaming Business reported that the brand confirmed a launch “later this fall,” though WPT has yet to provide a detailed schedule. ClubWPT Gold currently operates in 44 U.S. states, excluding Michigan, Montana, Idaho, New Jersey, and Washington, but has so far not admitted Canadian players despite pre-registration being open at launch in early 2025.
An FAQ on the site clarifies the initial restriction: “Canadian players were allowed to register so that they could participate in pre-launch promotional giveaways, but due to legal advice a decision was made to only allow U.S. residents…to play games or tournaments on our platform at this time. We hope that the situation changes in the future.”
Ontario and Québec Still Uncertain
It remains unclear whether the launch will include Ontario or Québec. WPT Global, the company’s real-money poker site, operates across Canada but cannot serve Ontario due to strict provincial regulations. Licensed operators such as PokerStars, BetMGM, PartyPoker, 888 Poker, and GGPoker must keep Ontario players separate from other jurisdictions. Québec has historically been excluded from WPT’s sweepstakes offerings.
In other provinces, WPT Global allows Canadians to compete against an international player pool from more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, the older ClubWPT subscription-based platform remains available across Canada and awards real-money prizes through the sweepstakes model.
Filling the Void Left by Global Poker
The potential Canadian launch comes as Global Poker, operated by VGW, begins exiting Canada to focus solely on the U.S. VGW announced it would phase out Canadian operations starting August 28, with a complete withdrawal by October 23. Global Poker previously served all provinces except Québec, leaving Canadian sweepstakes players without a modern option.
ClubWPT Gold would immediately step into this gap, offering a contemporary sweepstakes poker experience to Canadian users. For players in provinces outside Ontario and Québec, this represents a new opportunity to access a widely promoted platform with international reach.
Timing and Market Opportunity
The Canadian expansion aligns with broader industry shifts. With Global Poker withdrawing and ClubWPT Gold’s U.S. operations adjusting under stricter dual-currency regulations, Canada presents a strategic market for growth. If ClubWPT Gold officially launches this fall, it will establish a significant presence in the Canadian sweepstakes poker market, maintaining WPT’s footprint and giving Canadian players access to one of the most aggressive and widely advertised platforms in the sector.
The platform has attracted attention—both positive and negative—since its launch. It grabbed headlines this summer with a $1 million prize at the WSOP 2025, while drawing criticism for features like charging fees to extend time banks or reveal opponents’ cards. Still, the site continues to expand, signing ambassadors such as Doug Polkand Alexandra Botez and even acquiring Upswing Poker to bolster its training offerings.
Source:
“ClubWPT Gold preparing Canadian poker launch”, canadiangamingbusiness.com, September 25, 2025
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