Poker has always been a popular casino game to play, especially in Canada. We used to only be able to play poker at a land-based casino, or sometimes just for fun with friends. However, the movement of poker online changed everything for the better.
We’ll be taking a look through the history of poker in Canada and why it’s become one of the nation’s favourite hobbies.
History of poker in Canada
The history of when poker actually arrived in Canada is a little hazy, but it’s thought to have made its way over in the 19th century. However, its popularity didn’t really kick off until the 20th century.
Just like the USA, Canada has had its own peaks and troughs when it comes to legality of casinos. In the United States, there are still very varying degrees of legality when it comes to certain games.
The same goes for Canada, as it has also found it difficult to land on where it wants to be in terms of making certain types of gaming legal. The introduction of online gaming has also been a tricky one to navigate as it is a lot more difficult to enforce.
Back in 1969 though, there were amendments to the Canadian criminal code and the gaming industry were given a lot more freedoms. Each province was now allowed to choose whether or not to legalise gambling in any form, rather than there being an all-encompassing law across the country.
These freedoms allowed poker to be played in different places, and this saw the game grow in popularity. Once the game moved online, it became even easier for people to play. The ease of access meant that even more people got into playing the game than ever before.
Why is poker so popular in Canada?
- Easier than ever to play.
Not only did the movement of poker online make it easy for people to access the game, it made it easier to play too. This isn’t because the rules had changed or anything about the game was made any easier. But there are all kinds of helpful videos online that can help you learn.
There are countless YouTube tutorials and blogs that have been specifically designed to help you learn how to play poker and how to improve.
- A way to socialise.
Poker games are one of the only casino games that require you to play with other people. A lot of other games such as slot games are played by people on their own. And even though you’re playing against the other people in your game, there’s still a sense of solidarity.
Playing online means that it’s easier than ever to socialise with people through gaming. You don’t have to travel to a casino anymore, you can just log in to your favourite online casino and hang out with other people who love poker.
- Development of skills
The skills that people use in poker can easily be transferred into people’s everyday lives. Poker players need to be able to make decisions quickly and accurately in order to be good at the game, and this is a skill that everyone could use.
You also need to be able to keep a cool head when you’re under pressure, something that takes time and patience to acquire. This skill that is a necessity in poker, can easily be used in everyday life.
Being good with your finances is also a skill that the best poker players use. You need to be able to stick within a budget, so you don’t land yourself in hot water. This skill is a necessity outside of the poker tables too.
- Benefits of playing online
Canada is known for its vast landscapes and beautiful scenery. This is great news for when you’re looking for a hike to go on or you want to take your kayak out on a lake. However, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a night on the town.
Land based casinos used to be few and far between – and still are nowadays. But being able to play online has given more and more people the opportunity to play a game from the comfort of their own home.
This has opened up the possibilities for gamers and made it so much easier for them to play. There’s no longer a need to get out in the car and drive miles and miles to the nearest casino. You can play wherever you are with ease.
This is one of the biggest reasons that playing poker online is a favourite pastime for everyone in Canada.
Poker has always been one of Canada’s favourite games to play. Online poker is quickly becoming the favourite way to play poker as it’s easy to access and a great way to hang out with other poker enthusiasts. When is your next game?