GGPoker and Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto have announced a landmark partnership in a groundbreaking move for Ontario’s poker landscape. This collaboration designates Great Canadian as the exclusive host for World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments in the province.
The partnership underscores the resort’s commitment to providing unparalleled poker experiences and cements Ontario as a hub for world-class poker.
The announcement, made on January 8, 2025, highlights the unique connection between GGPoker and Great Canadian, combining the global reach of the world’s largest online poker platform with the prestige of one of Canada’s premier casino resorts.
An exclusive agreement for WSOP Events in Ontario
Under this agreement, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will host all WSOP tournaments in Ontario, including circuit bracelet and ring events. This exclusivity establishes the $1 billion resort as the ultimate destination for poker enthusiasts in the region.
The March 2024 WSOP Circuit Event in Toronto saw an impressive turnout, with over 6,000 participants competing for a prize pool that soared to $5.5 million, significantly surpassing the initial projection of $3.9 million.
“We’re thrilled to partner with GGPoker to deliver a world-class poker experience,” said Michael Kim, Executive Vice President of Great Canadian Entertainment. “This collaboration ups the ante on Toronto’s poker offerings, giving players access to top tournaments and rewards while solidifying Great Canadian Toronto as the go-to destination for poker in the city.”
Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker, echoed this enthusiasm: “This partnership combines the best of live and online poker, offering premier tournaments and unmatched rewards. GGPoker and Great Canadian are setting a new standard for poker in Ontario.”
The success of the 2024 WSOP Circuit Event
The inaugural WSOP Circuit Event in Toronto during March 2024 marked a turning point in the collaboration between GGPoker and Great Canadian.
Over 6,000 participants joined the 11-day competition, showcasing the immense enthusiasm for poker in Ontario. Among them were 324 Main Event qualifiers who earned their spots through GGPoker’s online platform.
The $2,000 Main Event delivered an impressive $2.8 million prize pool, while the $3,500 High Roller tournament added another $1 million in rewards.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto: A Premier Destination
Opened in June 2023, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is Canada’s largest casino resort and one of the largest in North America. The $1 billion complex features 328,000 square feet of gaming space, a 400-room hotel, multiple dining options, and a 5,000-seat theatre in partnership with Live Nation. These amenities make it a one-stop destination for entertainment, gaming, and relaxation.
The resort also prioritizes responsible gambling through initiatives such as PlaySmart Centres, which provide players with tools and resources for informed gaming decisions.
Additionally, Great Canadian supports community programs through its PROUD initiative, which allocates a portion of gaming revenues to healthcare, education, and social services.
To further enhance its offerings, the resort has introduced high-limit gaming areas and exclusive dining options to attract VIP guests and poker enthusiasts from across the country. These additions ensure that the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto remains a leader in luxury gaming experiences.
Changes to the Great Canadian Toronto
The Poker Room at Great Canadian Toronto is undergoing significant upgrades to enhance player experiences. These include high-definition televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a new players’ lounge, providing a luxurious environment for casual and professional players alike.
Great Canadian Rewards members will also benefit from exclusive perks, enhancing their loyalty experience across all Great Canadian properties in Ontario.
The improvements reflect the shared vision of GGPoker and Great Canadian to elevate poker in Toronto. The partnership aims to attract players from across Canada and beyond by creating a premier destination for live poker, bolstering Ontario’s reputation as a top-tier poker hub.
GGPoker: The World’s Largest Online Poker Room
GGPoker brings a wealth of experience and innovation to this partnership. As the world’s largest online poker platform, it offers unique features such as Rush & Cash Poker, Spin & Gold, and Smart HUD, enhancing gameplay for its global user base.
The platform has also gained recognition for hosting record-breaking WSOP Online Main Events and was named Poker Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards in 2024.
By partnering with Great Canadian, GGPoker aims to bridge the gap between online and live poker, offering players seamless transitions between the two formats. This collaboration further solidifies the presence of GGPoker and Great Canadian in Ontario’s competitive gaming market.
In addition to its technological innovations, GGPoker is renowned for its commitment to responsible gaming. The platform’s tools, such as self-exclusion options and spending limits, are built to guarantee a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for all players.
2025 WSOP Events in Ontario
Dates for the 2025 WSOP tournaments at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will be announced soon. Players can expect an expanded lineup of events, building on the success of previous tournaments.
The exclusive partnership between GGPoker and Great Canadian promises to deliver premier poker experiences, complete with enhanced amenities and substantial prize pools. It elevates poker offerings in the province and reinforces Toronto’s position as a world-class poker destination.
WSOP’s events are expected to draw participants from across the globe, boosting tourism and showcasing the strength of the iGaming market in Ontario. For poker enthusiasts, this partnership represents an opportunity to experience the pinnacle of live poker in a state-of-the-art venue.
