ClubWPT Gold, the sweepstakes poker platform from the World Poker Tour (WPT), may quickly be increasing into Canada, at the least in keeping with ambassador Doug Polk and up to date social media posts from the location.
Whereas no official assertion has been made, Polk hinted on the improvement in a current video. In that video, the poker content material creator criticized the platform’s not too long ago launched controversial “Hand Reveal” function, calling it disappointing and noting that he’s in discussions with the operator to have it eliminated—or on the very least make sure the related payment advantages gamers.
He additionally revealed different updates within the pipeline, together with the eventual addition of Pot-Restrict Omaha to their sport choices and a possible Canadian launch.
At current, ClubWPT Gold is simply obtainable to US gamers in 44 states. It not too long ago pulled out of New Jersey and doesn’t settle for gamers from Michigan, Montana, Idaho, or Washington.
When the platform was first introduced final 12 months, it was marketed as launching in each the US and Canada (with Quebec excluded). Pre-registration was open to residents of each nations, however when the preview model went dwell, solely US gamers had been admitted. The operator initially mentioned Canadians would achieve entry as soon as the total launch rolled out.
That official launch got here in February of this 12 months, however Canadian gamers had been nonetheless overlooked.
In an FAQ, the location defined that though Canadians had been allowed to pre-register and participate in promotional giveaways, “on account of authorized recommendation” it revised its coverage to allow solely US residents—excluding gamers in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and Washington—to take part in video games or tournaments. The operator did, nonetheless, add that it “hopes the scenario adjustments sooner or later.”
Now, it seems that change might lastly be coming.
Including additional weight to a possible Canadian launch, ClubWPT Gold responded to gamers’ queries on X (previously Twitter), suggesting a rollout may occur “later this 12 months,” even hinting at “fall” as a doable timeline. It isn’t but clear whether or not Quebec and Ontario can be included if and when the location goes dwell.
The timing is noteworthy provided that International Poker, the pioneer of sweepstakes poker and one of many main platforms on this area, has begun exiting the Canadian market to focus solely on the US.
Father or mother firm VGW introduced not too long ago that it could part out Canadian operations beginning August 28, with a whole withdrawal scheduled for October 23. International Poker, like ClubWPT Gold’s unique plan, excluded Quebec however accepted gamers from the remainder of Canada.
With International Poker gone, Canadian gamers can be left with out a trendy sweepstakes poker choice. Presently, the one obtainable alternative is the normal subscription-based ClubWPT platform that has been in operation for 15 years.
However as soon as ClubWPT Gold formally launches in Canada, that hole will likely be stuffed.
Headline-Grabbing Strikes
Though ClubWPT Gold solely launched earlier this 12 months, the platform has already been aggressive with its promotions, rolling out large freerolls, placing new partnerships, and operating main event collection boasting {n:222154-clubwpt-golds-first-ever-online-tournament-series:ensures of 14 million SC – Sweeps Cash might be redeemed for real-money prizes at a price of $1 per SC. These ensures outstrip something supplied by different sweepstakes operators, US-regulated rooms, and even most international real-money poker websites.
The location has additionally proven a knack for grabbing headlines. Its $1 million prize through the WSOP 2025 was one of many greatest tales out of Las Vegas this summer time, whereas newer controversies, resembling charging gamers to make use of a time financial institution or unveiling a function that lets opponents’ gap playing cards be revealed for a payment, have saved it within the highlight, for higher or worse.
On the similar time, the platform continues to speculate closely. It has signed big-name ambassadors like Doug Polk and content material creator–turned-chess star Alexandra Botez to spice up its profile. It additionally not too long ago purchased Upswing Poker, one of many main poker coaching websites.
But regardless of the funding and momentum, the software program itself nonetheless lags in a number of areas. Whereas the platform has launched a downloadable consumer and added multi-tabling help, it continues to overlook key fundamentals, together with PLO, a Run It Twice choice, and in style codecs resembling Bomb Pots—options already obtainable on competing sweepstakes websites like Golf equipment Poker.
