Many players who want to become professional card players see Canada as the perfect destination to begin. In fact, success stories like those of Danieal Negreanu and Gavin Smith helped to spark more interest.
Daniel has won two World Poker tour championships and seven World Series Poker bracelets. In contrast, Gavin won the World Poker Tour’s Season IV event and one bracelet.
But there are many more reasons for this rush, which we’ll cover in this article. But first, let’s cover some basics about professional card players.
Who is a Professional Card Player?
Professional card players are people who earn their main income by engaging in competitive card gameplay. These may include card games like:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Baccarat and other card games.
Professional card players see playing these games as a job instead of something to do for fun. They channel lots of energy and time into learning new strategies and taking part in tournaments.
What is a Professional Card Player Called?
A professional card player goes by many names depending on the type of game they play. Some common names are:
- Poker Pro: A person who plays poker professionally
- Blackjack Pro: This describes a professional blackjack player without card counting.
- Bridge Expert: This professional card player name is used to describe those who play the game of bridge
Why Do Professionals Pick Canada?
According to Statista, the card games market in Canada is expected to grow at a rate of 10.71%. This means a possible market volume of $368.70 million by 2027. We can link this growth to various factors, including the rise of online gaming sites and improved technology that has made it easier to access card games. Also, card games like poker are culturally rooted in Canada as many people see it as a way to socialize.
This massive market volume we discussed above is enough to draw in professional card players looking to earn some money. However, there are many other factors that draw players in which we’ll cover in this section.
Lots of Land-based Casinos
Canada is home to many casinos where aspiring professionals can enjoy card games like poker, blackjack and baccarat. Top land-based casino venues available in Canada are:
- Casino Niagara, Ontario
- Casino De Montreal, Quebec
- Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino
- River Cree Resort and Casino, Alberta
All of these come with numerous tales where players can practice, get experience and interact with other aspiring professionals. For instance, Casino Niagara, which features over 30 tables and a dedicated poker room, ensures players will always find something to play.
Accessibility to Legal Online Casinos
Aspiring players who want to enjoy card games from their homes are not left out either. Gambling activities are properly licensed, which means card players can enjoy their favorite titles in specific states.
The availability of these licenses allows players to focus on playing their preferred card game without worrying about their safety.
If you are looking for where to begin, we suggest you check out top-rated fast payout iGaming sites. Here you’ll find a review and list of legal Canadian online casinos where you can register without worrying about your safety.
All the platforms recommended here let you play card games in demo mode. This means you can register and practice to your heart’s content without spending a dime or getting in legal trouble.
Regular Professional Card Events
“As long as every tournament, every year, you’re getting better and better, that’s all that matters.” This quote from Brooks Koepka, an American golfer, indirectly points out another reason card players choose Canada. It regularly hosts card events including popular ones like the PokerStars Championship, World Poker Tour, and Harvest Poker Classic.
These events give every professional card player the opportunity to get a global reach right from Canada. What’s more, these events help card players get more experience as they play against other professionals.
Good Economic Conditions
The cost of living can be affordable depending on the province you live in Canada. This makes it cheaper than other well-known locations for playing cards like Las Vegas. Professionals will be able to use this extra cash to dedicate their craft instead of spending on expensive rent.
Also, since Canada regularly hosts tournaments like we earlier mentioned, players can win lots of prizes for even better standards of living.
Social Interaction
“Cards are one means of bridging differences in age and habits, drawing children and parents, old and new friends together in fair and friendly competition.“ This is a quote by Florence Osborn which shows you another reason many card players choose Canada.
The country has friendly citizens which means players quickly feel at home when they arrive. They also easily connect with other helpful professionals who’ll help them develop their strategies to become better players.
Conclusion
The combination of a friendly community and access to tournaments among others have made Canada a hotspot for players looking to play card games professionally. Regardless of if you have an interest in developing your skills, or getting access to other experts in the scene, Canada is the place to be.
Nonetheless, we recommend you do your research first. Moving to a new location is a huge decision, and you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons first before you take any step.
