The CNE poker room, operating annually during the CNE season from late July to early September, has a campy cafeteria vibe and can be difficult to find within the CNE grounds. The seating is uncomfortable, and the wait times to get a seat are the longest of any poker room in Ontario. The temporary nature of the setup likely contributes to these drawbacks.

Additional Amenities

‍Beyond poker, the CNE Casino offers a variety of other table games such as blackjack, Spanish 21, and roulette. The casino also features a licensed outdoor patio, live nightly entertainment, and a selection of midway treats. The CNE itself provides a broad range of attractions including the amusement park, SuperDogs shows, musical performances, and the Canadian International Air Show, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination for the entire family.

• Number of Tables: 22
• Hours of Operation: 12pm until 6am during CNE season (late July until early September)

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Cash Games

• 1/2 NLHE: This game runs regularly but is limited by a $100 spread limit, which caps the maximum bet at $100 per street, making it different from typical No-Limit Hold’em games.
• 2/5 NLHE: Also runs regularly with the same $100 spread limit rule.
• 20/40 Omaha: This game runs occasionally, providing some variety.

The level of play at CNE is generally considered very weak, attracting a mix of retirees, locals, and beginners. However, the spread limit rule detracts from the potential profitability of these games for serious players who prefer traditional No-Limit strategy.

‍Tournaments

‍CNE hosts an annual tournament with a good structure, featuring multiple single-table satellite flights leading to a semi-final and final. The 2022 tournament had a prize pool of $150,000, making it an attractive option for players looking to compete in a well-structured event​. In 2023, in partnership with Pokerstars, they ran it for $256,000 and the buy-in was only $200.  Returning this year, the Hold-Em tournament will again have prizes totalling over $250,000.

• Rake: 10% up to $12 per hand.

This rake level makes the games challenging to beat and is considered too high by many players. While not as extreme as some other venues that charge up to $15, it still negatively impacts the game economy, causing players to bust more quickly and reducing overall play time for recreational players.

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The CNE poker room staff are generally polite and competent, though it appears they hire less experienced staff compared to typical casinos. This can affect the flow and enjoyment of the games, as less experienced dealers may not manage the games as smoothly.

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It's probably not worth grinding at the CNE games under the current conditions, with the $100 max bet rule and a $12 rake combined with the grounds admission fee to enter. However, the annual tournament offers great value and is worth considering. For casual players or those visiting the CNE for its other attractions, the poker room provides a fun, if not optimal, gaming experience.

To sum up, while the CNE poker room has some appeal due to the annual tournament and the overall CNE experience, the high rake, uncomfortable setup, and spread limit on cash games make it less attractive for serious poker players. There are better options in Ontario for those looking to grind seriously.