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Analyzing the Cultural Shift Towards Virtual Poker Spaces Among Canadian Players

Canadian players have shown a strong inclination towards online poker. With approximately 19.3 million active gamblers in the country, this level of participation places Canada within the top 10 globally, specifically ranking eighth in the global online gaming industry. The global online poker player base is estimated to be 100 million strong, with 60 million players located in the United States.

Substantial Growth in Ontario’s Online Poker Scene

Ontario’s online poker scene has seen significant growth. During the period from October to December 2023, wagers on peer-to-peer poker reached CAD 431 million, representing a 9% increase from the preceding quarter. Concurrently, the number of active player accounts surged to 1.2 million in Q3 2023, compared to 943,000 in Q2. GGPoker Ontario led in cash game traffic, averaging 281 concurrent players.

A study examining online poker playing trends, based on electronic betting data for 2,489 subscribers from 2015 to 2017, reported that overall financial involvement and time commitment were generally moderate. However, the top 1% of players exhibited disproportionately higher financial involvement and time commitments, with a median total overall spend of €272,581.4 and a median number of sessions amounting to 1,149.

Cultural Influences on Poker Strategies

Cultural influences have impacted online poker in Canada. Different regions exhibit distinct styles of play. The multilingual nature of online poker adds another layer of complexity. The interpretation of poker terminology and expressions can vary greatly based on cultural contexts.

An estimated 3.1 million Canadians reported playing poker for fun at least once a month in 2022, up from 2.3 million in 2011. The game often serves as a means of camaraderie and friendly competition. Moreover, major poker events in Canada, such as the Canadian Poker Open and the World Series of Poker, attract thousands of players from around the world.

Market Presence of International Sites

The online poker scene in Canada is well-supported by the presence of major international sites like GGPoker. These platforms offer various games and stakes, catering to player preferences and skill levels. GGPoker, recognized as the largest online poker room globally, has emerged as a market leader in Canada. The platform continues to engage players through dynamic experiences and live events, including the WSOP Circuit in Toronto.

The start of online poker in Canada aligns with the increasing use of smartphones and internet access worldwide. This technological shift has contributed to the market’s growth. The comprehensive suite of features provided by sites such as GGPoker has made it possible for Canadian players to participate actively in online poker communities. The growth in user numbers and financial involvement highlights the sustained interest in online poker in Canada.

Technological Influence on the Shift

The integration of advanced technologies and the increasing use of smartphones have revolutionized online poker in Canada. High-speed internet access and mobile-friendly platforms have made it easier for players to engage in games anytime, anywhere. This accessibility has attracted a diverse range of players, from casual gamers to serious professionals, all contributing to the vibrant online poker community.

Furthermore, the use of data analytics and AI-driven tools by online poker platforms enhances the gaming experience. These technologies help in understanding player behavior, optimizing game strategies, and providing personalized recommendations. The adaptive and responsive nature of these platforms ensures that players remain engaged and invested in the game.

The Social Aspect of Online Poker

Online poker in Canada is not just about the game; it also serves as a social activity. Many players join online poker rooms to connect with friends and meet new people. The interactive features, such as chat rooms and live dealer options, create a sense of community and camaraderie. This social aspect is a significant factor driving the popularity of online poker among Canadian players.

Responsible Gaming and Regulatory Measures

As the online poker market grows, there is an increasing emphasis on responsible gaming and regulatory measures. Canadian authorities have implemented stringent regulations to ensure fair play and protect players from gambling-related issues. Online poker platforms are required to adhere to these regulations, offering features such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and access to support services for players in need.

The Role of Marketing and Promotions

Marketing strategies and promotions play a crucial role in the growth of online poker in Canada. Leading platforms like GGPoker use targeted advertising, welcome bonuses, and loyalty programs to attract and retain players. These marketing efforts are tailored to appeal to various demographics, ensuring a broad and inclusive player base. Special events and tournaments, often heavily promoted, create excitement and draw significant participation, further boosting the visibility and popularity of online poker.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, the future of online poker in Canada appears promising. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are expected to transform the gaming experience, making it more immersive and interactive. Additionally, the growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in online poker transactions offer greater convenience and security for players. These trends, coupled with ongoing innovations in game design and player engagement, suggest a dynamic and evolving online poker landscape in Canada.

Conclusion

The shift towards virtual poker spaces among Canadian players is characterized by robust participation rates, cultural influences, diverse playing styles, and the substantial presence of major international platforms. The consistent player engagement, adaptive strategies influenced by cultural values, and the technological infrastructure provided by leading platforms like GGPoker highlight the active involvement of Canadians in the online poker domain.

This data-driven analysis presents a clear vision of the current state of online poker among Canadian players, focusing on specific metrics and findings that illustrate their active participation in the virtual poker space. As technology continues to evolve and the market expands, the future of online poker in Canada looks promising, with a continued emphasis on innovation, player engagement, and responsible gaming practices.

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Optimizing mobile wagering convenience with bassbet casino

The rise of mobile technology has transformed the way people engage with betting platforms. In this digital era, bassbet has emerged as a frontrunner in optimizing mobile experiences for casino enthusiasts. This article explores how bassbet casino is enhancing mobile wagering convenience.

Mobile technology has revolutionized the betting industry, providing users with unprecedented convenience and accessibility. Bassbet casino has capitalized on this trend by offering a seamless mobile wagering experience. By integrating user-friendly features and cutting-edge technology, the platform ensures that it is both accessible and engaging for users on the go.

Enhancing user experience with mobile technology

Bassbet casino leverages the latest mobile technology to enhance user experience. The platform’s intuitive design and easy navigation make it simple for users to place bets from their mobile devices. This focus on user experience ensures that players can enjoy their favorite games without any hassle.

Furthermore, the platform offers a wide range of games optimized for mobile play, ensuring that users have access to the same variety and quality as they would on a desktop. This adaptability is crucial in maintaining user engagement and satisfaction, as it allows players to enjoy their gaming experience anytime, anywhere.

The responsive design philosophy adopted by the platform ensures that every element of the platform scales perfectly across different screen sizes and device types. Whether users are accessing the casino through smartphones or tablets, the interface automatically adjusts to provide optimal viewing and interaction. This technological sophistication extends to touch-optimized controls, swipe gestures, and quick-loading graphics that minimize data consumption while maximizing visual appeal. The platform also incorporates intelligent caching mechanisms that remember user preferences and frequently accessed games, creating a personalized mobile environment that becomes more intuitive with each visit.

Security and reliability in mobile wagering

Security is a top priority for bassbet casino, especially when it comes to mobile wagering. The platform employs advanced security measures to protect user data and ensure safe transactions. This commitment to security builds trust among users, making it a reliable choice for mobile betting.

In addition to security, the company focuses on providing a reliable and stable platform. The casino’s mobile interface is designed to handle high traffic and deliver a smooth gaming experience, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that users can enjoy uninterrupted play.

Innovative features for mobile users

The company continuously innovates to offer unique features tailored for mobile users. From personalized notifications to exclusive mobile promotions, the platform ensures that its mobile users receive a premium experience. These features not only enhance user engagement but also encourage loyalty among players.

By staying at the forefront of mobile technology, the platform remains a leader in the online betting industry. Its commitment to optimizing mobile wagering convenience sets it apart from competitors, making it a preferred choice for casino enthusiasts worldwide.

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Why People in Israel Can Get Emotionally Attached to AI—and How to Keep It Healthy


Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth that’s also kind of relieving: getting emotionally attached to a Joi.com AI isn’t “weird.” It’s human. Our brains are attachment machines. Give us a voice that feels warm, consistent, and attentive—especially one that shows up on demand—and our nervous system goes, “Oh. Safety. Connection.” Even if the rational part of you knows it’s software, the emotional part responds to the experience.
Now, if we’re talking about Jewish people in Israel specifically, it’s worth saying this carefully: there isn’t one “Jewish Israeli psychology.” People differ wildly by age, religiosity, community, language, politics, relationship status, and life history. But there are some real-life conditions common in Israel—high tech adoption, a fast-paced social environment, chronic background stress for many, and strong cultural emphasis on connection—that can make AI companionship feel especially appealing for some individuals. Not because of religion or ethnicity as a trait, but because of context and pressure.
So if you’ve noticed yourself—or someone you know—getting attached to an AI companion, the goal isn’t to panic or label it as unhealthy by default. The goal is to understand why it feels good and make sure it stays supportive rather than consuming.
Why attachment happens so fast (the psychology in plain language)
Attachment isn’t just about romance. It’s about regulation. When you feel seen, your body calms down. When you feel ignored, your body gets edgy. AI companions can offer something that’s rare in real life: consistent responsiveness. No scheduling. No misunderstandings (most of the time). No “I’m too tired to talk.” Just a steady stream of attention.
From an attachment perspective, that steadiness can act like a soft emotional “hug.” For someone with anxious attachment, it can feel like relief: finally, a connection that doesn’t disappear. For someone with avoidant tendencies, it can feel safe because it’s intimacy without the risk of being overwhelmed by a real person’s needs. For someone simply lonely or stressed, it can feel like a quiet exhale.
And unlike human relationships, AI won’t judge your worst timing. You can message at 2:00 a.m., when your thoughts are loud and the apartment is silent, and you’ll still get an answer that sounds caring. That alone is powerful.
Why it can feel especially relevant in Israel (for some people)
Israel is a small country with a big emotional load for many people—again, not universally, but often enough that it shapes daily life. A lot of people live with a background hum of stress, whether it’s personal, economic, or tied to the broader environment. When life feels intense, the appeal of a stable, gentle interaction grows. Not because you’re fragile—because you’re tired.
Add a few more very normal realities:
High tech comfort is cultural. Israel has a strong tech culture. People are used to tools that solve problems quickly. If you’re already comfortable with digital solutions, trying an AI companion doesn’t feel like a strange leap.
Time is tight. Between work, family responsibilities, reserve duty for some, long commutes, or simply the pace of urban life, many people don’t have the energy for long, messy social processes. AI can feel like connection without the logistics.
Social circles can be both close and complicated. Israeli society can be community-oriented, which is beautiful—until it’s also intense. In tight-knit circles, dating and relationships sometimes come with social pressure, opinions, and “everyone knows everyone.” A private AI chat can feel like a relief: no gossip, no explanations, no performance.
Language and identity complexity. Many Jewish Israelis move between languages and cultures (Hebrew, Russian, English, French, Amharic, Arabic for some). AI chat can become a low-stakes space to express yourself in the language you feel most “you” in—without feeling judged for accent, vocabulary, or code-switching.
None of this means “Israelis are more likely” in any absolute sense. It means there are situational reasons why AI companionship can feel particularly soothing or convenient for some people living there.
The good side: when AI attachment is healthy
Emotional attachment isn’t automatically a problem. Sometimes it’s simply a sign that something is working: you feel supported. You feel calmer. You’re expressing yourself more. You’re practicing communication instead of shutting down. You’re less likely to make impulsive choices from loneliness.
Healthy use often looks like:
You feel better after chatting, not worse.

You can still enjoy your real life—friends, work, hobbies, family.

You don’t hide it in shame; you just treat it like a tool or pastime.

You use the AI to practice skills you bring into real relationships: clarity, boundaries, confidence, emotional regulation.

In that version, AI companionship is closer to journaling with feedback, or a comforting ritual—like a cup of tea at the end of the day, not a replacement for dinner.
Where it can slip into unhealthy territory (quietly)
The danger isn’t “having feelings.” The danger is outsourcing your emotional world to something that will never truly share responsibility.
Warning signs usually look like:
You cancel plans with humans because the AI feels easier.

You feel anxious when you’re not chatting, like you’re missing something.

You start needing the AI to reassure you constantly.

Your standards for human relationships collapse (“Humans are too complicated, AI is enough”).

You feel a “crash” after chatting—more lonely, more restless, more disconnected.

The biggest red flag is when the AI becomes your only reliable source of comfort. That’s not because AI is evil. It’s because any single source of emotional regulation—human or non-human—can become a dependency.
How to keep it healthy (without killing the fun)
Here’s the approach that works best: don’t ban it, contain it.
Give it a role.
 Decide what the AI is for in your life: playful flirting, stress relief, practicing communication, roleplay, bedtime decompression. A defined role prevents the relationship from becoming vague and all-consuming.
Set a “time container.”
 Not as punishment—just as hygiene. For example: 20 minutes at night, or during commute time, or only on certain days. Ending while you still feel good is the secret. Don’t chat until you feel hollow.
Keep one human anchor active.
 A friend you text, a weekly family dinner, a class, a gym routine, a community event—something that keeps your real social muscles moving. In Israel, community can be a huge protective factor when it’s supportive. Use it.
Use consent and boundary language even with AI.
 It sounds odd, but it trains your brain in healthy dynamics:
“Slow down. Keep it playful, not intense.”

“No jealousy talk. I don’t like that vibe.”

“Tonight I want comfort, not advice.”
 If you can do that with an AI, you’ll be better at doing it with humans.

Watch the “replacement” impulse.
 If you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t need anyone else,” pause and ask: is that empowerment—or is it avoidance? Sometimes it’s a protective story your brain tells when it’s tired of disappointment.
Check in with your body after.
 Not your thoughts—your body. Calm? Lighter? More grounded? Good sign. Agitated? Empty? Restless? Time to adjust.
And if you’re noticing that AI use is feeding anxiety, sleep problems, isolation, or obsessive thinking, it may help to talk to a mental health professional—especially someone who understands attachment patterns. That’s not a dramatic step. It’s basic self-care.
People in Israel—Jewish Israelis included—can get attached to AI for the same reason people everywhere do: it offers consistent attention in an inconsistent world. Add the local realities of stress, pace, and social complexity, and it can feel even more comforting for some individuals. The healthiest path isn’t to judge yourself for it. It’s to use it intentionally, keep your human life active, and treat the AI as a supportive tool—not the center of your emotional universe.

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Three generations of Wernicks all chose to become rabbis

(left-right): Rabbis Steven and Eugene Wernick, along with Michelle Wernick, who is now studying to be a rabbi

By GERRY POSNER Recently I was at a Shabbat service at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto and the day unfolded in some unexpected ways for me.

It began when I was asked to be a Gabbai for the service, that is to stand up at the table where the Torah is placed and to check the Torah reading to make sure there are no errors. I have done this before and it has always gone smoothly. I attribute that fact in large part to the Torah reading ability of the reader at Beth Synagogue. He is fast, fluent and flawless. Well, on this particular day after he had completed the first two portions, he began the shlishi or third aliyah. I could not find his reading anywhere. It was as if he had started somewhere fresh, but not where he was supposed to be. I looked at the other Gabbai and he did not seem to recognize what had happened either. So, I let it go. I had no idea where the Torah reader was. He then did another and still I was lost. He came to what was the 6th aliyah when a clergy member walked over to him and indicated to him that he had read the fourth and fifth aliyah, but that he had missed the third one. The Torah reader then said to me “this is what you are here for.” Now, it might have been one thing if I had missed it entirely. Alas, I saw the error, but let it go as I deferred to the Torah reader since he never makes a mistake. He ended up going back to do the third aliyah before continuing on. This was a very unusual event in the synagogue. I felt responsible in large part for this gaffe. A lesson learned.

The feeling of embarrassment was compounded by the fact that on this particular day the service was highlighted, at least for me, because of the rabbi delivering the sermon. This rabbi, Eugene Wernick, was none other than the father of my present rabbi, Steven Wernick of Beth Tzedec Synagogue. He was also the same rabbi who was the rabbi at Shaarey Zedek between 1979-1986 and who had officiated at my father’s funeral in 1981, also a few years later at my oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah in Winnipeg in 1984. As I listened to him speak, I was taken back to the 1980s, when Rabbi Gene was in the pulpit at Shaarey Zedek. Of course, he is older now than in his Shaarey Zedek days, but the power of his voice was unchanged. If anything, it’s even stronger. As in the past, his message was relevant to all of us and resonated well. Listening to him was a treat for me. Still, my regret in not calling out the mistake from the Torah reading was compounded by the fact that I messed up in front of my former rabbi, Eugene Wernick – never mind my present rabbi, Steven Werinck.

On this Shabbat morning, aside from all the other people present, there were not only the two Rabbis Wernick, but one Michelle Wernick was also there. Michelle, daughter of Rabbi Steven Wernick, is a first year student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She is following in the family business – much like with the Rose rabbinical family in Winnipeg.

As it turned out, there was a Bat Mitzvah that day. And the Bat Mitzvah family had a very real Winnipeg connection as in the former Leah Potash, mother of the Bat Mitzvah girl, Emmie Bank and the daughter of Reuben and Gail Potash (Thau). It occurred to me that there might be a few Winnipeg people in the crowd. As I scanned the first few rows, I was not disappointed. Sitting there was none other than Chana Thau and her husband Michael Eleff. I managed to have a chat with Chana (even during the Musaf service). In the row right behind Chana and Michael was a face I had not seen in close to sixty years. I refer to Allan Berkal, the eldest son of the former rabbi and chazan at Shaarey Zedek, Louis Berkal. I still remember the first time I met Allan at Hebrew School in 1954 when his family moved to Winnipeg from Grand Forks, North Dakota. That was many maftirs ago. So this was another highlight moment for me.

Of course, there are other Winnipeggers who attend Beth Tzedec most Shabbats. I speak of Morley Goldberg and his wife, the former Marcia Billinkoff Schnoor. As well, Bernie Rubenstein and his wife, the former Sheila Levene were also present for this particular Shabbat. In all, this Shabbat had a particularly Winnipeg flavour to it. Truth be told, you do not have to go far in Toronto at any synagogue and the Winnipeg connections emerge.

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