PokerStars

Intro

This page is a detailed assessment of PokerStars, one of the well-known online gambling sites. It offers valuable insights and information on game variety, player experience, promotions, payment options and reputation. Additionally, we explore PokerStars’ responsible gambling initiatives through its procedures and tools.

Disclaimer: I do my best to keep the information below up-to-date and accurate. However, I can’t guarantee the information is 100% correct all the time. Always check the official website for the latest information and terms and conditions.

Founded in 2001 and operated by Flutter, PokerStars is a prominent online casino with over 400 games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, scratchcards, quizzes, and slots from leading providers like Pragmatic Play, Play’n Go, and Evolution Gaming. 

Holding a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, PokerStars also serves players in Europe, Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Player experience at PokerStars

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to play on PokerStars personally, I’ve thoroughly analysed reliable evaluations from well-known websites recognized for presenting player-influenced feedback. 

These credible sources, such as LCB.org, AskGamblers, Casinomeister, CasinoGuru, ThePOGG, and Casino.org, have provided ratings for PokerStars, as indicated below.

PokerStars does not have reviews on LCB.org, Casino.org, and Casinomeister, while the low rating from AskGamblers and ThePOGG can be attributed to:

• AskGamblers (Rating: 5.3/10)
  • Accessibility – PokerStars’ services are currently unavailable in many countries, restricting the potential player base.
  • Betting limits – Extensive documentation to increase betting limits, which is regarded as intrusive. 
  • Withdrawal limits – Users supposedly cannot withdraw above a specific amount at a time. 
  • Deposit limits –  Users supposedly cannot increase deposit limits despite having proof of funds. 
  • Technical Issues – There is reportedly frequent app and website downtime. 

• ThePOGG (Rating: 6.54/10)
  • Complaint handling – ThePOGG says the brand can be dismissive when resolving player issues.
  • Withdrawal times – Requiring over 24 hours to process withdrawals is slower than industry standards.
  • Slow support response – Email support can take longer than average to reply.

Licences and who can play 

PokerStars holds licences from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority, and Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. 

The casino accepts players not only from the UK but also from Canada, India, New Zealand, and New Jersey. Meanwhile, it prohibits players from the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Games and bets offered

Table games

PokerStars provides players with a wide range of table games to choose from. These include different blackjack variations like Classic, Premium, and High Roller Blackjack. 

Players can also enjoy roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. Poker enthusiasts can play in the thrilling Heads Up Hold’em. Baccarat is also an option. 

Live Casino

PokerStars offers a Live Casino with games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker. Players can enjoy the live experience with real dealers and interact with others in a casino environment. The Live Casino features games from Evolution and Playtech, like Live Crazy Time or Live Auto Roulette. 

Jackpots

PokerStars offers a variety of jackpot games across its platforms, including casino games, poker, and slots. Some of the exciting jackpot games available are:

• Jackpot Slots: PokerStars features progressive slots with some of the largest online jackpots, allowing players to win substantial prizes.
• The Deal: Players can convert StarsCoin into cash prizes by spinning the wheel for a shot at the progressive jackpot, which can be won with just 7 StarsCoin.
• Daily Jackpots: PokerStars presents a selection of Daily Jackpots that can be won by playing players’ favourite games.
• Jackpot Poker: PokerStars offers a free-to-play online poker game where players can enjoy non-stop casino poker action and compete to win significant prizes.

Tournaments

PokerStars offers a variety of tournaments, including jackpot-style tournaments such as Friday Jackpot Tournament, Monday Jackpot Tournament and Spin & Go. 

Bingo

PokerStars does not offer Bingo games.

Poker

Poker Rooms

PokerStars offers a variety of online poker games where you can play against other players in a safe and secure environment. With quick withdrawals, player protection, and deposit limits, PokerStars focuses on player safety. Games include No Limit Hold’em and Hold’em tournaments.

Live Poker

PokerStars Live hosts exciting live poker events for players of all skill levels, from massive global tournaments to action-packed regional events across Europe, Asia, and South America. They also provide information on outstanding live poker rooms in cities worldwide.

Video Content

PokerStars does not seem to offer traditional “video poker” games. However, their YouTube channel features videos of major poker tournaments, highlights from the European Poker Tour (EPT), and series like Big Game and Shark Cage. They also have tutorial videos for beginners.

Sportsbook
Sports Offered
PokerStars Sportsbook allows betting on a wide variety of sports. They also offer numerous poker tournament variants, including All-in Shootouts, Fifty50, Guaranteed Tournaments, and more.

Live Streaming

PokerStars does not seem to offer live sports streams. However, their poker tournaments are live-streamed on Twitch and PokerNews.

Esports Betting

For esports fans, PokerStars Sportsbook covers major competitions like CS:GO, LOL, Dota 2, and more. Betting is offered for leagues, including ESL Pro League, LEC, KPL, and Arena of Glory.

Bonuses

Welcome bonus

PokerStars offers a double first deposit bonus of up to £200 for new players. To claim the bonus, the player first creates a new PokerStars casino account. After depositing £20 or more with Visa or Mastercard using the deposit code FIRST200, the bonus will immediately be credited to the player’s account. The maximum deposit for this bonus is £200.

There are additional terms and conditions for the welcome bonus, and we recommend players to read them beforehand.

Cashback

PokerStars has a cashback program as part of its rewards program. 

• Cashback Percentage: The cashback percentage on PokerStars varies based on a player’s activity and play volume, with a potential cashback of up to 65 per cent. It’s important to note that the percentage can differ depending on the specific rewards program and promotions available at the time.
• Volume-Based Rewards: PokerStars offers a rewards program that encourages players to play more. Players can earn up to 40 per cent cashback rewards by completing monthly poker challenges.
• Basic Rewards Program: In the basic rewards program, all players start with a base cashback percentage of 15 per cent. As players earn points, open chests, and advance through chest levels, they can increase their cashback percentage within the basic program.
• High Cashback Potential: Through the combination of the basic rewards program and volume-based rewards, many players on PokerStars can be eligible for up to 65 per cent in overall cashback. This makes it among major online poker platforms one of the highest cashback percentages.

PokerStars will convert GBP bets to USD at the mid-market rate to calculate reward points.

Deposit and withdrawal

PokerStars provides a range of options for UK players to deposit and withdraw funds. Here are some available methods:

Deposit Methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, and Maestro Card.
• E-wallets: Skrill, Skrill 1-tap, NETELLER, PayPal, and MuchBetter.
• Mobile Wallet: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• E-vouchers: my paysafecard, Neosurf, and PokerStarsTopUp.
• Bank Transfers: Trustly

Withdrawal Methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit.
• E-wallets: Skrill, Skrill 1-tap, NETELLER, PayPal, and MuchBetter.
• Mobile Wallet: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Bank Transfers: Direct Bank Transfer and Wire Transfer

The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is £10. However, as a part of its responsible gaming, players can set the limits of each deposit method. Players can request a withdrawal of their deposit balance or winnings anytime. However, once requested, the withdrawal cannot be reversed.

Withdrawals are processed to the same payment method used to make the deposits. If that payment method is no longer available, PokerStars will credit them to a different payment method following the general terms. Withdrawal and return processing times vary according to the type of payment method used.

Withdrawals are usually processed quickly but may be delayed in the following cases:

• If the funds the player wants to withdraw are the subject of a chargeback, reversal, or other cancellation claim.
• If PokerStars is investigating any error, malfunction, or interruption related to using the services or the player’s involvement in any prohibited event.
• If the player needs to withdraw an amount that is less than any applicable minimum for a particular payment method.
• If there is an ongoing investigation into any error, malfunction, interruption, or suspected prohibited event related to your use of the services.

Customer support

If players need help with PokerStars, there are several ways to get assistance:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Support: +44 123 456 7890
• 24/7 Live Chat

Aside from the three customer support methods, PokerStars has a Help Centre and Community Forum. The Help Centre is a great place to answer common questions or browse through different categories. Meanwhile, the Community Forum is a venue to connect with other users, ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from fellow players.

Security

PokerStars takes security very seriously to ensure the safety and fairness of their games. Here are some of the measures they have in place:

• Confidential reporting facility: PokerStars Live has a confidential reporting facility to investigate all security incidents thoroughly.
• Security department: The PokerStars Security Department ensures fair gameplay and resolves disputes.
• Built-in measures: The software includes built-in measures to protect players, such as deposit and play limits. Players can find more information in the ‘Responsible Gaming’ menu.
• Account security: PokerStars offers various security measures for player accounts, including RSA Security Token and RSA Security PIN.

It’s important to note that, despite these efforts, PokerStars has experienced security breaches. However, the casino takes these incidents seriously and works diligently to resolve them promptly.

Reputation & complaints

PokerStars has a mixed reputation regarding customer service and handling complaints. Some users reported poor customer service as a cause for concern. It also has a relatively low 9 per cent rating for resolving complaints, suggesting that some issues may not be adequately addressed.

Complaints about blocked withdrawals and unfulfilled bonus promises have also been raised by customers, indicating potential areas of improvement. There also have been accusations of PokerStars being a scam made by some users. There are reports of long wait times for customer support, which can be frustrating for players needing assistance.

References

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• https://www.askgamblers.com/online-casinos/reviews/pokerstars-casino
• https://casino.guru/PokerStars-Casino-review
• https://thepogg.com/casino-review/poker-stars-casino/
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• https://www.pokerstars.com/help/articles/eu-legality-of-pokerstars/9443/?ooac=1
• https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/licensing/pokerstars-and-casumo-approved-for-ontario-licences/
• https://www.pokernews.com/news/2012/12/pokerstars-granted-license-from-the-german-state-of-schleswi-14048.htm
• https://www.pokerstars.uk/casino/megajackpots/
• https://www.pokernews.com/news/2023/02/divine-fortune-jackpot-pokerstars-pa-43073.htm
• https://www.mypokercoaching.com/pokerstars-cashback-2023/
• https://pokerfuse.com/online-poker/international/215828-pokerstars-new-rewards-trial-everything-you-need-know/
• https://www.pokernews.com/news/2021/10/new-pokerstars-rewards-program-2021-39940.htm
• https://www.pokerstars.com/help/categories/en-technical-support/?ooac=1
• https://www.poker.org/pokerstars-us-suffers-security-breach-via-third-party-transfer-software-company/
• https://www.complaintsboard.com/pokerstarscom-b119793
• https://www.customerservicescoreboard.com/PokerStars
• https://poker-stars.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html
• http://www.rakeback.com/pokerstars/software/security/