3.0 rating
Pros
  • Extensive selection of poker games and tournaments
  • Highly reputable brand with a large global player base
  • Offers free poker games for beginners
  • Optimised for mobile devices
  • User-friendly software with a feature-rich mobile app
Cons
  • Withdrawal takes over 24 hours
  • Many restricted countries
  • Some users report slow withdrawal processing times
  • Customer support is primarily through email and live chat with no phone support

Quick Facts

About Pokerstars

  • Operator: Flutter
  • Launch year: 2001
  • Licences: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
  • 24/7 support: live chat, telephone call back & email

Games

  • Contains: over 400+ games
  • Types: poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, scratchcards

Payments

  • Minimum deposit: £10
  • Deposit methods: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal
  • MMax withdrawal: N/A

PokerStars Review + Bonus Code – Worth Playing Here? (2025) Details

Licenses:
Operators:
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Intro

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

Disclaimer: We do our best to keep the information below up-to-date and accurate. However, we 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. 

PokerStars is a premier online poker brand under the ownership of Flutter Entertainment, a global sports betting and gaming entertainment company. Besides PokerStars, Flutter’s portfolio includes other notable brands such as Betfair, Paddy Power, and FanDuel. This review will cover PokerStars’ games, bonuses, licenses, and its ESG score.

In the UK Pokerstars operates under a license of the UK Gambling Commission. Internationally it operates under licenses of the Maltese Gaming Authority, and Pokerstars.com and Pokerstars.eu hold licenses from several countries such as Denmark, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Estonia ,and local jurisdictions in the USA such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Is PokerStars of Flutter a sustainable and responsible brand?

PokerStars is one of the brands owned by Flutter Entertainment. Flutter Entertainment has been rated as a top-performing gaming operator when it comes to transparency, sustainability, and responsible gambling.

Transparency: Flutter Entertainment scores a 5 for transparency, with comprehensive and detailed insights provided through sustainability reporting and governance practices.

ESG Strategy: The company earns a 4 for its robust ESG strategy, which includes initiatives like the “Positive Impact Plan,” reflecting a commitment to responsible gaming, environmental sustainability, and diversity.

Sanctions: Flutter’s score is 2, reflecting challenges with past regulatory fines. However, the company’s proactive approach and continuous improvements suggest a positive trajectory.

3rd Party Rating: With a score of 4, Flutter Entertainment maintains a positive public reputation and has received industry recognition for its sustainability and responsible gambling efforts.
You can read our complete sustainability review about Flutter Entertainment here.

Player experience at PokerStars

PokerStars provides a comprehensive and engaging player experience, catering to a wide range of gaming preferences. Whether enjoying the vast selection of poker games, table games, or live casino options, players can expect smooth gameplay and user-friendly interfaces across both desktop and mobile platforms. The live casino section offers a highly interactive experience with real dealers, enhancing the immersion for players. Additionally, the platform’s commitment to responsible gambling ensures that players have access to tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options to maintain a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.

PokerStars is a well-established name in the online poker industry, known for its wide range of poker games, daily tournaments, and large player base. This review provides a comprehensive look at PokerStars’ offerings, including its history, reputation, game variety, bonuses, customer support, security measures, and licensing.

Since its inception in 2001, PokerStars has grown into the largest online poker site globally, with millions of registered users. The platform is renowned for its extensive selection of poker games and tournaments, making it a favourite among poker enthusiasts.

Player Experience at PokerStars Casino

Extensive testing and analysis conducted by Better World Casinos reveal a generally positive player experience with PokerStars. The analysis is based on comprehensive reviews and feedback from actual users, focusing on key aspects such as the withdrawal process, game variety, user interface, customer service, and overall satisfaction.

MetricRating
Overall User Satisfaction8.5
Game Variety9.2
User Interface8.8
Customer Service7.9
Withdrawal Process7.6

What do others say about PokerStars

Besides sharing our own experience, we also review what other websites say about PokerStars

SitesPlayers Rating
LCB.orgNo Rating/No Review
AskGamblersAG rating 7.2/10 Player rating 5.3/10
CasinomeisterCM rating 6/10 – Player rating 8/10
CasinoGuru7.0/10
ThePOGG6.54/10
Casino.orgNo Rating/No Review
last updated sept 20-2024

PokerStars does not have reviews on LCB.org or Casino.org, 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 licenses from several respected regulatory bodies, including the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. These licenses allow PokerStars to operate in numerous global markets, ensuring compliance with strict standards for player protection and responsible gaming.

The casino accepts players not only from the UK but also from Canada, India, New Zealand, and New Jersey.

Restricted Regions

PokerStars is not available in some regions, including the United States, China, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Players are advised to check the website for a full list of restricted regions.

Games and bets offered

Poker

The platform offers various types of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. PokerStars is particularly known for its Spin & Go’s, a fast-paced Sit & Go format with random prize pools.

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.

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. 

pokerstars tournaments

Bingo

PokerStars does not offer Bingo games.

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

PokerStars offers a range of bonuses and promotions to cater to different types of players.

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.

PokerStars regularly offers reload bonuses, freeroll entries, and seasonal promotions. Loyal players may also receive exclusive offers via email, including free tournament tickets and other rewards.

Reload Bonuses and Seasonal Offers

These promotions are subject to specific terms and conditions, so players should always check the PokerStars website for the latest offers and detailed requirements.

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.

Processing Times

Withdrawals are typically processed within 12-24 hours. The time it takes for funds to reach the player’s account can vary, ranging from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the chosen withdrawal method and the country of residence.

PokerStars Mobile App Review

The PokerStars Mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, offers top-tier features that replicate the experience of playing on the downloadable desktop version of the world’s largest online poker site.

It provides access to the same extensive range of Cash Games, Sit & Go’s, and tournaments, along with an online cashier, allowing players to deposit and withdraw funds on the go.

With the PokerStars mobile app, players can also enjoy multi-table play, with the ability to join up to four tables at once on most smartphones!

Customer support

PokerStars offers multiple customer support options to ensure players can get assistance when needed:

  • Phone Support: +44 123 456 7890
  • Live Chat: PokerStars’ live chat support is available 24/7 for logged-in users. This feature provides real-time assistance and can be accessed directly from the PokerStars website or desktop client.
  • Email Support: Players can contact the customer support team via email at [email protected] or [email protected] for detailed inquiries. The response time is typically within 24 hours, and the team is known for providing thorough and helpful replies.
  • Help Center: PokerStars has a comprehensive Help Center that covers a wide range of topics, including account registration, deposits, withdrawals, promotions, and responsible gaming. This section helps players find quick answers to common questions and issues.
  • Social Media Support: Support is available via private messages on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where responses are typically provided within a few hours.
  • Contact Form: A contact form is available on the PokerStars website for submitting queries. Players need to fill out the required fields with personal details and a description of the issue to receive support.

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.

PokerStars strives to provide a high level of customer service and has several channels available to address player concerns efficiently. For the most current information and direct access to support, it is recommended to visit the official PokerStars website or use the PokerStars mobile app.

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.

However, like any large online casino, PokerStars has received both praise and criticism from its users.

Positive Aspects

  • Industry Reputation: PokerStars is widely regarded for its reliability and broad range of poker options. The platform is praised for its user-friendly interface and high-quality mobile app.
  • Game Variety: PokerStars offers a vast selection of poker games and tournaments, contributing to its popularity among players.
  • Timely Issue Resolution: Many players have reported that PokerStars resolves most issues promptly, contributing to its positive standing.

Complaints
Despite a generally positive reputation, PokerStars does have its share of criticisms:

Technical Issues: There have been occasional reports of the software experiencing bugs and unresponsiveness, particularly on the mobile app.

Withdrawal Processing Times: Some users have expressed frustration with slow withdrawal processing times. While PokerStars typically processes withdrawals within 24 hours, the time for funds to reach the player’s account can vary.

Customer Support Accessibility: Although PokerStars offers multiple support options, some players have reported difficulties accessing timely support.

Resolved Complaints
Despite these issues, many complaints are successfully resolved by PokerStars. The customer support team is generally responsive, addressing concerns effectively through various channels.

Overall, PokerStars has a strong track record in the online gaming industry. While it faces typical challenges associated with large online poker sites, it generally handles issues effectively and maintains a good reputation among its players.

For the most current and detailed information on PokerStars, always refer to the official PokerStars website or contact their customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What games can I play on PokerStars?

PokerStars offers various poker games, table games, live casino games, game shows, slots, and progressive slots.

Can I play on PokerStars using a mobile device?

Yes, PokerStars has a mobile app available for iOS and Android, allowing you to enjoy your favourite games on the go.

What types of bonuses do PokerStars offer?

PokerStars provides a welcome bonus of up to £200 for new players. To claim the bonus, the player must deposit £20 or more with Visa or Mastercard with the deposit code FIRST200. The casino also has a cashback program with rewards of up to 65%.

How can I contact customer support on PokerStars?

PokerStars offers 24/7 customer support via live chat. Players can also contact customer support via phone at +44 123 456 7890 or email at [email protected].

Can I play free poker games on PokerStars?

Yes, PokerStars offers free poker games on the website and mobile app.

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