Pokerstars Bonus 2018

Are you planning to play poker games on PokerStars Pennsylvania and you would like to get the best deals on the market? Here's a recap of the latest bonus codes and promotions that will help you pay for your games.

This page doesn't list every promotion or PokerStars PA bonus codes on the internet. Instead, it focuses on the best offers to play online poker in Pennsylvania with lots of bonuses and advantages.

1. When prompted, insert the PokerStars PA bonus code 'STARS600' to activate the offer and receive a 100% match bonus for up to $600. The bonus applies to three consecutive deposits.
2. Join PokerStars via the links on JohnnyBet and automatically have the best bonuses sent directly to your new PokerStars player account. The list of record breaking facts about PokerStars includes having the.
3. PokerStars Casino bonus & promo codes (2021) Free spins, no deposit and welcome bonus Claim PokerStars Casino bonuses.

The first-deposit bonus for PokerStars US players, using the marketing code STARS600, is: 100% match bonus up to $600 That means whatever amount you deposit (up to $600) will be matched by PokerStars.

Continue reading to learn:

• And lots more

We also included a short tutorial on how to download PokerStars PA, so you have everything you need in one place.

All the bonus codes on this page have been verified by our team of experts. PokerNews is the largest online poker guide in the world, with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

In other words, if you are looking for the latest PokerStars PA bonus codes and you want to be sure to play online poker in Pennsylvania with the best offers, you'll love this page.

Copy PokerStars PA Promo Code: FREE30

PokerStars PA Bonus Code: November 2020 Update

There are two bonus codes to play on PokerStars Pennsylvania in November 2020. We checked them with PokerStars and they confirmed that these bonus codes will stay active until the end of the month.

As an online poker player in Pennsylvania, you can use both bonus codes to play on PokerStars PA.

One is perfect to start your adventure on the site since you get $30 on the house to play their fast-paced Spin&Go games.

The second activates a welcome offer on three consecutive deposits, giving you lots of cash to play on the world's largest online poker site.

All players in Pennsylvania can claim these bonuses, with only one exception. If you have an account on FoxBet and you have made a deposit there already, these bonus codes won't work.

Both bonuses work in different ways, so it's best to look at the details of each offer to know what to expect the moment you log into the PokerStars PA platform.

Free $30 Bonus: Offer Details

The first PokerStars PA bonus code ('FREE30') leads to one of the easiest deals you can get to play poker in Pennsylvania.

The free $30 bonus package includes:

• 3x tickets to play $1 Spin&Go tournament
• 1x tickets to play $2 Spin&Go tournament
• 1x tickets to play $5 Spin&Go tournament

To activate the offer, you need to use the bonus code 'FREE30' on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to qualify is $20.

How to Get the Free $30 Bonus

The free $30 bonus you access with the 'FREE30' code is made of multiple Spin&Go tickets.

To activate this offer and play free Spin&Go sit-and-go tournaments online:

1. Register a free gaming account and choose your PokerStars nickname or StarsID
2. Click on the cashier button and proceed to make a deposit of $20 or more

Using the FREE30 bonus code on your first real money deposit activates the offer immediately. On top of the free $30 in Spin&Go tickets, you receive also a ticket to enter the monthly Depositor Freeroll tournament.

Copy PokerStars PA Promo Code: FREE30

$600 Welcome Bonus: Offer Details

The second bonus code ('STARS600') leads to a more traditional match bonus. This time, your deposit is doubled for up to $600 in free bonus money.

What's special about this promotional deal is that the promo code activates a bonus not on just one, but on three deposits, giving you a lot more value (and money to play games on PokerStars).

Like most match bonuses in poker, the bonus amount is released in different chunks and you have four months to get it in full.

After making the qualifying deposit, you clear $10 of the bonus amount every time you collect 100 'redemption points,' which PokerStars give you when you play real money games on their poker software.

In most games, you receive five redemption points for every $1 you pay in rake (if you play cash games) or fees (if you play tournaments).

How to Get the $600 Deposit Bonus

This bonus can be far more lucrative than the previous one since it adds up to $600 in extra money to your account.

The code the activates the offer is 'STARS600.'

To claim up to $600 in bonuses on PokerStars PA:

1. Register a free gaming account and choose your PokerStars nickname or StarsID
2. Head to the cashier to make a real money deposit on the website

When prompted, insert the PokerStars PA bonus code 'STARS600' to activate the offer and receive a 100% match bonus for up to $600.

The bonus applies to three consecutive deposits. Just remember to use the bonus code each time you intend to claim it.

Like the previous offer, this promo code earns you also a ticket to join the Depositor Freeroll event that runs the last Sunday of each month on PokerStars PA.

Copy PokerStars PA Promo Code: STARS600

How Many Bonuses Can One Player Claim in PokerStars PA?

In November 2020, you can claim both bonuses on different deposits. PokerStars PA changed their bonus policies recently, giving you the chance to use both their latest bonus codes to play.

Use the FREE30 bonus code on your first deposit and then activate the other two-month long promotion using the STARS600 bonus on your second, third, and fourth deposits.

These two offers do not cut you off from any of the regular promotions you find on the PokerStars Pa website, meaning you can combine everything together to stack well over than $630 in poker bonuses.

How to Download PokerStars PA and Play

The only requisites for you to download PokerStars Pennsylvania and play real money poker game on the PA version of the largest of all poker sites are:

• You need to be 21 or more
• You need to be in Pennsylvania

Despite what many believe, you do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident to enter the PA online poker world.

All the poker sites and online casinos that operate in Pennsylvania accept players that are within the state's borders.

If you match the two requirements above, you can play poker and casino games on PokerStars Pennsylvania. Here's how you get started:

Open this page to download the PokerStars PA app or the desktop software. You'll be redirected to www.pokerstarsmtairycasino.com, the site that every PokerStars player need to use to access the PokerStars software and play from Pennsylvania.

Once you have downloaded the PokerStars app or software, you are ready to go. Agree to the PokerStars PA End User License Agreement (EULA), and install the software to play real money poker.

After that, simply log into the poker client and use the PokerStars bonus codes in the article to activate the offer you prefer.

Other Promotions on PokerStars PA

While the PokerStars PA promo code options on this page give you access to two great promotions — there are other offers that can be yours without a PokerStars marketing code.

The Reload Bonuses

Once you have used the ones on this page, you don't need a PokerStars promo code to activate a reload bonus on your deposit.

Simply head to the Cashier section of the software or the mobile app (the one where you handle deposits and withdrawals) to see what is available.

Another good starting point to find out all about the reload bonuses (including the terms and conditions) is the 'Promotions' tab in the PokerStars client.

Golden Button

This time-limited campaign is one of the most interesting ones available to online poker players in Pennsylvania. We say that because it's an interesting puzzle-like poker promo...and because you can win $5,000 in prizes every day.

The logic is simple: you need to collect puzzle pieces to complete your mission. Do that, and you'll win money instantly.

Collecting puzzle pieces is equally straightforward. You get a new one every time you win a poker hand holding an ace at no-limit hold'em cash tables with (at least) four players.

The game includes also a 'special move' that helps you to complete the puzzle faster and win your dose of instant cash in less time.

If you win a poker hand with an ace when you are on the button, then you get a golden puzzle piece - which is a far more powerful item than a regular one.

Complete the puzzle / challenge and a cash prize is yours.

Tournament Leaderboard

While the Golden Button is relevant only to NLH cash game player, let's have a look at what PokerStars Pennsylvania has in store for that part of their players pool that prefer to play tournaments.

Every time you play a tournament on the poker app or software of PokerStars PA, you earn Tournament Leader Board (TLB) points if you finish within the top 15% of the field.

Every month, the top 60 players in the PokerStars PA Tournament Leaderboard receive a cash prize And thing we are talking about 'insignificant amounts,' because leaderboard champion takes home a nice $1,500 reward alone!

TLB points are credited differently depending on the event, the buy-in fee, and the number of participants. All the details are always available the tournament lobby on the PokerStars mobile app or desktop software.

PokerStars Pennsylvania Casino Bonus

In case you are interested, PokerStars PA features also an online casino PA website with lots of table game options and slot machines.

All the new players that register to play online gambling games on this Pennsylvania casino site, receive a free $10 no deposit bonus on signup.

You don't need a PokerStars PA promo code to access this offer if you sign up via the button below.

Online Sports Betting

The third leg of the PokerStars online operations in the Keystone State is their sports betting website.

Not only PokerStars offers some of the best sports betting odds in Pennsylvania, but it also welcomes all new bettors with multiple promotions like:

• The Fridays Free Bets
• The Stars Rewards programme
• The daily 'Extra Places Races' running on selected UK and Ireland races.

About PokerStars PA

PokerStars PA was the first of all online poker sites to launch in the Keystone State after online poker became legal in 2019.

The world's largest online poker operator launched in Pennsylvania on November 4, 2019, and - to this date - it is the only legal online poker site in PA.

PokerStars PA boasts a great tournament offer highlighted by their signature Sunday Million events and massive multitable tournament series like the PASCOOP and the Anniversary Series.

To operate in the Keystone State, PokerStars partnered with the Mount Airy Casino. At present, PokerStars runs also a PA online casino and sportsbook.

The launch of PokerStars in New Jersey back in 2016 was maybe the most anticipated event in the history of US online poker. Since, PokerStars has brought the heft of its international brand back into the US and re-established itself as a major player in the expanding US poker scene.

Its partnership with Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania and the launch of online poker in PA in 2019 brought it one step further into the US market. And PokerStars Michigan became the third state to see the return of PokerStars for online poker players when it launched, in partnership with the Odawa Casino Resort, in January 2021.

Current US states where you can play real-money poker on PokerStars:

How Can I Play on PokerStars in the US?

You can open a new PokerStars account from anywhere in the US (and play play-money poker). But you must be physically within a licensed state’s borders (and be of legal age) to play real money poker.

Below find a complete overview of what PokerStars currently offers poker players in the US; check back to see which new states have been or are soon to be added.

PokerStars marketing code

How to Get Free Money on PokerStars

Players that open a new account at either PokerStars NJ, PokerStars PA or PokerStars MI are welcomed with either $30 free if they deposit $20, or a bonus match up to $600, not both.

Make a deposit of $20 or more using marketing code FREE30 and you are immediately eligible for:

• $30 in free play

PokerStars Free Play Bonus includes:

• $20 Bonus Money
• $10 in Spin & Go tickets
• Free entry into a $5,000 depositor freeroll
• 1 million in Play-Money chips

Note:Freeroll ticket and play-money chips are added to your account immediately. The first $10 in bonus money is credited to your account within 36 hours of deposit; final $10 in bonus money credited to your account 7 days after first deposit.

Spin & Go tickets are awarded as follows:

• Day 1: 3 x $1 Spin & Go tickets
• Day 2: 1 x $2 Spin & Go ticket
• Day 3: 1 x $5 Spin & Go ticket

PokerStars Spin & Go’s

Spin & Go’s are PokerStars’ signature Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments which multiply the prize pool randomly before the tournament begins. Buy-ins are from $1-$25 and each tournament then awards from 2x to 1,000 times your buy-in.

Spin & Go’s are three-handed turbo events that play out very fast and can give you amazing opportunities for big scores (up to $25,000 prize pools) compared to the buy-in.

Note that Spin & Go’s are not available in Pennsylvania.

PokerStars Deposit Bonus

The first-deposit bonus for PokerStars US players, using the marketing code STARS600, is:

• 100% match bonus up to $600

That means whatever amount you deposit (up to $600) will be matched by PokerStars in bonus money.

The bonus releases in $10 increments for every 100 VIP Player Points (VPPs) earned. That is equivalent to an unprecedented 55% rakeback rate.

PokerStars awards VPPs at a rate of 5.5 for every $1 in rake paid at cash games, SNGs and tournaments. Any portion of the bonus not cleared within 120 days expires.

As part of the offer, players also get a $5,000 depositor freeroll ticket.

PokerStars Download

New PokerStars players have two ways to download the PokerStars platform and hit the tables:

• Full PokerStars download for PC or Mac (Apple)
• Download PokerStars app for your iPhone/iPad/Android

Both are fast and simple. To start the download on your computer, just click the appropriate link below for your state to get to the main PokerStars download page. Here are shortcuts for NJ and PA:

PokerStars software works for both for PCsand Macs; it’ll self-prompt you to download the proper format for your computer type. Once you’ve downloaded the PokerStars software you’ll finish the registration process by:

• Creating your Stars ID (your poker screen name)
• Setting your password
• Entering the rest of your personal details required (email, age, etc) a
• Bonus Code (see above)

Your account will be operational in minutes. You can also access your 1 million in play-money chips right away. If you want to play real money poker at PokerStars, you’ll also need to:

• Download the Geolocation software to confirm you’re within New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Michigan state borders
• Make a deposit to your account via any of the accepted methods via the “Cashier” tab

More on your deposit (& cashout) options below.

Download the PokerStars App

PokerStars has a slick and easy-to-use poker app for playing both play-money and real money poker. You can open an account via the App alone or create an account on your desktop and then log-in via the App to play.

To download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android:

• Download the app to your iOS or Android device
• Register your account (or log in to your created account)
• Make a deposit or buy/play with play-money chips

PokerStars App – Game Play

The PokerStars app is made for poker players so its known for its ease-of-use and in-game functionality.

Finding cash games and tournaments is simple with a slide bar to scroll through cash games, MTTs, SnGs and Spin & Go’s; there’s also a tab at the top to toggle between real-money and play-money games.

The Lobby, Cashier, My Stars account, Challenges, Leaderboards and Customizable settings are also easy to find and use. If you want to make a real-money deposit it’s hard to miss the “Deposit” icon – just tap and you’ll be walked through depositing in a few simple steps.

As for the action at the tables, as PokerStars has always been made by poker players the betting slide bars and buttons are well positioned and easily distinguishable to avoid misclicks.

Following the action at the table is clear and straight-forward and the betting bar allows for quick increment changes. Check/fold buttons are also big and visible as are set betting increments. Multi-tabling is also possible via the app.

PokerStars cash games and tournaments

Cash Games

PokerStars offers the widest variety of cash games in US online poker:

• No Limit Hold ’em
• Limit Hold ’em
• Pot Limit Ohama
• Limit Omaha Hi/Lo
• Eight Game
• Limit Stud
• Limit Stud Hi/Lo

And the list goes on. No Limit Hold‘em games dominate the lobby with popular stakes running from $0.05/$0.10 to $2.50/$5.00. NL Hold ‘em Zoom Poker (fast-fold) games also go off regularly, even more so when there’s a cash game promotion running.

SNGs

SNGs are always popular on PokerStars. The ones that do run are generally low- to mid-stakes No Limit Hold ‘em turbo games. Most of the site’s SNGs are of the 6-max variety, although heads-up games run as well.

Spin ‘n Gos

As mentioned above, Spin & Go’s are arguably the site’s mostpopular format. These three-person, hyper turbo games are known for their randomized payouts and blistering pace.

The format is available at the $1, $2, $5, $10 and $25 buy-in levels, and feature jackpot prizes of 1,000x a player’s buy-in.

Multi-table tournaments (MTTs)

PokerStars is the home for New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan’s biggest online tournament series events. The annual New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan Championships of Online Poker and Spring Championship of Online Poker feature dozens of events and $1 million+ guaranteed prize pools.

PokerStars also host a nice selection of smaller tournament series events throughout the calendar year, and special events like PennsylMania. That’s a recurring special event which had a prize pool of over half a million dollars with just a $200 buy in on its first go.

As for its daily and weekly MTT schedules, PokerStars also makes the grade. The site offers a dozen nightly majors with buy-ins ranging from $5 to $100 and spanning multiple game formats.

Weekend tournaments guarantee as much as $50,000, and often more during special events. Here’s a quick glimpse of PokerStars’ most popular tournament offerings in the US:

• The Big $5(4 p.m. EST): $5 buy-in, $500 guaranteed
• The Big $30(5 p.m. EST): $30 buy-in, $1,000 guaranteed
• The Big $50(6 p.m. EST): $50 buy-in, $2,000 guaranteed
• The Big $10(6 p.m. EST): $10 buy-in, $1,000 guaranteed
• The Big $20(7 p.m. EST): $20 buy-in, $1,500 guaranteed

More daily tournaments include:

• Hot Turbos
• KO Fever
• Nightly Stars
• Moonlight Express for No-Limit Hold ’em
• Change-up for Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and Stud

Sunday Majors on PokerStars US

• Sunday Warm-Up(4 p.m. EST): $50 buy-in, $8,500 guaranteed
• Sunday Storm(5 p.m. EST): $10 buy-in, $4,500 guaranteed
• SundaySpecial(6 p.m. EST): $200 buy-in, $45,000 guaranteed
• Sunday High Roller(7 p.m. EST): $500 buy-in, $15,000 guaranteed
• SundaySupersonic(10 p.m. EST): $75 buy-in, $5,000 guaranteed

PokerStars Home Games

One of the favorite features for some players on PokerStars is the Home Games feature, which allows you to set up your own private poker club. You can then invite your friends to play poker online in any format you like, from cash games to tournaments to SnGs.

If you live or play in PA and NJ you can do so against each other with real money in your accounts. You can also play with play money and settle up outside of the poker game itself.

PokerStars Deposits & Cashouts

Deposits

With fully licensed and legal online poker comes a slew of easy-to-use and secure deposit and withdrawal methods. All transactions, via either the desktop or app, are encrypted, secure and protected.

Once your proper account ID and verification are set-up depositing to PokerStars NJ or PokerStars PA is virtually instantaneous. Popular deposit methods include:

• Instant e-checks (ACH)
• Skrill
• Mastercard/Visa credit or debit cards
• PokerStars Instant online banking
• PayNearMe (7/11)
• Cash at the Live Casino partner’s cage (check with casino to confirm: Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; Mount Airy Casino in PA; Odawa Casino in Petoskey, MI)
• PokerStars Play+ Card

Of these, players should consider Instant e-checks as their first line of offense. The Play+ Card is also a great option for players who have trouble completing ACH transactions. Those who favor in-person transactions are best opting for PayNearMe or cash at the casino cage.

Cashouts

Players are slightly more restricted with regard to withdrawals but still have plenty of options in both states:

• Instant e-checks
• Skrill
• Cash at the cage
• PokerStars Play+ Card

Generally speaking players must use a method as a deposit vehicle first before withdrawing via the same method.

Poker Stars Promotions

Alongside the Free Play and Deposit Bonuses, PokerStars NJ and PokerStars PA run plenty of ongoing promotions for players. Among the current or past promotions we’ve seen:

• $10,00 Summer Holidays Challenge
• Daily $20,000 Golden Button Challenge
• Monthly MTT Leaderboards
• Online satellites and Spin & Go’s for live tournament seats and packages

Check PokerStars’ promotions page in a particular state for ongoing promotions.

PokerStars Live Tournaments & Packages

PokerStars hosts some pretty spectacular live events around the world and players in the US can take advantage of low buy-in satellites online to win seats and packages. Players can win seats and full travel packages to live events including:

• European Poker Tour
• PokerStars Caribbean Adventure
• PokerStars Live London

and more. Also expected to return in 2020 was the:

• PokerStars Players NL Hold’em Championship (PSPC)

The first edition ran in 2019 and awarded over $26 million in total to players that cashed.

Buy-in is €22,500 (approximately $25,000) but you can win your way there for much, much cheaper via the online satellites. Find the full daily and weekly satellite schedule for live events in the ‘Events’ and ‘Live’ tabs in the lobby.

PokerStars player rewards

All real money poker players at PokerStars are eligible for reward prizes through the Stars Rewards Program. Players get personalized rewards based on their playing preferences across all of the site’s products – casino and sports betting included.

Players who play real money games earn Rewards Points as they play. As you accrue points you’ll fill up an on-screen progress bar. When you reach the end of the bar for that reward level you will earn a Reward Chest to open.

Inside the Chest will be personalized rewards that best suit your level of play. There are six chest levels of increasing size and average value:

• Blue Chest ($0.25-$5)
• Bronze Chest ($0.60-$12)
• Silver Chest ($1.50-$30)
• Gold Chest ($5-$100)
• Diamond Chest ($12.50-$250)
• Black Chest ($35-$700)

Chests can contain StarsCoin — a virtual currency that players can spend at the site’s rewards store — tickets, and goods tailored to players’ preferences. Players can also win Top Rewards, which are massive prizes divided randomly among chests.

Boosts are also available whereby players will earn points at an augmented rate for a limited time.

PokerStars Customer Service

PokerStars offers an extensive FAQ portal divided into four primary sections:

• Support
• Deposit and Cash Out
• Security
• Account

Most of the common questions people have when creating/using a PokerStars account can be solved right there. Players can also fill out the site’s support form to request a callback or written response from an agent.

Pokerstars Michigan Bonus Codes

Is PokerStars Safe?

Beyond being one of the most reputable online poker brands in the entire world, every PokerStars US poker site is subject to rigorous vetting and regulations by the individual state’s Department of Gaming Enforcement.

• In NewJersey, PokerStars has been approved and licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
• In Pennsylvania, PokerStars has been approved and licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PCGB).
• In Michigan, PokerStars has been approved and licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MCGB).

It’s more than accurate to say PokerStars stands apart as one of the safest poker sites online.

PokerStars VR

Virtual Reality has come to poker in the form of PokerStars VR. If you choose to dive in, your perception of live poker will never be the same.

You’ll need the proper VR equipment (and graphics support) to try it out but if you do you’ll be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind, authentic, free poker experience like you’ve never seen before. PokerStars VR offers:

• Dazzling realism from chip to cards to players to dealers
• Real opponents in free ring games
• Immersive, total poker experience with authentic body language, props and accessories
• Play against your friends on private tables or against other players across the world
• Streaming media integration
• Free chips and in-game purchases
• Exotic playing locales including Macau 2050, Monte Carlo Yacht, Showdown Saloon and Galaxy Space Station
• New SnGs plus weekly leaderboards

You can download PokerStars VR from:

• Oculus Store
• Steam
• Viveport

PokerStars US FAQ

Is PokerStars Legal in the US?

Yes. PokerStars officially relaunched to players in New Jersey on March 21, 2016. It launched in Pennsylvania on Nov. 4, 2019. It arrived in Michigan on January 29, 2021. These are currently the only 3 states where PokerStars can legally offer online poker games for real-money but more are soon to come.

Can I play at PokerStars in states outside of New Jersey?

PokerStars is currently licensed to offer games in three US states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Michigan.

Players from anywhere can sign up and create a new account but to play real money poker online (either cash games or tournaments) you must be physically within the state’s borders. You do not have to be a resident of either state to play.

How does PokerStars know I’m in NJ, MI or PA?

In order to abide by official state gaming regulations PokerStars must guarantee players accessing its real-money games are within state borders. To do so, players on PokerStars must download a geolocation app along with the PokerStars software or PokerStars App.

Can PokerStars US players play against international PokerStars players?

No, PokerStars US only includes players within the US as of 2019. There is a current compact that allows for a shared player pool between online poker players in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware but PokerStars does not have a site in Nevada or Delaware.

PokerStars PA and MI players are also ring-fenced and only able to play against each other. There is a likelihood, though, that all state player pools will eventually be merged among similarly licensed online poker states.

One day there is hope the full international player pool (or a portion of it) will be available again to US players.

What caused the delay of PokerStars in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement had concerns about the past legal issues of PokerStars involving the US Department of Justice. The original PokerStars founder had not yet settled with the US Government at the time of the sale to Amaya Gaming.

The sale of PokerStars satisfied any issues New Jersey regulators had with the company.

Are SNG tournaments available ?

Yes. PokerStars has SNGs. Michigan and New Jersey (but not Pennsylvania) have Spin and Go’s as well.

Why does PokerStars have a casino partner in each state?

New Jersey interactive gaming law requires software providers to partner with Atlantic City casinos through their existing license. Casinos can host up to five gaming sites on a brick-and-mortar license.

Likewise, Pennsylvania and Michigan require online poker sites to have a land-based partner.

Which Atlantic City casino is PokerStars’ partner?

PokerStars is partners with ResortsCasino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Which Pennsylvania casino is PokerStars’ partner?

PokerStars is partners with Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania.

Which Michigan casino is PokerStars’ partner?

PokerStars is partners with Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey.

Does PokerStars offer casino games?

Yes, PokerStars offers casino games via Stars Casino. You can also sports bet with its sister set, FoxBet.

How big are the Sunday PokerStars tournaments in New Jersey?

Due to the market’s low-population cap, the tournament prize pools on PokerStars New Jersey are not nearly as large as they on the operator’s international site.

At present, the biggest Sunday major is the Sunday Special, which guarantees $50,000. Following that is the Sunday High Roller ($500 buy-in, $15,000 GTD).

There is also a bevy of nightly and weekly tournaments that guarantee a minimum prize pool of $10,000.

PokerStars US Review

PokerStars Quick Review

• Traffic - 91

• Depth of Game Selection - 93

• Software - 98

• Customer Support - 84

• Promotional Value - 94

Summary

The PokerStars client is nothing short of stellar, matching the quality of its award-winning international platform nearly every step of the way. PokerStars also offers two generous, first-time deposit bonus; one tailored toward recreational players and another to regulars. Biannual tournament events that guarantee over $1.2 million each and an eclectic mix of game formats round out New Jersey's most complete online poker package. Now if only customer service were more accessible.

PokerStars’ History

PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker site. It peaks in the neighborhood of 20,000 players daily, according to PokerScout.

In addition to its international poker site, it also holds licenses in the ring-fenced markets of Italy, France and Spain. It is the largest site in two of these three regulated and ring-fenced countries.

PokerStars was not always the largest online poker room in the world. PartyPoker held that distinction until October 2006, when it left the US market. PartyPoker has the most cash-game players, but PokerStars had more tournament participants.

As a result, PokerStars immediately became the largest cash-game site when it announced it would stay in the US market after 2006. It raked an estimated $2 million per day after this decision.

PokerStars’ legal woes

Because of this success, the US Department of Justice took notice. PokerStars became the target of an investigation from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.

On April 15, 2011, an indictment was unsealed that named PokerStars and two executives. The charges related to violating the Illegal Gambling Business Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Furthermore, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker were also named on the same indictment.

PokerStars immediately withdrew from the US market, as did Full Tilt and Absolute Poker. Most noteworthy is that PokerStars was able to reimburse account balances for US players within 10 days. Full Tilt and Absolute Poker were unable to pay.

Subsequently, PokerStars acquired Full Tilt through a corporate settlement with the US Justice Department worth $731 million. Part of this settlement went toward paying Full Tilt Poker players that were victims of what the federal government described as fraud.

Once these charges were settled, PokerStars attempted to gain licensing in New Jersey for the state’s new interactive gaming industry that launched in November 2013. They partnered with Resorts.

PokerStars previously attempted to buy the Atlantic Club. They infused the ailing casino with much-needed cash while it attempted to get licensed. Atlantic Club backed out of the deal after the guaranteed closing date passed.

It appeared Atlantic Club was hoping to fetch a higher sales price. That never materialized. Atlantic Club fell into bankruptcy and closed in January 2014. Subsequently, its assets were divided between Caesars Entertainment and Tropicana Entertainment through a bankruptcy auction.

While PokerStars resolved its case through a civil settlement, executives of PokerStars never resolved their charges. This was the reason cited by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for suspending its gaming license application for two years.

PokerStars’ new owner and eventual entry into New Jersey

Rational Group, the parent company of PokerStars, decided the solution was to sell the company. Amaya Gaming was the suitor.

Amaya Gaming acquired PokerStars in July 2014 for $4.9 billion. As a result, PokerStars’ equity holders left the company at the close of the transaction.

It appears that this merger was the catalyst that gave PokerStars the green light in New Jersey. The Division of Gaming Enforcement is satisfied that PokerStars is now suitable.

Amaya Gaming was already licensed in New Jersey. It maintains several casino platforms, as well as Betfair’s poker platform.

The path was more straightforward to PokerStars to get licensed in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and it managed to be the first online poker site regulated by the state gaming control boards to launch in each state.

Amaya Gaming would either need to defeat that language in bills before they become law or prevail in court challenges under the position that the so-called bad actor clauses are unconstitutional.

Additionally, online poker regulations in Nevada include a tainted asset clause. This means that the sale of PokerStars does not clean the brand in the eyes of regulators. Unless current Nevada law changes, or is found unconstitutional, PokerStars will never operate in Nevada.

Pokerstars Casino Bonus Code

Delaware has no such language in its online poker regulations.