Launched in Pennsylvania in 2019, PokerStars Online Casino is notably one of the most recognizable names not just in the Keystone State’s online gambling scene but in the entire industry. Owned and operated by the Flutter Group, PokerStars, known for being a favorite among poker enthusiasts has also become a popular destination for slots and table games. This might be news to you, but it has become the go-to place for casino lovers regardless of their game of choice. In this PokerStars Review, we will cover all there is to know about PokerStars and its peculiarities. 

Popularity

9.5

PokerStars Casino enjoys a strong reputation in the online gaming industry, mainly due to its association with PokerStars, one of the world’s most renowned online poker platforms. The casino’s popularity is further supported by its superb game selection, appealing promotions, and integration with the larger PokerStars ecosystem, which attracts a vast player base from various regions. Its presence in regulated markets like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan also contributes to its high traffic and widespread recognition among online gamblers​.

Brand Perception

9.0

PokerStars Casino is perceived as a trustworthy and reliable brand, largely due to its long-standing history in the online gaming industry and its affiliation with the Flutter Entertainment Group. The brand is known for its strict adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring fairness and security for its players. Additionally, PokerStars’ reputation as a leader in online poker positively influences its casino brand.

User Experience

9.0

The user experience at PokerStars Casino is generally praised for its clean design and seamless integration across desktop and mobile platforms. Players appreciate the variety of games available, including poker and slots. The casino also offers a responsive customer support system and reliable payment processing, which further enhances the overall user experience. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

Games from leading developers

Many poker cash games and tournaments 

Excellent mobile app

World-class software

Renowned brand

Cons

No live chat support

Limited table game variety

Key Facts

Year Established2019
Available in States Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Types of GamesSlots, Table Games, Video Poker, Live Dealer Games
Banking OptionsVisa, Mastercard, PayPal, Instant eChecks, Paysafecard, Interac, Apple Pay
Redemption Time1 to 5 business days
Support OptionsEmail, FAQs

First Impression

9.8

PokerStars sets the bar high from the very start with its aesthetically appealing and well-designed interface. After all, we wouldn’t expect anything less from a brand this renowned. The layout is clearly designed with convenience and aesthetic appeal at the forefront. The primary colors include black, red, and white, creating an inviting and professional look. 

These colors are not only easy on the eyes but also help highlight important information and sections for easy browsing. As soon as you load the site, a large banner with the brand’s current promotions greets you. The site features distinct text and graphics, easily clickable buttons, and customizable controls. Overall, we were impressed with PokerStar’s visual design.

Welcome Bonus

9.5

PokerStars welcomes new players with multiple bonuses. For the first one, new players signing up with PokerStars get $150 in Bonus Play. That means you get $150 in Bonus Play for playing a hand in a real money Cash Game or wagering $1 on the casino within five days of account creation. 

The $150 Bonus Play is gradually unlocked over five days as follows: 

  • Right After Registration: Receive 2 x $5 SAG* tickets and 50 x $1 SAG tickets
  • First Day: Get a $10 instant bonus
  • Second Day: Obtain 2 x $5 SAG tickets and 1 x $10 SAG ticket
  • Third-Day: Secure a $10 instant bonus
  • Fourth Day: Acquire 2 x $10 SAG tickets
  • Fifth Day: Earn a $30 instant bonus

*SAG: Spin & Go

How to Claim the Welcome Bonus

Claiming the welcome bonus at PokerStars is beyond easy. Below is how you can also claim the bonus:

  1. Head over to the PokerStars Online Casino site and create an account
  2. Opt into the bonus by clicking “My Rewards” and then selecting “Challenges”
  3. Make an initial deposit of at least $10
  4. As mentioned, the Bonus Play is spread out over five days and comes in varying forms. Once you play one cash game hand or wager $1 on any available casino game, the first part will be released in a Chest

Alternatively, players can opt into the platform’s Casino Bonus Play offer, which includes $100 in Casino Bonus Play for betting $1 in casino games. The rewards for this bonus are also released over five days via Chests. 

Last but not least, if you’re a poker fan, you can take advantage of PokerStars Casino’s Poker 100% First Deposit Bonus by making your first deposit using the bonus code “STAR600.” In this promotion, players receive a 100% deposit match of up to $600.

💰 Welcome Bonus$150 in Bonus Play
🤑 Promo CodeN/A
🎁 Playthrough requirements to get bonusN/A
💵 Minimum Amount For BonusN/A
Who Can ClaimNew players residing in legal states

Other Promotions

7.0

Besides the welcome bonus, PokerStars provides a variety of ongoing promotions, though they may be limited in number. One notable offer is the referral program, where inviting friends to join PokerStars can earn you up to $100 in rewards. All you need to do is share your unique referral link. Once your friends sign up and make a minimum deposit of $10, you’ll receive 5 x $10 tournament tickets and a $50 Casino Bonus, credited through a Chest

VIP/Loyalty Program

9.0

PokerStars boasts a very rewarding rewards program named PokerStars Rewards. Here, players can receive up to 33% in rewards and earn 100 reward points for each $1 spent in rake or fees across all cash games and tournaments, including high stakes. 

PokerStars Rewards has six tiers, each offering a different kind of Chest type that increases in value as you make your way up. As established, you win rewards based on your Chest Level. The Blue Chest level offers a reward value of 15%, requiring 333 Reward Points. On the other end of the spectrum, the Black Chest level offers a reward value of 33%, requiring 100000 Reward Points.

If you have not secured a Chest within a 28-day period, your progress will be reset, and you will be demoted to a lower level. Ultimately, we think this program offers a great incentive for players to stay engaged and motivated.

Table Games

8.0

While solid, the table games selection at PokerStars Casino is a bit limited, especially if you’re used to a broader variety. More on the available table games is given below:

Blackjack

PokerStars offers several variations of blackjack, such as Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, and High Roller Blackjack. The games ran smoothly, and the user interface was easy to browse. However, the variety could have been more expansive, considering the game’s popularity.

Roulette

Roulette at PokerStars Casino featured titles like American Roulette, High Roller Roulette, and an exclusive PokerStars Roulette. The graphics were crisp, and the game mechanics were smooth, but again, the selection was smaller than that of other high-profile casinos they compete with. We expected a few more variants like French Roulette, but the options were fairly standard. It’s a solid choice for casual players, but roulette enthusiasts might crave more diversity.

Poker

We held high expectations for this section (for obvious reasons), and we’re pleased to say it met them. Here, you’ll find a wide array of tournaments featuring all the popular formats, including SNGs (Sit & Gos) and MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments). However, it’s worth noting that Spin & Gos are currently unavailable in Pennsylvania.

PokerStars also wows with its cash game variety, with the popular No-Limit Hold’em available at 6 and 9-handed tables offering numerous stake options. The platform provides other popular variants as well, including Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), Pot-Limit Omaha Hi/Lo, Limit Omaha Hi/Lo, 8 Game, Limit Stud, Limit Stud Hi/Lo, and many more.

What’s great is the casino also has a “How to Play” section aimed at newcomers. After all, PokerStars clearly has a reputation for catering to players of all skill levels.

Live Casino Games

PokerStars offers a dedicated section of live casino games, divided into subcategories like “Roulette,” “Blackjack,” “Poker,” “Baccarat,” and “Poker.” It also includes entertaining game shows like Crazy Time, Sweet Bonanza Candyland, and Mega Wheel.

Slots Games

8.5

At PokerStars Casino, slot games make up the largest portion of the gaming portfolio. The slot section is categorized into various subcategories, including “Popular,” “New,” “Exclusive,” “Jackpot,” and “Megaways.” Popular slots include widely recognized titles like Starburst, Reactoonz, Rick and Morty, Wolf Gold, and The Dog House, alongside exclusive games like Mammoth Gold and Diamond Stars. PokerStars frequently updates its game library with new and exclusive slots, ensuring there’s always something new to explore​.

Here are five of the most popular slots found at Poker Stars:

Slots NameRTPMax Payout
Legacy of Dead96.58%5,000x
Big Bass Splash96.71%5,000x
Gates of Olympus96.5%5,000x
Sweet Bonanza96.49%21,175x
Great Rhino Megaways96.53%20,000x

Other Games

6.0

There’s also a small selection of scratch cards available at PokerStars Casino. The graphics are basic but clean, and they provide a nice break from the more intense table games and slots. Fishin’ Frenzy Scatchcard and King Kong Cash Scratchcard are two titles available in this category.

User Experience

9.5

When we first started exploring PokerStars Casino for this review, we immediately noticed how user-friendly the platform is. Everything felt smooth and easy to browse on the web or the app. The games load quickly, and we didn’t experience any lag or glitches while playing them, which speaks volumes about the casino’s technical performance. We particularly appreciated the clean design, and there, thankfully, weren’t any annoying pop-ups or constant notifications that could disrupt the gaming experience. 

We found both the mobile app and the desktop version to be equally reliable, though each has its own perks. The mobile app we tested on a smartphone had a layout that felt perfectly tailored for on-the-go use. It’s almost as feature-rich as the desktop version but in a more compact format. On the other hand, the desktop site gave us a broader view with slightly more detailed options.

Customer Support

7.5

PokerStars Online Casino offers 24/7 customer support with a knowledgeable and efficient team. However, the absence of live chat support, which has become standard in the industry, might be a drawback for some users. Instead, you can reach their highly trained representatives via email, where they are committed to providing top-notch assistance.

Response times are generally quick, and the agents are very helpful. However, your inquiry may be forwarded to the appropriate department for more complex issues, leading to varying wait times. The casino’s detailed Help page is a useful resource for general questions, offering answers to a wide range of common inquiries. To achieve a better score, they will need to work on introducing a live chat service.

Here's a summary of the available customer support channels:

ChannelDetailsAvailability
Live ChatNot Available
FAQsYesOn Site
Emailsupport@pokerstars.com24/7

Brand Registration

Signing up with PokerStars is extremely easy and only takes a few minutes. Below is how you can also sign up with PokerStars Online Casino:

1
Visit the Website

Load up the PokerStars Casino website and click the “Join” button at the top right corner

2
Enter Email & Password

A two-part sign-up form will pop up. In the first form, input your email and create a unique username and a strong password. Click “Continue”

3
Accept Terms

In the second part of the registration form, check the newsletter box (optional), General Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy boxes

4
Verify Email

PokerStars Casino will send a verification email to your email address, so make sure all the information you’ve provided is accurate

5
Finish Sign-Up Process

Click on the link sent to your email to verify your user account and finish the sign-up process

Banking

9.0

At PokerStars Casino, players can choose from an excellent range of banking methods, detailed in the sections below:

Purchase Options

The deposit options at PokerStars include Visa, Mastercard, Payz, Interac, Apple Pay, and Paysafecard. While the minimum deposit requirement varies from one method to another, the lowest possible amount starts at $5. Deposits are usually processed instantly, allowing users to fund your account and begin playing right away. The maximum deposit limit can vary based on both the payment method and the player’s account status​.

Redeem Options

When it comes to redeeming your winnings, PokerStars Casino offers several withdrawal options, including Visa, MuchBetter, Interac, and direct bank transfer. The withdrawal process is straightforward; simply head to the cashier section, select your preferred method, and follow the prompts. The minimum withdrawal amount is $10, with maximum limits varying by the method chosen. For e-wallets, withdrawals are typically processed in up to 3 days, while card withdrawals may take up to 5 business days.

Here's a detailed table of the purchase options:

Deposit MethodAmex Accepted?FeeProcess TimeMinumum Deposit
Visa/MastercardNoNoneInstant$10
Instant eChecksNoNoneInstant$10
InstadebitNoNoneInstant$10
PaysafecardNoNoneWithin 24 Hours$8
Apple PayNoNoneInstant$10
InteracNoNoneInstant$10
Luxon PayNoNoneInstant$10
NeosurfNoNoneInstant$8
MuchBetterNoNoneInstant$5
PayzNoNoneInstant$10

Safety & Fairness

9.9

Being a renowned international brand with a solid reputation to uphold, PokerStars Casino employs multiple measures to keep its customers’ information safe and facilitate a fair and safe environment. Such measures include modern SSL encryption technology and RNGs (random number generators). 

Moreover, the platform has licenses in all the states it operates in, which means it must adhere to strict standards regarding player safety, fair play, and responsible gambling. 

Legal Status and Info

As you might know, all casinos must be linked with a land-based gambling establishment to operate legally in Pennsylvania. In that respect, apart from being regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the PokerStars Group partners with the Mount Airy Resort to offer its services within the state. 

Besides legally operating in Pennsylvania, PokerStars Online Casino is also available in New Jersey and Michigan, meaning it holds official licenses from the following regulators: the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Michigan Gaming Control Board. 

Summary

After thoroughly exploring PokerStars, it’s clear why this platform stands out as a leading name in the iGaming industry, particularly for poker and the broader casino experience. With a vast selection of top-tier games from renowned developers, three appealing welcome bonuses to choose from (which we particularly enjoyed), and a rewarding VIP program, PokerStars offers plenty to casino players. Additionally, the platform’s international presence across both European and American markets enhances its credibility and appeal. We highly recommend PokerStars, especially for poker enthusiasts looking for a premium gaming experience.

All that being said, despite the platform’s excellence, no casino is without its minor imperfections, and PokerStars is no exception. To give you a well-rounded view of what to expect.

Player Tips

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your experience with PokerStars Online Casino: 

  • Before you start playing any game, first understand its rules and mechanics
  • If you’re new to a game, begin with lower stakes to minimize potential risk
  • Take advantage of the bonuses at PokerStars and stay updated about them by frequently checking the Promotions page
  • Make sure to check the terms and conditions for every bonus before claiming it
  • Keep track of your wins and losses to manage your bankroll better
  • Know when to stop. If you’re on a losing streak or feeling overwhelmed, we recommend stepping away and taking a break

FAQs

Following are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to PokerStars Casino:

Is PokerStars Casino safe?

Yes, PokerStars Casino is completely safe. The platform uses industry-standard encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial information. The games offered are also powered by RNGs, ensuring fair game results. Additionally, the platform is fully licensed in the states it operates in.

Is PokerStars Casino legit?

Yes, PokerStars Casino is a legitimate online gambling venue. The casino holds licenses for every state where it offers services and adheres to each regulatory body’s established standards. Additionally, the online casino is part of the Flutter Entertainment group, a well-known entity in the gaming industry.

In which states does PokerStars Casino operate?

PokerStars Casino is available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. These states have regulated online gaming markets, allowing PokerStars to offer its services legally to residents.

How to Make a Deposit at PokerStars Casino?

To deposit at PokerStars Casino, log in to your account and go to the “Cashier” section. Select the deposit option, choose your preferred payment method, enter the amount, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.

How long does it take to withdraw winnings?

Withdrawal times vary depending on the method used. Typically, withdrawals can take between 1 to 5 business days​. 

What is the most popular casino game on PokerStars Casino?

Slot games generally attract the most players on PokerStars Casino, with games like Starburst, Fire Joker, and Gonzo’s Quest being fan favorites. On the Poker side of the platform, games like No-Limit Hold’em reign supreme.

Can I play Casino games for free at PokerStars Casino?

Yes, PokerStars Casino offers demo versions of many of its games. This allows players to try out games without risking real money, which is great for practice or just having fun​. However, you’ll have to create an account before you can access it.

How to verify the account at PokerStars Casino?

To verify your account, you’ll need to provide identification documents like a government-issued ID, proof of address, and proof of payment method. These documents are uploaded through the “Account Verification” section in the Cashier, and verification is usually completed within a few days.