PokerStars Review:

Founded back in 2001, PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker room. It is operated by the Stars Group (formerly known as Amaya Inc), which also operates other popular gaming sites like Full Tilt and BetStars. PokerStars biggest draw for players is its sheer popularity, meaning there are always plenty of players and tournaments online. However, they also pride themselves on top promotions, loyalty programs and big cash tournaments.

UK players can use a wide range of deposit methods to add funds to their PokerStars account:

• Visa, Mastercard, Maestro.
• PayPal, Neteller, Skrill.
• PaySafe Card.
• PokerStars Top Up.
• Bank Transfer.

However, it should be noted that the following methods are not available for withdrawal:

• Mastercard, Maestro.
• Paysafe

This means you will have to draw using another method, or directly to your bank account.

There is some variation on minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts for UK players depending on what method you use. However, you can deposit from as little as £10 with most major methods. You can select a deposit option on the Cashier tab to see the limits for each specific option.

It should also be pointed out that PokerStars operate a 48 hour wait limit for withdrawals after a deposit has been made. This is in place as an anti-fraud measure.

Current Promotional Offer Details:

To qualify for this promotional offer, players must make an eligible deposit of £10, $10, €10 or C$10 up to a maximum of £400, $600, €500 or C$600. By doing so, players have the chance to receive a bonus amount based on the deposited currency.

Redemption Points and Clearance Rates:

The amount of reward a player can receive depends on the number of redemption points earned during the relevant period. The clearance rates for each currency are as follows:

Reward Payment:

The reward will be paid out for each £5 (or currency equivalent) increment of the eligible deposit made.

Eligible Deposits:

Players can make up to three eligible deposits to receive the maximum reward payable under this offer. All eligible deposits must: (i) Be made within 60 days from the date of the first eligible deposit; and (ii) Use the same code as specified in Clause 2.

Additional Deposit Offers:

If a player activates a separate deposit offer after making their first eligible deposit, all permitted eligible deposits for this offer must be made within 60 days from the date of the first eligible deposit. Players must also fulfill all necessary criteria set out in PokerStars’ Terms & Conditions.

Withdrawals:

If a player withdraws any amount after making an eligible deposit within 60 days, any subsequent deposits cannot count as eligible deposits. However, the player’s pre-withdrawal eligible deposit remains valid, and any reward generated can still be collected.

Reward Claim:

If a player does not use the code when making an eligible deposit but fulfills all applicable terms of the offer, they must contact Support within seven days from the date of the first eligible deposit to receive the relevant reward. If more than seven days but less than three months have passed from the date of the first eligible deposit, the player may still be credited with the relevant reward as long as they contact Support before the expiry of the three months. No reward will be credited to a player’s account for a period exceeding three months from the first eligible deposit.

PokerStars is available to download as a free app for iOS and Android platforms. The app, first released in 2012, has been generally very well received by poker players.

As a rule, on mobile you get the same access to the huge range of games and tournaments as you do on PC, with most of the differences between the app and desktop site being that you cannot change certain settings on mobile.

One of the most positive aspects of the mobile app is that it allows you to play on multiple tables (4-5) at any one time. This is a big plus, as many players like to hunt profits by playing simultaneous games.

PokerStars really seems to be committed to innovation, so the app has been continuously updated over the last couple of years. For example, in 2016 they added KO Poker and Poker Stars Beat the Clock, and in 2017 Spin & Go Max was added.

Also, it is worth noting that the app is reasonably soft on data, meaning it won’t be a drain on your allowance or slow down your phone.

There are plenty of other bonuses and promotions to keep players happy at PokerStars:

Collectibles:

This presents you with the chance to win random cash prizes by getting digital Collectibles. The idea is that you fill an album – accessible through the Challenges Window – by spinning the Collectibles Wheel. You can earn spins by playing Sit & Go and Spin & Go games. Collectibles can give you a reward up to $3,000.

Freerolls:

PokerStars goes big on the idea of offering rewards for Freerolls. Currently they have an offer for players to win a trip to Las Vegas in a Freerolls tournament.

Jacks or Better Poker Challenge:

Play an eligible Hold’em game (check the Challenges Window for details) and you will receive points each time you receive a hand of Jacks or better. Once you accumulate 100 points, you will win a cash prize up to $5,000.

The League

The League at PokerStars allows you to test your game against players from all over the world. There are four levels – Elementary, High School, University and Masters – allowing you to progress each month by finishing high on the table. In total, players who play in the League can earn a share of over $35,000.