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PokerStars

PokerStars is an online poker platform that launched in 2001 and is widely described as one of the largest and longest-running poker sites in the world.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

PokerStars is an online poker platform that launched in 2001 and is widely considered one of the largest and longest-running poker sites in the world. It offers online poker games on desktop and mobile, including popular formats such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and operates under multiple gambling licences in different jurisdictions. The platform is owned by Flutter Entertainment and is associated with major tournament series like the Sunday Million, WCOOP, and SCOOP.

Overview

PokerStars is an online poker brand best known for real-money and play-money poker games, tournament series, and a large international player base. It is often cited as a market leader in online poker and is operated under gambling licences in several jurisdictions.

Licensing and jurisdiction

PokerStars’ legal status varies by country and region. Sources indicate it is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, and in the United States its real-money offering is restricted to certain states through FanDuel Poker.

Products and gameplay

PokerStars provides online poker games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, with access through desktop software and mobile apps. Some versions and regions also offer play-money games and freeroll-style promotions.

Promotions and rewards

Secondary sources describe recurring welcome bonuses and a rewards system, but bonus codes and terms change over time and can differ by market. Users are generally directed to the current site or region-specific promotional pages for the latest offer details.

Key facts

  • PokerStars has operated since 2001 and is one of the world's largest online poker rooms.
  • The platform offers Texas Hold'em and Omaha on desktop and mobile.
  • PokerStars is associated with major tournaments like Sunday Million, WCOOP, and SCOOP.
  • Availability and legality depend on the player's jurisdiction and local gambling rules.
  • In Canada, availability depends on provincial regulation; players should verify before playing.
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Canadian context

PokerStars is relevant to Canadian readers because the platform may be accessible with Canadian-dollar support in some contexts, but its real-money availability in Canada depends on local provincial regulation and current operator licensing. The supplied sources do not provide a Canada-specific legal listing, so Canadian players should confirm availability before depositing.

Frequently asked questions

What is PokerStars?
PokerStars is an online poker platform that offers poker games, tournaments, and related products on desktop and mobile.
Is PokerStars legal in Canada?
The provided sources do not specifically confirm PokerStars’ legal status in Canada. Its legality depends on Canadian gambling law and the operator’s current provincial availability, so users should verify local rules before playing.
How do I download PokerStars?
PokerStars is accessed through its desktop software or mobile apps, and some guides describe downloading the app or installer from the official platform after selecting the correct jurisdiction.
Can I play PokerStars for free?
Yes, PokerStars offers play-money or free-play access in some versions and jurisdictions, including apps described as play-money only.
What is the PokerStars bonus code?
Bonus codes change by promotion and region. The sources list examples such as STARS600 and STARS400, but there is no single permanent code.
How do I withdraw from PokerStars?
The provided sources do not include official withdrawal instructions. In general, withdrawals are handled through the account cashier for the payment methods available in a player’s jurisdiction, subject to verification and site rules.

References

  1. Poker.org — https://www.poker.org/poker-sites/pokerstars/
    Supports: Describes PokerStars as the world’s largest online poker site, its ownership, licensing, and example bonus code STARS600.
  2. PokerStars — https://www.pokerstars.com/
    Supports: States PokerStars offers online poker, explains online poker gameplay, and notes desktop/mobile access and game types.
  3. PokerNews — https://www.pokernews.com/pokerstars/
    Supports: States PokerStars has operated since 2001 and is a major market leader.
  4. poker.com — https://poker.com/poker-stars/
    Supports: Provides founding details, headquarters reporting, licensing summary, and bonus-related information.
  5. PokerListings — https://www.pokerlistings.com/poker-sites/poker-stars
    Supports: Describes licensing and jurisdictional legality information, including regulated US states.
  6. Gambling.com — https://www.gambling.com/uk/poker-sites/pokerstars-poker
    Supports: Describes ownership, UK licensing, payment methods, and example bonus code STARS400.
  7. PokerNews — https://www.pokernews.com/us-poker/how-to-play-pokerstars-us.htm
    Supports: Explains US access through FanDuel in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan, and notes free-play availability elsewhere.
  8. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pyrsoftware.pokerstars.net&hl=en_US
    Supports: Describes PokerStars LITE as a play-money poker app.