Review

Overview

Screenshots

PokerStars offers poker players a robust piece of software that’s jam packed with the most games offered by any online poker site, a plethora of forward-thinking real money promotions and bonuses, highly competitive VIP perks, and the nets biggest and most talked about weekly guaranteed poker tournaments. The site also offers 24/7 support.

Promotions

PokerStars.com offers a wide range of promotions, including freeroll games with no entry fees, giving players the opportunity to win real money without making any investment.

For example, in the month of June 2013 the site’s main promotion was in celebration of 100 billion hands dealt. While not available for U.S. based players, promotions feature a number of opportunities to play and win big prizes.

Bonuses

PokerStars offers new real money players a 100% first deposit bonus for new players (limited to 3 in 60 days or a maximum of $600) and a low minimum deposit of only $10.

Free No Deposit Bonus at PokerStars

New players also qualify for their free no deposit poker bonus to claim this bonus players simply use the code “Free20” to receive $20 and a free ticket to the 100K Privilege Freerolls.

VIP Club & Perks/Loyalty Program

There’s an array of VIP rewards for cash players based on every dollar played in tournaments or rake. VIP rewards are based on a star rating between 1 – 7 stars. Rewards include cash bonuses, apparel, online tournament tickets, collectibles, and gift certificates. Earn enough FPPs and you could even use them to treat yourself to a brand new Porsche. Frequent Player Points (FPP) are earned based on the size of the rake of each hand and contribution level of the player.

Software

PokerStars software is available to download for Windows PC users, Mac users, and mobile platforms using iOS or Android. PokerStars works with online security companies such as Cigital to ensure that the software is secure and installs in just a few minutes.

Availability

PokerStars is available almost anywhere in the world if you have an internet connection and suitable device. For U.S. players, and players in other countries where legislation prevents PokerStars from offering real money poker games due to gaming regulations, only play money is available.

Games Available at PokerStars

A wide selection of poker games are available including
• Texas Hold’em
• Stud, Triple Stud, & Stud Hi/Lo
• Omaha & Omaha Hi/Lo
• Horse
• Razz
• Five Card Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, 2-7 Single Draw
• Badugi
• Courchevel & Courchevel Hi/Lo
• 8 Game Mix

Weekly Tournaments at PokerStars

The premier weekly guaranteed event is the Sunday Million with a guaranteed prize pool of $1,000,000 and a 1st place prize of $150,000. To gain entry, you must either buy into a satellite tournament throughout the week and win a seat or buy a seat for $215.
Other weekly guaranteed tournaments include the Sunday Warm Up with a guaranteed prize pool of $500,000, and Sunday Storm with a prize pool of $300,000.

Rake

PokerStars, like most online poker sites receives its compensation in the form of a rake, which is up to 4.5% taken from each pot, not to exceed $5.

HUD Compatibility

PokerStars provides a list of acceptable software players may use while playing as well as a list of unacceptable programs. Examples of prohibited programs include any that allow hole card sharing, uses a central database, automated (bots) tools or programs, data mining or software providing game advice about the actions to take.

Deposit Methods

PokerStars provides a wide range of deposit methods including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Neteller, Moneybookers, local bank transfer, PokerStars TopUp, Ukash, and Paysafe card. Unavailable methods for deposits include check, wire transfers and direct bank transfers. These are only available for cash-outs.

Support

Player Support at PokerStars is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For help, email support@pokerstars.com or visit the FAQ Portal. For help with deposits, contact dad@pokerstars.com.

Most support requests sent via email are answered within just a couple of minutes, in fact, you can actually email support about deals that you wish to make at the end of tournaments, and usually get an answer before the next hand ends.

The software is available in several languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch and Portuguese.

PokerStars also works with GamCare which really has nothing to do with the company’s support of customers, it just goes to show that they do care about their customers, and want players to enjoy the game, not become addicted to it in an unhealthy and unhappy way.

Game Care employs age verification systems at Pokerstars, as well as offering self-exclusion options for players, that are actually used by players that really feel that they’re tilting, and need a break from the game.