PokerStars provides a diverse range of special promotions tailored to meet the needs of both new and loyal players. New players will find appealing incentives to join, including a loyalty rewards program, a First Deposit Bonus, and New Player Challenges to kickstart their experience on the platform. For loyal players, PokerStars offers retention promotions such as WCOOP Leader Boards, Early Bird Zoom, and Power Path.

New Player Bonus

Although not among the newest poker sites, new players depositing at least $10 with the bonus code “STARS400” are still guaranteed to be matched 100% up to $600 as a releasable bonus. This bonus is good because it is released in increments as you play versus a play-through bonus, which makes you meet a high percentage to receive the bonus. Also, players don’t need to deposit $600 at once to receive the total bonus if you use the bonus code “STARS400” and make your first three deposits within 60 days. Once the bonus is in your PokerStars account, it will be released in $ 5 increments each time you earn 100 redemption points, varying rates based on the currency of the games you play.

Ongoing Promotions

PokerStars offers retention promotions for players at all levels of their gaming journey. These promotions are designed to be inclusive, attracting a wide range of players and keeping them engaged with the chance to win prizes over the long term. For example, the WCOOP Leader Boards motivate players to compete for awards based on their performance over time. The “Early Bird Zoom” and “Power Path” promotions are designed to attract casual players by providing incentives to participate in fast-paced games, where they can earn loyalty points quickly and access live events and higher stakes gameplay.

PokerStars Rewards Program

PokerStars Rewards is a complimentary loyalty program designed to incentivize and reward increased gameplay on the platform. Depending on their rewards level, players participating receive a cashback percentage ranging from 5% to 60% of the rake and tournament fees they incur. It’s important to note that this program seamlessly integrates with all other promotions offered by PokerStars, providing players with even more value and incentives to engage with the platform.

Key points about the program include:

• Tiered rewards provide incentives for players to advance to higher levels.
• Redeeming rewards is simple through the player’s account.
• Exclusive offers are available for players who reach the highest program levels.

Poker Games and Player Base

PokerStars, the world’s most popular and trusted online poker platform, is a favorite among players of all skill levels. It offers the largest selection of games online and has an average of over 10,000 ring-game players most weeks. Peak traffic is around 12 p.m. PST or 8 p.m. GMT. For a more favorable experience, playing during peak weekend hours is recommended. The tournament traffic is consistently high, featuring popular events like “Sunday Millions.”

Game Selection

PokerStars offers players a diverse array of gaming options, including Multi-Table Tournaments, Cash Games, sit-and-gos, Power Paths with Progressive Step Prizes, and Home Games. In addition, players can enjoy three main types of poker games: Hold ’em, Stud, and Draw, with 19 different variations to cater to a wide range of preferences and playing styles.

Stakes and Limits

On PokerStars, different stakes are available for both cash games and tournaments, and you can easily filter individual stakes from the lobby. These games’ rakes vary from 5.5% to 9%, depending on the game format and stakes.

The cash stakes range as follows:

• Micro: $15 and under buy-ins
• Low: $15 to $50
• Medium: $50 to $400
• High: $400 and above

The tournament stakes range as follows:

• Freeroll: tournaments with no entry fee
• Micro: tournament fees under $5
• Low: $5 to $19
• Medium: $20 to $99
• High: $100 and above

The best thing about PokerStars is that its tournaments make sure all types of players are taken care of—from freeroll tournaments that cater to beginners to high-stakes tournaments that suit professional players.

Peak Hours

PokerStars offers the largest selection of online games, with over 10,000 ring-game players most weeks. Peak traffic is around 12 p.m. PST or 8 p.m. GMT. For the best experience, play during peak weekend hours. The tournament traffic is consistently high.

Skill Level

PokerStars provides a diverse range of games catering to players of all levels, offering micro to high-stakes options to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all players.

PokerStars Rewards is a complimentary loyalty program designed to incentivize and reward increased gameplay on the platform. Depending on their rewards level, players participating receive a cashback percentage ranging from 5% to 60% of the rake and tournament fees they incur. It’s important to note that this program seamlessly integrates with all other promotions offered by PokerStars, providing players with even more value and incentives to engage with the platform.

Key points about the program include:

• Tiered rewards provide incentives for players to advance to higher levels.
• Redeeming rewards is simple through the player’s account.
• Exclusive offers are available for players who reach the highest program levels.

Poker Games and Player Base

PokerStars, the world’s most popular and trusted online poker platform, is a favorite among players of all skill levels. It offers the largest selection of games online and has an average of over 10,000 ring-game players most weeks. Peak traffic is around 12 p.m. PST or 8 p.m. GMT. For a more favorable experience, playing during peak weekend hours is recommended. The tournament traffic is consistently high, featuring popular events like “Sunday Millions.”

PokerStars offers players a diverse array of gaming options, including Multi-Table Tournaments, Cash Games, sit-and-gos, Power Paths with Progressive Step Prizes, and Home Games. In addition, players can enjoy three main types of poker games: hold ’em, Stud, and Draw, with 19 different variations to cater to a wide range of preferences and playing styles.

Stakes and Limits

On PokerStars, different stakes are available for both cash games and tournaments, and you can easily filter individual stakes from the lobby. These games’ rakes vary from 5.5% to 9%, depending on the game format and stakes.

The cash stakes range as follows:

• Micro: $15 and under buy-ins
• Low: $15 to $50
• Medium: $50 to $400
• High: $400 and above

The tournament stakes range as follows:

• Freeroll: tournaments with no entry fee
• Micro: tournament fees under $5
• Low: $5 to $19
• Medium: $20 to $99
• High: $100 and above

Peak Hours

PokerStars offers the largest selection of online games, with over 10,000 ring-game players most weeks. Peak traffic is around 12 p.m. PST or 8 p.m. GMT. For the best experience, play during peak weekend hours. The tournament traffic is consistently high.

Skill Level

PokerStars provides a diverse range of games catering to players of all levels, offering micro to high-stakes options to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all players.

Registration on PokerStars follows industry standards, but users can only access the software or site after verification. Player verification consists of three steps: identification, which requires uploading a Passport or Driver’s License; a live check, which involves taking a live selfie and providing proof of address. This process is made more accessible with a provided QR code for seamless completion on a mobile device connected to the same network. Once verified, players can withdraw funds using the same method used for deposit. Usually, players shouldn’t need to verify again to withdraw, but PokerStars reserves the right to hold funds in case of a chargeback or compliance issue. 

If you get into trouble or you have a question that only a PokerStars customer support representative can answer, you can reach out to them via email only. This has proven to be the most reliable way, so far. Competitors have made great improvements to even get ahead of PokerStars with responsive live chat and even phone support.