Avoid Playing At PokerStars

PokerStars is RiggedWhile you are free to choose the online poker site of your choice, we would recommend that you avoid playing on the PokerStars site. We will now explain our recommendation in this article.

For many years, the PokerStars site has been the biggest online poker site and it is one that many poker players on. However, it is also a poker site that has caused a number of concerns for players and we believe that there are some concerns that make the site unsuitable for many players. This has been compounded by the changes to the terms and conditions that the site has made in recent times. This has had a big impact on affiliates, with the site terminating the accounts of many affiliates. While you would not claim that affiliates are the sole reason a poker site achieves success, it would be fair to say that the role of affiliates has helped to push PokerStars as the leading poker site.

Affiliates have questioned the site and the affiliate program, stating that the revenue share results have been lower than what other programs offer. The fact that PokerStars is such a large site means that many affiliates have stuck with them, even for diminishing returns but with the recent changes to the terms and conditions, it no longer makes sense to use this program or site.

PokerStars Cannot Be Trusted

For an online gaming site, trust is everything and we understand that is fundamental in the relationship between poker sites and players. We know that saying that the PokerStars site cannot be trusted is a big accusation but it is something that we firmly believe in. It only takes a brief search online to find many references to people accusing the PokerSars site of being “rigged” or “fixed” in some way. Not all of these complaints will be true, sometimes players lose and in their anger or annoyance, they make accusations that aren’t true. However, many of the complaints are true, and we know that the following compliant is true.

A medium stakes poker player, who has had plenty of success, found that their PokerStars account was closed with no reason provided for the closure. After emailing PokerStars to find out the reason why their account had been closed, the player who had been using the site for many years, was informed that they did not pass the PokerStars screening process. The player was referred to the terms and conditions of the site, with specific reference being made to Part 3.1, which states;

PokerStars retains authority over the issuing, maintenance, and closing of Users’ accounts on the Site. The decision of PokerStars’ management, as regards any aspect of a User’s account, use of the Service, or dispute resolution, is final and shall not be open to review or appeal.

The player remained in contact with the site and after a number of emails, he was finally allowed to access his bankroll and cash out. This is not the behaviour of a poker site that you can trust, and if you cannot trust a poker site, should you be playing on it? This is the same behaviour that PokerStars has undertaken with affiliates, so it is not as though it is a one-off. You may think that it won’t happen to you and that you are okay to keep playing and if that is your decision, that is entirely down to you and we hope you avoid any problems. However, it is clear that there is a big risk attached to playing on the PokerStars site and when it comes to online poker, it is best to leave the risk to the wagering.

There are Alternatives to PokerStars

If you are contemplating a change from PokerStars, there are a number of viable options. You will find that any site which is located on the iPoker Network is worth playing on. The iPoker Network is the biggest poker network and with respect to traffic, it is the second biggest. Playtech provides the software for the iPoker Network, and as this is a company which is publicly traded and has been operating since 1999, it has developed a great deal of trust in the industry.

Different poker players are looking for different things, some players want bonuses, some players want promotions and some players are looking to find a poker site with a worthwhile loyalty program. We think that Titan Poker and Bet365 Poker are both great choices and offer plenty of these features and benefits. There is also Party Poker, owned and operated by the biggest gaming operator in the world bwin.party. Party Poker is a great site for beginners and you will also find plenty of promotions on offer on the site. Party Poker is also the traditional rival to PokerStars so if you we’re looking to make a switch from PokerStars, choosing Party Poker would make a statement to the team at PokerStars.

Best Alternatives for PokerStars
#SiteReview  Free%BonusCodeVisit Poker Site
18+ T/C's Apply
1Bet365 PokerUnited StatesBet365 Poker is a Premium Site 100%$365Bet365 Poker
Bet365 Poker - Welcome Package of up to €365. €365 bonus is redeemed in installments based on Status Points earned. Tickets and prize wheel spins expire after seven days. Time limits, exclusions and T&C/s apply. For more information about this offer please visit the website.
3Titan PokerUnited States  100%$50Titan Poker
4Party PokerUnited StatesParty Poker is a Premium Site 100%$600EN500PFFParty Poker
+ $30 Free Play (when you make a deposit of $20 or more)
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The PokerStars site has been in operation since 2000 and has been wowing poker players and fans ever since. The use of the term stars is no loose moniker, some of the biggest names in poker can be found on the site and if you are looking to take on some of the biggest players in the world, this is definitely the sort of site that you need to check out.

Even though PokerStars is not a US friendly site, it has still managed to bring in more players than any other site around the world. There are many different reasons for this, but one of the most important ones will be the fact that the company is fully licenced in the Isle of Man and has a fantastic reputation for security. This is the starting block for any good poker site, but thankfully the PokerStars site does more than enough to take this onwards for its players.

The PokerStars Software is Simply the Best

With the PokerStars site being such a popular one, it will not be a surprise to learn that the software is highly rated too. The software is available for Windows, Mac and even use mobile users. Yes, the PokerStars software is moving with the times and you can even download an app to your phone or tablet to ensure that where you are, you can enjoy playing the games on site and never miss out on a major tournament or event.

Downloadable Software for Windows and Mac

The fact that the PokerStars downloadable software can be downloaded to your computer is a great starting point, but it is the mobile phone downloads that are extremely important for many users. In addition to having the app on any iPhone or iPad, the app can be downloaded onto any Android phone as well. This provides greater flexibility for users, but there are also other apps to benefit from as well. The PokerStars TV app lets you keep up to date with all the latest news and views from the biggest poker tournaments, as well as providing players with plenty of great poker footage to watch. You can also ensure your home poker games run a bit more smoothly by downloading the PokerStars Clock, giving you access to all the information and data you need to run a great home poker tournament.

A Fine Welcom Bonus, Tons of Promotions, and a Loyalty Program as it’s Meant to be

The fact that PokerStars is the biggest poker room in the world with the most players, it is clearly doing something right. This indicates that players want to come back for more on the site and this is down to a number of reasons. Even though the site is massive, a player is still made to feel welcome when they play on the site and this begins before they even sign up. Yes, even though the PokerStars site is absolutely massive, they manage to provide a strong welcome bonus for all new players who come on board.

PokerStars’ Welcome Bonus of 100% up to $600 on your First Deposit

The best advertised bonus will you find for signing up with the PokerStars site is the 100% matched deposit bonus up to $600. This bonus is not available everywhere, but one of the places that provides the code is the Poker For Free site. To get your hands on the best PokerStars welcome bonus, make sure you use the marketing code pokerforfree.org. This will get you started on the site, but even if the initial deposit bonus is used up rather quickly, you will find that you get regular redeposit bonuses so there is always a reason to check back to the PokerStars site for more benefits.

The Promotions at PokerStars Really make a Difference

PokerStars WCOOP

The PokerStars bonuses are definitely enough to keep players coming back, but it is the promotions that really stand out. No matter what sort of poker promotion you are looking for, you will find it here and for many players, the WCOOP is the one that stands out. You can’t help, but notice the biggest poker tournament for online poker every year and the WCOOP, the World Championship of Online Poker, is an annual event that has players desperate to log on and get in about the action. The 2011 event had over $47m on offer over a series of events, so it is easy to see why so many players would be keen to get involved. With a variety of different poker games and tournaments included in the promotion, there is likely to be something for everyone.

$100K Depositors Freerolls

$100K Depositors Freerolls

Of course, when it comes to online poker play, many players are far more interested in the freerolls. This is where players can get big prizes for free and if you make regular deposits on site, you will be granted access to the $100,000 depositor freerolls events. This should ensure that all players are able to join in the fun and games and again, the size of the prize on offer at the PokerStars site is indicative of how big the site really is.

PokerStars Promotions for Women

A huge factor in the popularity of the site is that it is open for everyone and the PokerStars Women tournaments have played a huge role in welcoming women into the world of online poker. These poker games are as highly competitive as any other, but they allow women to feel more confident and comfortable when they play, so it has to be seen as a good thing for female players.

Main Event Passport

PokerStars Main Event Passport

If your dream about online poker is to manoeuvre yourself into the world of the big poker tournaments, the Main Event Passport may be the game for you. This is where players can book their seat at some of the biggest WSOP and WPT tables around the world. You can even yourself a place on the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) or the PCA, the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. These satellite games can be your passport to fame and fortune around the world as well as seeing some of the greatest poker destinations!

The Loyalty Reward Program

Throw in a wide range of VIP levels all bringing great benefits and bonuses to players and you should be able to see why so many poker players keep coming back to the PokerStars site.

Poker Games, Variations, and Online Tournaments

PokerStars Review

Everybody knows that the quality of games on offer is always going to be an integral part of what a site has to offer and the PokerStars site has a great deal on offer for all off its players. If you are expecting the standard fare of Texas Hold ‘Em and the Omaha games (Hi, Hi/Lo), you won’t be disappointed, but this is just the tip of the games that are on offer with the PokerStars site.

In addition to the most popular poker games, you can also try out 7 Card Stud games, Razz, Tripple Stud, 5 Card Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, 2-7 Single Draw, Mixed Games and even Badugi. This means that whatever type of poker game you like to play, you should find yourself with plenty of exciting options to enjoy and this is just as well because when it comes to games, PokerStars doesn’t hold back on the quality or variety either!

The biggest weekly tournament is, to be fair, quite a big tournament and there is $1m up for grabs every single Sunday! If you want to play in one of the biggest poker tournaments you will ever find, you get the chance every single week with the PokerStars site so if you think you just need one chance to change your life, make sure you sign up for the Sunday Million game. The name says it all really and if you are looking to get involved with a big money poker prize, it is easy to see why this is the site that stands above the rest.

When it comes to other tournaments, you won’t be struggling for options either as the site has a great deal to choose from. The Fifty50 tournaments are great fun and Steps, Shootout, Heads Up, Satellites, Rebuy, Bounty, Knockouts, Turbo and Hyper Turbo games are all available for players to turn their hands to and have some competitive fun on the most competitive poker site around.

If you keep a keen eye on stats and knowing how many players are on site at certain times, you will be delighted with the figures that PokerStars can provide. Even though it doesn’t cater for US players, PokerStars is ranked as the number one poker site on the PokerScout.com site, which is praise indeed. The 7 day average for players on the site is 20,000 and the 24 hour peak around the analysis time was 31,053! The last update on June 11th at 1am found there were a total of 65,709 players online and over 13,000 of these players were cash players. If you are looking for an online poker site where other players play, this is definitely the site for you to check out.

Getting your Money In and Out of PokerStars

With PokerStars being the biggest poker room in the world, you will not be shocked to learn that they provide a great range of deposit and withdrawal methods for poker players. You don’t become the biggest poker room without catering for a wide range of players needs and it is safe to say that however you like to care for your money online, the PokerStars site has everything you could need. This is just as true for the luck players who grab a win and are looking to withdraw funds from their account.

Depositing and Withdrawing at PokerStars
Deposit Methods Withdrawal Methods
VISA (Delta, Electron, Gift and Prepaid), MasterCard (Gift and Prepaid), Neteller, Diners Club International, ClickandBuy, Skrill (formerly Moneybookers), Solo/Maestro/Switch, cashier’s check/money order/bank draft (minimum deposit of $100), local bank transfer, ukash, ELV, online bank transfer, Paysafe card, WebMoney. Visa, Neteller, Skrill (formerly Moneybookers), ClickandBuy, WebMoney, check, couriered check, direct bank transfer.

Top Grades on all Levels of Security, Integrity and Fairness

PokerStars Security

With PokerStars being the most popular poker site in the world, it is obvious that players all over the world are happy with how it has turned out. This is great news for all the poker community and it clearly indicates that the site works hard to pull everything together. Integrity and reliability is crucial to success in the online era and PokerStars wouldn’t have managed over a decade of success, nor earned the status of being the largest poker room in the world, unless it provided a fun yet secure gaming environment for its players. Anyone looking to double check the importance of integrity and security to the PokerStars site only needs to check out the full range of certification and regulation documents available on site.

The site is fully licensed in the Isle of Man and anyone looking for further information can find everything could ever need on site.

PokerStars’ Online Customer Support

PokerStars prides itself on having a fully extensive support system in place all around the clock so whenever you have a problem, you will be able to gain support instantly. This is to be expected from a major site, but it is not as if problems happen all the time, but knowing that help is available if problems do occur is always going to be of benefit to many poker players. One thing about the PokerStars site is that they provide a very comprehensive FAQ section where previous problems have been highlighted. This is something to bear in mind, but of course, if you have a problem and want it solved quickly, you don’t want to be leaving through a lot of different questions to find the answers. No matter what sort of problem you have with the site, it should be resolved quickly, allowing you to return to the games as quickly as possible.

  • E-mail address: support@pokerstars.com