PokerStars Review

Summary (9)

Despite the rather small deposit bonus, PokerStars has a good reputation for being an up-to-date and reliable online poker room. You’ll find lots of action and good competition. You’ll have to pay attention to win here. Don’t expect to go fishing, but do expect a rewarding poker experience.

Software (9)

The PokerStars software application is very nicely designed. The innovative tournament lobby is very functional and comes complete with a tourney filter, which makes PokerStars ideal for tournament play. Another plus for tournament play is that you can always see where you stand in the tournament by clicking on the “info” tab. The software allows up to eight tables to be active at once and the graphics are great with lots of customization options including pic upload for avatars. Also, up until recently Mac players couldn’t play on PS. Now they have added a Mac supported download.

Traffic (10)

One of the reasons PokerStars is so popular, outside of their big advertising campaigns, is the size of the network. You can find up to 150,000 players online at PokerStars during busy times. Since PS allows US players, they stay busy with both US and European traffic. They cater to players from all geographical areas, so you will find a diverse group of poker players here.

Tournaments (10)

PokerStars has so many tournaments from all limits that incorporate all versions of poker. Most tournaments are Hold ‘em, but you can find some Omaha tournaments, as well. There are plenty of Sit & Gos from low- to high-limit in the form of heads-up and multi- and single-tables. There are lots of scheduled tournaments too. One of the most popular tournament types at PS is the satellite. Every big-money tournament is preceded by tons of satellites every day that range from small to high buy-ins. Buy-ins to all PokerStars tourneys are also available for Frequent Player Points (FPPs).

Game Variety (8)

PokerStars has the high-trafficked games, but also has some alternative games. You will always have a choice at PS from some of the most unique to the most popular forms of poker including Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha Poker, Omaha Hi, Omaha Hi/Lo Poker, 7-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo Poker, Razz, HORSE, 8-Game Mix, 5-Card Draw, 2-7 Triples & Single Draw, Badugi.

Soft Competition (7)

Don’t be fooled by the big numbers. While there is a big population at PokerStars, the competition has somehow managed to remain rather tight.

Sign-up Bonus (4)

PokerStars’ sign-up bonus isn’t the best, but it doesn’t have to be because the site still attracts players. It is one of the only poker rooms left that has not updated their sign-up bonus to compete with other online poker rooms. Their bonus is 100% back up to $50. Use PokerStars marketing code PAWSUB159 to claim this bonus.

Read more about the PokerStars bonus.

Loyalty Rewards (9)

The Frequent Player Point program at Poker Stars is impressive. They make sure to offer plenty of opportunities to use these points in satellites and big-event tourneys. They also have a Tournament Leaderboard Challenge that offers even more prizes to FPP holders. You can always use your points at PokerStars store too if you’d like.

Promotions (9)

If PokerStars was once known to not be very promotional, that has changed. Most of their promotions are centered around big PS tournaments and live big events. The promotions they set up often are based on enticing players to go bigger and keep playing and winning satellites. There is always something more to win at Poker Stars.

Support (6)

With only an email address available, it might be difficult to solve some problems you may encounter. Their response is quick, but it’s always hard to explain things via email.

Deposit & Withdraw Options (9)

INSTANT e checks, Click2Pay, ClickandBuy, Moneybookers, Netteller, WebMoney (these all allow money transfers both ways)