The Ontario online poker environment is going through a change as PokerStars went offline for a brief (but undetermined) amount of time before it returns under the new branding and platform as PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario.
For many players in Canada’s most populous and only regulated province, this created a temporary gap, forcing them to look for a new place to call home. Not surprisingly, the likes of GGPoker Ontario are the biggest beneficiaries of the current situation, seeing a notable upward trend in player numbers.
Things have been going particularly well for GGPoker, as the operator hit a two-year high for MTT entries last Sunday. Already a strong presence in the market, the site finds itself in a particularly favorable position with PokerStars remaining out of the game.
- Exciting tournament action
- Quality software & mobile apps
- Online WSOP bracelet events
A Natural Alternative
Brand loyalty is a thing, but poker players aren’t the most patient group of people, and for those who rely on online poker for their income (in full or in part), waiting on the sidelines is not an option. Thus, it’s no surprise to see a spike in searches for alternatives to PokerStars in Ontario, and many of those searching landing with GGPoker.
With one of the best platforms in the industry, filled with useful and fun features alike, offering the biggest tournament guarantees in the market, and, of course, online bracelet and WSOP Circuit series, GGPoker Ontario has a lot to offer.
And with PokerStars currently out of the picture, players don’t have many alternatives. There is 888poker, which also saw a recent spike in player traffic, but when it comes to online poker specifically, GGPoker has a much stronger brand and much more to offer.
One particular aspect that serious grinders find appealing about the site is the quality player traffic, which ensures good action around the clock and the ability to fire up enough tables to maximize the time spent on the grind. This is one area in which other rooms present in Ontario simply can’t compete at the moment.
When Is PokerStars Coming Back?
While some players don’t care too much either way, there are those who prefer playing on PokerStars, for one reason or another. Yet, even some of these players are moving over to GGPoker or are getting ready to, which could complicate things for Stars.
As of right now, there is no exact date when the new PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario platform will go live. The (re)launch should happen sometime over the next few weeks, but, naturally, players would like to have some more clarity.
At the moment, accounts remain accessible for players to withdraw their funds, but that’s the extent of it. All poker games and tournaments are gone.
The longer this uncertainty continues, the more beneficial it will be for GGPoker, as it will continue to offer a new home for the temporarily “homeless.”
Of course, it is safe to assume that PokerStars and FanDuel have big plans for the Ontario launch, at least if what we saw in the US is any indication. A host of freerolls and a big MTT series with juicy guarantees could help bring many players back and even chip away at GGPoker’s base.
After all, players flock to where they get the best value, and rightfully so.
All this amounts to a lot of “ifs,” “buts,” and “whens,” though. At the moment, GG remains as active as ever, with player traffic steadily increasing. So, whatever hand PokerStars is currently holding in the hole, they had better reveal it sooner rather than later.
