PokerStars Ontario Review
Why we recommend PokerStars: With the best mobile app and a great selection of tournaments, PokerStars is a great choice in Ontario.
By our measure, PokerStars Ontario is one of the leading licensed and regulated online poker site in the market. It is also one of the busiest poker sites in Ontario, with a great choice of cash games and the best tournament schedule. Players benefit from PokerStars’ top-quality software and mobile app.
On May 6, 2026, the operator will be re-launching under the new brand, PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario, representing a partnership between two major North American gambling brands. The partnership brings a new software platform, an improved tournament schedule, bigger guarantees, and more.
PokerStars Ontario entered a new era in 2026. The original PokerStars Ontario platform has been replaced by PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario, bringing the PokerStars brand together with FanDuel on an entirely new poker platform.
The new site launched on June 4, 2026 after the legacy PokerStars Ontario platform shut down in May. It now operates as FanDuel Poker in Ontario, using new software while retaining PokerStars branding, tournament names, and poker expertise.
Ontario players can access cash games, Spin & Gos, daily and weekly tournaments, and major tournament series. However, the Ontario network remains ring-fenced, so real-money players compete only against others physically located within the province.
This PokerStars Ontario review covers the new FanDuel-powered platform, including tournaments, cash games, software, banking, shared liquidity, safety, and what changed when PokerStars moved to FanDuel.
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PokerStars Ontario Quick Facts
| Detail | PokerStars Ontario |
|---|---|
| Platform | PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel |
| Original Ontario Launch | June 2022 |
| FanDuel Platform Launch | June 4, 2026 |
| Operator | FanDuel Canada ULC |
| Regulation | AGCO & iGaming Ontario |
| Minimum Age | 19+ |
| Player Pool | Ontario only |
| Main Games | Texas Hold’em & Pot-Limit Omaha |
| Tournament Formats | MTTs, PKOs, Mystery Bounties, Spins & satellites |
| Flagship Tournament | Sunday Dynasty |
| Major Series | September Dynasty Series |
| Software | New FanDuel Poker platform powered by iPoker technology |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android |
| Real-Money Location | Must be physically located in Ontario |
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is the current home of PokerStars in Ontario.
The change is much more significant than a simple rebranding. The old PokerStars Ontario software was retired in May 2026, and players moved to an entirely new poker platform integrated with FanDuel.
The replacement uses technology based on Playtech’s iPoker platform rather than the traditional PokerStars software that Ontario players used from 2022 until 2026.
FanDuel Canada ULC is the operator currently listed by iGaming Ontario for FanDuel Poker.
What Happened to the Old PokerStars Ontario?
The original PokerStars Ontario platform stopped offering poker on May 7, 2026 as Flutter transitioned its North American PokerStars operations to FanDuel.
Ontario players then experienced a temporary period without PokerStars before the new platform officially launched on June 4.
The transition required players to move to the new software and FanDuel account system rather than simply updating the old PokerStars client.
The result is a poker room that carries the PokerStars brand but looks and operates differently from the legacy PokerStars Ontario product.
PokerStars & FanDuel
PokerStars and FanDuel are both part of Flutter Entertainment.
The PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel strategy brought the two brands together across regulated North American poker markets in 2026.
In the US, the new platform connects players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Ontario uses the same new-generation poker platform but remains on its own separate player pool because Ontario regulations currently prohibit poker liquidity from being shared with jurisdictions outside the province.
Can I Play on PokerStars in Ontario?
Yes.
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is a regulated online poker site available to players in Ontario.
FanDuel Canada ULC is listed by iGaming Ontario as an authorized operator offering casino, poker, and sports betting in the province.
Players must be at least 19 years old and physically located in Ontario when playing for real money.
Ontario residency is not required. Visitors who meet the age requirement can play while physically present in the province, subject to FanDuel’s account and identity verification requirements.
PokerStars Ontario Tournaments
Tournament poker remains one of the biggest attractions at PokerStars Ontario, but the schedule changed substantially with the move to FanDuel.
Many of the familiar tournament brands from the legacy platform disappeared or were reworked, while new flagship events such as Sunday Dynasty and Sunday Shield were introduced.
The new platform offers tournaments across a range of buy-ins, including regular freezeouts, progressive knockouts, Mystery Bounties, turbos, satellites, and other formats.
PokerStars Ontario Sunday Tournaments
The Sunday schedule is one of the strongest parts of the current PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario tournament offering.
The flagship event is the Sunday Dynasty, a $100 tournament with a $35,000 guarantee as of September 2026.
Players with smaller bankrolls can enter the $30 Sunday Shield, while additional weekend events cover a variety of buy-ins.
Some standout tournaments on the current schedule include:
| Tournament | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday Dynasty | $100 | $35,000 |
| Sunday Shield | $30 | $7,500 |
| Sunday Marathon | $75 | $3,500 |
| Summer Storm | $500 | $20,000 |
| Super Tuesday | $200 | $7,500 |
| Nightly Stars | $100 | Up to $12,500 |
| Mini Friday Mystery | $30 | $3,000 |
Tournament schedules and guarantees can change, particularly as the new platform continues to develop.
September Dynasty Series
The September Dynasty Series is the first full tournament festival held on PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario.
Running from September 12 through September 28, 2026, the series features 61 tournaments exclusively for the Ontario player pool.
Buy-ins range from CAD $30 to $1,500.
Major events include:
- CAD $500 Storm
- CAD $100 Dynasty
- CAD $1,000 Bounty Storm
- CAD $200 Bounty Dynasty
- CAD $50 Mini Main
- CAD $300 Main Event
- CAD $1,500 High Roller Main
The three Main Events take place during the final weekend of the festival.
Tournament formats include regular No-Limit Hold’em, PKOs, and Mystery Bounties.
Unlike PokerStars Ontario’s legacy tournament schedule, mixed games are not included in the September Dynasty Series.
What Happened to ONSCOOP & ONCOOP?
PokerStars Ontario historically hosted major Championship of Online Poker festivals including ONSCOOP and ONCOOP.
Those events belonged to the legacy PokerStars Ontario platform.
Following the 2026 migration to FanDuel, the tournament calendar is being rebuilt around new series and tournament brands.
The September Dynasty Series is the first major MTT festival on the new Ontario platform, so players should not assume that every tournament series from the old PokerStars client will automatically return.
SNGs & Spin & Gos
PokerStars on FanDuel offers Sit & Go-style poker alongside its cash games and multi-table tournaments.
The most recognizable format is Spin & Go, PokerStars’ fast three-player jackpot Sit & Go format.
Players pay a fixed buy-in and the prize pool is determined before play begins, with selected games offering multipliers significantly larger than the standard prize.
The new platform also incorporates Spin & Go-style poker into some of its promotions and player acquisition features.
Exact buy-ins, multipliers, and maximum prizes can change, so players should check the current Spin & Go lobby rather than relying on the prize structure from the legacy PokerStars Ontario platform.
- Excellent tournament schedule
- The best variety of game types
- #1 Rated online poker room in Ontario by pokerfuse.com
PokerStars Ontario Cash Games
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel offers real-money cash games to Ontario players through the province’s ring-fenced player pool.
No-Limit Texas Hold’em remains the primary cash-game format, with Pot-Limit Omaha also available.
Tables are offered across multiple stakes, allowing recreational players to start at lower limits while more experienced players can find mid- and higher-stakes games when sufficient traffic is available.
Because Ontario has a much smaller player pool than PokerStars’ international network, not every stake or format will run around the clock.
Zoom Poker
Zoom is PokerStars’ fast-fold poker format.
Instead of remaining at the same table after folding, players are immediately moved to another hand against different opponents, reducing the amount of time spent waiting between hands.
The new FanDuel platform has been designed to support Zoom, although availability depends on having enough liquidity to sustain the fast-fold player pool.
Mixed Games
Mixed games were one of the strongest features of the legacy PokerStars platform, which offered formats beyond Hold’em and Omaha.
The new PokerStars on FanDuel platform launched with a more limited game selection.
As of September 2026, mixed games have not yet become part of the regular Ontario tournament schedule.
PokerStars on FanDuel is preparing to expand its mixed-game offering, with 8-Game among the formats being developed for the new platform.
Until those games are actually introduced in Ontario, players should not expect the same mixed-game selection that was available on the old PokerStars Ontario client.
PokerStars Ontario App & Software
The software is one of the biggest differences between the old PokerStars Ontario and PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel.
The traditional PokerStars client used in Ontario from 2022 until May 2026 has been retired.
The replacement uses new poker software based on Playtech’s iPoker technology and is aligned with the PokerStars on FanDuel platform used in regulated US markets.
Players can access PokerStars on FanDuel through a dedicated desktop client and mobile app.
Desktop Software
The desktop client provides access to cash games, Sit & Gos, and multi-table tournaments through a redesigned lobby.
Players familiar with the traditional PokerStars client will notice substantial differences in navigation, tournament presentation, table graphics, and account integration.
The new platform continues to evolve as FanDuel and PokerStars add features and respond to player feedback.
PokerStars Ontario Mobile App
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is available on mobile devices.
The mobile platform allows players to join cash games and tournaments, manage their poker account, and access supported account functions from a smartphone or tablet.
Players should use the current FanDuel/PokerStars poker app rather than the legacy PokerStars Ontario application.
Built-In Poker Statistics
One of the notable additions to the new platform is integrated player information and statistics.
The new PokerStars on FanDuel software includes built-in HUD-style functionality, giving players access to useful information directly within the poker client rather than requiring separate software for basic statistics.
Rules concerning third-party tracking tools can change, so players should review the current PokerStars on FanDuel software policy before using external HUDs or tracking programs.
PokerStars Ontario Banking
PokerStars Ontario banking is now integrated into the FanDuel ecosystem rather than the legacy PokerStars cashier.
This is an important change for returning players because deposit and withdrawal options from the old PokerStars Ontario platform should not be assumed to remain available.
FanDuel supports multiple payment methods for Ontario customers, with exact options depending on the player’s account and device.
Players can manage their account and available banking options through FanDuel.
Before depositing, check the cashier for:
- Available deposit methods
- Available withdrawal methods
- Minimum and maximum transactions
- Processing times
- Identity verification requirements
FanDuel can require players to complete identity and payment verification as part of Ontario regulatory and account-security requirements.
PokerStars Ontario Shared Liquidity
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario currently operates as a ring-fenced poker network.
That means players participating in real-money games from Ontario compete only against other players located within Ontario.
The Ontario network does not currently share poker liquidity with PokerStars on FanDuel players in the United States or players on the international PokerStars network.
Why Is PokerStars Ontario Ring-Fenced?
Ontario’s regulated iGaming framework currently prohibits games involving liquidity pools outside Ontario.
As a result, operators cannot simply connect their Ontario poker rooms to international or US networks.
This restriction applies even when the operator already operates compatible poker software elsewhere.
For example, PokerStars on FanDuel connects players from Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on one US network, but Ontario remains separate despite using the same new platform.
Could PokerStars Ontario Share Players With Alberta?
Potentially, but there is no shared Ontario-Alberta poker pool at this time.
Alberta launched its regulated iGaming market in July 2026, creating the possibility of Canada’s two private regulated markets eventually cooperating on poker liquidity.
Officials in Alberta and Ontario have discussed a memorandum of understanding that could potentially allow operators active in both provinces to combine player pools.
No agreement has yet launched shared poker liquidity between the provinces.
If an agreement is eventually reached and compatible operators launch in both markets, combining Ontario and Alberta players could create a substantially larger domestic Canadian poker pool.
Could PokerStars Ontario Join the International Player Pool?
Possibly in the future, but international shared liquidity is not currently permitted.
The legal question surrounding Ontario’s ability to participate in international iGaming liquidity has moved through the Canadian courts and remains the subject of further legal proceedings.
A change in the legal position could eventually open the door for Ontario poker operators to connect with players outside Canada.
That could be particularly significant for PokerStars because the brand operates one of the world’s largest international poker networks.
For now, however, PokerStars Ontario remains completely separate from PokerStars’ international player pool.
How to Play PokerStars Ontario
Players who used the old PokerStars Ontario platform should not expect their legacy poker account to function as the current FanDuel Poker account.
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel uses FanDuel’s account system.
To get started:
- Begin by visiting the official PokerStars Ontario website
- Create or log in to your FanDuel account
- Complete the required personal and identity information
- Download the current PokerStars on FanDuel poker software or mobile app
- Log in using your FanDuel credentials
- Open the poker lobby
- Choose an available payment method
- Deposit funds if required
- Select a cash game, Sit & Go, or tournament
Players must be at least 19 years old to play and must be physically located within Ontario when participating in real-money games.
Ontario residency itself is not required.
PokerStars Ontario Safety & Responsible Gambling
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel operates within Ontario’s regulated iGaming market.
FanDuel Canada ULC is listed by iGaming Ontario as an authorized operator offering poker in the province.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates the private iGaming market, while iGaming Ontario (iGO) conducts and manages online gaming offered through private operators.
Regulated operators must comply with Ontario requirements covering areas such as:
- Game integrity
- Player identity
- Age verification
- Geolocation
- Responsible gambling
- Anti-money laundering controls
- Information security
- Player funds
- Advertising and marketing
Geolocation controls are used to confirm that players are physically located within Ontario when participating in real-money poker.
Players can register and manage aspects of their accounts while outside the province, but they must be physically in Ontario to gamble.
Responsible Gambling Tools
PokerStars on FanDuel provides responsible gambling controls through the FanDuel account system.
Ontario’s regulated operators must maintain responsible gambling and self-exclusion programs and comply with provincial standards intended to reduce gambling-related harm.
Ontario has also introduced BetGuard, its centralized self-exclusion system for regulated online gambling.
Players can use responsible gambling tools to control or stop their gambling and can access independent support resources if needed.
- Excellent tournament schedule
- The best variety of game types
- #1 Rated online poker room in Ontario by pokerfuse.com
PokerStars Ontario FAQ
Is PokerStars legal in Ontario?
Yes.
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is a regulated online poker site in Ontario.
FanDuel Canada ULC is listed by iGaming Ontario as an authorized operator offering poker in the province.
What happened to PokerStars Ontario?
The original PokerStars Ontario platform shut down in May 2026 as PokerStars transitioned its regulated North American poker operations to FanDuel.
The replacement, PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario, launched on June 4, 2026.
Is PokerStars Ontario now FanDuel Poker?
Yes.
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel combines the PokerStars poker brand with FanDuel’s account and gaming ecosystem.
The current Ontario poker product is listed by iGaming Ontario as FanDuel Poker.
When did PokerStars on FanDuel launch in Ontario?
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Ontario launched on June 4, 2026.
The legacy PokerStars Ontario platform had stopped operating in May while the transition took place.
Do I need a new account for PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario?
The new poker platform uses FanDuel accounts rather than the legacy PokerStars Ontario account system.
Returning PokerStars players therefore need to use the FanDuel account system to access the current platform.
How old do you have to be to play PokerStars in Ontario?
Players must be at least 19 years old.
The old FAQ on this page incorrectly listed the minimum age as 21.
Do I have to live in Ontario to play PokerStars Ontario?
No.
Ontario residency is not required.
However, players must be physically located inside Ontario whenever they participate in real-money poker games.
Can I play PokerStars Ontario while visiting the province?
Yes, provided you meet FanDuel’s eligibility, age, identity, and account requirements.
Ontario regulations require players to be physically located in the province when gambling but do not require Ontario residency.
Does PokerStars Ontario share liquidity with other areas?
No.
PokerStars Ontario is currently ring-fenced, meaning real-money players compete only against other players located within Ontario.
Does PokerStars Ontario share players with the US FanDuel Poker network?
No.
PokerStars on FanDuel shares liquidity among Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in the US, but Ontario is not part of that network.
Could PokerStars Ontario share players with Alberta?
Potentially in the future.
Ontario and Alberta have discussed the possibility of domestic shared liquidity, but no combined Ontario-Alberta poker network currently exists.
Could PokerStars Ontario eventually join the international PokerStars network?
Potentially, but not under the current rules.
Ontario presently prohibits poker liquidity involving players outside the province. The legal position surrounding international shared liquidity remains subject to ongoing proceedings.
What tournaments does PokerStars Ontario offer?
PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario offers daily and weekly tournaments across a range of buy-ins.
Current formats include regular No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, PKOs, Mystery Bounties, turbos, satellites, and other formats.
The Sunday Dynasty is the current flagship weekly tournament.
What is the Sunday Dynasty?
The Sunday Dynasty is one of the flagship tournaments on PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel.
As of September 2026, the Ontario edition has a $100 buy-in and $35,000 guarantee.
Tournament guarantees can change, so players should check the current lobby before registering.
What is the September Dynasty Series?
The September Dynasty Series is the first major tournament festival held on the new PokerStars on FanDuel Ontario platform.
It runs September 12-28, 2026 and features 61 Ontario tournaments with buy-ins ranging from CAD $30 to $1,500.
Does PokerStars Ontario still run ONSCOOP and ONCOOP?
ONSCOOP and ONCOOP were flagship tournament series on the legacy PokerStars Ontario platform.
The new FanDuel-powered poker room is developing a new tournament calendar, beginning with the September Dynasty Series.
Players should not assume that every series from the old software will return in its previous form.
Does PokerStars Ontario have Spin & Gos?
Yes.
Spin & Go-style jackpot Sit & Go tournaments are available through the PokerStars on FanDuel platform.
Exact buy-ins and prize multipliers should be checked in the current poker lobby.
Does PokerStars Ontario offer cash games?
Yes.
PokerStars on FanDuel offers real-money cash games including No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Available stakes depend on current player traffic.
Does PokerStars Ontario have mixed games?
The new platform does not yet offer the same mixed-game selection that was available through the legacy PokerStars software.
PokerStars on FanDuel is preparing to introduce additional formats, with 8-Game among the mixed-game products being developed.
Does PokerStars Ontario have Zoom Poker?
The new PokerStars on FanDuel software supports PokerStars’ Zoom fast-fold format.
Availability can depend on player traffic and the games currently offered in the Ontario lobby.
Is PokerStars Ontario safe?
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel operates in Ontario’s regulated iGaming market.
FanDuel Canada ULC is listed by iGaming Ontario as an authorized poker operator and is subject to Ontario requirements covering game integrity, responsible gambling, player protection, security, and other areas.
Is PokerStars Ontario rigged?
Regulated online poker operators in Ontario must comply with provincial game-integrity and technical standards.
PokerStars on FanDuel is subject to oversight within Ontario’s regulated iGaming system.
Is there a PokerStars Ontario mobile app?
Yes.
PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel supports mobile poker as well as desktop play.
Players should use the current FanDuel/PokerStars poker application rather than the retired legacy PokerStars Ontario app.
Can I use my old PokerStars Ontario software?
No.
The legacy PokerStars Ontario platform was retired in May 2026.
Players must use the new PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel software to access the current Ontario poker room.