PokerStars PA Review
Why we recommend PokerStars: With the most cash games and tournaments and a fantastic welcome bonus, PokerStars PA is our number 1 pick for online poker in PA.
By almost all metrics, PokerStars runs the best online poker site in Pennsylvania. It has world-class software, by far the biggest selection of games, and big guaranteed MTTs. But its welcome bonus truly stands out: All new players get $150 in free-play after playing just one hand. For players looking to try online poker for the first time, this deal is the most generous in the state.
Get a $150 bonus play package consisting of Spin & Go tickets, casino cash, and bonus spins. Opt-in within the first five days and play a single cash hand to qualify.
PokerStars will provide a 100% First Deposit Match Bonus up to $600 when you use this promo code.
STARS600
PokerStars’ PA runs the best online poker site in Pennsylvania. It has by far the widest variety of cash games and the biggest tournament schedule with the largest guarantees. It runs on slick software and is fully legal and regulated. It also has a great welcome bonus offer for new players.
For new players there is a generous welcome package. Players can choose between a deposit match bonus that offers 100% up to $600 deposited with code STARS600 or $150 in free play tickets that can be used across poker and casino tables.
In this in-depth, independent PokerStars PA Review, you will find all the information you need to decide whether you want to play here. We cover all important aspects, such as bonuses, rewards, game selection, and much more.
| PokerStars PA: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| ✨ Main Highlight | Leading operator in Pennsylvania |
| 🚀 Date Launched | November 4, 2019 |
| 🤑 Freeplay Bonus | $150 in freeplay after playing one cash hand |
| 💰 Deposit Match Bonus | 100% up to $600 with code STARS600 |
| 🏆 PokerStars Tournaments | PA Championship of Online Poker (PACOOP), PA Spring Championship of Online Poker (PASCOOP), Bounty Builder |
| 🏦 Banking | PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Bank Transfers/ACH, Skrill, PayNearMe, Vanilla Direct |
| 🎁 Rewards | PokerStars Rewards |
What is the best PokerStars welcome bonus in Pennsylvania?
New players to PokerStars PA can pick between two welcome bonuses. Players can choose to apply the deposit match bonus: 100% will be matched up to $600 deposited using code STARS600. Or players can opt for $150 in free play tickets that can used a poker and casino tables after playing one cash hand.
PokerStars PA Welcome Bonus Offers
As part of its Welcome Bonus, PokerStars Pennsylvania is offering online poker players two ways to pad their bankrolls while trying out their skills at the tables. You can only claim one of these Welcome Bonuses, so choosing the best bonus for you depends on how much you will play or can deposit.
- Remember, new players can only claim one bonus at PokerStars PA!
- Either the deposit match bonus, 100% up to $600 or $150 in free play tickets for poker and casino games.
Depending on the welcome bonus you are looking to claim, you may or may not need a PokerStars bonus code. The $150 bonus play is available to all new players from the challenges section, and you do not need to use any special promo codes to claim it. Simply opt in, meet the requirement (play one cash hand), and the bonus will be triggered.
For the 100% match bonus, you will need to use the PokerStars bonus code STARS600. Using this code will lock you into the deposit match offer, so, decide which bonus you prefer before signing up and proceed accordingly.
$150 Free Play Tickets
For players new to online poker who don’t want to deposit large sums, opting for the $150 in free play tickets makes a lot of sense. After opting in and playing just one cash game hand, at any stakes, PokerStars PA will drop $150 of free play tickets into your account that can be used across poker and casino tables.
There is no minimum deposit requirement attached to this welcome offer. To claim it, players need to follow these simple steps:
- Sign up for PokerStars PA via this link
- Make a deposit of any amount
- Opt-in for the $150 Bonus Play offer from the Challenges window
- Play just one cash hand at any table at any stakes
This will trigger the $150 in free play tickets which are issued in the form of Spin & Go tickets, casino cash, and bonus spins. The bonus will appear in the player’s account as follows:
| Day Ticket Drops | Ticket Value |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | 2x$5 Spin & Go ticket & 50 $1 Spin & Go tickets |
| Day 1 | 50 bonus spins for casino slots |
| Day 2 | 2x$5 & 1x$10 Spin & Go tickets |
| Day 3 | $10 casino bonus |
| Day 4 | 2x$10 tickets |
| Day 5 | $30 casino bonus |
One important rule concerning the PokerStars PA $150 Bonus Play offer is that it must be claimed and activated within the first five days of opening the account with the operator.
Once this period passes, the offer will no longer be available, but everyone can still take advantage of the generous PokerStars PA deposit bonus.
100% Deposit Bonus up to $600: Use PokerStars Promo Code STARS600
Those with more time to play or a bigger bankroll may want to take advantage of the 100% Deposit Match Bonus of up to $600.
To get the most from this bonus, make your first real money deposit with the PokerStars Bonus Code STARS600. You can still max out on this bonus even if you don’t deposit the entire $600 the first time because your first three real money deposits count towards this promotion as long as you make them within the first 60 days and use the PokerStars Bonus Code STARS600 with each one.
This is a pretty much universal PokerStars promo code that the operator has been using for years across its various international and US sites, so you might already be familiar with it. As long as you are a new customer making your first few deposits with the site, this PokerStars promo code will unlock access to the 100% match bonus of up to $600.
You then have 120 days to clear the PokerStars deposit bonus by earning the required number of redemption points. Redemption points (RPs) are accrued at 5 RPs for every dollar in rake paid. You will be credited with $10 of your bonus for every 140 redemption points you earn. That works out to a return of 36% for every dollar of rake and tournament fees you pay while playing.
Check out PokerStars PA in action
PokerStars PA Promotions
PokerStars PA has done a good job with its promotions section, creating an environment that is both engaging and rewarding, adding to the overall gaming experience on top of the no deposit bonus and the first deposit boost.
Players can find a variety of promos through the “Challenges“ section of the software. Here, you will find all sorts of tasks you need to complete to receive extra rewards. To get involved, you must manually confirm your participation, which is important to keep in mind.
With some promotions, there might be a special promo code involved, too, and if you receive one of these from the operator, make sure to use it when claiming the offer.
The best way not to miss out is to regularly check out what challenges are available and get involved with any that seem interesting and/or doable. There is no downside to doing this as if you do not complete a challenge, you will not get the reward.
Stars Rewards Program
PokerStars PA offers a personalized rewards system called Stars Rewards that provides extra value to players as they play real money online poker games on the site as well as iGaming at Stars Casino.
As with any rewards or loyalty scheme, it is important to understand how the system works in order to maximize your potential value.
Because Stars Rewards is personalized to reward each player based on the games they play, the types and amounts of the rewards received will vary from player to player, but read on to find out how the system works.
- All of the information about your rewards can be found in the My Stars area of the PokerStars PA lobby
- Players earn Reward Points for real money play across both verticals (poker and casino)
- Each Reward Point advances a player’s Progress Bar
- When a Progress Bar is completed, the player will be awarded a Chest which contains prizes such as StarsCoin (the Stars Rewards currency) and Bonus Play
- StarsCoin can be redeemed at the Rewards Store for PokerStars merchandise, electronics, tournament tickets, and even cash!
- Play one hand & get $150 in bonus play funds
- Top-quality mobile app
- Best online MTT schedule
Rewards Points
The rate at which you earn Reward Points depends on a number of factors, including your frequency of play, game type, and net deposits.
As a general guide, PokerStars provides the following guidelines for earning Reward Points at each vertical:
- Poker: PokerStars PA — 100 Reward Points earned for each $1 paid in rake and tournament fees
- Casino: Stars Casino PA — Reward Points earned at the casino vary greatly, with multiple rates applied within each grouping of games (slots, table games, and video poker). It is best to refer to the documentation provided by Stars Casino to determine how many Reward Points you will earn at your favorite casino games.
Chests
After you earn enough Reward Points to complete your Progress Bar, you will be awarded a Chest that contains a reward in the form of tournament tickets, promotional items, and StarsCoin. There are six types of Chests. The higher the level, the greater the value of the rewards it contains.
PokerStars Chest Levels & Prizes
- Level 1: Blue Chest — $0.50
- Level 2: Bronze Chest — $1.50
- Level 3: Silver Chest — $5
- Level 4: Gold Chest — $25
- Level 5: Diamond Chest — $100
- Level 6: Black Chest — $330
Chests can be opened at any time after they are earned, but unopened Chests expire after three calendar months and can no longer be opened, and your reward will be lost.
Tournaments at PokerStars Pennsylvania
PokerStars is known the world over for hosting the best online poker tournaments, and its poker site in Pennsylvania upholds that reputation, deserving some extensive coverage in this review.
Players at PokerStars Pennsylvania have a wide variety of tournaments to choose from, with all the popular tournament formats on offer, including MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments) and SNGs (Sit N Go Tournaments).
Due to what is believed to be regulatory reasons, the relatively new and immensely popular Spin & Go’s (Jackpot Tournaments) are currently unavailable in Pennsylvania.
MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments)
Running day and night, PokerStars PA has a full slate of Multi-Table Tournaments available in a wide range of buy-ins and in a variety of different poker games, including:
- Hold’em
- Omaha
- Stud
- 5-Card Draw
- Badugi
- Mixed Games
PokerStars PA also has a full schedule of Sunday Majors with some of the biggest guaranteed prize pools of the week.
PokerStars also runs a number of tournament series with big guarantees throughout the year. These high-profile series regularly guarantee $1 million or more in prize money and typically come with the opportunity for players to win their way into tournaments with big guaranteed payouts.
Since dealing the first hands of legally regulated online poker in the state, PokerStars PA has run such series as PACOOP (Pennsylvania Championship of Online Poker), PASCOOP (Pennsylvania Spring Championship of Online Poker), Bounty Builder Series, Winter Series, Summer Series, and more.
SNGs (Sit N Go Tournaments)
Players looking for the tournament series without devoting large chunks of time to playing will enjoy the SNGs on offer at PokerStars PA. These single-table tournaments are available in both No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO).
There is also a choice of 6-handed tournaments played at Turbo speed, and heads-up tournaments played at Hyper-Turbo speed.
Spin & Go’s
PokerStars’ popular jackpot sit-and-go tournaments are available in Pennsylvania. Players can compete in Spin & Go’s across different levels, starting from just $1 and going up to $25.
Each Spin & Go is played three-handed, and it kicks off as soon as the required number of players has registered. Before the start, the random prize multiplier is assigned to the tournament, starting at 2x the buy-in, but reaching as high as 1000x the buy-in.
In most cases, only the winner gets paid. However, if you trigger one of the highest three multipliers, i.e. 1000x, 160x, or 80x, you will be guaranteed a payout as the second and third-place finishers will also receive consolation prizes.
If you are interested in how the odds of triggering particular multipliers stack up, check out the table below:
| First Prize Multiplier | Odds of Triggering |
|---|---|
| 2000x | 1 in 200,000 (0.001%) |
| 200x | 5 in 200,000 (0.004%) |
| 100x | 15 in 200,000 (0.008%) |
| 25x | 200 in 200,000 (0.1%) |
| 10x | 2000 in 200,000 (1%) |
| 5x | 16,000 in 200,000 (8%) |
| 3X | 84,042 in 200,000 (41.93%) |
| 2x | 97,737 in 200,000 (48.96%) |
PokerStars PA Spin & Go buy-ins & prizes
| Buy-in | Min Prize | Jackpot |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | $2 | $2000 |
| $5 | $10 | $10.000 |
| $10 | $20 | $20,000 |
| $25 | $50 | $50,000 |
Cash Games at PokerStars Pennsylvania
No other online poker operator in the US offers a wider variety of cash games than PokerStars.
The highly popular No-Limit Hold’em is available at 6- and 9-handed tables with stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 at the micro-stakes tables all the way up to $25/$50 at the high-stakes tables.
PokerStars PA also spreads other popular poker variants, including:
- Limit Hold’em
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
- PL Omaha H/L
- Limit Omaha H/L
- PL 5 Card Omaha
- Limit Stud
- Limit Stud H/L
- Limit Razz
- PL 2- 7 Triple Draw
- Limit 2- 7 Triple Draw
- 8 Game
It is easy to find action at the NLHE and PLO tables almost every time of the day and night, but if you are looking to play some of the other less popular variants, your best chance of finding a game is to visit the room at night and on weekends, as these are the times when the poker site sees the most traffic.
That is not to say that you can’t find action at other games during off hours, but be prepared to play short-handed or potentially sit and wait for opponents.
Cash game games & stakes at PokerStars PA
| Game Type | Min Stakes | Max Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| No Limit Hold’em | $0.01/$0.02 | $25/$50 |
| Pot Limit Omaha | $0.01/$0.02 | $25/$50 |
| Mixed Games | $0.25/$0.50 | $100/$200 |
PokerStars PA Traffic History
| Month | PokerStars PA | Other sites | Market share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23 | 170 | 110 | 61% |
| Nov 23 | 175 | 115 | 60% |
| Dec 23 | 185 | 115 | 62% |
| Jan 24 | 185 | 140 | 57% |
| Feb 24 | 190 | 150 | 56% |
| Mar 24 | 170 | 150 | 53% |
| Apr 24 | 155 | 140 | 53% |
| May 24 | 160 | 125 | 56% |
| Jun 24 | 150 | 190 | 44% |
| Jul 24 | 130 | 170 | 43% |
| Aug 24 | 135 | 190 | 42% |
| Sep 24 | 140 | 180 | 44% |
Player Traffic at PokerStars Pennsylvania
PokerStars is the absolute leader in terms of player traffic in Pennsylvania. PokerStars PA regularly hits over 200 concurrent users on the platform, which is significantly higher than other operators in the state.
Good traffic is one of the most important aspects of an online poker room as it is a guarantee that players can find enough action at cash game tables, and they do not have to wait long to get in the games.
PokerStars Tournament History in Pennsylvania
Check out the overview of the past PokerStars PA major events and tournament series to see what to expect in the future in terms of event buy-ins, player numbers, and guarantees.
How to Sign Up at PokerStars PA
If you have not played at PokerStars before and are looking to join the action, you will first need to create your account. You do not have to be in Pennsylvania to do this, but you will have to be in the state to actually play the games. To get started, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the PokerStars PA website
- Click on the green “Join” button located in the upper right corner
- On the first screen, enter your email, password, and the nickname you want to use at the tables
- Next, fill in your personal information (make sure to enter all this info correctly as you will need to verify it)
- Go to your email inbox and find the email from PokerStars containing a verification link
- Click on the link to verify your email address
- You are now good to go: log in to deposit, claim your bonus, and start playing
PokerStars Pennsylvania Software
The quality of the online poker software will directly impact the enjoyment derived from the game. Luckily, with the PokerStars PA app players will gain access to the operator’s global world-class software, including its desktop and mobile clients.
In our experience, the three top-level factors to consider when evaluating the quality of online poker software are functionality, reliability, and appearance. Below is our evaluation of those major factors.
Functionality of PokerStars Software
It may seem simple, but the ability to run the software on your chosen devices should be a primary consideration when choosing an online poker site. In that regard, PokerStars does not disappoint, as it has versions of its software for Windows and Mac computers as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
The design of the tables, lobby, user interface, and mobile software also adds to the functionality, with easy-to-read text and graphics, easily clickable buttons, resizable tables, customizable controls, a simple way to use any promo code and claim any offer, and many more functional features that make the PokerStars software one of the best in the business.
Reliability of PokerStars Software
Reliability is not a factor to be taken lightly when it comes to online poker. Unstable poker software that freezes, crashes, or fails to connect to the gaming servers can often cost you a lot of money.
Fortunately, the PokerStars software has been around for nearly 20 years, and the company has continually invested in improvements. Through those improvements, PokerStars has maintained the stability of its software.
As with any online service, there can be disruptions and disconnections from time to time, but those instances are rare. In addition, PokerStars has a well-documented disconnection policy that aims to treat players fairly if a disruption in service happens.
PokerStars PA Appearance
The appearance of the PokerStars software was greatly enhanced with the rollout of the company’s new graphic engine Aurora which allows for enhanced animations and sound effects. It also allowed the company to offer additional software themes and an improved mobile experience.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Mobile App
PokerStars offers one of the best mobile apps in the international market, and PA players have access to the same software. Available for Android and iOS devices, the app is easy to download and install and works well across a wide range of mobile phones and tablets.
As soon as the installation is completed, you can proceed to log in with your PokerStars username and password. From the interface, you will have access to cash games, tournaments, spin and goes, and the cashier, which means you can also use the mobile app to make deposits.
The app offers a variety of customization options and filters to make navigation easier. When it comes to gameplay, all buttons are nicely positioned on the screen, making it easy to keep up with the action without any unfortunate misclicks. You can play up to five tables at the same time and switch between them seamlessly. Automatic alerts will also let you know when you can act on any of the tables.
Banking Options at PokerStars PA
When it comes to deposits and withdrawals, Pennsylvania online poker players should have no problems whatsoever when playing at PokerStars. It is important to note that all available options are completely safe and 100% reliable, so you do not have to worry about your money not reaching its destination or your sensitive information getting into the wrong hands.
While working on this review, we noticed the operator offers plenty of options to get money into your PS account and withdraw your winnings when the time comes. Here is an overview of the currently supported PSPA banking options:
| Payment Method | Deposits | Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | ✅ | ❌ |
| MasterCard | ✅ | ❌ |
| Instant Bank Transfers | ✅ | ❌ |
| PayPal | ✅ | ✅ |
| Skrill | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayNearMe | ✅ | ❌ |
| VanillaDirect | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bank Transfers | ✅ | ✅ |
As you would expect, withdrawals from PokerStars PA tend to be very quick. For example, withdrawing money to your PayPal account will usually take about one hour, provided that you have completed the verification process already.
More traditional methods, such as wire transfers, can take longer. If you withdraw funds to your bank, expect to receive the money within a few working days.
PokerStars Safety & Fairness
PokerStars PA is licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which means the operator has to conduct its business in line with the rules set forth by the regulatory body. These strict rules exist to protect players and ensure your safety while playing online poker.
When it comes to the fairness of games, PokerStars PA utilizes state-of-the-art RNG (random number generator), which ensures that every single hand dealt on the platform is completely random and impossible to guess or predict. There is no way for anyone to tamper with these results nor is it possible for the operator to rig the games. The RNG software is regularly audited and verified by independent third parties.
PokerStars PA also provides a very high level of protection for players’ funds and personal information. The platform uses high-level encryption protocols for all communication between the players and the servers, ensuring that it cannot be intercepted and abused in any way.
When playing on the site, you must comply with geolocation protocols to ensure that all players playing on the platform are physically present in Pennsylvania. This is one of the strict rules imposed by the PGCB, and PokerStars PA, like the rest of the licensed operators, is very serious about enforcing it.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play poker on PokerStars if I am in Pennsylvania?
First, you must register and download the PokerStars software, including the PokerStars PA app (both Android and iOS), from the PokerStars PA website. Be sure to use the STARS600 bonus code when you sign up to make sure you get your Welcome Bonus.
Is there a PokerStars deposit bonus I can use in Pennsylvania?
There are welcome bonuses available at PokerStars PA — one that will get you $150 in Bonus Play, and the other is a first-deposit match bonus.
Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes! If you live within the state of Pennsylvania or are visiting, you can legally play online poker on sites like PokerStars PA.
Is PokerStars safe to play on?
100%. PokerStars is fully legal and regulated in Pennsylvania and is one of the most legitimate online gaming sites a player can play on.
Where is online poker legal in the US?
If you are in the state of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Nevada, then you can legally play online poker for real money!
Currently, Pennsylvania does not allow shared player pools, so you can only play with people who are within the state lines. PokerStars PA, Borgata Poker PA, BetMGM Poker PA, and WSOP PA are the four operators currently offering online poker in the Keystone State.
Are online casinos legal in PA?
Yes! We are pleased to say Pennsylvania does offer online gambling. Since 2019 players in Pennsylvania looking to play online poker and online casino games such as slots and roulette have been able to do so. Pennsylvania also has online sports betting.
Where is PokerStars legal in the US?
PokerStars US currently offers online poker in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. US regulations are strict, so you must be physically in these states in order to be able to play on PokerStars NJ, PokerStars MI, or PokerStars PA.
Is PokerStars PA rigged?
No! PokerStars is not rigged or fixed, and they go to great lengths to ensure fair play at all their tables. PokerStars uses an independently verified Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that its games are fair.
Can I make real money transfers between players on PokerStars PA?
No, real money player-to-player transfers are not allowed as per Pennsylvania gaming regulations.
Who can play at PokerStars Pennsylvania?
People at least 21 years of age or older that are physically located within the borders of Pennsylvania are eligible to play online poker for real money at PokerStars Pennsylvania.
Does PokerStars offer multi-table tournaments (MTTs)?
Yes, PokerStars has a full slate of poker tournaments for players in Pennsylvania. These games offer tremendous value to players as the larger population of Pennsylvania has allowed PokerStars to offer MTTs with lower buy-in than neighboring New Jersey and higher guaranteed prize pools.
Is Zoom offered in Pennsylvania?
PokerStars is not offering its fast-fold poker format Zoom in Pennsylvania. It is still unclear when the format will be made available. It is important to note that Zoom is also not available in New Jersey, but it may be introduced once the player pools of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are combined.
Can players at PokerStars Pennsylvania play with players on PokerStars New Jersey?
Currently, shared liquidity, i.e. the ability for players in different states to compete at the same cash games and in the same poker tournaments, is not authorized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The recent resolution of the Wire Act case saw proponents of shared liquidity prevail, and we expect gaming regulators in Pennsylvania to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Michigan joined the agreement in May of 2022, and we expect Pennsylvania to follow suit in the near future.
Once that happens, PokerStars will be able to allow its players in Pennsylvania to compete against its players in other legally regulated states that have joined MSIGA. At this point in time, that would be New Jersey and Michigan.