FanDuel Poker
Last updated: March 5, 2026
Could FanDuel launch online poker in the United States? We finally have an answer to this question, and that answer is yes! FanDuel Poker is coming, launching in partnership with PokerStars, and it should all be happening in a few week’s time.
The new site will come out under a new name: PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel. This means a new platform that will replace the current PokerStars US client, bringing together player pools from three states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Additionally, the new platform will launch in Ontario as well.
This is a major development for US online poker. FanDuel is already a dominant force in US sports betting, with market access in numerous states and a massive customer base. Meanwhile, sister company PokerStars US — also owned by Flutter — currently operates quality poker rooms in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
The PokerStars x FanDuel poker app will feature new software and it will focus entirely on poker. Players can still use their wallet balances on other products (sports and casino), but through a different app/site.
| FanDuel Poker: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 📅 Launch Date | Early April. |
| ✨ Main Highlights | Brand-new software & new welcome offer available to all players. |
| 📍 States Available | Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. |
| 🏆 Games on offer | Full scope of games offered on PokerStars US. |
| 🎁 Rewards | Strong rewards program anticipated – details to come. |
PokerStars exclusively by FanDuel Key Info
The merger between the two brands was announced just recently, with some important details still to come. However, we already know the most important information.
The new FanDuel Poker app powered by PokerStars will be launching in the near future, most likely in the next few weeks. PokerStars US has already announced that its current rewards program will be sunset on March 13, while progressive jackpots on PokerStars Casino will shut down on April 1.
This means that the new PokerStars x FanDuel app will most likely go live at some point in early April. As mentioned, this will be brand new software, so everyone will need to download and install the new client/app.
Once the new platform goes live, the current PokerStars US room will shut down. Players will need to create a new account, as their PokerStars accounts will not be transferred to the new platform. On the other hand, those who already have a FanDuel account will be able to log into the app with their existing information.
PokerStars US has launched an information hub answering questions about the transition process and adding new info as it becomes available. Players are also kept in the loop via email communications.
Signing up to Fan Duel Poker
As explained, with the launch of the new platform, players will need to sign up for a new account, if they don’t have a FanDuel account already. Your PokerStars US login information will not work.
While the poker client/app is not ready yet, you can already sign up for an account ahead of time:
- Visit the FanDuel site
- Click the Register button
- Fill in your information
- Confirm your email address
- You are all set
Right now, the account gives you access to FanDuel sportsbook and casino. Once the new PokerStars x FanDuel poker platform goes live, you’ll be able to use that same account information to log into the new app as well.
For those players who’d rather wait for the launch, there is no downside to it. It is mostly a matter of preference.
One important piece of information that was confirmed by PokerStars is that players who are under the self-exclusion on FanDuel will not be able to use the poker platform.
PokerStars x FanDuel Poker Bonus
The launch of the new poker platform will come with a fresh welcome bonus as well. The poker welcome offer will be available to all players, regardless of whether they already have a FanDuel account, they register before the launch, or once the new platform goes live.
The PokerStars US information hub does not currently have any specifics about the PokerStars exclusively by FanDuel welcome bonus. It is being describe as “generous,” and given the fact this merger is a major development, we expect players will be in for quite a treat.
Since the bonus will be available to existing FanDuel users, it should help entice some of the casino players and sports bettors to give new poker app a try, which should help boost the numbers on the platform right off the bat.
FanDuel Poker Software
The PokerStars x FanDuel platform will be powered by new software. Although details remain somewhat scarce at the moment, we know that it won’t be the current PokerStars software but a brand new solution.
The new app and client will retain the familiar visual style, making the transition easier. The operator has also promised that all the popular game formats, including Spin & Gos and various mixed game options, will remain available.
However, it looks like players can look forward to some improvements as well. Based on some screenshots that were shared, it seems like the new client will have a built-in HUD, which should be quite useful to recreational players.
We will know more about the PokerStars exclusively by FanDuel software once it actually goes live, but, right now, it looks like it will bring some fresh energy and a variety of new features, while maintaining all major aspects that made PokerStars US one of the best online poker platforms in existence.
PokerStars x FanDuel Poker Rewards
The launch of the new platform will also mean a whole new rewards program. The current PokerStars US rewards scheme will be shutting down on March 13, with all players getting full cash value of any unopened chests at that time.
What the new FanDuel Poker rewards system will look like remains to be seen. The operator has a loyalty scheme in place for its casino and sports customers, but the poker side of things will likely have a completely different and standalone system.
There is currently no information about this particular aspect of the new PokerStars x FanDuel platform but we will update this section with the relevant details as soon as they become available.
FanDuel Poker History: How We Got Here
Many poker fans are wondering why FanDuel doesn’t already offer poker, especially since its parent company owns PokerStars. According to reporting from Poker Industry PRO, there were several signs that a major change is on the horizon.
Mysterious Delay in Pennsylvania Shared Liquidity
In April 2025, Pennsylvania finally joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Within days, both BetMGM and WSOP launched shared liquidity networks including Pennsylvania. However, PokerStars has yet to connect its Pennsylvania player pool with its existing Michigan-New Jersey network.
According to Poker Industry PRO, this unexpected delay could be explained by a potential migration of PokerStars under the FanDuel brand. Rather than connecting Pennsylvania only to disconnect it shortly after during a brand migration, the company may be waiting until the FanDuel integration is complete.
The PokerStars-FanDuel Connection
Flutter Entertainment, which owns both PokerStars and FanDuel, appears to be repositioning its poker offerings in the US market. The company has been implementing what it calls a “local hero” strategy that prioritizes strong local brands in key growth markets, with FanDuel being their chosen “hero” for the US market.
As Peter Jackson, Flutter CEO, stated during an Investor Day presentation: “One of the things that Dan [Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Flutter International] talked about in terms of the work we’re doing around the PokerStars business is we do plan to integrate that product capability into FanDuel.”
The $725 Million Write-Down
In January 2024, Flutter made two significant announcements regarding PokerStars:
- Following the FOX Bet closure, PokerStars US operations were reported under Flutter’s international segment rather than the US division
- The company wrote down a $725 million impairment of the PokerStars trademark, revaluing it from $1.1 billion to just $368 million
This substantial write-down suggests Flutter has lowered expectations for the PokerStars brand in the US market. It aligns with executives’ statements that PokerStars “is not necessarily a brand we’d want to put a lot of investment behind on a standalone basis, because the returns we’re seeing are better in FanDuel from a casino perspective at the moment.”
The FOX Bet Closure Connection
The potential FanDuel Poker integration follows another significant business change: the closure of FOX Bet in August 2023. FOX Bet was the sports betting component integrated with PokerStars in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Its closure left PokerStars without an integrated sportsbook.
This created an unusual situation where:
- PokerStars US has no sportsbook
- FanDuel has no online poker
- The two account systems remain completely separate
- There is duplication between PokerStars’ and FanDuel’s online casino offerings
- Flutter maintains separate licenses for each brand
Benefits of a FanDuel-PokerStars Integration
Bringing together FanDuel and PokerStars offers several potential advantages:
The Shared Liquidity Advantage
One of the most compelling reasons for integrating PokerStars and FanDuel would be to maximize shared liquidity opportunities. Currently, the US online poker market is divided into several networks:
- WSOP/888: The only four-state network, operating in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan
- BetMGM Network: Operating across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (including Borgata and PartyPoker skins)
- PokerStars US: Operating a shared network between Michigan and New Jersey, with Pennsylvania still segregated
By combining resources and consolidating licensing, a FanDuel Poker product could potentially operate across more states than PokerStars currently does, especially if it can gain access to Nevada or be an early entrant in Connecticut.
Enhanced Market Access
FanDuel has market access that PokerStars lacks, including Connecticut and West Virginia. This could facilitate faster expansion of poker offerings into new states. It might also provide a way into Nevada.
Cross-Promotion Opportunities
There has already been some cross-promotion between the brands, such as FanDuel giving away NAPT Las Vegas prize packages through its Fantasy Sports product. This would expand under a closer partnership.
Competitive Positioning
Integrating poker would allow FanDuel to match competitors like DraftKings and BetMGM that already offer all three major gambling verticals (sports, casinos, and poker).
FanDuel Poker FAQ
Is FanDuel Poker available in the US?
FanDuel Poker will soon become available in the US, under the full name PokerStars exclusively by FanDuel. The new app merges players from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey into a single player pool on a new platform that is set to replace the current PokerStars US client.
Will FanDuel Poker replace PokerStars in the US?
Yes, PokerStars x FanDuel Poker will replace the current PokerStars US platform. It is a new site/app, and PokerStars US players will need to register for new accounts
What states will FanDuel Poker launch in?
FanDuel Poker powered by PokerStars will initially launch in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, the three states where PokerStars US currently operates. More states could be added to the fold later on. Additionally, PokerStars x FanDuel will go live in Ontario.
Will FanDuel Poker offer shared liquidity across states?
Yes, to begin with, FanDuel Poker will share liquidity between Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Why would Flutter combine PokerStars with FanDuel?
Combining these brands offers several benefits:
- Enhanced market access in states where FanDuel is licensed
- Reduced licensing overhead by consolidating brands
- Cross-promotional opportunities between sports betting and poker
- Better competitive positioning against operators like DraftKings and BetMGM that already offer all three gambling verticals
- Alignment with Flutter’s strategy that prioritizes FanDuel in the US market
Can I use my FanDuel account to play on PokerStars?
No, currently FanDuel and PokerStars maintain completely separate account systems despite being owned by the same parent company. One potential benefit of integration would be allowing players to use a single account across all gambling verticals.
When will FanDuel Poker launch?
While no official launch date has been announced, PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel will likely launch early in April.
Will FanDuel Poker be available in Nevada?
Nevada represents a challenge as PokerStars is not currently licensed there, while WSOP holds a monopoly on online poker in the state. New FanDuel Poker will not be available in Nevada at the launch, but it may be a possibility later down the line.
How might FanDuel Poker differ from PokerStars?
If FanDuel Poker launches using PokerStars technology, the underlying poker experience may be similar. However, differences might include:
- Integration with FanDuel’s sports betting and casino platforms
- Different branding and visual identity
- New promotions and loyalty programs aligned with FanDuel’s existing offerings
- Potentially broader market access across more states
What happened to FOX Bet and how does it relate to FanDuel Poker?
FOX Bet, the sports betting component previously integrated with PokerStars in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, ceased operations in August 2023. This left PokerStars without an integrated sportsbook. The closure highlighted the fragmented nature of Flutter’s US offerings, with PokerStars lacking sports betting and FanDuel lacking poker—a situation that a potential integration would resolve.
Will existing PokerStars players need new accounts for FanDuel Poker?
Yes, existing PokerStars US players will need to create a new account for FanDuel Poker as there are no plans to migrate current PokerStars account to the new platform. Existing FanDuel users will not need a new account to use the poker platform, though.
What deposit and withdrawal options will FanDuel Poker likely offer?
FanDuel Poker will likely offer similar payment methods to those currently available on FanDuel’s casino and sportsbook, potentially including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, online banking transfers, and cash deposits at partner casinos. PokerStars players might see an expanded range of payment options if the integration occurs.
How will a FanDuel Poker loyalty program compare to PokerStars Rewards?
FanDuel currently runs its own loyalty program for sports and casino, while PokerStars has its Stars Rewards program. An integration might result in a unified rewards system that allows players to earn points across all gambling verticals, potentially offering more redemption options and better synergy between poker, sports betting, and casino play.
Will FanDuel Poker be regulated and safe to play on?
Yes, all FanDuel Poker products are fully regulated by the same state gaming authorities that oversee current legal online poker operations. Flutter is a publicly traded company that operates in highly regulated markets worldwide, and all its US gambling products adhere to strict standards for fair play, responsible gambling, and player fund protection.