FanDuel Poker

Could FanDuel launch online poker in the United States? No official announcement has been made, but a series of strategic moves by FanDuel’s parent company Flutter Entertainment suggests that a FanDuel-branded poker platform — powered by PokerStars — could be around the corner.

For poker players, this potential development is significant. 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 — also owned by Flutter — currently operates quality poker rooms in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

PokerStars has had no integrated sportsbook since FOX Bet closed in 2023, and it doesn’t have access to online poker states Connecticut, West Virginia or Nevada. Competitors like DraftKings, BetRivers and BetMGM offer all gambling verticals under one roof.

The plot thickened in April 2025 when Pennsylvania joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, allowing poker operators to combine player pools across state lines. Within days, both WSOP Online and BetMGM Poker launched shared liquidity networks including Pennsylvania.

Yet PokerStars — historically quick to capitalize on such opportunities — has mysteriously delayed connecting its Pennsylvania player pool with its existing Michigan-New Jersey network.

According to Poker Industry PRO reporting, this delay could be explained by a potential migration of PokerStars under the FanDuel brand, which would require re-licensing across multiple states.

What would this mean for poker players? Potentially bigger tournaments, more robust player pools, seamless integration with sports betting and casino play, and a more comprehensive rewards program. It could mean FanDuel Poker coming to West Virginia, Connecticut and potentially even Nevada, which could significantly expand shared liquidity opportunities.

Whether through complete rebranding, a white-label solution, or some other integration model, the emergence of FanDuel Poker could reshape the competitive landscape of US online poker for years to come.

What is FanDuel Poker?

FanDuel Poker doesn’t exist yet, but would be the online poker offering from the popular FanDuel brand. Currently, FanDuel offers sports betting and casino games in numerous states but doesn’t have a poker product.

What makes this situation particularly interesting is that FanDuel and PokerStars are sister companies, both owned by Flutter Entertainment. However, they operate completely separately in the US market:

• FanDuel offers sports betting and casino games, but no poker
• PokerStars offers poker and casino games, but no sports betting
• The two platforms have separate account systems and licenses

Recent developments suggest these brands might soon be integrated, with potentially significant implications for poker players across the country.

Potential Launch States

Let’s look at where FanDuel Poker might launch and what advantages each state offers:

FanDuel Poker Pennsylvania

FanDuel has a strong presence in Pennsylvania through its partnership with Valley Forge Casino. Meanwhile, PokerStars PA operates under Mount Airy Casino Resort’s license and has been the dominant poker brand in the state since launching in 2019.

Pennsylvania recently joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in April 2025, allowing for shared liquidity with Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. This means players can compete against opponents in other states, creating larger player pools and bigger tournaments.

Interestingly, PokerStars has unexpectedly delayed connecting its Pennsylvania player pool with its existing shared network between Michigan and New Jersey, despite historically being quick to take advantage of such opportunities. According to Poker Industry PRO, this delay could be related to a potential integration with FanDuel.

FanDuel Poker Michigan

FanDuel operates in Michigan in partnership with MotorCity Casino in Detroit, while PokerStars MI is licensed through the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

PokerStars already shares liquidity between Michigan and New Jersey, making this a particularly valuable market for any potential FanDuel Poker launch. The existing player pool and shared liquidity would provide an immediate boost to a new FanDuel-branded poker product.

FanDuel Poker New Jersey

In New Jersey, FanDuel partners with Golden Nugget, while PokerStars NJ operates under the Resorts license.

New Jersey was an early adopter of interstate poker agreements and maintains a mature online poker market. PokerStars NJ already shares liquidity with Michigan, making it another valuable component of any FanDuel poker strategy.

FanDuel Poker Connecticut

FanDuel is one of only two licensed online casino operators in Connecticut, a state that has legalized online poker but has yet to see any poker rooms launch. Connecticut is also considering joining the MSIGA for shared liquidity.

This presents a unique opportunity for FanDuel Poker, as it could potentially be one of the first operators to launch in this state, gaining a first-mover advantage.

FanDuel Poker West Virginia

FanDuel has market access in West Virginia, another state where online poker is legal but not yet active. Like Connecticut, this represents a potential growth opportunity for a FanDuel Poker product.

FanDuel Poker Nevada

Nevada represents a particular challenge as PokerStars is not currently licensed there, while WSOP holds a monopoly on online poker in the state. However, as reported by Poker Industry PRO, Flutter executives have suggested that operating poker under the FanDuel brand might facilitate market entry into Nevada, which would be strategically valuable for creating the largest possible shared liquidity network.

Why FanDuel Poker Might Be Coming Soon

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 are 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:

1. Following the FOX Bet closure, PokerStars US operations were reported under Flutter’s international segment rather than the US division
2. 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, casino, and poker).

When Might FanDuel Poker Launch?

While no official launch date has been announced, several factors suggest a FanDuel Poker product could materialize in the near future:

• The company’s “local hero” strategy is already being implemented globally
• The delay in PokerStars connecting Pennsylvania to shared liquidity suggests major platform changes may be imminent
• Competitors like DraftKings are rapidly expanding their poker offerings, increasing the urgency for FanDuel to enter the market

How FanDuel Might Combine with PokerStars

Based on Flutter’s recent integrations of poker brands in other markets, we can identify several possible models for how FanDuel Poker might emerge:

• Complete Rebranding — PokerStars US could be fully rebranded as FanDuel Poker, similar to how Sky Poker was originally planned to become “Sky Poker by PokerStars” (though that particular migration ultimately took a different direction).
• White-Label Solution — FanDuel could launch its own poker product powered by PokerStars technology, similar to how Sisal Poker in Italy now operates on the PokerStars platform with its own branding.
• Shared Platform — Both brands could exist on the same platform with shared liquidity but maintain separate identities, allowing for cross-promotion and shared technology while preserving brand equity.
• Technology Transfer — PokerStars’ technology and expertise could be transferred to FanDuel without necessarily keeping the PokerStars brand prominent, focusing on FanDuel as the consumer-facing entity.

Recent Flutter Poker Brand Migrations

Flutter’s recent handling of poker brand migrations in other markets provides clues about how a FanDuel-PokerStars integration might work.

• Junglee Poker (India) — When integrating with Junglee Games in India, Flutter chose to move PokerStars onto Junglee’s software rather than vice versa.
• Sisal Poker (Italy) — For Sisal in Italy, Flutter did the opposite—launching Sisal Poker as a skin on the PokerStars Italy network while maintaining Sisal’s distinct brand identity.
• Sky Poker (UK) — In a surprising move, Sky Poker was migrated to Playtech’s iPoker network rather than PokerStars, demonstrating Flutter’s flexible approach to brand management.

These varied approaches suggest Flutter evaluates each market individually rather than following a one-size-fits-all strategy for brand integration.

What to Expect from FanDuel Poker

Based on Flutter’s track record with PokerStars and other poker platforms, a FanDuel Poker product would likely feature:

• High-quality software built on PokerStars’ industry-leading platform
• A comprehensive tournament schedule, including major series with substantial guarantees
• Shared liquidity across as many states as possible
• Integration with FanDuel’s existing sports betting and casino products
• Cross-promotional opportunities with FanDuel’s extensive sports partnerships
• Competitive welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions

FanDuel Poker FAQ

Is FanDuel Poker available in the US?

No, FanDuel Poker is not currently available in the United States. FanDuel offers sports betting and casino games in several states, but has not yet launched a poker product. Reports from Poker Industry PRO suggest this may change soon, potentially through integration with PokerStars, which is also owned by FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment.

Will FanDuel Poker replace PokerStars in the US?

While no official announcement has been made, there are signs that Flutter Entertainment (parent company of both brands) may be repositioning PokerStars under the FanDuel brand in the US market. This could involve complete rebranding, a white-label solution where FanDuel Poker is powered by PokerStars technology, or some other form of integration between the brands.

What states might FanDuel Poker launch in?

FanDuel has market access in numerous states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and West Virginia. The first three states already have active online poker markets where PokerStars currently operates, while Connecticut and West Virginia have legalized online poker but don’t yet have active poker rooms.

Will FanDuel Poker offer shared liquidity across states?

If FanDuel Poker launches, it would likely prioritize shared liquidity across states that are part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Currently, this includes Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. FanDuel’s market access in multiple states could potentially create one of the largest shared liquidity networks in the US.

Why would Flutter combine PokerStars with FanDuel?

Combining these brands would offer 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?

No official launch date has been announced. However, developments such as PokerStars’ delayed connection of Pennsylvania to shared liquidity and Flutter’s ongoing implementation of its brand strategy suggest changes may be coming in the near future.

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. However, according to Poker Industry PRO, Flutter executives have suggested that operating poker under the FanDuel brand might facilitate market entry into Nevada, which would be strategically valuable for creating the largest possible shared liquidity network.

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.

Would existing PokerStars players need new accounts for FanDuel Poker?

If integration occurs, Flutter would likely implement a migration path for existing PokerStars players. Based on previous poker migrations Flutter has conducted in other markets, players might need to download a new client but could potentially maintain their existing account details, balances, and loyalty status. However, the exact implementation would depend on the integration model chosen.

Would a FanDuel Poker launch affect tournament offerings?

If FanDuel Poker launches with PokerStars technology, players might see enhanced tournament offerings. The North American Poker Tour (NAPT) could continue under the FanDuel brand, potentially with increased marketing and promotion. Additionally, FanDuel’s strong sports partnerships could lead to unique tournament series tied to major sporting events.

What deposit and withdrawal options would FanDuel Poker likely offer?

FanDuel Poker would 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 would 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.

Would FanDuel Poker be regulated and safe to play on?

Yes, any FanDuel Poker product would be 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.