While doing research for this guide, I read hundreds of pages of 2+2’s PokerStars Improvement Thread and played tons of hours of online poker at PokerStars.com. I’ve also been in the online poker industry for well over a decade, from before PokerStars ever got started. With that said, let’s get started on the PokerStars review.

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PokerStars is the most generally perceived brand in the online poker world. Obviously, numerous individuals were energized when its parent company, Rational Group, joined up with one of Atlantic City's casinos so as to get a New Jersey web based gambling license. What is the Status of Poker Stars in New Jersey? When the bill allowing online poker was signed in 2013, many assumed PokerStars would operate in New Jersey. Because of the rule that online poker networks needed to be affiliated with a brick-and-mortar casino, PokerStars moved to purchase the Atlantic Club Casino in January 2013.

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PokerStars Pros & Cons

Pros

• Secure and Safe Online Poker Site.
• Massive Opportunity for Gaming.
• Quality Customer Support.
• Great promotional opportunities.

Cons

• Low US Player availability.
• No Live Chat Support.

About PokerStars.com

Since 2006, PokerStars has reigned as the most popular online poker room in the world – and not only has it been in the lead, it has dominated its competition.

For instance, according to PokerScout.com, PokerStars’ cash game traffic at its lowest hours is still twice as high as its nearest competition’s traffic at peak hours. At the time of writing, PokerStars has about 19,000 cash-game players online while the second busiest site (888 Poker) has about 3,000.

Not one competitor comes even close to PokerStars. But for how long?

Is PokerStars legit? Safety and security

When choosing an online poker room, players want a place that is safe and secure. At PokerStars, only the latest technology is used to ensure that gameplay is fair, player data is secure, and all financial transactions are safe. When it comes to fairness, PokerStars has game integrity experts who work to ensure that no player has an advantage over another. Software security is in place as well, to keep the quality of gameplay at the highest level.

PokerStars also holds their licensing within the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. This commission was created in 1962 and ensures the regulation of online gambling activities. With this backing and the standards PokerStars upholds, players can rest assured they are going to experience legit game play.

Opening your PokerStars account

With our PokerStars review, you can easily learn how to open a new account. Below you will find step-by-step instructions to get you started.

1. Download the online poker software from PokerStars
2. Open the software via the quick-start icon, should be labeled “PokerStars”
3. Once opened, choose ‘Create a new account now”
4. From here, you will be able to set up your Stars Account

PokerStar Bonus

Bonuses are readily available at PokerStars, especially for new members. To begin, new players to the site can access $30 in Free Play. Deposit $20 or more with the bonus code THIRTY to earn this extra bonus cash. The $30 in Free Play includes Spin & Go Tickets plus bonus cash.

Another option for new players is the 100% deposit bonus worth up to $600. This bonus can be accessed by using the code STAR600 and depositing via three qualifying deposits within a 60-day time frame. After depositing, players will need to play real money games. During gameplay, redemption points are earned. Players will earn 5 redemption points for every $1 paid in rake or tournament fees.

Player Traffic and Tournament Prizepools

Even though the recent changes have been unpleasant (to say the least), PokerStars is lightyears ahead of others when it comes to cash game player traffic and tournament prize pools. Volume makes a huge difference and PokerStars has ten times the volume of its closest competitor. For a poker player who cares about the art of game selection (as any winning player should), there’s no better place to play at than PokerStars.com.

While there is a high level of traffic at PokerStars, the game quality is among the poorest in all of online poker. Grinders play a dozen or more tables at a time. There are also problems with bum-hunting, meaning serious players will only go up against weaker ones. Some of the recent changes have tried to combat this, but it has not been effective.

PokerStars real money deposit and withdrawals

Now that you have your PokerStars account created, its time to learn about deposits and withdrawals. There are options for players to enjoy PokerStars via desktop and mobile, so game play can be enjoyed at home or on the go. PokerStars bitcoin, WebMoney, Visa, MasterCard and many more options are available for deposit and withdrawal depending on your location.

• Desktop Cashier
  • In the desktop version, you will need to open the software and click on Cashier then the Make a Deposit tab. Select the deposit option you wish to use and click Deposit. Enter the amount and use a bonus code if it applies. Click submit and once your transaction is processed, you are ready to play.
• Mobile Cashier
  • Log in to the PokerStars app via your mobile device using your Stars ID. Be sure you log in via the real money tab. Choose the Deposit button to open the cashier. With an iOS device you will find the Cashier button at the bottom of the screen. On Android, you will need to choose the navigation menu at the top left corner to find the cashier. Choose your payment option, preferred currency and amount of deposit. Follow the instructions to complete your transaction.

When choosing your payment method, you will need to choose an option available to your country. PokerStars offers varying financial methods based on location. Players in one location may have access to more deposit and withdrawal options based on their home country. Be sure to check what options are open to you and select the preferred method when depositing.

Software Quality

For several years now, I’ve ranked PokerStars’ software as the second best in the world, right behind Full Tilt. For me, Full Tilt had something special, but PokerStars has always had good software as well which obviously appeals to plenty of people. Full Tilt was folded into PokerStars in May 2016, leaving PokerStars as the top software in the online poker industry.

What’s so good about the software, then? Well, for one, it works (or at least worked before the latest major update). It’s easy on the eye, and even more importantly, it’s easy to use. Online poker has been around for over 15 years now and it’s mind-boggling how few online poker rooms still have a top quality software, and PokerStars happens to be one of the rare sites who do.

Playing on PokerStars on your mobile device

With our PokerStars review, we wanted to cover mobile device use as most players want to take their online poker gaming on the go. The very same features and support can be found on mobile, allowing players to move from desktop to mobile with ease, never missing out on poker opportunities. With the mobile cashier, players will be able to manage their bankroll, making deposits via the Mobile poker application.

To get started, players will need to download the application on their mobile device. PokerStars offers mobile gaming via iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Once downloaded, players can log in and begin able to enjoy poker cash games or tournaments from anywhere!

The big benefit of mobile gaming is being able to play at any time from anywhere. You are no longer tethered to your desktop computer and can log on anywhere you like.

PokerStars Customer Support

You don’t get to be the top online poker site in the world by providing bad customer support. PokerStars is a professional online poker operation and they will treat you that way. They’re also active in online gambling communities by answering to members’ questions, solving their problems and asking for feedback.

The customer support personnel aren’t to blame for the decisions the directors of the company have made regarding the recent (mostly negative) changes. If anything, their job has become harder since people are surely complaining more nowadays.

I have no complaints regarding the customer support department (except for the lack of phone support which could come in handy). But the way PokerStars takes care of its customers as a company (again, referring to the recent changes) has changed for the worse and that bothers me (and judging by all the comments made online, bother a lot of other people too). With that said, it is still among the best in terms of how it handles player complaints and support issues.

Amaya Acquisition

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Only time will tell if Amaya is making smart business decisions. But I can tell you something right now: plenty of PokerStars customers are disappointed by 2 major changes, first, it has cut back on costs and second, Amaya increased fees. These changes have lead to a worse user experience.

How the Amaya acquisition has affected PokerStars

Not only is it more expensive to play at PokerStars due to the increase in rake fees in both cash games and tournaments, and the decrease in the VIP benefits, they now seem less and less willing to promote poker by cutting out affiliate marketers and terminating contracts with Team PokerStars Pros all the while launching online casino games and sportbooks.

They’ve also decreased the quality of the playing experience. When it comes to significant software updates in any business, you’ll have long-time users who aren’t fond of the changes but it eventually grows on them. In this case, lots of players started experiencing significant lags after the software update from what’s called PokerStars 6 to PokerStars 7. Players are now reporting continuous lags, sometimes to the point where the tables are frozen for several minutes while multi-table tournaments are running (the lags seem especially bad for multi-tablers).

But why is this happening?

If the rumors on poker forums are to be believed – not always a good idea – Amaya has also cut back on server costs which, in turn, has caused its customers to experience significant lags. A PokerStars representative took part in 2+2 forum’s discussion with the following quote:

Unfortunately, lags have continued long after the tournament was held. And it was a weak response either way since we’ve already seen PokerStars host the biggest tournaments online ever. If the problem is on server-side, then the server-side isn’t what it used to be.

And that, in turn, is in line with the rumors. Amaya Gaming has since changed names to Stars Group to reflect its largest holding.

Conclusion

PokerStars may still be the best option for online poker players around the world (US players are prohibited) but its quality has gone downhill recently. However, it’s hard to argue against the massive amounts of player traffic and tournament prizepools which tower over all of PokerStars’ competitors, in addition to other types of promotions that PokerStars is better-equipped to offer than its significantly smaller competition.

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The New Jersey online poker market came to fruition less than a decade ago. Since then, the state has become a leader in both the number of players and platform variety.

All legally-licensed online poker sites are safe and legitimate thanks to regulations imposed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. If you’re ever unsure if an online poker site is legit, simply visit their website to review the complete list.

The rates for rake (commission fee charged by the online poker site) is between 5 and 7 percent and depends on the tournament or game.

New Jersey also has shared-liquidity, or interstate player pools, with Delaware and Nevada. That means you can play against folks in both states as well as any other states that legalize online poker and join those pools.

List Of Legal Online Poker Sites In New Jersey

This is the complete list of legal New Jersey online poker sites in alphabetical order:

• 888Poker
• BetMGM Poker
• Borgata Poker
• Pala Poker
• Party Poker
• PokerStars
• WSOP.com

888Poker

888Poker has had its ups and downs since its New Jersey launch in November 2013.

The 888Poker site saw impressive numbers initially. The site saw a steady revenue decline in 2017, 2018, and 2019 until COVID-19 shuttered land-based casinos in 2020. They’ve since bounced back as have other online poker sites.

The land-based partner is Caesars Palace Atlantic City, which 888Poker shares with WSOP.com. Because of this, the two online poker platforms often combine player pools for tournaments and cash games.

BetMGM Poker

BetMGM Poker’s land-based partner is Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and it launched in 2017 as playMGM.

While it’s not the most popular option as a stand-alone, BetMGM NJ is part of the PartyPoker network. That means playing at BetMGM also means you can play against players at PartyPoker as well as Borgata Poker.

The reason you’d want to play here over the other two is access to the BetMGM online casino and sportsbook in NJ.

Borgata Poker

The Borgata Poker site is the exact same as the MGM site except for the logo. They both have the same tournaments, promotions, and player pool. The sportsbook odds between the two are the same.

The only slight difference between Borgata and MGM is the online casino. While the catalog is practically identical, you can find a few more titles at Borgata. If you like to play online casino games as well as poker, we’d recommend comparing the two in that regard.

Otherwise, there’s no significant difference.

PalaPoker

PalaPoker is also a Borgata Hotel Casino partner, same as BetMGM and PartyPoker. However, it does not share a player pool, which makes it easy to wonder why it even exists. There’s virtually no one in the poker rooms.

PalaPoker does have a few decent promotions, though, including a No Deposit Bonus. So it might be worthwhile to join for that, play as much as you can, then withdraw and play elsewhere.

Even the PalaPoker website itself looks dated. Its future is uncertain.

PartyPoker

PartyPoker is one of the best options among the many New Jersey online poker sites. As a Borgata Hotel Casino partner, it shares a player pool with Borgata Poker as well as BetMGM.

It’s also the biggest name among these shared-network brands. That means it will be the last one to go out of business (if any do), so you won’t have to worry about migrating your account.

The only downside to PartyPoker is the lack of an online sportsbook. If you enjoy betting on sports and want access to the PartyPoker player pool, join BetMGM or Borgata Poker.

PokerStars

PokerStars has the highest number of players than any other brand in the world. And while New Jersey players can’t legally compete against folks overseas, it’s a testament to the PokerStars NJ overall quality.

PokerStars NJ officially launched in March 2016. Its land-based partner is Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City. And the promotions, large player pool, and huge tournament prizes make this well-worth considering for both new players and seasoned online poker pros alike.

WSOP.com

While PokerStars is the biggest name in online poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the biggest name in poker, period.

This Caesars affiliate also shares a player pool with folks in Nevada, Delaware, and members of 888Poker. You can also play online at WSOP.com to qualify for the World Series that takes place annually in Las Vegas.

WSOP.com’s New Jersey launch was November 21, 2013, making this brand among the first legally licensed platforms in the state.

Learn more in our complete Guide To Online Gambling In New Jersey.

What Is The Biggest Online Poker Site In New Jersey?

The biggest individual online poker site in New Jersey—by both revenue and number of players—is PokerStars NJ. This brand also happens to be one of the largest online poker sites in the world. In April 2020, they brought in $2,066,293.

However, the All American Poker Network encompasses both WSOP.com and 888Poker. According to an 888Poker press release, “Micro and low-limit cash games and select tournaments will be part of the shared liquidity.”

WSOP.com NJ made $1,862,004 in April 2020, which means PokerStars NJ beat it by $204,289. And revenue is a reflection of player variety as well as tournament size and cash game win potential.

While a search for 888Poker’s April 2020 revenue proved unsuccessful, it did see a 60 percent jump in traffic that month. It’s also one of the most well-known brands in the world of online gambling. So it’s a very safe bet that WSOP.com and 888Poker combined create the biggest online poker site in New Jersey.

Also, the only live online poker site in Delaware is 888, and the only one live in Nevada is WSOP.com. So the only way to take advantage of New Jersey’s shared-liquidity across state lines is through 888Poker and WSOP.com.

Does New Jersey Share Online Poker Player Pools With Any Other States?

Yes. New Jersey shares online poker player pools with Nevada and Delaware.

However, Nevada’s only licensed online poker site is WSOP.com. If you’re in Delaware, your only option is 888Poker. So New Jersey online poker players looking to take advantage of liquidity-sharing need to join one of those two sites.

Thankfully, WSOP.com and 888Poker share a player pool, so joining one or the other gives you access to it all.

If the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board allows online poker sites to share player pools, that would mean twice as many players. (PA has as many residents as New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada combined.)

Since PokerStars PA is the number one choice in that state, that would mean PokerStars would have the biggest player pool in New Jersey.

But, for now, that title goes to All American Poker Network, which consists of WSOP.com and 888Poker – and extends to NJ, DE, and NV.

Do New Jersey’s Online Poker Sites Offer Mobile Apps?

Yes. All legally-licensed New Jersey online poker sites have a mobile app for both iOS and Android. They’re all also download-only for desktop versions, meaning you can’t play a flash version of any poker site directly on its website.

Different real-money poker apps are distinguished by their individual quality. If you play online poker on your phone, we highly recommend looking into the reviews before joining.

A common complaint is that the app can be glitchy and quit. That would be devastating if you’re in the middle of a tournament or a high-stakes hand. In fact, it would be grounds to never play at that poker app again.

Generally speaking, it’s probably best to play tournaments on your desktop. The computing power greatly reduces the chances that your app will quit unexpectedly. If you’re using an older mobile device, that can further increase the chances of poker app issues.

This is not meant to scare anyone out of playing online poker via a mobile app. A few have glowing reviews. The ones with consistently bad marks are working to improve their performance.

It’s also worth noting that many of these online poker brands have been operating through desktop apps since the 1990s. Mobile apps are comparatively new, so there’s a bit of a learning curve that’s to be expected.

For Android Users: Steps For Downloading A Poker App

1. Visit the online poker website from your Android device.
2. Download the app directly from the site.
3. Sign in or create an account through the app.
4. You can now deposit, play, and cashout, all on your Android app.

It is required to turn on your location tracking. The Google Play store also does not allow gambling apps, which is why you need to download it directly from the online poker site.

For iOS Users: Steps For Downloading A Poker App

1. Search the app store or visit the online poker website and use their direct App Store link.
2. Download the New Jersey version of the online poker app.
3. Create an account or log in to an existing one.
4. Accept location tracking (it’s required!)
5. From here, you’re able to make deposits, play in all tournaments and games, and withdraw.

What Online Poker Bonuses Are Available In New Jersey?

Because New Jersey online poker sites are competing against one another, each will have its own promotional offers. However, all offers fall under the following categories:

No Deposit Bonus

No Deposit Bonuses give players free money just for signing up.

At 888Poker NJ, you can receive a $20 signup bonus that consists of $10 in free play money, six tournament tickets, and $4 in bonus cash. No deposit is required. There are also no stipulations. This means you can withdraw any money using this 888Poker NJ No Deposit Bonus without worrying about playthrough requirements.

First-Deposit Match Bonus

This one comes with a few stipulations. Every online poker site offers the deposit-match bonus, including PokerStars, PartyPoker, 888, and WSOP.

For example, the PokerStars NJ version doubles your first deposit up to $600. As you buy tournament tickets or pay the rake, you earn points. The more points you earn, the more of your bonus money gets unlocked.

The playthrough requirement is usually 1x.

Reload Bonus

The reload bonus is the same as the first-deposit match bonus. The only difference is that it applies to when you add money to your account, or “reload” your bankroll.

Freerolls

Freeroll tournaments are promotional tournaments that are free to enter but have real-money pots. At PokerStars NJ, the “Start-Up Freeroll” tournament is open to all first-time depositors. But at 888Poker, there are daily, weekly, and monthly freerolls.

Free Tournament Tickets

A lot of deposit promotions at online poker sites in New Jersey include free tournament buy-ins. At WSOP.com, the Mystery Blast Offer gives depositors a randomly-generated tournament ticket.

Leaderboard Prize Pools

Leaderboard tournaments are commonly held at all major New Jersey online poker sites. At PokerStars New Jersey, placing in the top 15 percent of a tournament scores leaderboard points. The players with the most points at the end of the promo period receive a slice of the prize pool.

New Jersey Online Poker FAQ

You have to be 21 years or older to play online poker in New Jersey. The same applies to playing at a brick-and-mortar casino anywhere in the Garden State, including Atlantic City. You also have to be 21 to play at NJ online casinos and NJ online sportsbooks.

Technically speaking, no. DraftKings New Jersey runs an online casino and sportsbook platform separate from other Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City partner products. While the DraftKings NJ casino has casino poker, it does not offer player vs. player poker.

However, DraftKings does share Resorts Casino as a land-based casino partner with PokerStars NJ. But PokerStars is owned by The Stars Group, which runs the FOX Bet NJ sportsbook. That means you can use your PokerStars NJ account to bet at the FOX Bet sportsbook, but not the DraftKings sportsbook.

Licensing in New Jersey is all over the place. But the bottom line is that DraftKings NJ does not offer online poker.

PokerStars New Jersey is available for download through a unique URL specifically for NJ players. There, you can download the desktop version of the platform as well as find a direct link to the apps.

Because PokerStars has products specific to various states, each one has its own URL. For example, the PokerStars Pennsylvania URL is also unique to the state.

New Jersey poker sites accept all major methods of payment for deposits. These include:

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• Visa and MasterCard debit or credit
• PayNearMe locations (cash deposits)
• Direct bank transfer
• Echeck
• PayPal
• Skrill

You also have the option to deposit at the partnering land-based casino cage.

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New Jersey poker sites accept fewer withdrawal options than deposit options. But all online poker players will find something they can easily utilize for cashing out. These include:

• Direct bank transfer
• Echeck
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Casino cage

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If you choose to withdraw at the partnering casino’s cage, you can receive your winnings in cash.