Explainer · poker
What is PokerStars?
PokerStars is the most established and recognizable online poker room, known for the widest range of game types, the largest tournament series (including the WCOOP and SCOOP), and a polished, reliable client. It operates regulated sites across many countries and select US states. As of June 2026 it remains the benchmark for software and game variety.
What PokerStars offers
PokerStars offers cash games, a vast tournament schedule, Spin-and-Go lotteries, Zoom fast-fold poker, and a deep mix of variants beyond Hold'em. Its software, stats, and stability are widely considered the industry reference.
Who it is for
PokerStars suits players who want the broadest game selection, the biggest guaranteed tournaments, and rock-solid software. Players hunting the very softest fields may find tougher competition than at recreational-first rooms.
How PokerStars compares
Against GGPoker, PokerStars typically has tougher fields but unmatched variety and tournament prestige; against US offshore rooms like ACR, its regulated presence depends on your state.
Is PokerStars legal?
PokerStars holds regulated licenses in many jurisdictions and operates state-by-state in the US. Availability depends on where you live — check local rules.
FAQ
Is PokerStars legit?
PokerStars is a long-established, regulated operator in many markets. We verify its licensing per jurisdiction.
What games does PokerStars offer?
PokerStars offers cash games, tournaments, Spin-and-Go, Zoom fast-fold, and the widest range of poker variants.
Is PokerStars available in the US?
PokerStars operates in select regulated US states; availability depends on your state.
Does PokerStars allow HUDs?
PokerStars permits certain tracking tools within its rules, which vary by market.
Read our full PokerStars review at /poker/rooms/pokerstars for the complete breakdown.
Related explainers
What is GGPoker?
GGPoker is the world's largest online poker room by traffic, known for soft recreational games, big tournament series, and feature-rich software.
What is Americas Cardroom?
Americas Cardroom (ACR) is a US-facing online poker room on the Winning Poker Network, known for crypto banking, big tournament guarantees, and rakeback.
What is CoinPoker?
CoinPoker is a crypto-native online poker room where buy-ins and payouts are in cryptocurrency, known for soft recreational games and crypto rewards.
What is 888poker?
888poker is a long-running online poker room on its own network, known for recreational-friendly games, fast formats, and frequent low buy-in tournaments.
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