PokerStars Pennsylvania Review & Bonus Code
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PokerStars Pennsylvania Update
Online poker veterans remember that fateful day back in April of 2011, known as Black Friday, when PokerStars, Full Tilt, and other major online poker sites were shut down by the U.S. Government, and the online poker world came to a halt.
Since then, online poker in Pennsylvania has been a murky gray area of off-shore poker sites that are on the border of both legal and not legal. In 2017, about six years after Black Friday, Pennsylvania legalized online poker, as well as sports betting and online casinos.
However, it wasn’t until two years after the Gambling Expansion Act was passed in 2017 that the first legal and regulated online poker site made its way to Pennsylvania. On November 4, 2019, the first online poker site, PokerStars, launched in Pennsylvania. As of early May 2021, PokerStars still remains the only legal online poker site in Pennsylvania, 18 months later.
PokerStars began their return to the United States online poker market (this time legally) by starting in New Jersey in March of 2016. For three years, New Jersey was the only U.S. state that PokerStars operated in until they launched in Pennsylvania in November of 2019. Then, on January 29th, 2021, PokerStars launched in their third state, Michigan.
PokerStars is the largest legal and regulated online poker company in the United States. Currently, live in three states (with more expected in the near future), PokerStars is going to continue to grow in the U.S. With recent rulings related to the Department of Justice’s Wire Act, it is possible that online poker players will be able to play against players from other states. If so, this will only help the growth of PokerStars as tournaments and player pools will magnify, resulting in higher payouts and bigger dreams.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Promo Code
PokerStars doesn’t hold back when it comes to promotions and rewards for its customers. When you first sign-up with PokerStars, you have the choice between two different welcome bonuses to take advantage of.
The first welcome bonus is a $150 bonus following the first hand of cash that you play. The second bonus is for those who plan on making an even bigger first-time deposit. PokerStars has a welcome bonus that will match your first deposit up to $600. This match is at a 100% rate, so your deposit is doubled with bonus cash, up to $600.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Bonus | Bonus Details |
|---|---|
| PokerStars Pennsylvania Promo Code | No Code - Click Thru Link |
| PokerStars PA Welcome Bonus | 1. $150 in bonus play after your first cash hand 2. $600 Deposit Match on first deposit (100% Rate) Use STARS600 |
| Bonus Eligibility | Only new users may claim the welcome bonus |
| PokerStars PA Requirments | You must be 21 years of age or older to make an account. You must physically be in Pennsylvania to claim the bonus and play on PokerStars PA |
| Staff Verified On | March 17, 2025 |
PokerStars Pennsylvania Land-Based Partner
In Pennsylvania, in order for online casinos, sportsbooks, or poker sites to be licensed to operate, these companies must first partner with an in-state casino property. For PokerStars, they have partnered up with Mt. Airy Casino located in Mt. Pocono.
Mount Airy Casino Resort is Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort and has kept that distinction for 10 years now. PokerStars operates Mt. Airy’s online poker and casino, while FOXBet operates its online sportsbook. The best part, users can access the FOXBet sportsbook directly from the PokerStars online poker client. Your account is a combined all-in-one, and it is easy to go from the poker table to the sportsbook in just one click.
Mt. Airy Casino
Address: 312 Woodland Rd, Mt Pocono, PA 18344
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: (877) 682-4791
Top 3 Features of PokerStars Pennsylvania
Experienced online poker players may remember all of the classic poker sites of the early 2000s. From sketchy-looking software, bad animations, questionable security, lack of promotions, and other concerns, today’s legal and regulated sites like PokerStars are vastly improved from the online poker offerings of 15 years ago.
Software, Graphics, Layout
The first thing you will notice when you open the PokerStars online poker client is the easy-to-navigate layout, amazing graphics, and smooth-running software. If you haven’t played online poker since the early days of PokerStars 15-20 years ago, you will immediately notice the difference in how the site operates. A much cleaner display and smoother functionality are some of the reasons that PokerStars is the best in the business.
Security
One of the biggest concerns with offshore gambling sites for U.S. residents has been the security and trustworthiness of those sites. With PokerStars, those concerns are completely erased. Unlike most other online gaming sites, PokerStars actually has an elite online security team that you actually notice. PokerStars security team on their international site is famous in the poker community. While other sites have had numerous reports of “bots” and colluding players, that issue is virtually non-existent on PokerStars.
On top of that, you can feel safe when depositing/withdrawing on PokerStars and disclosing any banking and personal information. If you can’t feel safe on PokerStars with this information, then you won’t feel safe anywhere online.
Cash Games
The cash games offered on PokerStars Pennsylvania are vast. There are tons of different options to play and always lobbies to join. You can buy in for small amounts with blinds at 50 cents. You can play with huge blinds near $100. However, the best part of the cash games on PokerStars is the small rake. You most likely will see an effective rake of less than 4% with PokerStars Pennsylvania, which is fantastic.
PokerStars Overview
Since PokerStars is still the only online poker site legally available in Pennsylvania (as of May 2021), the player pool is, of course, the biggest in the state. Even when future online poker sites come to Pennsylvania, PokerStars is likely to continue to have the highest player traffic in the state. With big traffic comes big tournaments and big payouts.
PokerStars offers not only the biggest guaranteed tournaments in the state, but they also have the biggest tournament series throughout the year. Between their Winter Series, Bounty Series, SCOOP, and other events, PokerStars is paying out millions throughout each event. The best thing, you don’t have to be a high-roller to play in these big-money tournaments. While buy-ins can range as high as $2,000, you can also play in some of these major events for as little as $5.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Ongoing Promotions
On top of two generous welcome bonuses, PokerStars also offers a number of daily/weekly promotions as well. From cash prizes to bonus bets, deposit bonuses, and more, you can find a promotion geared towards you almost every single day.
Some of the typical promotions on PokerStars that you can find at various times include:
Daily Casino Bonus: Spin $1 in the casino and receive a prize
Cardex: Win hands in cash games with the required cards and receive a prize
PokerStars Pennsylvania Biggest Tournaments
Throughout the year, PokerStars hosts some of the biggest online poker events in the United States. In Pennsylvania, these state-specific events include SCOOP (Spring Championship of Online Poker), WCOOP (Winter Championship of Online Poker), Winter Series, Bounty Builder Series, and more. Throughout these events, a number of tournaments are held that have prize pools that can range up to more than $200,000.
Aside from these special events, PokerStars also has a huge selection of daily and weekly tournaments with huge guaranteed prize pools. Daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $5-$200 carry guaranteed prize pools of up to $20,000. Typically, these high-guaranteed tournaments usually exceed their expected prize pools as well.
The biggest weekly tournaments can be found on Sunday, including the Sunday High Roller and the Sunday Special.
PokerStars Pennsylvania FAQ
- Is PokerStars Legal in Pennsylvania?
- How Old Do I Have to Be to Play PokerStars in Pennsylvania?
- Can I Play With Players From Other States or Countries?
- What Kind of Banking Options Does PokerStars Have?
- What Variations of Poker Are Available on PokerStars Pennsylvania?
- What Kind of Tournaments Are Available on PokerStars Pennsylvania?
- Can I Play PokerStars Pennsylvania in Another State?
- What Do I Do When Geolocation Fails to Locate Me?
- Can My Friends Play on My PokerStars Pennsylvania Account?
- Does PokerStars Take Taxes Out of My Winnings?
Is PokerStars Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. PokerStars is currently the only legal and regulated online poker site in Pennsylvania (as of May 2021). Online poker was legalized back in 2017 as part of a gambling expansion act. PokerStars went live in Pennsylvania in November of 2019.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Play PokerStars in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the legal age for online poker is 21. This is the same age you must be to access poker rooms at casinos located throughout the state as well. You cannot make an account with PokerStars unless you are 21 years of age.
Can I Play With Players From Other States or Countries?
While PokerStars is available in different states and different countries, PokerStars Pennsylvania is restricted to Pennsylvania players only. PokerStars has different software for different states and countries, which keeps the international version out of the U.S. and New Jersey and Michigan residents to their respective states.
What Kind of Banking Options Does PokerStars Have?
PokerStars has all of the fastest, easiest, and most popular banking options available. Users can use credit/debit cards, e-checks, PayPal, and PayNearMe to fund their accounts and also withdraw. PokerStars has some of the fastest withdrawals in the industry.
What Variations of Poker Are Available on PokerStars Pennsylvania?
Aside from the popular Texas Hold ’em, Pokerstars Pennsylvania users can enjoy a few other variations of poker as well. These variations include Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Stud, Stud Hi/Lo, Razz, Three Card Draw, Five Card Draw, HORSE, Badugi, and more.
What Kind of Tournaments Are Available on PokerStars Pennsylvania?
Aside from traditional format tournaments, PokerStars has a wide range of offerings for their players. Some of the more popular offerings include turbos, hyper turbos, knockouts, zoom, rebuys, and more. PokerStars also has sit ‘n go tournaments ranging from $1 to $500.
Can I Play PokerStars Pennsylvania in Another State?
No. PokerStars Pennsylvania players must be located physically in the state of Pennsylvania when playing. However, you do not have to be from Pennsylvania in order to play. You just have to be located in Pennsylvania at the time you are playing.
What Do I Do When Geolocation Fails to Locate Me?
To ensure you are located in Pennsylvania, PokerStars uses a geolocator to find your location. If you are located in Pennsylvania but the geolocator fails to locate you, head to the “Geolocation Issues” page on the PokerStars help page to find out how to resolve your issue.
Can My Friends Play on My PokerStars Pennsylvania Account?
No. Sharing your account with anyone or using someone else’s account to access the software or play at the tables is also strictly forbidden and in clear violation of PokerStars Terms of Service. You can only play on a single account that is tied to your identity.
Does PokerStars Take Taxes Out of My Winnings?
No. PokerStars doesn’t deduct tax from any withdrawals that players receive. However, laws vary by jurisdiction. It’s the responsibility of each player to follow the law of their respective region. You will need to check your local and state tax laws on what you need to report.
PokerStars Pennsylvania Review
Name: PokerStars Pennsylvania
Description: PokerStars is the first and still only online poker site legally available in Pennsylvania. You can play PokerStars PA right now as long as you are 21 years of age or older.
Operating System: iOS, Android
Application Category: Game
Author: Calvin McAlee
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Banking Options
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Software
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Tournament Prize Pools
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Welcome Bonus
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Game Offerings
PokerStars Pennsylvania Review
PokerStars became the first legal and regulated online poker site to launch in Pennsylvania, doing so in November 2019. 18 months later, they are still the only legal online poker site available in Pennsylvania.
PokerStars has tons of big-money guaranteed tournaments and high payouts. Since they are still the only online poker site that is legally available in Pennsylvania, they have high traffic as well, typically peaking at over 2,000 people in a given day.
Enjoy plenty of daily and weekly promotions at PokerStars. They also have plenty of banking options for funding and withdrawing your account.
Well Done
- PayPal Accepted
- Fast Payout Processing
- Big Guaranteed Money Tournaments
- Customer Support
- Security
Needs Help
- No Late Night Tournaments (3AM-7AM)
- Welcome Bonus Capped at $600
