PokerStars Review

PokerStars Casino, a leader in the online gaming industry, offers Canadian players a unique gaming experience with a variety of games and generous bonuses. In this 2025 review, we’ve dissected everything Canadian players need to know—bonuses, games, payouts, and beyond. With a Trust Rating of 4/5, PokerStars shines as a top-tier option thanks to its massive game selection and rock-solid reputation. But is it the perfect fit for you? Let’s break it down.

PokerStars Overview

Why PokerStars Stands Out for Canadians

PokerStars isn’t just a poker room—it’s a global powerhouse with a Canadian twist. Known for hosting the biggest online poker tournaments and a stellar casino section, it’s a go-to for Canucks who crave variety and reliability. Whether you’re in Ontario chasing regulated play or elsewhere in Canada using the global platform, PokerStars delivers with its slick mobile app and crypto-friendly banking.

Bonuses & Promotions at PokerStars

PokerStars Casino welcomes new casino players with an appealing casino bonus offer. To qualify, players need to create a new account and deposit at least $10 using the bonus code STARS1000. Eligible players will receive a 100% match bonus on their deposit, up to a maximum of $1,000, and an extra $75 in tournament tickets.

Sportsbook

While PokerStars is renowned for its poker offering, there’s no specific sportsbook bonus associated with the welcome offer detailed above. Players should always check the promotions page for any new or ongoing sportsbook-specific bonuses.

Check other options of bonuses available for Canadian players in our guide to sportsbook bonus.

Casino

The casino bonus works in a straightforward way. It is a one-time welcome bonus available to new players. The minimum deposit required to trigger the bonus is $10, and the maximum bonus you can receive is $1,000.

You need to play real money poker games on the site within 120 days of making the qualifying deposit and collect a specific number of redemption points within this period.

The bonus is not a package but can be claimed on up to three deposits as long as they are all made within 60 days from the date of the first qualifying deposit, and the bonus code STARS1000 is used for each deposit.

Should a player forget to use the bonus code while making the qualifying deposit, they can still claim the bonus by reaching out to customer support within 7 days from the deposit date. If more than 7 days have passed, but less than 3 months, they can still receive the reward provided they contact support before the 3 months expire.

Fancy checking out other casino bonuses? Visit our guide to the best casino bonuses here.

Transactions and Payments

Deposits

Load up with Canada-friendly options:

• Interac, Visa, Mastercard
• E-wallets: Skrill, PayPal
• Min: C$10

Withdrawals

Cash out fast:

• Interac: 24-48 hours
• Limits: C$10,000/week (VIPs get more)

Average Withdrawal Time: The time it takes to process a withdrawal depends on the chosen payment method. E-wallet withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours, making them the quickest option. Debit/credit card withdrawals and bank transfers may take between 2-5 business days. In general, PokerStars has a very in-depth verification process that can delay your withdrawal request. If this does not suit your desire, you could always check our selection of no verification casinos where you can start playing as soon as you register and make your first deposit.

To check the quickest withdrawals casinos we have made a compilation of the fastest payout online casinos in Canada.

PokerStars Sports Available in Canada

While PokerStars Casino is primarily known for its top-notch poker games, it also provides a robust sportsbook for sports enthusiasts in Canada. The sportsbook is well-designed and user-friendly, catering to both novice and seasoned bettors.

Here’s a rundown of the sports available at PokerStars Casino:

• Hockey: Given hockey’s popularity in Canada, it is not surprising that it’s prominently featured. You can place bets on the National Hockey League (NHL) games and other international hockey events.
• Basketball: Fans of basketball can wager on games from the NBA, NCAA, and other global basketball leagues. Check other NBA betting sites available in Canada.
• Soccer: Soccer, or football as it’s known outside North America, is a major sport at PokerStars Casino. Canadian players can bet on games from a multitude of leagues worldwide, including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and MLS, among others.
• Baseball: Major League Baseball (MLB) games are well-represented, allowing players to bet on their favorite teams throughout the season.
• Tennis: Both ATP and WTA tours are available for tennis fans to bet on. This includes major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, and the US Open.
• Other Sports: Apart from these, PokerStars also offers betting options for sports like boxing, golf, motor racing, and even eSports.

If PokerStars does not sound like a top-notch option for sports betting, please check out our guide to the best betting sites in Canada where we have listed more options available in your region.

PokerStars Games

PokerStars Casino offers a diverse range of games to cater to all types of players, from casual gamers to high-rollers and everyone in between. Here is an in-depth look at the games on offer:

• Slots: PokerStars Casino offers a broad array of slot games, including classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots. These games come in various themes, and many feature special bonus rounds and high-quality graphics. Popular slot titles include Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and many others from top game providers.
• Table Games: A casino wouldn’t be complete without classic table games, and PokerStars Casino has plenty to offer. You’ll find multiple versions of Blackjack and Roulette, as well as Baccarat and Casino Hold’em. Each game comes with its unique features and betting limits, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Video Poker: This section combines elements of slots and poker in a unique blend. Video poker games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are available, providing an alternative for those who want a change of pace from traditional poker or slot games.
• Poker: As the name suggests, PokerStars is known for its extensive selection of poker games. The casino offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and more, with a range of stakes to suit all budgets. Players can also take part in poker tournaments, adding an extra level of excitement.

Live Casino

The live casino at PokerStars provides a more immersive gaming experience. With real-life dealers streamed in high-definition video, it’s as close as you can get to a physical casino without leaving your home. The live casino offers games such as:

• Live Blackjack: Numerous blackjack tables are available, each hosted by professional dealers. You can interact with the dealer and other players, making for a sociable gaming experience.
• Live Roulette: Enjoy a variety of roulette games, including European, French, and American versions, each played in real-time for added excitement.
• Live Baccarat: This classic card game is available in the live casino, providing an immersive experience for fans of this popular game.
• Live Poker: PokerStars, staying true to its name, offers live poker games like Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Three Card Poker. These games add a new level of depth to the online poker experience.

Poker

PokerStars truly lives up to its name when it comes to its poker offering, providing an unrivalled selection of games and tournaments that cater to all types of players, from poker novices to experienced pros.

PokerStars’ poker lobby is well-organized, allowing players to easily find and join games that suit their preferences and skill levels. Here are some more details:

• Game Varieties: PokerStars offers an extensive range of poker variants, including the ever-popular Texas Hold’em and Omaha, as well as Seven-Card Stud, Five-Card Draw, Razz, HORSE, and 8-Game, which is a mix of multiple poker games. This variety ensures that players always have something new to try out.
• Stakes: The stakes at PokerStars are flexible, making the platform suitable for players of all budget sizes. You can find games with micro-stakes perfect for those with a small bankroll or new players who want to practice their skills. At the same time, high-stakes tables cater to experienced players looking for high-level action.
• Tournaments: One of the standout features of PokerStars is the wealth of poker tournaments available. From daily and weekly events to prestigious annual tournaments with huge prize pools, there’s always something happening. Types of tournaments include Sit & Go’s, Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs), and Spin & Go’s – a fast-paced, 3-player tournament with a prize pool that could multiply your buy-in up to 1,000 times.
• Poker School: PokerStars also has a comprehensive Poker School for those looking to learn the game or improve their skills. The school provides a variety of resources, including strategy guides, tutorials, and videos.

PokerStars’ commitment to poker is evident in the quality and variety of its offerings and there is no risk in saying that it is one of the best poker sites in Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for challenging games and tournaments or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, PokerStars provides a poker environment that’s hard to beat.

Is PokerStars Safe for Canadians?

Yes—and here’s why. Globally, PokerStars holds a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license, a gold standard in fairness and security. In Ontario, it’s regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, ensuring compliance with provincial laws since 2022. With 128-bit SSL encryption and a quantum-based RNG, your data and gameplay are locked tight. Our Trust Rating: 4/5 reflects its reliability, though occasional withdrawal delays knock it from a perfect score.

For more information about the Ontario license, you can visit the AGCO website. For details on the MGA license, check out the MGA website. Remember, playing at a licensed casino is crucial for ensuring a safe and fair gaming experience.

Mobile Gaming On Point

Whether you’re on a Toronto subway or a BC cabin, PokerStars’ app (iOS/Android) or browser play delivers. With 1,800+ games on mobile, it’s seamless—perfect for a quick Spin & Go or slots session.

Support When You Need It

• Email: 24/7 at [email protected]
• Live Chat: Limited (Ontario players prioritized)
• FAQ: Deep dive into deposits, rules, and more

PokerStars vs. The Competition

Is PokerStars a good option in Canada?

Pros

• Huge poker tournaments (e.g., WCOOP) ★★★★★
• Fast crypto payouts ★★★★☆
• Ontario-regulated play ★★★★★

Cons

• No live chat for all regions ★★★☆☆
• Tough poker competition ★★★★☆

Our Verdict

PokerStars is a Canadian heavyweight with its massive poker scene, solid casino offerings, and Ontario-specific regulation. It’s not flawless—tough competition and spotty support hold it back—but it’s a 4/5 star pick for players who want variety and trust. Ready to ante up?.