PokerStars Casino UK

About  PokerStars UK

PokerStars UK has been around for more than a decade after opening its virtual doors in September 2011. Initially, the cardroom was part of the Stars Group, a well-known Canadian gaming company. That’s until it was sold to Flutter Entertainments in 2020. The change in ownership didn’t seem to faze the poker site. Instead, it catapulted it to greater heights, affording it the prestigious number one poker spot.

The platform is not only licensed but regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. (License number 39108). That should take care of any legitimacy concerns you may have. On average, PokerStars UK draws almost 200,000 players per month. Our research shows that the customisable software, enormous ring game traffic, and robust payment platforms leave the operator in a class of its own. It’s no wonder the poker site held on to the top spot for over 10 years.

PokerStars Software and Games

When discussing operators, avid poker players, and relevant gaming bodies, don’t lightly throw around terms like “best poker site”. We can only conclude that Poker Stars UK has pulled its weight in providing various gambling products to deserve the title. And true to form, the operator uses one of the best software in the gaming circles. Thanks to the intuitive and easy-to-use interface, navigating the site is an absolute breeze. Graphics are crisp, making for engaging gameplay. And since most players prefer the convenience of playing on the go, the poker site is compatible with notable mobile operating platforms. The software is available in download mode, so you need to install the software before you start playing. But not to worry, the download process is pretty straightforward, even for the less tech-savvy folk.

PokerStars UK has an impressive selection of games, making it clear that it doesn’t compromise on quality and quantity.

Poker Variants

UK players on the platform have numerous poker games to run with. Titles include the traditional Texas Hold ’em and Omaha Poker. PokerStars UK also includes other exciting variants such as Five Card Draw, Razz, Seven Card Draw, Badugi, Stud, and Spin & Go Poker. You’ll be able to fine-tune your poker skills in no time, thanks to the different poker formats.

Part of PokerStars UK secret sauce lies in its ability to offer regular ring games and tourneys. Simply opt for the game that will help you build your skill level and confidence. You can play some of your favourite games via Zoom for added versatility. Using the fast-paced Zoom platform, you can become a better poker player before you know it. The rakes depend on a particular game. However, we can assure you the games available can accommodate you regardless of your bankroll.

Poker Tournaments

Wagering on poker is only as exciting as the tournaments on display. UK players who join PokerStars in the hopes of participating in rewarding events will have a field day if the long list is any indication. There are no less than 20 tournament types you can enter. Because you have plenty of options, you’re bound to find an event that feeds your gaming style. While the following list of tournament types is nowhere near exhaustive, we list some of the popular ones you can enjoy:

• Fifty/50 Series: For players looking for an action-packed poker week at PokerStars UK, this is the tournament for you. The event offers 50 tournaments at $50 buy-ins. And for your efforts, a six-digit prize pool across the series is on the cards.
• Spin & Go Max: If your ideal poker game is characterised by more players and variety, then Spin & Go Max is what you’re looking for. In the midst of it all, you have an opportunity to maximise your winnings.
• Progressive Knockouts: Your hopes of becoming a poker champion are within reach if you join the Knockout Poker tournaments. Your only prerequisite to joining this tournament is to have a knack for eliminating the competition. You’ll, however, need to put half of your buy-in into the prize pool and the other half as your starting wager.
• The Big Leagues: If wagering in huge money tournaments is more your gaming style, join this exciting tournament and rise through the leader board.
• Rebuy Tournaments: Rebuy events give you the chance to buy more chips during the tournament to award you more winning opportunities.

PokerStars Bonuses and Promotions for UK Players

PokerStars UK has been in the game long enough to realise that the calibre of bonuses and promotions on offer has the power to attract or repel customers. New UK players joining the site are welcomed with a £40 free play bonus. The bonus only applies to your first deposit of at least £10. PokerStars UK awards you free play in the form of Spin & Go tickets, and that means you can’t use the tickets anywhere else.

You’ll receive the tickets over six days, and each ticket issued expires after 24 hours. Should any tickets remain unused after the promotion lapses, you automatically forfeit them. We’ll quickly point out that at no point can you redeem the tickets for cash. The free play bonus is just the tip of the iceberg. PokerStars aims to retain players by offering numerous promotions. Sit & Go Stars, KO Sunday, and Spin & Go Flash are some of the promos you can participate in.

PokerStars UK Loyalty Programme

As soon as you become a member of PokerStars UK, you’re eligible to join the exclusive PokerStars Rewards programme made up of six levels. Note that joining the programme isn’t automatic; you’ll have to opt-in first. Once you join the rewards club, you can start accumulating points. Players can get up to 25% in poker rewards by earning 100 points for every $1 they pay in fees for tournaments. In addition, you can also earn 100 reward points for every $1 you spend in rake for Zoom games.

UK players can also unlock monthly poker challenges as part of the loyalty programme. Such a move will put you in the running to earn an additional 40% in rewards. From our calculations, that places the highest-level player at the brink of winning up to 65% back in rewards.

Banking Options

PokerStars prides itself on being a multi-currency platform, one of its stellar qualities. As such, players in the UK can transact in GBP for a more convenient gambling experience. Simply select your country of residence from the drop-down menu on the site. The site predominantly transacts in USD, so PokerStars makes currency conversions using competitive exchange rates. UK players have a long list of deposit and withdrawal methods to select from. Regardless of the banking option you decide to run with, you’re guaranteed quick, safe, and secure transactions.

Payment Methods

PokerStars UK has no less than 15 deposit methods. You’ll find most, if not all, of the payment platforms are familiar to UK players. Options available include Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Maestro, Local Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, and Neosurf. You’ll notice that though different platforms impose deposit limits, PokerStars encourages players to set their own limits.

According to the platform, this move aims at promoting responsible gambling. But of course, you can’t set a maximum deposit limit higher than the one stated on the platform. To retrieve the exact current deposit limits for your preferred banking method, you’ll need to contact the Cashier. Using most of the payment methods, you make deposits to credit your player account near-instantly, so you can start wagering right away.

Withdrawal Methods

PokerStars lists quick and easy withdrawals among its unique selling points. The list of withdrawal methods is just as long as the deposits. To make things easier for you, you’re better off selecting a banking method that allows you to do both. You can request withdrawals using platforms like Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Direct Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Withdrawal processing time frames and limits differ according to the method you use. For instance, if you use Visa cards, expect the funds to reflect within 3 to 10 business days. If patience isn’t one of your notable qualities, you can opt for e-wallet platforms. Withdrawals using digital platforms like Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal reflect in your account within minutes.

PokerStars UK Customer Support

PokerStars UK won’t leave players in need of assistance hanging. PokerStars has a two in one 24/7 virtual assistant and live chat platform on standby to attend to and possibly resolve your concerns in real-time. Over and above the conventional live chat platforms, PokerStars categorises different areas players may require assistance on while navigating the site. Account verification, login, and payment queries are among the issues covered. Simply click on the specific query, and your answer pops up. Or, you can type out your question on the chat platform and wait for the customer support official to respond.

You’ll also find a comprehensive help centre that pre-empts most queries players have on the site. Finally, if you prefer assessing where your fellow gamers’ heads are concerning specific issues, you’re free to join the Community Forum. Here, you can exchange ideas and insights with other poker players.

What Else You Should Know?

Before we wrap up our review, it’s worth highlighting a few key areas unique to PokerStars UK that you may find helpful. First, the site offers a How to Play Guide to novice players looking to learn the game. If you wish to beef up your poker knowledge, enrol in the exclusive PokerStars School open to members on the platform. The insightful school provides free poker training from renowned poker experts. You can pick their brain on how to play smarter poker, fix leaks, or master the game fundamentals.

To do this, take advantage of the wealth of poker resources on the site, which covers anything from courses to articles. Courses on offer include Basics, Core, Improvers, and Mindset. You’ll also find a few poker tips in this section to help you improve your poker hand. Before you know it, you’ll be a skilled and confident poker player. A great store is also available to anyone who wants to purchase PokerStars merchandise, including cool branded hoodies and caps.

Our Verdict

PokerStars has earned its stripes as one of the world’s best poker sites, and it gladly accepts UK players. The reputable platform has been operating for decades without a worthy competitor in sight. It has quality software, a secure platform, interesting variants, excellent customer service, and several secure payment methods to thank for its unmatched brilliance. UK players interested in joining the platform should download the software, register, activate the attractive free play bonus and get cracking. And you can do so with peace of mind knowing the platform is regulated by relevant gambling authorities in the country.

The established poker site proves it’s a progressive platform that separates itself from the conventional sites. It’s evident judging from the unique service offerings, such as a poker school and store. With that said, is PokerStars UK deserving of the coveted number one poker brand spot? Given how forward-thinking the poker site is, it deserves nothing less.