PokerStars Review (2026)
The most widely licensed poker room in the world, now restructured under Flutter's local brands. Where it is legal, what changed in 2026 and how it compares.
Verified 9 September 2026- Founded
- 2001
- Network
- PokerStars (Flutter)
- Games
- No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Stud & mixed games, Spin & Go
- Rake
- Around 5% cash, capped by stake
- Apps
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
- Our rating
- 4.4 / 5
Where it is licensed
| Country | Regulator | Licence | Domain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE Germany | GGL | pokerstars.de | Visit | |
| IT Italy | ADM | GAD 16023 | pokerstars.it | Visit |
| ES Spain | DGOJ | pokerstars.es | Visit | |
| FR France | ANJ | pokerstars.fr | Visit | |
| PT Portugal | SRIJ | pokerstars.pt | Visit | |
| SE Sweden | Spelinspektionen | pokerstars.se | Visit | |
| DK Denmark | Spillemyndigheden | pokerstars.dk | Visit | |
| BR Brazil | SPA/MF | pokerstars.bet.br | Visit | |
| CA-ON Ontario | iGO / AGCO | pokerstars.ca | Visit |
What we like
- Licensed in more regulated markets than any other room
- Deepest game selection: stud, mixed games, Spin & Go
- Most reliable software and cashier in the industry
What we don't
- Rewards cut repeatedly since 2016 and again after the 2026 UK duty rise
- Affiliate programmes closed in most of Europe in 2026, so fewer promotions reach players
- UK skin closing; players moved to Betfair, Sky Bet and Paddy Power brands
Games and traffic
PokerStars remains the widest lobby in online poker: every variant, every format, and in shared-liquidity Southern Europe the largest cash-game pool alongside Winamax. In ring-fenced markets like Italy it is the dominant room.
The 2026 restructuring
Flutter ended PokerStars affiliate deals across the UK, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and Belgium in early 2026, keeping only Spain, France, Portugal and the international site. The UK skin is being folded into Betfair, Sky Bet and Paddy Power, and the North American rooms carry the FanDuel name. None of this changes licensing status, but it does mean fewer promotions and a brand that looks different in each market.
Verdict
Still the safest room in any regulated market and the best for mixed-game players. Tournament players in GG-licensed markets will find bigger guarantees elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
What is PokerStars on FanDuel?
Flutter’s North American brand for PokerStars. In Ontario and the US states of New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania the room now operates under the FanDuel banner.
Is PokerStars still licensed in the UK?
Yes. The licence remains, but the standalone PokerStars UK skin is being retired and players are moved to PokerStars on Betfair from August 2026.