PokerStars Ontario Casino & Sportsbook Review

Overview PokerStars

PokerStars is the biggest online poker site in the world. However, it has also become the premier destination for online casino enthusiasts and sports betting fanatics. In addition to playing multiple online poker variants, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, stud poker, and Badugi, members have access to over 1,000 real money casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games.

This Poker Stars Ontario review will provide you with all the information you need to know. We will explore everything the site has to offer and give Ontarians a few helpful tips to make the most of their online betting experience.

All you Need to Know About PokerStars

PokerStars started as an online poker site when it launched in 2001. Not only have they become one of the biggest and more trusted poker sites on the planet, but PokerStars has also incorporated an expansive casino and online sportsbook into its platform.

After operating under The Stars Group flag for nearly two decades, PokerStars was purchased by Flutter Entertainment in 2020. Even though other multi-vertical operators like PartyPoker have also been highly successful, PokerStars remains at the top of the pyramid thanks to the operators’ excellent selection of betting options, solid reputation, and the fact that the site offers such a high-quality product.

If you play at Poker Stars Ontario know, you know you are dealing with a reputable firm that will treat them right.

PokerStars is now available in Ontario after going live in 2022. The site is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and is a member of Ontario iGaming.

How to Sign Up for PokerStars

Signing up for a new account at Poker Stars Ontario begins with a visit to the site, which is a click just away.

Press “Visit Site” at the top of this page, and within 10 seconds, you will be redirected safely to the official PokerStars website. You can do this using a PC or mobile device. Those who prefer using an iOS or Android device can download the free PokerStars app. Android users can get the app at Google Play, while iOS users can download theirs at the App Store.

Once you have opened the app or arrived at the site using a browser, you can access the registration form by hitting the green “Join” icon at the top of the main page. You will then be asked to do the following:

• Enter your country of residence
• Create a username
• Create a password
• Enter your email address
• Enter your date of birth

Once you have completed the form, you can click the “Open Account” button. This will activate your account and automatically log you in.

We should mention that opening your account does not mean that the setup is complete. Law and Ontario’s gambling regulations require new members to verify their age and identity.

This only needs to be done once, and it involves uploading a couple of pieces of supporting documentation, such as a photo ID and bank statement. Be aware that you won’t be able to deposit or withdraw until you have completed the verification process.

PokerStars Casino

The online casino section of PokerStars Ontario boasts a wonderful and diverse collection of over 1,000 games. Featured software developers include:

• Play’n Go
• Yggdrasil
• Pragmatic Play
• ELK Studios
• Playtech
• Playtech Live
• Relax
• Star Studios

Because the RNG is certified by Gaming Labs International, you can be certain that the games are 100% fair and can’t be fiddled with by either the operator or the players. This means you always get a fair shake when you play slots, table games, specialty games, virtual sports, and any other game on offer.

When you visit the casino, you will be greeted by several top and exclusive games as well as invitations to events like PokerStars Casino Races. You can select the type of game you wish to play from the top menu. These sections include:

• Slots
• Table Games
• Instant Win
• Live Casino
• Races

The sections are further categorized to make it easier to find a particular game. Of course, you can always use the handy search bar to find a specific title.

Slots

The slots section at PokerStars Casino is usually the busiest area. You’ll find hundreds of exciting slots, including over a dozen Megaways games and over 30 jackpot slots. Hitting the “Exclusive” tab will bring you to an array of slots you’ll only find at PokerStars Ontario. 3 Witches, Sticky Fruits, and Lion Storm are among the most widely played exclusive titles. Other popular slots include:

• Big Bass Bonanza
• Viking Hoard
• Big Blue Bounty
• Tomb of Ra
• Book of Dead

These slot games come in a variety of themes such as fruits, gems, television, movies, and ancient times. You’ll also be able to enjoy features like wilds, expanding wilds, scatters, and mini-games. Slot fans will have no trouble finding the ideal slot to suit their mood. While the progressive jackpots at PokerStars can grow quite large, you won’t find the really big ones like Mega Moolah, Divine Fortunes, or Arabian Nights. At least for now.

Casino Table Games

We must admit that the selection of tables could be a little better. In fact, with only a handful of Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and casino Poker titles, it’s a bit disappointing. You can play about a dozen Video Poker games like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker, or try poker-style casino games like Heads Up Hold ‘Em. Sadly, PokerStars Ontario does not offer Keno, Slingo, or dice games like Sic Bo and Craps. With that said, the site is relatively new to Ontario, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect them to add more table games in the future.

Live Casino

As much as the selection of table games is relatively weak, the live casino more than makes up for that. In addition to the standard live dealer games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat, PokerStars offers 3 Card Brag, Casino Hold ‘Em, Sic Bo, Andar Bahar, and Dragon Tiger, among others. Those who enjoy playing live dealer game shows can immerse themselves in such popular games as Spin & Win Roulette, Adventures Beyond Wonderland, The Money Drop, and the always popular Deal or No Deal Live. PokerStars Live Casino supports a wide range of stakes to satisfy small fish and high rollers alike.

PokerStars Poker

PokerStars is the most recognizable name in online Poker. That is where it started and is what it is best known for today. One thing that separates PokerStars from most other online poker sites is that it offers more than just Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha. You can play a full spectrum of poker titles, including:

• Omaha Hi-Lo
• 5 Card Omaha Hi-Lo
• 6 Card Omaha
• 5 Card Stud
• 7 Card Stud
• Courcheval
• Courcheval Hi-Lo
• 2-7 Triple draw
• 2-7 single Draw
• Razz
• 5 Card draw
• Badugi
• Split Hold ‘Em
• HORSE

One of the reasons for PokerStars’ popularity is the impressive tournament options. If you’re short on time, you can always play a quick Sit & Go or Spin & Go. Those who want to compete for some of the biggest cash prizes Poker has to offer have a great selection of MTTs and major events. Make sure to free up some time on Sundays so that you can compete in the Sunday Majors. This is a series of tournaments that run every Sunday. You’d be hard-pressed to find bigger cash prizes elsewhere. Of course, much of that has to do with PokerStars being the world’s largest poker network.

Because so many poker aficionados play at PokerStars, you never have to wait to find action at the cash tables. You can play C$0.01/C$0.02 games, C$50/C$100 games, and everything in between. You can enjoy a slower pace at the regular tables or pick up the pace with Zoom Poker, in which you will be immediately whisked away to a new table and a new hand as soon as you fold. It’s also worth pointing out that PokerStars offers several in-depth tutorials that explain everything from the most basic concepts to more advanced strategies. The site has pretty reasonable rakes and rake caps too. Those who play at the C$0.01/C$0.02 tables are looking at a 3.5% rake with a C$0.30 cap, while C$50/C$100 players are looking at a 4.5% rake and a C$3.00 cap.

PokerStars Sports

Are you looking for a reliable Ontario bookie that offers the most competitive odds on the best selection of sports, eSports, and other competitions? Well, PokerStars Sportsbook is exactly what you’re looking for. The sportsbook presents Ontario sports bettors with a plethora of live and pre-match betting opportunities every day. The sportsbook interface is user-friendly, responsive, and incredibly easy to navigate. The desktop version is laid out a little differently than many other desktop sportsbooks because it is optimized for mobile devices. There are very few differences between the look and layout of the desktop bookie and the mobile version.

Featured Sports

At the time of this PokerStars review, the bookmaker offered wagering on over 20 sports. However, this does not account for a few seasonal sports and competitions not currently open for betting. Some of the more common major sports on the menu include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Combat Sports
• Football
• Soccer
• Motorsports
• Hockey
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Golf

Most of these sports are made up of several leagues that operate all over the world. For instance, baseball bettors can wager on Japanese Professional Baseball, Korea’s KBO League, and Major League Baseball. Likewise, soccer fans will love having access to dozens of leagues, such as MLS, EPL, Champions League, and many others.

PokerStars Sports also does a terrific job of covering small-market and niche sports. They offer odds on:

• Aussie Rules
• Darts
• Gaelic Games
• Pesapallo
• Table Tennis
• Volleyball

PokerStars offers odds on other events such as eSports, politics, and entertainment. When you add it all up, the bookmaker covers almost any competition you can think of.

Betting Options

After you have decided on which sport and match you want to bet on, you’ll have to figure out what bet you want to make. When it comes to major sports and high-profile events, this can mean sifting through a vast assortment of unique betting opportunities. Beyond the traditional totals and sides, PokerStars offers wagers like:

• Three Way Lines
• Alternative Spreads
• Alternative Totals
• Double Chance
• Correct Score
• First/Last Team to Score
• Handicap Match Result
• Odd/Even Totals

Furthermore, you can wager on the end results or bet on halves, quarters, innings, and periods. Having so many options to choose from makes it easier for bettors to hone in the most advantageous betting situations. As such, they stand a much better chance of making a profit.

While PokerStars Sports does not currently offer live streaming, the site has a few other popular features like Cash Out. This allows bettors to close their bets and have them graded before the game they bet on concludes. For example, if your team is leading late, but it looks like they are tumbling, you can cash out your bet and lock in the win. They also have a variety of same-game parlay options available.

Odds

Many Ontario sports bettors turn to PokerStars because the bookmaker offers some of the most competitive odds in the province. For instance, those who bet on the CFL are looking at odds margins in the 5% – 5.5% range on moneylines, spreads, and totals. This is pretty consistent across the board, although some soccer margins can reach 7%+. You can also expect an odds margin of 7%+ on small-market games and niche sports.

PokerStars User Experience

PokerStars offers an incredible user experience regardless of whether you use a PC, mobile device, or the PokerStars app. The main page has quick links to all three verticals, which are, in turn, designed for easy navigation. Everything is clearly labelled, and you are a click away from finding what you’re after. Responsiveness certainly isn’t an issue. You won’t have to deal with lag or slow loading times, provided you have a reliable internet connection. Perhaps the biggest complaint is that you need two different apps to access all three verticals. One app gets you the casino and sportsbook, while another is needed for the poker room. This isn’t a problem as it is pretty standard at other similar sites.

PokerStars Mobile Experience

PokerStars is specifically designed for mobile devices. However, iOS and Android users should download and install the app to maximize the experience. You can get the app through relevant links at PokerStars. Android users can also get their app at Google Play, while iOS users can get it at the App Store. Just make sure to get the Ontario version, as there are other PokerStars apps for other regions. Once you launch the app, you won’t have any trouble using it. The user-friendly interface is super-intuitive and responsive.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

PokerStars supports a nice selection of safe, secure, and fast payment options such as MuchBetter, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Before you deposit for the first time, you might want to consider using the responsible gambling tools in your account profile to set limits on the amount you can deposit and spend. This will prevent you from overextending yourself.

Deposit Methods

Making a deposit is a quick and easy process. While PokerStars doesn’t charge any fees for deposits, you should know that your payment provider will likely levy a small transaction fee. Also, as mentioned, you will be asked to complete the verification process before you can deposit.

Withdrawal Methods

Withdrawals are free, but you must verify your account before conducting one. In addition, withdrawal limits depend on what your payment provider confines you to.

Withdrawal Speed

As you can see in the above withdrawal table, PayPal and MuchBetter provide PokerStars customers with the fastest withdrawal times. Ten minutes are about as quick as it gets. Even though other options can take between 3 and 5 days, this is a standard timeframe within the industry.

Customer Support

Our team got in touch with PokerStars’ customer service department to find out first-hand how efficient and professional they were. We can honestly say that the agents were indeed knowledgeable and helpful, although the site lacks support by telephone. Here are our ratings:

Trustworthiness of PokerStars

The PokerStars brand is synonymous with trust. The company has carefully earned a stellar reputation among its customers for over 20 years. The operator is licensed and regulated in every jurisdiction in which it operates. This means the site can be entrusted to treat players fairly and pay out winnings right away. Ontario iGaming and the AGCO hold licenses to the highest industry standards. We urge Ontarians to do a quick internet search to see for themselves.

PokerStars History

PokerStars made its online debut in 2001. They initially focused solely on Poker but eventually expanded into the online casino and sports betting realm. The company has developed many successful partnerships with such entities as Games Global, Paddy Power Betfair, and Red Bull Racing. The site has also hosted some of the biggest poker tournaments ever held. In recent years, the company was purchased by Flutter entertainment and has expanded into the United States and Canada. PokerStars has received numerous awards and accolades over the years from organizations such as EGR, IGA, and the Global Gaming Awards. Winning the Outstanding Contributions to Responsible Gambling Award at the Gambling Compliance Awards is a testament to the company’s dedication to safe gambling.

PokerStars Licence

As mentioned, PokerStars is licensed by multiple regulatory authorities. They were first licensed in Costa Rica before receiving licences from Malta and several other European jurisdictions. The site is also authorized in many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Of course, the site could not operate in Ontario without the blessing of the AGCO and iGaming Ontario.

PokerStars Safety

PokerStars is dedicated to providing customers with the highest levels of security. For starters, the site protects all communications with SSL encryption which is what major banks and the military use. On top of that, any information stored on servers is safeguarded by firewalls, security experts, and a strict privacy policy. It’s a good idea to check out the site’s privacy policy to learn more about how PokerStars uses your personal information.

Summary

PokerStars is one of the most popular online gambling sites for a reason. It features a top-tier poker room that is part of the world’s largest poker network. This is why they can offer such a range of games and some of the biggest cash prizes in poker.

One of the biggest benefits of signing up at PokerStars Ontario is that members can be confident that they are playing at one of the most respected sites in the business. The operator has a top-notch reputation and has received numerous industry awards. Ontario online casino enthusiasts can play over 1,000 mobile compatible games driven by an RNG certified by GLI. Meanwhile, those who like to indulge in live and pre-match sports betting have loads of betting opportunities to choose from every day. The bookmaker offers fair odds on a huge variety of sports, leagues, and events, including eSports. This is all capped off by the poker room, which features a wide range of games and a huge player pool. Perhaps the most significant drawbacks are that the sportsbook lacks a variety of prop bets and no live streaming feature. Still, it’s abundantly clear that the pros heavily overpower the cons.

Having all three verticals under one top means PokerStars has all of your online gambling needs covered.