The Usability of PokerStars
- Fast website
- Easy to navigate
Now that we think about it — usability might as well be PokerStars’ middle name. Over the years, the site has seen some major changes. However, some design pillars are still the same, even after two decades. The red and black color scheme is perhaps the most notable pillar of them all.
And even in the days of Windows XP, the PokerStars app was always the most advanced and felt futuristic. Today, its web and standalone app versions have a well-developed UI with quality-of-life features. For instance, the main lobby allows you to filter by pot size, game type, ticket requirements, etc.
A few years ago, they had a problem with ‘rookie’ hunting, but they’ve implemented measures to combat this. Also, it’s very easy to create an account, deposit money, and start playing at real money tables. Overall,
Gambla
considers PokerStars by far the best option for beginners. Full Tilt may be second, but they’re still far behind.
This iconic online poker site has app versions for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. One of our favorite things about their mobile software is the consistent but slow streak of changes and updates. Instead of leaving it untouched for months, Flutter Entertainment makes sure its flagship poker brand is always up-to-date.
Our experts also noticed that the loading times are much faster than a couple of years ago. Everything feels more lightweight, which further solidifies PokerStars’ position as the top poker site for US players.
However, the Android tablet app could be better. But, in our opinion, the iPad map is so great that we really can’t complain. Usability is at a high level, which is perhaps the reason half our team plays at PokerStars tables weekly.
Payment Methods at PokerStars
When it comes to payments, PokerStars is one of the most versatile poker sites in the US. Usually, their competition either opts for the basics (VISA, MasterCard, etc.) or obscure e-wallets. Thankfully, PokerStars has a bit of everything. Of course, cards are readily available for deposits, in addition to the likes of PayPal and PayNearMe. We also liked how Skrill and Neteller are also a part of the fold.
In addition, you can also use the special PokerStars Play+ card. If you ask us, it’s a great way to keep your everyday expenses and gambling expenses separate. And since it’s a prepaid debit card, it won’t show up on your bank statements.
As the cherry on top, you can also make payments at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Just go to the cash cage, show some ID and your account will be refilled. The same goes for withdrawals, except there’s an additional layer of security. The site will send you a code you’ll have to show to the cashier.
But what about payment limits at PokerStars? The minimum deposit is only $10. Other limits depend on the payment method and your activity on the site. Generally, withdrawals arrive after 1-5 business days. Though, bigger amounts incur additional scrutiny by the site.
Customer Service at PokerStars
The Gambla team is very pleased with what it sees in this department. Firstly, the FAQ section contains loads of useful info. Instead of one-sentence answers, there are entire paragraphs, guides, and explanations. And as a bonus, you don’t need an account to turn on live chat and speak to an agent. That’s what we call ease of use.
Even during peak traffic hours, the responses arrive after less than a minute. Despite what some might tell you – no, PokerStars doesn’t use ChatGPT. The people you talk to are real, and they have all the chops to handle various issues.
Licenses Held by PokerStars
As of April 2023, PokerStars is only available in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In addition, PokerStars Casino also operates in the same states. This is because the site strived to obtain an all-around license everywhere it could. In addition, they also have a
sportsbook, Fox Bet, which is available in the following states:
- Colorado
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
This Dublin-headquartered poker site also has legal approval to operate in Denmark, Italy, Portugal, France, Belgium, Spain, and several other countries. They have a high level of player approval, along with rave reviews from industry experts.
As far as we were able to find, PokerStars wasn’t a part of any scandal. Their software is confirmed to be fair, despite what the scorned players might tell you. We’d recommend PokerStars and PokerStars Casino to MI, PA, and NJ poker fans.
Player Rewards at PokerStars
What about promos at PokerStars? Well, they just so happen to have one of the best rosters in all of poker. New players get a sizeable number of tournament tickets. You can try them out with any variant and almost every pot limit.
But what we liked was PokerStars VR. If you happen to have an Oculus Rift or another type of headset, be sure to try it. Although there’s no real money gameplay, it’s still an amazing thing to experience. In a virtual sense, you can travel to places like the Wild West, Macau, or Monaco. We’d definitely recommend it if you want to see what the future of online poker looks like.
Of course, there are plenty of seasonal promos, contests, and all kinds of unique tournaments for regular players. You can find all of them in the Promotion section. Nevertheless, we’d like to mention one of the regular offers – Spin N’Go tournaments. Basically, an algorithm will match you with two random players and assign a random prize pool. For instance, a $10 result could result in a five-figure payout.
All in all, the promos are fair, enticing, and always changing. It’s by far the most dynamic collection we’ve seen in recent times.
