PokerStars casino Ontario review: 2024 ratings
19+. Gambling can be addictive. Visit Connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600. Play responsibly.
PokerStars casino Ontario is an operator known for an incredible selection of casino games and tournaments. Unfortunately, many players hesitate to take the plunge given the brand’s track record prior to acquisition by Flutter.
Fortunately, the PokerStars casino in Ontario is turning things around. Our experts give you the full overview of the casino’s licensing, responsible gambling initiatives, policy transparency, games, support, and more.
Pros and cons
- Nearly 50 exclusive titles
- Intuitive website navigation
- 19 casino tournament types
- Hard-to-navigate slots section
- No email or phone support
- No search filters
General ratings
General info
| Launch date | 2022 |
| Company behind | Flutter Entertainment |
Editor's note
This review is based on the operator’s current offer in Ontario, Canada. Data and analysis below are accurate at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change as the operator’s offer expands.
Expert verdict
You can be certain that PokerStars online casino continues to provide the kind of online gambling service we’ve all come to expect from PokerStars casino as an industry-leading casino platform. The firm expanded from its roots in poker to include an online casino and sports betting service. You can find everything from great video poker titles to popular slots and well-known sports events here,
The PokerStars casino app is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices, making it convenient for casino players who are often on the go. A large number of real cash casino games and a live casino are available on the main site and may also be played on a mobile device.
Overall, PokerStars online casino is a great site, and with a few improvements, it will be amongst the best in Canada. But, there are still a few features and parts of the casino that need to be improved and enhanced. These will add to the convenience and usability of the casino.
Games: PokerStars live casino, slots, and table casino games
After you have logged in on the PokerStars casino’s Canadian website, you will see three different sections in the top left corner of the screen. These sections are the Poker section, the Casino games section, and the PokerStars Sports section. A subsection for Team Poker Stars is part of the poker section, in addition to a live poker and tournaments section.
All-in Shootouts, Heads-Up Tournaments, Guaranteed Tournaments, 6-Max and 4-Max, Hyper-Turbo and Multi-Table Tournaments are just a handful of the 19 different tournament types available. If you scroll down, you’ll find a link to a page with information on poker. This outlines the different options, how poker tournaments operate and provides a list of all the events you may participate in.
When it comes to PokerStars casino games, there are few niches left unfilled. Online slot games, horse racing, classic blackjack games, PokerStars live casino games, PokerStars table games, online poker, and instant win games are all available in the casino game area of the website. As you scroll down, you will come across the following categories: Game of the week, PokerStars selections, New games, popular games, PokerStars casino originals, jackpots and table games.
When you reach the casino’s final section, sports betting, you’ll see a menu at the top of the website with links to all the available sports. Some of the sports that you can place real money bets on include ice hockey, auto racing, baseball, basketball, handball, and football. In total, 24 sports are supported. As an added bonus, in-play wagering is also permitted.
Game facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Expert’s pick | Wish a win |
| Slots | 728 |
| Popular slot | Sweet Bonanza |
| Jackpots | 50 |
| Top jackpot | Super Elephant |
| Table games | 20+ |
| Popular table game | Heads Up Hold Em |
| Live games | 97 |
| Most streamed | Evolution Blackjack Lobby |
| Average RTP | 96.00% |
| Demo-play avilability | N/A |
As you hover over each game a dropdown option will appear with all the specifics of the game you have selected. These include the game provider and details of the casino games. However, you can’t use game developers as a filter in the search bar. The overall usability of the casino will be explored more as we progress through this PokerStars casino review.
Game types available
Games rating
- Large games library
- Useful guides and info tables
- Good selection of jackpots
- Games could be better organized
Players, like me, who are always on the go may take advantage of the compatibility of the PokerStars casino app with various mobile devices. The majority of the PokerStars casino games featured on the main site are accessible on the mobile browser or app. Because many gambling sites provide similar conveniences, this is hardly noteworthy, but it’s still nice to have as an option.
Overall, I found PokerStars casino’s game selection to be clean and well-organized. It called to mind Bet365 casino, especially in the way that all the crucial game details are included. Additional information about each game’s return to player percentage, bonus features, and min/max bets are a great addition to the PokerStars’ gaming library.
However, I find it quite frustrating that the PokerStars casino in Canada does not provide a trial version of its games, like online poker and slots, for anyone who has not yet signed up. Also, I find that if you are just starting out or don’t feel like spending any money, a demo version is the way to go especially for online slots. This was sadly lacking here.
One of my favourite gambling sites that allows you to try out games for free without the need for registering is the PlayOJO casino. Once you have had a taste of the offered games, then you can register and play games for real money. This is a feature I would like PokerStars to consider implementing, especially for beginners and low-budget players.
I can not stress enough how much of a convenience it is to know which game providers are responsible for each game the casino offers. Fortunately, this is just another area where PokerStars casino does not fall short. However, it is quite disappointing that there is no opportunity to filter and sift through the games by game provider.
The casino’s game dropdown option, similar to plenty of other online casinos such as LeoVegas and PartyCasino gives me confidence that PokerStars casino has given careful thought to making its gaming platform as user-friendly as possible. There is not much to complain about in this section of the casino.
Finally, it’s important that I note that the casino has its own proprietary games, which is possibly the most exciting aspect that should be highlighted in this PokerStars casino review. This shows how much the casino has grown over time and how reliable it is. PokerStars casino itself, in addition to other third-party software developers, offers its players a wide selection of high-quality games.
Software
PokerStars casino games are the products of a variety of different gaming providers, including NYX Gaming GroupPlay, NetEnt, Quickspin, Playtech, Red Tiger Gaming, Thunderkick, Big Time Gaming, iSoftBet, and Playson. The list is impressive, and with such industry-leading operators, one can anticipate nothing but high-quality games from this casino.
The live dealer section is powered by Playtech and Evolution. From the coziness of your own home, you may take part in a thrilling casino experience that takes place entirely online. In addition, multiple tables support various languages to facilitate gaming with international players.
It’s possible that the sheer variety of available providers and games is what propels this casino to the top of the market. But, the addition of their own original content is a classy shot. Each game has professional-calibre visuals and top-notch audio providing a great user experience.
Upon entering this casino, you will be greeted with a variety of games that are modern takes on old favourites. Every service provider in the casino is authentic, and they only provide games that are based on a random result and cannot be manipulated in any way, by either the player, the provider or the casino.
Software facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Most popular slot software | NetEnt |
| Number of software providers | 30 |
| Live providers | 2 |
| Most popular live software | Evolution Gaming |
| Bespoke software | Yes |
| Download required? | Yes |
Numerous software developers are responsible for powering the games that this casino hosts. In addition to that, the collection includes a sizable number of PokerStars unique items. Large progressive jackpots are a standard feature, and most of these games are in-house games – exclusives found only at the PokerStars casino online.
Everything you’d expect to see in PokerStars casino’s main casino lobby is accessible through the website and the mobile app. There is an abundance of potential game themes available for players. In addition to desktop computers, mobile devices may access the live dealer casino.
Available software
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IGT
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Big Time Gaming
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Relax Gaming
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iSoftbet
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Yggdrasil
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Push Gaming
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High 5 Games
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Inspired
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NYX Gaming Group
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Quickspin
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Thunderkick
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Just For The Win
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Stormcraft Studios
Software rating
- Large number of game providers
- In-house, exclusive games
- Can’t filter by provider
PokerStars features a wide variety of some of my favourite software developers in its portfolio. Slot machines, blackjack, Megaways, jackpots, live dealer games, and table games are just some of the handy categories you’ll find while browsing for your chosen game types. PokerStars uses its own custom-built software, which is available for download at record speed.
In a manner similar to casinos such as Betway, PokerStars casino Canada offers a selection of games that are exclusive to the site including some jackpot slot games. I find this to be one of the site’s primary selling points. The casino has a lot of its own games, and they’re performing really well in comparison to other casinos like PartyCasino.
PokerStars online casino is constantly expanding its list of supported software providers, with the addition of new game releases regularly. It’s always worth keeping an eye out for new things, and although certain game categories may just offer a handful of games at the moment, that can change quickly.
I have no doubt that the casino will continue to improve upon its already high standard of entertainment now that it has been around for a while. The developers clearly strive for excellence in all aspects of their work, and the game quality reflects that. Their website is a breath of fresh air, with new and updated content presented in an organized and straightforward manner.
The casino features thirty different software suppliers, which is a significant number when compared to the majority of online gambling establishments. This is in comparison to casinos like Betway, bet365, and Scores casino. As if it couldn’t get any better, the casino offers live dealer games from not one but two different providers, which is more than the vast majority of casinos provide.
Payment methods
At the very top of each page is a link that may be used to make both deposits and withdrawals. There is also a submenu link to the Terms & Conditions and Withdrawal Policy. If you follow the link, you’ll be sent to the transactions page, where you can choose your preferred payment method, along with finding any further details you might need.
All casino deposits must be a minimum of $10 using any of the accepted methods of payment. Apple Pay, Direct bank transfer, Instant eChecks, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, PayPal, Skrill and Visa are the different methods of payment that Canadian players have the opportunity to choose from.
A feature at the casino called fast deposits makes it possible to complete financial transactions far more quickly than is typical. Several payment options support this feature, although not all of them. Those interested in knowing which payment choices are available may do so by clicking the Cashier button and perusing the options that have a fast deposit sticker.
While participating in a cash game, you’ll see a ‘Fast Deposit’ icon; clicking it will prompt a pop-up window to complete the payment data. If you don’t want to see the ‘Fast Deposit’ button while selecting or playing a game, you may turn it off by clicking the ‘Fast Deposit’ button in the Cashier.
Payment facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of payment methods | 11 |
| Top payment | PayPal |
| Minimum deposit | C$10 |
| Maximum deposit | N/A |
| Minimum withdrawal | N/A |
| Maximum withdrawal | N/A |
| Average deposit time | Instant |
| Average withdrawal time | 72 hours + |
| Deposit fees | No fees |
| Withdrawal fees | No fees |
It might take three to five business days for withdrawals to show up in a player’s bank account after the transaction has been completed. With the exception of weekends, withdrawals will be processed and handed out within 24 hours. In comparison to other casinos, this is the norm as most payment options take more than a day to appear in your account.
E-wallets are the safest option when you want faster deposit and withdrawal times. And, the best part is that the casino offers a number of options. Something to keep in mind is that not all payment options can be used for both deposits and withdrawals.
Deposit methods
Withdrawal methods
Payments rating
- Plenty of payment methods
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Fast deposit feature
- Up to 10 days to process withdrawals
I found the low $10 initial deposit perfect for novice players and those on a tighter budget. The casinos exclusively also partners with the most trusted names in the business, so you can feel safe using whatever method of payment you choose.
In many casinos, you might find five different payment methods, which is not too much but is just sufficient. But PokerStars casino has double that number which I find impressive. The diversity in payment options creates a middle ground between the different options in terms of how quickly they are processed. Payments using an electronic wallet happen immediately, whereas card payments take a little longer.
There are no fees associated with transferring money to or from your PokerStars casino Canada account, which is great. The kind of payment options that are available at the cashier do vary depending on the country in which you now live. The use of cryptocurrencies, however, is not permitted anywhere at this time. As a crypto enthusiast, I do hope things turn around shortly.
It is important to keep in mind that not all payment options support making both deposits and withdrawals, which might make things a bit difficult for some players. The options that let users make deposits, as well as withdrawals, tend to have the most choice, which is quite convenient.
I really found this part of the casino pretty much perfect in every way. There is a sufficient number of payment options, and they cater to a diverse range of customers. Processing of transactions happens in a reasonable amount of time and does not incur any fees.
Safety features
PokerStars casino has been granted a security certificate and SSL encryption to keep users’ information safe. The type of SSL encryption used by this organization is the norm in the market. Each page of the casino also includes a footer with links to its licensing information, its affiliates, and other relevant details.
PokerStars holds a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. The casino may legally operate in Ontario, Canada since it also has a licence issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Additionally, it has authorization to do business in a wide variety of other countries throughout the globe.
As a result, the casino’s sphere of influence now spans a wider geographic region. PokerStars also has plenty of great casino reviews. Each nation that they do business in also has its own fully functional gaming website. Due to hosting both professional and recreational events, PokerStars casino has attracted a big and dedicated community of players.
Safety facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Auditing seals | GLI (Gambling Lab International) |
| Responsible gaming seals | ConnexOntario, Gambling Therapy, RGC, CAMH |
| SSL encryption | 128-bit |
| Two-factor authentication | Available |
| Ever blacklisted? | Yes |
| Licences | The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario |
| Company behind | Flutter Entertainment |
| Deposit, wager, time, and loss limits | All available |
| Self-exclusion | Available |
| Cooling-off period | Available |
At PokerStars casino, the games go through audits by the authorities to ensure fair play. The operator employs SSL encryption to ensure that all of your PokerStars account personal information and financial transactions remain private and secure. Both the integrity of the games, casino software and the safety of the gambling environment can be completely relied upon, and players need not worry about anything.
Licensed by
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
Trusted by
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ConnexOntario
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RGC (Responsible Gambling Council)
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CAMH (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
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Gambling Therapy
Safety rating
- Promotes responsible gaming
- In-depth FAQ and Help sections
- Shaky reputation in other markets
Regarding the genuineness and integrity of the games, there is nothing I am concerned about. Not only does the safety and security that the casino provides ensure secure gambling, but it also encourages responsible gambling behaviour. The games go through audits and to continue to operate the casino has to meet certain requirements.
Testing of the random number generators (RNGs) ensures total unpredictability and overall fairness in all games. The casino’s reliability leans heavily on the reputation of the gaming suppliers it uses. As a person who takes into consideration the provider behind each game, I can say there is no doubt that PokerStars has picked the best providers. A few examples are Playtech and Pragmatic Play,
In addition to partnering with reputable gaming companies that have been licensed and are regulated to offer fair games, there are other precautions provided that should also be considered. As an example, PokerStars casino also provides access to several evaluation tools and support groups. Having a strong focus on player and site security is a must for me when choosing a casino.
Although PokerStars casino provides a satisfactory level of safety, this is not unique. It does not provide a higher level of security than what can be found at many other casino sites such as Betway. However, PokerStars’ top-notch security measures are the thing that really counts.
Mobile features: PokerStars casino app
It is possible to access mobile play using the link ‘play on mobile’ at the bottom of the main page under the casino section. PokerStars provides users with a wide range of gambling alternatives, including slots, live games, roulette games, and blackjack, among others. Several mobile platforms are supported, including Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.
The PokerStars mobile gaming app is available for instant, free download. It works on both iOS and Android. Excitingly, nearly all of PokerStars casino Canada’s games can be played on smartphones and tablets. This is one aspect that matters for all on-the-go players.
Once the app is installed, you’ll have immediate access to the site’s games, bonuses, and payment options. There are now over 710 different casino games that can be played on the mobile platform, making it one of the more robust collections of games.
Mobile access allows gamers to check out the selection of table games and video poker machines whenever they choose. The mobile casino’s instant-play edition works with all the most popular browsers and platforms. There is no part of the casino that is not accessible via a mobile device. This includes the poker section, casino and sports betting.
The live casino is also mobile-friendly, and the mobile app works well thanks to its attractive interface and intuitive navigation. Playing here is just as it would be using a desktop computer, right down to the lobby. The level of mobile compatibility is high and there are no flaws in all the designs.
Play on these devices
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Android
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iOS
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Windows
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MacOS
Mobile rating
- Download available
- Live games and exclusive games offered
- Cashier access can be buggy
The PokerStars casino app is actually a high-quality industry app since it is not only pleasingly designed, but it is also simple to use. When it comes to mobile casino applications, I can’t complain much about it, as it closely resembles the desktop site.
Being someone who enjoys playing games on their mobile devices, I was pleased with the mobile selection that PokerStars had to offer. Like the best mobile casinos, the mobile gaming experience here is so perfectly designed that you may never return to the desktop site.
I found that PokerStars provides a plethora of gaming alternatives through its Android and iOS casino apps. You can get the app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for free, and the user experience is intuitive and attractive. The layout of PokerStars’ virtual casino automatically adjusted to the screen size of my device too, which should always be a requirement.
It doesn’t matter what device you’re using, as long as you have a reliable internet connection, you may play at PokerStars casino. Besides slot machines, the vast majority of other types of games may also be played here. Using a mobile phone or a desktop computer, both sites functioned the same way when I tested them out.
It is unusual to find a reputable online casino that provides the same extensive selection for mobile users as they do for desktop customers. Having the option to play on the go with either a web browser or the poker, casino and sports betting app is a highlight for me.
Customer support
Accessing assistance is as simple as visiting the help page and selecting the “Contact Us” link at the very bottom of the page. It is possible to get in touch with the casino’s support team even if you haven’t registered an account with them yet.
Live chat is the sole contact method available. The casino does not provide a phone number or an email address for players to use. In addition, there is a comprehensive Help section that covers a wide range of questions and concerns that you may have.
The topics covered include — My Account, Deposit and Withdrawal, Special Offers, Sports, Play Money and Social Games, Poker, Technical Issues, Responsible Gaming, My Rewards, Events and Casino. Everything is explained in detail and if you browse through the casino help section you might find all the answers you need before you contact support.
PokerStars’ customer service generally needs some fine-tuning. The casino is lacking a lot in this section and there isn’t much that can be used to communicate with support. If you are in need of urgent help such as phone call assistance then tough luck.
Support facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer support availability | 24/7 |
| Live chat | Yes |
| N/A | |
| Contact number | N/A |
| On-page support | Help section |
Fortunately, the casino has a live chat service that operates around the clock, so assistance is never far away. This makes up for the lack of communication channels. Support is also quick to respond and on average you will not wait for more than 5 minutes to get assistance.
Support rating
- Live chat is available 24/7
- Quick response times
- No email or phone support
Support at PokerStars online casino provides a lot of useful information in the PokerStars casino FAQ section. However, I do believe that they have room to expand their offering. There is only one way to contact the company, which is just the online chat. Nevertheless, the response times for this option are excellent.
When compared to industry leaders such as BetRivers, PokerStars unquestionably falls short in this regard. The lack of communication channels in this casino needs to be fixed. When compared to the general industry norm for support solutions, PokerStars is well behind. There are plenty of casinos I have seen improve their methods of communication and I hope PokerStars will do the same.
The live chat feature is great since it assists both current players and newcomers who have not yet created an account. Furthermore, the responsiveness and professionalism of the live chat operators is yet another excellent feature of this service. The service I received was prompt and thorough, with all of my questions addressed in simple language.
PokerStars doesn’t provide nearly as many ways to get in touch with the company as other sites, therefore it gets poor marks as a result. In this particular area of the casino, the establishment might need some enhancements. The casino’s FAQ help centre is a plus, since it’s both comprehensive and easy to navigate.
Usability
Registration can be completed in a matter of minutes using either the PokerStars website or the PokerStars casino app. Nothing will upset you more than having to go through a lengthy and convoluted sign-up procedure. You’re in luck since playing at Pokerstars’ online casino is as easy as clicking a few links.
Usability facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Mobile games availability | Full lsuite |
| Ease of navigation | Good |
| Game filters | Yes |
| Search function | Yes |
| Loading speed | 0.2 |
| UX and UI rating | Great |
| Other products | Poker | Sports | e-Sports |
The PokerStars casino website can be navigated without a hitch on either the desktop version or the app version, and the level of user-friendliness is through the roof. There isn’t much depth to the casino’s filtering system though. You can just use the game titles and nothing more.
Usability rating
- Straightforward navigation
- Great UI design
- Some sections are difficult to navigate
Overall, I found PokerStars online casino provided an inconsistent user experience. In spite of the site’s user-friendliness and the ease with which new users may sign up, features such as a search bar and game filters are noticeably half done. However, the site has a simple layout, and you can easily go from the games to the deals section with a single click.
It took me a few minutes to sign-up for PokerStars and start playing at this online casino. Only mandatory fields, such as your name, email address, password, and username, will be shown for you to fill out. Whether I was looking for a classic title or something completely new, I did not have any trouble using the search bar.
The contrasting colours are pleasant to look at, and everything seems to be in the right place and in a way that’s simple to understand. My only criticism is that I’d want to be able to narrow down my search for games based on certain criteria, such as game providers or game themes.
It would be best if the casino maintains consistency in all its features. Some need to be improved to offer greater convenience to players. In addition, the fact that the search feature only accepts game titles is very disappointing, but perhaps there will be some changes in future.
FAQs
Is the PokerStars online casino safe?
Aside from obtaining the required legal licences to operate in Canada, PokerStars employs a variety of features and practices to ensure player safety. The platform uses industry-standard security protocols, and offer quick and easy access to policies, payment information, terms and conditions, and responsible gambling features. The complete randomness and overall game fairness of all games is guaranteed by regular testing of the random number generators (RNGs).
Is PokerStars legal in Ontario?
After obtaining an operating agreement from iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the casino has permission to lawfully do business in Ontario, Canada. They are also licensed to trade in a huge number of additional nations around the world, as they hold a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority as well.
Can I play at PokerStars for real money?
Yes you can. PokerStars is a legal and licensed operator in Canada that accepts real-money wagers.
What is the best slot at PokerStars?
Most popular PokerStars slots include Big Bass Bonanza™, Great Rhino Megaways™, and Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead. Truthfully speaking, the best pick is one that ticks all the boxes for you! Explore the casino’s games portfolio and look out for features and themes that you personally enjoy.
What are the available games at PokerStars casino?
After logging in to the PokerStars casino Canada site, you’ll see three tabs appear in the upper left corner of the window. Poker, Casino, and Sports are the respective sub-sections. The casino section of the site has everything from slot machines, to live roulette (American and European roulette) in the live casino, top table games, and instant win games all hosted by PokerStars casino online. When you go to the sports betting section of the casino, you’ll find a list of the sports you may bet on. Ice hockey, motor racing, baseball, basketball, handball, and football are just some of them.
What are the available payment methods at the casino?
Canadian players have the option of using a variety of different payment options, including Apple Pay, direct bank transfer, Instant eChecks, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, PayPal, and Visa. The smallest amount that may be deposited into your casino account is $10, and you can do it using any of the permitted payment options. This is one of the lowest deposit limits you will find in the industry. A player should expect their withdrawal to be processed and appear in their bank account within three to five business days.
Is PokerStars casino online available on mobile platforms?
If you’re looking for a mobile poker app, go no further than the free and readily accessible PokerStars casino mobile app. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android. Also, almost every game at PokerStars casino Canada is optimized for mobile play. The online casino games, bonuses, and payment methods on the site will be available soon after the installation of the app. Players may peruse the available slots, blackjack tables, and video poker machines at their convenience thanks to the availability of the PokerStars app.
How long do PokerStars withdrawals take?
It depends on your preferred payment method. Withdrawals using Visa and eCheck, for example, may take anywhere between three and 10 business days. Withdrawals via MuchBetter, ecoPayz, or PayPal, on the other hand, are processed instantly. Make sure to check the withdrawal terms before registering.
PokerStars casino review
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