As of January 29, 2021, PokerStars joined the regulated online gambling market in Michigan. The operator kicked things off with all three verticals: casino, poker, and sports betting.
PokerStars Casino welcome bonuses and other promotions. PokerStars Casino offers a couple of different welcome bonuses for new players. It also has an ongoing promotion allowing players to earn a bonus for each day that they play. $50 casino instant bonus. For new customers, PokerStars Casino offers a $50 casino instant bonus. PokerStars is the world's largest online poker operator. In the US, PokerStars online poker and PokerStars Casino online casino operations run in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A joint venture between US broadcaster Fox and PokerStars' parent company TSG, FoxBet branded online and mobile sports betting operations also run in NJ and PA.
If you are looking for some online casino action, PokerStars Casino MI is a great choice. It offers a variety of gaming options, some interesting promotions, and a sleek and modern platform available on mobile and desktop devices alike.
One unique advantage with Stars Casino is that it has an integrated rewards program across all three gaming verticals. This means you get rewards for all player across poker, casino and sports.
So, if you're mostly a casino player, but dip into the odd sports bet or poker hand—of if you're an an online poker grinder, but now and then like a flutter in the sports book—you know that you'll working towards the same rewards for all your play. This makes PokerStars Casino the best bet for any player who might be interesting in more than one form of entertainment.
We have compiled the list of the some frequently asked questions about Stars Casino and online gambling in Michigan to help you get started. We will frequently update this section, adding new information and updating the existing one as and if required.
Looking for details on the PokerStars Michigan online poker room? Check out our separate guide: PokerStars MI FAQ.
Is There a Welcome Bonus for New Players at PokerStars Casino MI?
Pokerstars Casino Michigan
Yes. New players can claim a welcome bonus of $50 with a real money deposit and place a wager of just $1.
To get this offer, you will need to opt in using the Challenges window inside the PokerStars Casino software. Once opted in, make a real money deposit and make a bet of at least $1 on any casino game on offer. You will need to do this within five days from making your initial deposit.
After this, go back to Challenges, where your $50 Instant Bonus will be waiting for you. Opt in to claim the money and start playing.
You will have seven days to meet the wagering requirements of this bonus. In this instance, you will need to accumulate a total of 100 redemption points for the bonus funds and any related winnings to become eligible for withdrawals.
Are There Any Interesting Promotions for Existing Players?
At launch, PokerStars Casino MI is running an interesting promo that could be very lucractive to players: Mystery Mega Prize. Every day, you can win prizes and instant bonuses up to $500 by just opting in and playing.
Daily rewards on offer include deposit offers, bonus cash, 'bonus back next bet,' which offers partial refunds on losing bets, 'risk free next bets' and challenge bonuses.
To claim your mystery prize once every day, sign into your PokerStars Casino account and opt in. After that, just wager $1 or more on any casino game, and you will trigger the promo.
You will receive a Mystery Chest containing one of the random prizes listed above.
This promotion started on February 1 and runs through to February 28.
What Kind of Loyalty Program Does PokerStars Casino Michigan Offer?
By playing for real money at PokerStars Casino, you will automatically become a part of the Stars Rewards program, which counts your points across all verticals: casino, poker, and sports betting.
You will collect points towards filling your Challenge bar, and every time you fill it you will receive a chest with a mystery prize tailored to your gaming preferences.
As you move up through the levels, chests become harder to unlock, but the prizes inside of them also become increasingly better and more valuable.
What Payment Options Can I Use at Stars Casino?
PokerStars Casino Michigan provides players with a solid number of deposit and withdrawal options. You will find that the variety of methods on offer is similar to that found with other operators in the state and in the US in general.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| MasterCard | Yes | No |
| Visa | Yes | No |
| Paysafecard | Yes | No |
| Vanilla Direct Add Cash | Yes | No |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
What Types of Games Are on Offer at PokerStars Casino MI?
At the moment, Stars Casino in Michigan offers a decent number of video slots and some electronic table games. They will likely expand to include more options in the future.
Slots
If slots are your cup of tea, you will find a few dozen popular titles featured on the site. Games such as Dead or Alive, Mercy of the Gods, Starburst and Gonzo's Quest should keep you entertained. You cannot play games in the demo mode without logging in, but you can get all the information about a particular slot, such as the number of paylines, RTP, etc.
The casino also offers slots races around the clock. There are smaller races with a $50 prize pool kicking off every two hours, as well as weekly races with $1000 up for grabs.
Pokerstars Casino Mobile App
Table Games
At the moment, PokerStars Casino MI does not have a big library of table games. There are a few variations of blackjack and roulette on offer, as well as baccarat and Heads Up Hold'em. What is quite interesting is that you can choose to play these games alone or in the multiplayer mode with other players.
What Companies Provide Games for PokerStars Casino Michigan?
As of right now, the only games on offer are powered by NetEnt and in-house developed titles like Fire Bull and Thunder Bear. More game suppliers will likely join the mix in the future.
Can I play on PokerStars Casino from My Phone?
Yes, PokerStars Casino MI is available on all sorts of mobile devices. You simply need to visit the casino site from your phone or tablet and download the appropriate app (Android or iOS).
If you prefer playing on the go instead of sitting in front of your computer, the good news is that you will not have to compromise in terms of experience. The full slate of games offered via the desktop site is also available on the Stars Casino mobile platform.
Does Stars Casino Michigan Use Geolocation to Track Players?
Yes. In accordance with state laws and provisions of their gaming license, Stars Casino can only allow players to play for real money if they are physically located within Michigan borders.
Bottom Line
PokerStars Casino is an excellent online gaming destination for veteran gamblers and rookies alike. The online casino offers plenty of games to choose from, including a plethora of slot games and popular casino-style table games. A new multi-jurisdictional agreement signed by the governor will also allow multi-state play.
Once online casino sites are live in Michigan and PokerStars joins the fray, Michiganders will be able to enjoy a top-notch platform. PokerStars Casino has a lot to offer, and the company's partnership with FOX Bet also means players can easily jump into sports betting and back to casino games at will.
See PokerStars Casino in Action
PokerStars Michigan Promo Code 2021
PokerStars isn't live in Michigan yet, but we've researched promotions from PokerStars in other states. We anticipate PokerStars Casino will offer up to 3 deposit match bonuses of $500 each, meaning up to $1500 in total bonus offers. Terms and conditions apply.
| PokerStars Michigan Promo Code | |
| Deposit Bonus | Three 100% deposit matches up to $500 each (Ts & Cs apply) |
| What States Allow PokerStars | PA, MI (early 2021) |
| PokerStars Michigan Land-Based Partner | Odawa Casinos in Petoskey and Mackinaw |
| Promo Code Verified For | Coming Soon |
PokerStars Casino Bonus & Promotional Grade
PokerStars Casino offers a great bonus for new players in Pennsylvania, and it's likely the promotion will be available for Michigan players once the online casino launches.
The opening bonus comes in the form of three deposit matches. For your first three deposits, PokerStars will match 100% of your deposit amount up to $500. There's some fine print to keep in mind, though:
- First deposit: use code WELCOME1 and deposit $25 or more to claim the 100% match.
- Second deposit: make this deposit within 14 days of your first, use code WELCOME2, and deposit $25 or more to claim another match and a slots bonus.
- Third deposit: use code WELCOME3, make a deposit of $25 or more within 14 days of your second deposit. You'll get a final 100% match up to $500 and a Mystery Chest with a slots bonus worth up to an additional $500.
When it's all said and done, you could get a bonus of up to $1,500 total, plus more from the Mystery Chest.
On top of that bonus, new players can also claim a second offer: bet $1 and get $50 in casino credit. Sign up, opt into the offer, bet $1, and get an additional $50 to use on casino games.
Overall, this is a fantastic opening bonus for new players. Tack on ongoing promotions and reward programs and PokerStars Casino offers a magnificent slate of bonuses.
MichiganSharp.com Is Officially Licensed By Michigan Gaming Control Board To Promote Legal Online Gambling In Michigan
PokerStars Casino Market Depth and Variety Grade
When I write a casino review, I like to open the online casino's slots page and casually scroll through it. For some casinos, the scrolling goes on for multiple seconds because there are hundreds of slots to choose from. Naturally, I performed this same (and decidedly unscientific) test for PokerStars Casino, and the sheer number of slots is relatively low compared to some of the site's competitors.
However, it's important to consider that in the online casino world, quality matters just as much as quantity. PokerStars doesn't have the biggest library, but you'll still find dozens of excellent slot games on the site. This even includes some exclusive games that you can't find anywhere else. There's also a handful of licensed game themes such as Jumanji, Ozzy Osbourne, and Guns ‘n' Roses.
While PokerStars Casino gets a slight knock in this category because the variety is comparatively low, there are still plenty of great slots available at the online casino.
PokerStars' library of table games offsets a middling slots portfolio. You can play roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and more on PokerStars Casino.
One last note here. As of right now, the game variety on PokerStars is relatively low, but the games they do have are great. Plus, once PokerStars Casino goes live in Michigan, expect the game selection to grow as competition in the market heats up.
PokerStars Deposit And Cashout
Pokerstars offers a bunch of great options for deposits and withdrawals. The available deposit and withdrawal methods are on par with other industry providers, ensuring a smooth and seamless funding process. However, there are a few small gaps in PokerStars' payment methods.
Here are the deposit options:
- Credit/Debit Card (VISA and MasterCard)
- Bank Transfer
- Stars Transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- PayNearMe
- VanillaDirect
These deposit methods all have their own distinct benefits and drawbacks. The best one for you might be another player's least favorite method. Personally, I recommend PayPal or Skrill. These e-wallet services have a high success rate for deposits.
PokerStarks falls short by not offering ACH echeck deposits, which are popular with many players in legal online casino markets. Discover and American Express are also missing from the list. Many other sites accept these cards.
On the other hand, Skrill isn't often listed at major US casino sites, so that somewhat balances out PokerStars' offering.
Withdrawal options are a tad more limited, but that's typical for online gambling sites. You can use the following methods to withdraw from PokerStars:
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
The biggest omission here, in my opinion, is the lack of a check by mail option. This is relatively common, and some players prefer the physical withdrawal method over connecting their bank account to an online casino. Still, PayPal, Skrill, and Bank Transfer remain excellent choices for withdrawals.
PokerStars Casino Mobile App
You can play PokerStars Casino on iOS or Android devices. If I had to give a two-word review of the PokerStars app, it'd be a simple 'good enough.' It's not the best casino app, it's not the worst app. It's somewhere in between. What matters is that it functions well, allows you to easily find games, and loads those games quickly to get you into the action faster.
PokerStars does all that with its app. Finding games is simple. Making a deposit or checking your account is easy, and the navigation of the app overall is smooth. You might find that PokerStars load times are a tad slow and the menus aren't all as intuitive as some competitors, but it gets the job done.
PokerStars Casino iOS App
When Michigan allows online casino gaming, you'll be able to download the PokerStars iOS app directly from Apple's App Store. Just download it as you would with any other app and you'll be ready to go.
PokerStars Casino On Android
Google doesn't allow gambling apps of any kind to be listed in the Play Store marketplace. Instead, Android users can download PokerStars directly from the casino's website. To do so, just find the download link on PokerStars' site, then follow the onscreen prompts to install the app. From there, you;'ll be ready to use the app and play the site's games from your mobile device or tablet.
Overall Score
As it stands, PokerStars Casino Michigan is a good online casino. It has most of what makes for a great online casino site, but there are a few gaps in the game library, payment methods, and app experience that hold it back ever-so-slightly from the competition. When PokerStars comes to Michigan, it will likely up the ante by investing in new games and rounding out its user interface to compete with other big-name casino brands.
At the end of the day, PokerStars provides a solid online casino experience, and it will only get better as it enters new markets.
Is PokerStars Legit?
PokerStars Casino is a legitimate, above-board online casino. There are a number of reasons why it's a trustworthy and legitimate site. Here are just a few:
Land-Based Partner
PokerStars is currently live in Pennsylvania in partnership with Mount Airy Casino. In Michigan, PokerStars will launch with a new land-based partner: the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The tribe owns both Odawa casinos in Mackinaw in Petoskey. PokerStars will use the Odawa casino licenses to launch in Michigan.
PokerStars And FOX Bet
PokerStars is most well-known in the online gaming industry for its online poker platform. PokerStars will be launching its poker app in Michigan later in 2021. In addition, PokerStars has a relationship with FOX Bet, one of the top sports betting sites in the US, which is backed by FOX Sports. Both companies are part of the Stars Group. This means that PokerStars is part of a large and trusted entertainment and betting footprint in the US.
Responsible Gaming
PokerStars Casino has responsible gaming information readily available at the bottom of its website. These resources include a problem gambling hotline and links to further information. Legitimate casino sites are required to have this information displayed on their websites.
How To Play Guides
This isn't always a telltale sign of legitimacy, but it certainly helps when a casino has how to play guides. It shows that the casino is interested in teaching the player how to enjoy the available games rather than throwing them to the wolves and hoping they lose. PokerStars is invested in its players' enjoyment of the site.
Government License
You'll find all of PokerStars' licensing information right at the bottom of its webpage. This information includes links to the relevant licensing authority. When it's live in Michigan, PokerStars' website will display links to the Michigan Gaming Control Board website, where players can learn about the state's licensing and regulatory practices.
Free To Play Games
Outside of its real money offering in Pennsylvania (and soon, Michigan), players can enjoy PokerStars using a free-to-play model. This shows that the site cares about obeying the law and offering only legal casino games in each jurisdiction where PokerStars operates.
Why Choose PokerStars Over Illegal Betting Sites?
Offshore and grey market betting sites don't have a player's best interest at heart. Their purpose is usually to cash out, often at a player's expense. Here are a few key reasons to stick with PokerStars and other legal sites over offshore options.
Government Oversight
PokerStars and other legal online casinos are subject to the laws that govern online gaming. Offshore sites are only beholden to the laws of the country in which they're based and licensed. In many cases, these laws are overly relaxed and allow offshore sites to take advantage of players. Legal sites are required to meet strict regulations and adhere to many government rules that are in place to protect players.
Encryption
Legal betting websites use an industry-standard tool called SSL encryption to protect player data. Essentially, this means your information is encrypted as it moves from your device to the online casino's systems. This protects you from hackers.
Offshore sites may use lesser encryption or none at all, making them sketchy at best, extremely risky at worst.
Customer Service
Try getting help from a customer service representative at an offshore betting site, and I guarantee you the process will be frustrating and difficult. Offshore sites are built to take your money, so support options are middling at best. It's often very difficult to get hello with an issue because these sites have limited support hours and not many agents available to help customers.
Legitimate online casino sites have full customer support teams at the ready, often with multiple channels you can explore for help.
Why Can You Trust PokerStars With Your Money?
PokerStars and other regulated online casinos are required to adhere to very stringent rules regarding player funds.
In almost every legal market, online casinos are required to have funds available to pay out all player winnings at any given time. Offshore and grey market sites have no such rules in place.
The encryption I mentioned above is also a key factor allowing you to trust Pokerstars with your money. SSL encryption, alongside other cybersecurity measures, keeps your data, funds, and payment info protected from wrongdoers.
PokerStars Casino Quick Facts
To claim your mystery prize once every day, sign into your PokerStars Casino account and opt in. After that, just wager $1 or more on any casino game, and you will trigger the promo.
You will receive a Mystery Chest containing one of the random prizes listed above.
This promotion started on February 1 and runs through to February 28.
What Kind of Loyalty Program Does PokerStars Casino Michigan Offer?
By playing for real money at PokerStars Casino, you will automatically become a part of the Stars Rewards program, which counts your points across all verticals: casino, poker, and sports betting.
You will collect points towards filling your Challenge bar, and every time you fill it you will receive a chest with a mystery prize tailored to your gaming preferences.
As you move up through the levels, chests become harder to unlock, but the prizes inside of them also become increasingly better and more valuable.
What Payment Options Can I Use at Stars Casino?
PokerStars Casino Michigan provides players with a solid number of deposit and withdrawal options. You will find that the variety of methods on offer is similar to that found with other operators in the state and in the US in general.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| MasterCard | Yes | No |
| Visa | Yes | No |
| Paysafecard | Yes | No |
| Vanilla Direct Add Cash | Yes | No |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
What Types of Games Are on Offer at PokerStars Casino MI?
At the moment, Stars Casino in Michigan offers a decent number of video slots and some electronic table games. They will likely expand to include more options in the future.
Slots
If slots are your cup of tea, you will find a few dozen popular titles featured on the site. Games such as Dead or Alive, Mercy of the Gods, Starburst and Gonzo's Quest should keep you entertained. You cannot play games in the demo mode without logging in, but you can get all the information about a particular slot, such as the number of paylines, RTP, etc.
The casino also offers slots races around the clock. There are smaller races with a $50 prize pool kicking off every two hours, as well as weekly races with $1000 up for grabs.
Pokerstars Casino Mobile App
Table Games
At the moment, PokerStars Casino MI does not have a big library of table games. There are a few variations of blackjack and roulette on offer, as well as baccarat and Heads Up Hold'em. What is quite interesting is that you can choose to play these games alone or in the multiplayer mode with other players.
What Companies Provide Games for PokerStars Casino Michigan?
As of right now, the only games on offer are powered by NetEnt and in-house developed titles like Fire Bull and Thunder Bear. More game suppliers will likely join the mix in the future.
Can I play on PokerStars Casino from My Phone?
Yes, PokerStars Casino MI is available on all sorts of mobile devices. You simply need to visit the casino site from your phone or tablet and download the appropriate app (Android or iOS).
If you prefer playing on the go instead of sitting in front of your computer, the good news is that you will not have to compromise in terms of experience. The full slate of games offered via the desktop site is also available on the Stars Casino mobile platform.
Does Stars Casino Michigan Use Geolocation to Track Players?
Yes. In accordance with state laws and provisions of their gaming license, Stars Casino can only allow players to play for real money if they are physically located within Michigan borders.
Bottom Line
PokerStars Casino is an excellent online gaming destination for veteran gamblers and rookies alike. The online casino offers plenty of games to choose from, including a plethora of slot games and popular casino-style table games. A new multi-jurisdictional agreement signed by the governor will also allow multi-state play.
Once online casino sites are live in Michigan and PokerStars joins the fray, Michiganders will be able to enjoy a top-notch platform. PokerStars Casino has a lot to offer, and the company's partnership with FOX Bet also means players can easily jump into sports betting and back to casino games at will.
See PokerStars Casino in Action
PokerStars Michigan Promo Code 2021
PokerStars isn't live in Michigan yet, but we've researched promotions from PokerStars in other states. We anticipate PokerStars Casino will offer up to 3 deposit match bonuses of $500 each, meaning up to $1500 in total bonus offers. Terms and conditions apply.
| PokerStars Michigan Promo Code | |
| Deposit Bonus | Three 100% deposit matches up to $500 each (Ts & Cs apply) |
| What States Allow PokerStars | PA, MI (early 2021) |
| PokerStars Michigan Land-Based Partner | Odawa Casinos in Petoskey and Mackinaw |
| Promo Code Verified For | Coming Soon |
PokerStars Casino Bonus & Promotional Grade
PokerStars Casino offers a great bonus for new players in Pennsylvania, and it's likely the promotion will be available for Michigan players once the online casino launches.
The opening bonus comes in the form of three deposit matches. For your first three deposits, PokerStars will match 100% of your deposit amount up to $500. There's some fine print to keep in mind, though:
- First deposit: use code WELCOME1 and deposit $25 or more to claim the 100% match.
- Second deposit: make this deposit within 14 days of your first, use code WELCOME2, and deposit $25 or more to claim another match and a slots bonus.
- Third deposit: use code WELCOME3, make a deposit of $25 or more within 14 days of your second deposit. You'll get a final 100% match up to $500 and a Mystery Chest with a slots bonus worth up to an additional $500.
When it's all said and done, you could get a bonus of up to $1,500 total, plus more from the Mystery Chest.
On top of that bonus, new players can also claim a second offer: bet $1 and get $50 in casino credit. Sign up, opt into the offer, bet $1, and get an additional $50 to use on casino games.
Overall, this is a fantastic opening bonus for new players. Tack on ongoing promotions and reward programs and PokerStars Casino offers a magnificent slate of bonuses.
MichiganSharp.com Is Officially Licensed By Michigan Gaming Control Board To Promote Legal Online Gambling In Michigan
PokerStars Casino Market Depth and Variety Grade
When I write a casino review, I like to open the online casino's slots page and casually scroll through it. For some casinos, the scrolling goes on for multiple seconds because there are hundreds of slots to choose from. Naturally, I performed this same (and decidedly unscientific) test for PokerStars Casino, and the sheer number of slots is relatively low compared to some of the site's competitors.
However, it's important to consider that in the online casino world, quality matters just as much as quantity. PokerStars doesn't have the biggest library, but you'll still find dozens of excellent slot games on the site. This even includes some exclusive games that you can't find anywhere else. There's also a handful of licensed game themes such as Jumanji, Ozzy Osbourne, and Guns ‘n' Roses.
While PokerStars Casino gets a slight knock in this category because the variety is comparatively low, there are still plenty of great slots available at the online casino.
PokerStars' library of table games offsets a middling slots portfolio. You can play roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and more on PokerStars Casino.
One last note here. As of right now, the game variety on PokerStars is relatively low, but the games they do have are great. Plus, once PokerStars Casino goes live in Michigan, expect the game selection to grow as competition in the market heats up.
PokerStars Deposit And Cashout
Pokerstars offers a bunch of great options for deposits and withdrawals. The available deposit and withdrawal methods are on par with other industry providers, ensuring a smooth and seamless funding process. However, there are a few small gaps in PokerStars' payment methods.
Here are the deposit options:
- Credit/Debit Card (VISA and MasterCard)
- Bank Transfer
- Stars Transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- PayNearMe
- VanillaDirect
These deposit methods all have their own distinct benefits and drawbacks. The best one for you might be another player's least favorite method. Personally, I recommend PayPal or Skrill. These e-wallet services have a high success rate for deposits.
PokerStarks falls short by not offering ACH echeck deposits, which are popular with many players in legal online casino markets. Discover and American Express are also missing from the list. Many other sites accept these cards.
On the other hand, Skrill isn't often listed at major US casino sites, so that somewhat balances out PokerStars' offering.
Withdrawal options are a tad more limited, but that's typical for online gambling sites. You can use the following methods to withdraw from PokerStars:
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
The biggest omission here, in my opinion, is the lack of a check by mail option. This is relatively common, and some players prefer the physical withdrawal method over connecting their bank account to an online casino. Still, PayPal, Skrill, and Bank Transfer remain excellent choices for withdrawals.
PokerStars Casino Mobile App
You can play PokerStars Casino on iOS or Android devices. If I had to give a two-word review of the PokerStars app, it'd be a simple 'good enough.' It's not the best casino app, it's not the worst app. It's somewhere in between. What matters is that it functions well, allows you to easily find games, and loads those games quickly to get you into the action faster.
PokerStars does all that with its app. Finding games is simple. Making a deposit or checking your account is easy, and the navigation of the app overall is smooth. You might find that PokerStars load times are a tad slow and the menus aren't all as intuitive as some competitors, but it gets the job done.
PokerStars Casino iOS App
When Michigan allows online casino gaming, you'll be able to download the PokerStars iOS app directly from Apple's App Store. Just download it as you would with any other app and you'll be ready to go.
PokerStars Casino On Android
Google doesn't allow gambling apps of any kind to be listed in the Play Store marketplace. Instead, Android users can download PokerStars directly from the casino's website. To do so, just find the download link on PokerStars' site, then follow the onscreen prompts to install the app. From there, you;'ll be ready to use the app and play the site's games from your mobile device or tablet.
Overall Score
As it stands, PokerStars Casino Michigan is a good online casino. It has most of what makes for a great online casino site, but there are a few gaps in the game library, payment methods, and app experience that hold it back ever-so-slightly from the competition. When PokerStars comes to Michigan, it will likely up the ante by investing in new games and rounding out its user interface to compete with other big-name casino brands.
At the end of the day, PokerStars provides a solid online casino experience, and it will only get better as it enters new markets.
Is PokerStars Legit?
PokerStars Casino is a legitimate, above-board online casino. There are a number of reasons why it's a trustworthy and legitimate site. Here are just a few:
Land-Based Partner
PokerStars is currently live in Pennsylvania in partnership with Mount Airy Casino. In Michigan, PokerStars will launch with a new land-based partner: the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The tribe owns both Odawa casinos in Mackinaw in Petoskey. PokerStars will use the Odawa casino licenses to launch in Michigan.
PokerStars And FOX Bet
PokerStars is most well-known in the online gaming industry for its online poker platform. PokerStars will be launching its poker app in Michigan later in 2021. In addition, PokerStars has a relationship with FOX Bet, one of the top sports betting sites in the US, which is backed by FOX Sports. Both companies are part of the Stars Group. This means that PokerStars is part of a large and trusted entertainment and betting footprint in the US.
Responsible Gaming
PokerStars Casino has responsible gaming information readily available at the bottom of its website. These resources include a problem gambling hotline and links to further information. Legitimate casino sites are required to have this information displayed on their websites.
How To Play Guides
This isn't always a telltale sign of legitimacy, but it certainly helps when a casino has how to play guides. It shows that the casino is interested in teaching the player how to enjoy the available games rather than throwing them to the wolves and hoping they lose. PokerStars is invested in its players' enjoyment of the site.
Government License
You'll find all of PokerStars' licensing information right at the bottom of its webpage. This information includes links to the relevant licensing authority. When it's live in Michigan, PokerStars' website will display links to the Michigan Gaming Control Board website, where players can learn about the state's licensing and regulatory practices.
Free To Play Games
Outside of its real money offering in Pennsylvania (and soon, Michigan), players can enjoy PokerStars using a free-to-play model. This shows that the site cares about obeying the law and offering only legal casino games in each jurisdiction where PokerStars operates.
Why Choose PokerStars Over Illegal Betting Sites?
Offshore and grey market betting sites don't have a player's best interest at heart. Their purpose is usually to cash out, often at a player's expense. Here are a few key reasons to stick with PokerStars and other legal sites over offshore options.
Government Oversight
PokerStars and other legal online casinos are subject to the laws that govern online gaming. Offshore sites are only beholden to the laws of the country in which they're based and licensed. In many cases, these laws are overly relaxed and allow offshore sites to take advantage of players. Legal sites are required to meet strict regulations and adhere to many government rules that are in place to protect players.
Encryption
Legal betting websites use an industry-standard tool called SSL encryption to protect player data. Essentially, this means your information is encrypted as it moves from your device to the online casino's systems. This protects you from hackers.
Offshore sites may use lesser encryption or none at all, making them sketchy at best, extremely risky at worst.
Customer Service
Try getting help from a customer service representative at an offshore betting site, and I guarantee you the process will be frustrating and difficult. Offshore sites are built to take your money, so support options are middling at best. It's often very difficult to get hello with an issue because these sites have limited support hours and not many agents available to help customers.
Legitimate online casino sites have full customer support teams at the ready, often with multiple channels you can explore for help.
Why Can You Trust PokerStars With Your Money?
PokerStars and other regulated online casinos are required to adhere to very stringent rules regarding player funds.
In almost every legal market, online casinos are required to have funds available to pay out all player winnings at any given time. Offshore and grey market sites have no such rules in place.
The encryption I mentioned above is also a key factor allowing you to trust Pokerstars with your money. SSL encryption, alongside other cybersecurity measures, keeps your data, funds, and payment info protected from wrongdoers.
PokerStars Casino Quick Facts
| How old do you have to be? | 21 or older |
| What states is PokerStars legal in? | PA, MI (expected 2021) |
| Who is PokerStars' Michigan partner? | Odawa Casinos in Mackinaw and Petoskey |
| PokerStars Michigan launch date | Expected 2021 |
PokerStars Michigan Online Casino FAQ
Yes, but it's not live yet. Michigan has legalized online casino gaming, and it's expected to launch in 2021. Currently, the state's focus is on sports betting. However, we expect online casinos to follow later in 2021. Expect PokerStars to go live alongside a handful of other online casino sites.
Yes. PokerStars is partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The tribe owns and operates two Michigan casinos: Odawa Mackinaw and Odawa Petoskey.
You'll need the same info you typically use to sign up for a social media or online shopping account, plus a few extra things. Here's a rundown:
- Name
- Username and password (you will create these)
- Address
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Address
- Last 4 digits of your SSN
- Drivers license or government ID
This information is to confirm your age and identity so you can legally play online casino games.
Yes. PokerStars has an iOS app available on Apple's app store. Android users will need to download the app directly from PokerStars' website because Google prohibits gambling apps from the play store.
You can choose from dozens of slots and a selection of table games. These include baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and more.
No. Currently, PokerStars doesn't offer live dealer games. However, many Michigan competitors do have live dealer games, so it's likely that PokerStars will look into offering live dealer games in the future.
