button in SafariPokerStars US: How to Play on PokerStars in the USA (Now Exclusively on FanDuel)
If you have been searching for the PokerStars US app or trying to log into your old account, you’ve likely noticed some big changes.
PokerStars is now available exclusively via FanDuel in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan.
As of April 2026, PokerStars has fully migrated its US operations to the FanDuel ecosystem, offering shared liquidity and larger prize pools for its players. The new PokerStars on FanDuel integration provides a more streamlined, "all-in-one" gaming experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changed and how you can get back to the tables today.
In this article, you'll learn:
- All About PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel?
- What Happened to PokerStars US?
- Where Can I Play PokerStars in the US?
- What Features Does PokerStars US Have?
PokerStars US Is Now on FanDuel
The migration of PokerStars to the FanDuel platform in April 2026 marks the most significant shift for online poker in the United States since legalization began.
By moving under the FanDuel umbrella, the platform now offers a unified three-state shared player pool, across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Michigan. For you, this means bigger tournament guarantees, cash games that fill up instantly, and record-breaking prize pools that were previously impossible with segregated state lines.
While the branding has changed, you are still playing on PokerStars. The difference? You now access it through the FanDuel interface and wallet. This allows you to use a single balance to play poker, bet on sports via the FanDuel Sportsbook, or play slots in the FanDuel Casino.
How to Sign up and Play PokerStars in the US
Accessing PokerStars in 2026 requires a FanDuel account. If you were a previous PokerStars player, you may need to link your account or create a new FanDuel profile to resume play.
Steps to Get Started:
- Sign Up to FanDuel: Visit the PokerStars on FanDuel Poker registration page to create your account.
- Download the App: Download the FanDuel Poker app (rebranded from PokerStars) from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Verify Your Location: You must be physically located in PA, NJ, or MI. The app will use geolocation to confirm you are within state lines.
- Join the Action: Once verified, you can access the full suite of PokerStars games directly within the FanDuel ecosystem.
What Happened to PokerStars US?
Many things have changed since April 15, 2011 (aka Black Friday), when US authorities enforced the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) and put online poker in the US in lockdown.
For years, PokerStars operated as a standalone entity in the US. While it led the market in software quality, the segregated nature of US state laws meant player pools were often small and restricted to individual states. To compete with other major networks, Flutter moved PokerStars exclusively onto the FanDuel brand in April 2026. This allows for a more "unified" experience where poker is a core vertical alongside the #1 US sportsbook.
This move finalized the "shared liquidity" dream. By merging the NJ, MI, and PA pools under one giant FanDuel banner, the "PokerStars on FanDuel" network now hosts the largest legal poker tournaments in North American history.
PokerStars US Bonuses (Now via FanDuel)
The old PokerStars-specific bonus codes have been retired. New players can typically claim a new Welcome Bonus, offering 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000 plus tournament tickets upon sign-up.
Where Is PokerStars Legal in the US?
PokerStars (via FanDuel) is available in the United States, but only players in a handful of states can access the real money games listed there.
If you are not in one of these jurisdictions, you cannot play for real money, but you'll have plenty of free poker games to choose from instead.
If yours is not on the list, you might want to take it to your state representatives. They are the ones who can help you go back and play real money games with thousands of other players like you on PokerStars.
| PokerStars is available exclusively on FanDuel in: |
|---|
| PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel is not available in: |
|---|
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware |
| Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington State | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
PokerStars US Features (Now via FanDuel)
The branding has changed, but the high-quality features that made PokerStars famous remain:
The Games: Play everything from No-Limit Hold'em and PLO to specialized formats like Spin & Go and Zoom Poker.
Tournament Series: FanDuel continues to host the iconic COOP (Championship of Online Poker) events with millions in guaranteed prizes.
Mobile Excellence: The FanDuel Poker app is one of the most user-friendly mobile poker experiences in the US.
PokerStars US FAQ
Is PokerStars legal in the US?
Yes, it is legal and regulated in PA, NJ, and MI. It operates under licenses from the PGCB, NJDGE, and MGCB.
Why can’t I log into my old PokerStars account?
Because of the migration, you may need to migrate your account to the FanDuel platform or create a new FanDuel login. Check your email for instructions sent by PokerStars/FanDuel regarding account balance transfers.
What is shared liquidity on PokerStars?
Shared liquidity refers to the tri-state agreement between NJ, MI and PA where players are allowed to merge in a combined player pool. This enables them to play against one another, despite being in different states.
Can I use a VPN to access PokerStars in the US?
Although it is possible to access PokerStars in the US by using a VPN, it is not recommended. Online poker is still illegal in some states, and a VPN does not protect you from the law. Furthermore, some of PokerStars' features, including the cashier, do not work using a VPN. In addition, PokerStars reserves the right to close your account and ban you if it suspects VPN usage.
Which states allow legal real-money online poker at PokerStars?
Currently, only Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania allow real money online poker at PokerStars on FanDuel.
Is PokerStars coming back to other states?
There are no plans for a "standalone" PokerStars return. Future expansions into states like West Virginia or Nevada will likely happen under the FanDuel Poker brand.
Is FanDuel Poker the same as PokerStars?
Technically, yes. The only difference is the branding and the integrated wallet system.
Is PokerStars safe in the US?
Yes, PokerStars is incredibly safe. It's one of the safest online poker rooms and is backed by excessive security measures and regulations that protect players' funds and information.
Is PokerStars rigged in the US?
No, PokerStars isn't rigged. When playing PokerStars in the US, or anywhere in the world, you will be playing in a fair, transparent environment.