Last Updated September 29 2009
Poker stars is the leading online poker room to date.
They have grown into one of the most respected and secure sites available for online players, and have a reputation of excellent service and customer satisfaction.
They are a well known brand and have been in business since 2000 and regulated in San José, Costa Rica.
Holding a title as the best poker room is a difficult feat ,but this company has
done so in many ways including huge million dollar tournaments, Main Event Seat giveaways right up to holding charitable events to help in humanitarian relief efforts.
They truly are one of the world's top online poker rooms.
PokerStars Marketing Codes
Be sure to take advantage of this great promotion while it lasts. Click the link below to claim your marketing code deposit bonus. Click here to receive your 50% deposit bonus with PokerStars marketing code OPNET50.
Competition at PokerStars
PokerStars is popular and as such, has a level of players that are phenomenal at the higher stakes. Once you reach mid stakes and up you can expect a solid poker game, unlike some of the smaller sites where many fish can be found.
With over 20,000 + players online during peak hours you can bet there are some great high stakes games going on, and finding one of the sponsored Team Poker Stars players at these tables is quite easy.
Some believe a room that is this tight in level of competition can be of a disadvantage, but it's a great experience for players who are just learning to play poker. Playing at a site like Poker Stars will teach you the game even in low stakes vs. playing in a loose game at a loose site. One of the best poker rooms for beginners wanting to develop great skills.
PokerStars' Software
If you are going to hold the reputation of the best than you must be the best. Poker Stars is just that and are one of the leaders in online poker software. It is clean, fast and user friendly. The lobby has a filter for you to use, tournaments and ring tables are easy to read and search. You have the options of searching for a player or even a Team Pokerstars member, requesting hand statistics for up to 100 hands and emailed to you.
Stats are provided in the lobby for pot percentages, hands per hour and you can also see who is at the tables by clicking on the table name and what the total each player has in money at that game.
Tournaments on PokerStars.com
This poker room is well known for massive tournaments, considering they hold a million dollar guaranteed payment each and every Sunday it is clear why they have become so popular. On average during peak hours Poker Stars is able to achieve over 110,000 tournament players from across the globe. Tournaments run around the clock and fill quickly, so there isn't any waiting like some of the other rooms. They hold great overlays, multi person heads up tournaments, sit n go's that start at 6 person right up to 180 people and even NL Omaha Sit N Go's. You can also use your comp points to buy in to qualifiers for major events such as WSOP, EPT and even the "Sunday Millions"
Ring Games
Traffic is booming, which means you will never have to wait for a game here, and with over 14,000 ring game players during peak hours it's easy to understand why. Tables start as low as .02/.04 which is great for the beginner who wants to play small stakes poker without risking a lot. For those who play high stakes poker, guaranteed you will find a table that is not only at your limit but is busy with players. Many of the pros who are sponsored through Poker Stars can be found playing online at any given time of the day. These include players such as Negreanu, Moneymaker, Katja Thater.
Games supported
Texas hold em ( NL, PL, and L),
Omaha ( H/L, PL, L, and NL)
7 Card Stud Fixed
7 Card Stud H/L
Razz Fixed
5 Card (L, PL, and NL)
2-7 Triple Draw ( L, PL, and NL)
HORSE
HOSE
Customer Service
The support team is quick in handling enquires. The only drawback to this room is that they do not have live support to talk to. Email and phone is not an option. Any issues that I have had with the room have been handled within less than 30 min, however it would still be nice to have a person to speak to instead of email.
Bonuses
PokerStars offers the same bonus throughout the industry, which is a standard 100% match up to $600. They do from time to time offer reloads which are generally 20% up to $120. Use Poker Stars marketing code OPNET50 to receive the above mentioned deposit bonus.
Deposit and Withdraws
Seemingly these days it is becoming more and more difficult to deposit online. Poker Stars is consistently making sure they find safe and secure programs and ewallets for you to choose from. he selection of deposit methods is above average and most people will be able to find one that they can use.
Withdraws are only made through the same means as your deposits or through checks. Cash outs are quick and will usually be complete within 1-2 days.
Options for deposits include
ePassporte
UseMyBank
Moneybookers
NETeller
VISA / VISA Delta / VISA Electron / Gift and Prepaid VISA
MasterCard / Gift and Prepaid MasterCard
Diners Club International
Solo / Maestro / Switch
Cashier's Check / Money Order / Bank Draft
Local Bank Transfer
ELV
Online Bank Transfer
paysafecard
Bpay
eChecks