Licence & safety
Read about Betbrother’s PokerStars Ireland review. Learn about the betting offers, sports markets, mobile apps usability & payout methods available.
On this page
- General Information and Licenses
- Betting Offers and PokerStars Sign-Up Bonuses
- Registration and Security
- Sports and Markets at PokerStars
- Live Betting and Streaming
- Betting Odds and Margins
- PokerStars Payment Methods
- PokerStars Mobile App and Mobile Version
- Customer Support
- Responsible Gaming
- PokerStars Betting Platform Online Reviews
- PokerStars Casino Ireland Review
- What BetBrothers.ie Thinks About PokerStars
- Betting sites similar to PokerStars
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pluses
- Live streaming option
- Multiple payment methods available
- Responsive customer support channels
- Strong, responsible gambling tools
Minuses
- Slow website
- No welcome bonus for sports and casino
PokerStars has been around since the early 2000s. It was established by Rational Intellectual Holdings Limited in the year 2001. It was initially created as a betting site for poker players, but later expanded into casino and sports betting in 2016. Pokerstars covers over 30 sports from international and local leagues. It contains top international sports like football, basketball, and boxing, and also Irish-specific sports like Gaelic football and hurling. The PokerStars app is intuitive and contains as many games as the website, with multiple reliable payment methods. PokerStars has put in more effort to make sure its app stands out with top features. In this review, you’ll be learning about our experience testing the Pokerstars app, its features, bonuses, usability, and all other necessary information.
General Information and Licenses
PokerStars: Key Details
Rational Intellectual Holdings Limited operates PokerStars, and they hold a remote bookmaker licence from the Revenue Commissioners. PokerStars is a safe and law-abiding bookmaker. If you’re in doubt, you can verify their licence by visiting the Irish Revenue Commissioners’ public register.
Betting Offers and PokerStars Sign-Up Bonuses
Odds Boost
Enhanced odds on selected matches
Full analysis
We’ve checked through all of the promotions available on Pokerstars and found just a few. There’s a welcome bonus that is exclusively for poker players, and 1 other offer that sports lovers can take advantage of. The poker welcome bonus comes with a code. Now, let's look at the specifics of these bonuses
PokerStars Welcome Bonus
As we’ve rightly said, the welcome bonus available on Pokerstars does not cover sports; they are specifically for poker players. The bonus is a 100% bonus up to €600. If you’re a poker player, you may find this interesting. When you deposit a minimum of €10, you start earning redemption points by playing real money poker games. For every 75 points you earn, you get an equivalent of €5 that will be credited to your Stars Account. To get started with this offer, you need to sign up and make your first deposit using the code STARS600.
No-Deposit Bonuses or Free Bets
PokerStars does not currently provide players with a no-deposit bonus. You can keep an eye on the promotion page to get updates on those kinds of offers.
Ongoing Promos
As of the time of the review, there are only two ongoing offers for sports players. It is called the Star Sub bonus, and this is how it works. The bookmaker lets you place player-based bets that remain active even if your selected player is substituted. In such cases, the substitute’s performance counts toward your bet. This offer applies to major European leagues and UEFA competitions, and it covers markets like goals, assists, bookings, shots, and fouls. The offer only applies to the full 90-minute match bets; it does not apply to extra time and penalties. The other offer is boosted odds on specific bets. Pokerstars increases the odds on specific matches, mainly pre-match bets. If you’re considering betting on football matches, the matches with boosted odds will give you more value; bet on those.
Event-Specific Offers
There’s currently no seasonal offer on the PokerStars promotion page.
Mobile-Exclusive Bonuses
PokerStars does not have any bonuses that are exclusively for its mobile apps. The bonuses found on the mobile site are the same you’ll find on the mobile apps.
Loyalty Program / VIP Club
We found a loyalty program on Pokerstars, but it only benefits poker players. The Loyalty programs reward poker players with points and bonuses as they play and deposit. The loyalty program is a tiered incentives program that unlocks better rewards, gives access to special promotions, better customer support, and priority services. The reward points earned from the program can be redeemed. Pokerstars' focus is heavily on the poker section of the bookmaker; maybe that’s why they’ve limited the offer to poker players. For sports lovers, we have no share in the loyalty program.
Important Bonus Information
The loyalty program requires more attention to details, take out time to read through and understand every requirement to obtain the offers. We may not be able to state every detail here, but all can be found on the promotion page of the Pokerstars site and app.
PokerStars Bonus Summary Table
| Bonus | Requirement | Reward | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Sign up and make a first deposit of at least €10 using code STARS600 | 100% bonus up to €600 in redemption points | Only for poker players. Redemption points are credited to the Stars Account. |
| Star Sub (Sports Offer) | Place a qualifying player-based bet in eligible markets and competitions | The bet remains active if the selected player is substituted | Applies to 90-minute bets only and works on singles, multiples, and Bet Builders. |
| Loyalty / VIP Program (Poker Only) | Play and deposit to earn points | Points can be redeemed for bonuses and funding other activities like sports betting. | It's a tiered program; the benefits include special promotions, better customer support, and priority services |
| Odds Boost (Sports Only) | Place a bet on selected matches or markets | Enhanced odds on specific bets for higher potential returns | Usually applies to the pre-match market. Check eligible bets on the website |
Registration and Security
Getting fully registered on PokerStars will only take you about 5 minutes. Here is the step-by-step process to get registered:
Open the official PokerStars Ireland site on your browser, and click the “Join” button at the top right of the homepage.
The system automatically selects your country. If you’re registering from Ireland, Pokerstars will automatically select Ireland as your country. All you have to do is click “continue”.
The next few steps will require that you create a valid username that you will use for login. Other information that will be requested is your password, email, and date of birth.
A code will be sent to your email. Check your email and input the code to continue to the next stage. The next stage is the verification phase, where you’ll be asked to submit your ID for verification. You can either verify on the website or use the mobile app for verification
Sports and Markets at PokerStars
Our review experts checked the PokerStars app and site for the available sports and found over 30 sports with thousands of markets from international and Irish popular tournaments. We found sports like Football, Horse Racing, Basketball, Rugby, Golf, and many others. We also found popular Irish sports like Gaelic Football and hurling.
Here are some of the markets covered:
| Type of betting | Yes / No |
|---|---|
| Football | Yes |
| Basketball | Yes |
| Rugby betting | Yes |
| Tennis betting | Yes |
| Golf betting | Yes |
| Cricket betting | Yes |
| Esports betting | Yes |
| Darts betting | Yes |
| Snooker betting | Yes |
| American Football | Yes |
| Boxing betting | Yes |
| Baseball | Yes |
| Volleyball betting | Yes |
| Hurling | Yes |
| Gaelic Football | Yes |
The sports covered by Pokerstars may not be as many as those covered by competitors, but the good part is that most of the Irish favourites are covered.
Betting Tools
To help you maximize betting opportunities, we checked for available tools and found some helpful ones. These tools include:
- Cash Out: With this tool, you can settle your bet early before the match finishes.
- Bet Builder: Pokerstars allows you to create personalized bets by combining multiple selections from a single match into one ticket. Does not apply to every type of market; some are excluded.
- Live Match Statistics: With this tool, you can get live stats during a game.
- Search Function: Finding tournaments, matches, and teams is made easy with the search filter tool.
Live Betting and Streaming
This is not the first time we’re checking out Pokerstars sportsbook, but this time we’ve seen an upgrade. Pokerstars didn’t use to have a live streaming option, but has recently been upgraded to offer a live streaming service for up to 10 sports, including football. We tested the live streaming across multiple sports and can confidently say that it’s of standard and high resolution. You’ll enjoy streaming your favourite football matches on the sportsbook. There’s also the live betting option, where you can bet on live matches. We also tested the live betting section of the sportsbook and found it to be filled with advanced in-play betting options. The combination of live streaming and betting on Pokerstars is a game-changer. More advanced bettors like us can not confidently place in-play bets while watching live matches. We recommend you try out the live betting and streaming on the mobile app.
Betting Odds and Margins
In our review, we checked the odds offered by PokerStars for both Premier League football and NBA basketball. Football matches had an average margin of 5.7%, which is good and lower than what you’ll find on many bookmakers' sites. while basketball matches showed a higher margin of up to 7%, meaning it’s slightly less favourable for bettors like yourself. Overall, football odds are good, but the basketball odds are not competitive.
PokerStars Payment Methods
We checked through the list of acceptable payment methods and found options like debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfer, and prepaid cards available. All of the deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawal time varies by method. The minimum amount you can deposit is €1,0 while withdrawals vary by method. You can withdraw up to €6,500 using the Visa payment method. Pokerstars usually processes withdrawals within 24 hours of submission, and you can expect to receive payment after processed. PokerStars does not support payment via cryptocurrency, and transactions in Ireland are made in euros (EUR).
| Method | Type | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mastercard | Debit Card | Free |
| Visa | Debit Card | Free |
| Neteller | E-wallet | Free |
| Skrill | E-wallet | Free |
| AstroPay | Prepaid Card | Free |
| WebMoney | E-wallet | Free |
| Opayz | E-wallet | Free |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid Card | Free |
| Direct Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | Free |
| PayPal | E-wallet | Free |
| Method | Type | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Debit Card | Free |
| Neteller | E-wallet | Free |
| Skrill | E-wallet | Free |
| AstroPay | Prepaid Card | Free |
| WebMoney | E-wallet | Free |
| Opayz | E-wallet | Free |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid Card | Free |
| Direct Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | Free |
| PayPal | E-wallet | Free |
| Wire Transfer | Bank Transfer | Free |
PokerStars Mobile App and Mobile Version
Pokerstars has a dedicated mobile app that is available for download on the Google Play Store and the App Store. The iOS app is rated 4.5 stars out of 5, while the Android version is rated 4.0. From our test, we had several issues with the mobile site's loading time, even with a stable network. The pages take time to load, and that can really be frustrating. It’s clear that the apps work better, load faster, and have more features than the website version. There’s really nothing you desire on the website that is not available on the mobile app. We recommend the app anytime.
Customer Support
If you have any enquiries or complaints, we recommend using the live chat customer support. We have tested the chat support and gotten positive feedback. You’ll get connected to a customer agent within 3 minutes, and they’ll be available to attend to you. We observed that, even with the customer agent attending to you, you still cannot get some information without logging in to your account. So sign in before contacting customer support. Pokerstars has social media accounts that attend to players online; if you prefer, that means it’s still fine. Customer service is available in English, French, German, and Russian.
Responsible Gaming
From what we’ve seen, PokerStars is genuinely committed to promoting safe and responsible play. The Responsible Gaming section is easily accessible through both the website and mobile app. Here are the tools we found on Pokerstars' responsible gambling page:
- Set Deposit Limits: This tool helps you take control of how much money you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly to stay within your budget.
- Set Wager & Loss Limits: Limits help you decide the maximum amount you want to stake or lose over a set period. This will help you avoid overspending.
- Set Game & Session Limits: This option allows you to manage the time and stakes you commit to sports betting.
- Self-Exclusion: If you need to take a break from gambling, the self exclusion tool allows you to shut down your account during the chosen timeframe.
- Withdrawal Cancellation Restriction: With this tool, you can lock your withdrawals so they can’t be reversed once requested.
- Self-Assessment Tools: There’s a self-assessment tool to help you evaluate your gambling behaviour. This tool simply takes you through simple questions to spot potential risks early.
There are times when gambling feels overwhelming, and you just know you’re not in control again. If you ever get to that point, then it’s time to take advantage of the organization's support available to deal with gambling issues. PokerStars has collaborated with support organisations like GamCare, Gambling Therapy, and Gamble Aware to help you get professional help if you ever need it. If you feel that gambling is starting to affect your daily life, visit the Responsible Gaming section for practical tools, guidance, and support.
PokerStars Betting Platform Online Reviews
In order to understand other users' experience with Pokerstars, we went through hundreds of reviews on Trustpilot and other reputable review sites, and the feedback shows a mix of some positives and large areas for improvement. While some players have commended the just-included live streaming and the focus on Irish-specific sports, on the downside, many have complained about their accounts being restricted and even closed down for reasons unknown. Pokerstars is very strict on security, and the smallest trace of insecurity will result in closing your account. A few users have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the customer support response. Users whose accounts have been restricted have complained about the time it takes to lift the ban on the accounts. Despite these drawbacks, the customer support has had testimonies of opening back accounts that were restricted, even if it takes a bit more than expected. A customer phone contact would have been great, because some of the players prefer to speak directly with a person over the phone.
PokerStars Casino Ireland Review
Casino Games
There are over 5000 casino games on Pokerstars' casino section, and they are mostly from top providers. The slot section has the highest number of games with popular titles like Legacy of Dead, Book of Dead, Megaways Buffalo, Big Bass Flash, and Age of Valhalla. There are also many table games available on the Pokerstars casino section, and they include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Some of the main software providers powering PokerStars Casino include:
- Pragmatic Play
- Play’n GO
- Blueprint Gaming
- Evolution Gaming
- Playtech
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Sky Wind
- Relax Gaming
Live Casino
If you enjoy playing live casino games, then this is for you. PokerStars’ live casino games are packed with live roulette, blackjack, poker, game shows, and baccarat & Sic Bo. The live casino games are provided by Pragmatic Play, On Air Entertainment, and Evolution. The quality of Pokerstars live casino games is very high and well optimized to work well. The table games work better on the mobile apps. The games and providers are some of the best you’ll find in the industry. Pokerstars' investment in the live casino section is really commendable. You can play any of the live games without any issue.
Casino Promotions
Pokerstars does not have a special welcome offer for casino players, but there’s a Spin n Go offer, and this is how it works. PokerStars has three Spin & Go games. Spin & Go Hold’em is the version where three players play for random prizes that can go up to $1 million, based on the buy-in. The second is the Spin & Go Omaha, and it is similar, but it uses the Omaha poker style. Spin & Go Max is a twist where 3–8 players join, and the number of players is chosen at random before the game starts. All of the Spin & Go games have their unique rules and can be found on the promotion page of the casino.
Extra Features
In addition to the Casino bonus, there are extra features to give you a better gaming experience. Many of the casino games, especially sports, have a demo mode to help you practice before placing real money bets. To access the demo mode, you need to have registered and verified your account, because without logging in, you cannot access this feature. There’s also the filter and search feature that helps you find your preferred games.
What BetBrothers.ie Thinks About PokerStars
Our professional opinion on PokerStars is that it is a very strict bookmaker that takes security and responsible gambling very seriously. Navigating through Pokerstars is not difficult because every game is arranged in a format that is easy to find. Some of the features we find particularly interesting are the search tool and the just-included live streaming, which is a game-changer for Pokerstars. The search tool makes finding sports and markets fast. PokerStars covers top sports from all over the world, and also Irish favourites like GAA events and hurling. One area where Pokerstars lacks is in the area of bonuses and promotions. They currently do not have a welcome offer for the sportsbook section; it’s one of the few bookmakers to not have any welcome bonus for sports. PokerStars is fair, they have some of the best football odds, and their mobile app covers up for the mobile site lapses.
Betting sites similar to PokerStars
| Bookmaker | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
 10Bet | 4.8/5 | Read review |
 BetVictor | 4.8/5 | Visit |
 Betway | 4.8/5 | Read review |
 Boylesports | 4.8/5 | Read review |
 LiveScoreBet | 4.8/5 | Read review |
 LVBet | 4.8/5 | Visit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to bet on PokerStars in Ireland?
Betting on PokerStars is completely legal. Pokerstars operates under a valid license.
Is PokerStars a safe and trustworthy betting platform?
PokerStars is safe. It uses encryption protocols to protect users’ data and transactions.
Does PokerStars hold a valid license for Irish users?
PokerStars holds a remote bookmaker licence from the Revenue Commissioners, which allows Irish players to access its website safely.
What is the minimum deposit and withdrawal amount on PokerStars?
The minimum amount you can deposit and withdraw are €10.
How do I claim a free bet on PokerStars?
You can claim free bets by registering an account and meeting the qualifying requirements.
Does PokerStars offer no-deposit bonuses?
PokerStars does not offer a no-deposit bonus.
Are there any exclusive promotions or bonus codes for new users?
Yes, the poker welcome bonus requires a code to be activated.
Does PokerStars offer a VIP or loyalty program?
Yes, they do. And it is accessible to all of their registered players.
Can I bet live using the PokerStars mobile app?
Yes, the PokerStars mobile app supports live betting.
Does PokerStars have a dedicated mobile app for Android or iOS?
Yes, PokerStars has apps for both Android and iOS devices.
Can I bet directly from my mobile browser on PokerStars?
Yes, you can bet on the mobile website, but for a better experience, we recommend betting on the app.
Is PokerStars recommended for beginners or experienced bettors?
We recommend it for beginners and more advanced players.
What payment methods are accepted on PokerStars?
They include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Paysafecard, and more.
Does PokerStars accept deposits and withdrawals in euros?
Yes, euros are fully supported.
Can I opt out of promotional emails or bonus notifications from PokerStars?
Yes, you can manage notifications in account settings.
How can I temporarily suspend or self-exclude my PokerStars account?
The responsible gambling tools allow you to do that. You can do so from the responsible gambling section.
How do I contact PokerStars customer support?
Support is only available via live chat.
Can I really win consistently on PokerStars?
Nothing is guaranteed in betting because it carries risk; we can’t guarantee consistent wins.
How do I place my first bet on PokerStars?
Register, be verified, select a sport, pick a market, enter your stake, and confirm the bet.
What betting markets and sports are available on PokerStars?
Football, basketball, golf, eSports, and many more niche and popular events.
