Background
PokerStars and FanDuel have long been owned by Flutter Entertainment, but for a long time operated independently of one another. In August 2023, FanDuel shut down the FOX Bet sports betting platform, leaving PokerStars without an integrated bookmaker. This weakened its position relative to its competitors.
In April 2025, Pennsylvania joined the multi-state online poker agreement, but PokerStars did not connect the state to its network in Michigan and New Jersey. The company was already preparing for a full merger with FanDuel and did not want to rebuild the network twice.
Three states at one table
The main change is that players from Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey now play on a single network. Previously, each state operated separately. A shared player pool means more players at the tables, larger prize pools in tournaments, and games available at any time of day.
The new network is among the largest regulated poker platforms in North America. Its closest competitors are BetRivers (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan and West Virginia), WSOP Online (Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) and BetMGM (Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). Ontario will be added to the platform by the end of the year.
The Michigan regulator has approved a launch date of 1 April 2026. MotorCity Casino has become FanDuel’s partner in the state. Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, stated that FanDuel is a proven operator in the Michigan market and players can be confident in the fairness of the games.
New version, new accounts
On 1 April, the previous version of PokerStars USA closed down. All players, without exception, must create a new account. It doesn’t matter whether they previously played on PokerStars or FanDuel, it isn’t possible to transfer an old account or balance. Withdrawals from the old account can be made until the end of April.
Visually, the new version remains recognisable. One notable change is the built-in HUD directly within the game. Until now, BetRivers was the only regulated USA operator to offer such a feature.
Launch promotions
All new users are eligible for a 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000, as well as $30 in tournament tickets ($20 for a Sunday Million satellite and $10 for Spin & Go). The bonus also applies to those who have previously played on PokerStars or FanDuel, the platform treats everyone as a new player.
The first Sunday Million will take place on 12 April. On this day, two tournaments will be held with a total prize pool of $1 million. One tournament has a buy-in of $100, the other $1,000, each with a $500,000 guarantee. From 6 to 12 April, the No Sweat series will also take place, with a guaranteed prize pool of $150,000.
“The launch of PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel brings together two of the most iconic names in gaming and represents a significant step forward for online poker in North America. By combining the expertise of PokerStars with the scale of FanDuel, we can offer players bigger games and larger prize pools”, said Aaron Dugan, General Manager of PokerStars at FanDuel.
American online poker has long remained fragmented. Each state operated under its own rules, and players were unable to sit at the same tables. The merger of FanDuel and PokerStars has been the most significant development in this market in recent years. If the platform secures licences in Nevada or enters Connecticut, its audience will grow even further.
