PokerStars Sports Review

PokerStars Sports Review

Even the most novice sports bettors will likely recognize the name PokerStars from their online poker portal, but the gaming entity has now opened their very own sportsbook. 

PokerStars Sports Locations

PokerStars Sports joined the highly competitive Ontario sports betting market on June 28, 2022.

Sports Leagues to Bet On

PokerStars Sports allows bettors to explore markets for all kinds of sporting events. Of course it has all the major North American professional leagues, but it also offers niche sports and markets for those looking for different events to bet on.

NFL Betting

The top dog in the betting market for nearly every sportsbook is the NFL and it is front and center on PokerStars. With popular markets such Moneyline, spread, Over/Under, and “RequestABet” wagers available, users have many options to get in on their favorite Sunday action.

NBA Betting

Every NBA game has its major markets posted on PokerStars, and also boasts “RequestABet” wagers. With over 150 betting markets on each NBA game, there’s something for every basketball fan. 

College Football

With nearly every NCAA FBS game offered, college football fans can wager on their favorite teams with PokerStars. The platform offers ML, spread, and totals for major conference action in addition to mid-major tilts in the Sun Belt and MAC conferences.   

College Basketball

PokerStars offers college basketball fans all the major games to bet on. In addition to the standard ML, spread, and total wagers, bettors have the option to wager on alternate spread, game props, points bands, and even matchbet. There are tons of ways to make money on the madness, even if it’s not March. 

NHL Betting

With ML, puckline, and total markets on every NHL game every night, PokerStars is ‘all in’ on hockey. Unfortunately, they don’t have the same selection of player props as other popular sportsbooks such as bet365 but you’ll still be able to place period-specific bets as well as  RequestABet options.

MLB Betting

PokerStars offers ML, runline and total bets for full game and first-five innings on every MLB contest, providing users with as many baseball markets as they can handle. With a robust player prop market, fans can also bet on their favorite stars to shine.

Other Sports Leagues

PokerStars offers betting lines on nearly every sport imaginable, both domestically and internationally. From the top international soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, to golf, tennis, boxing, F1 racing, darts, Esports, and even alpine skiing the platform seemingly has it all. Users can even bet select player props in the RequestABet sections on niche markets like EuroLeague Basketball. 

Online Betting Experience

The PokerStars Sports website does its best to highlight its poker and table games first. However, it has done a nice job with its interface making navigating the complex sports betting market relatively easy even for the most novice bettor. 

PokerStars Sports also includes a RequestABet section with a combination of game props, and player props for easy navigation.

Website Experience

Though the website is a little bit busy and redundant, PokerStars Sports has given its users easy access to all its best features. However, the repetition of sport-specific links both in the top navigation bar and the “Popular Links” section seems like wasted space.

Mobile Betting and Betting App

PokerStars Sports has a sportsbook available in Ontario, and accurately reflects the desktop website in terms of its functionality, design, and betting options.

Live Betting

Live markets for nearly every event are available on the PokerStars Sports, from domestic and international hockey leagues to table tennis and handball. Most games will have at least 30+ live markets to choose from.

Casino, Poker, & Other Gaming Options

PokerStars made its name through its online poker and casino applications, so it’s no surprise the platform still promotes its alternative gaming options heavily within its sportsbook. 

PokerStars Casino has a diverse selection of 600+ games, including slots, table games, live dealers, and more. New users won't need a PokerStars Casino bonus code to access a pair of outstanding welcome offers.

PokerStars Sports History

Founded as an online poker site in 2001, PokerStars began its first real-money poker games in December of that year, operating out of Costa Rica. Nearly 18 years later, the online gaming company partnered with Paddy Power Betfair in 2019, posturing to enter the sports betting market as regulations in the United States and Canada began to loosen. 

In June of 2022, they secured an agreement with iGaming Ontario and began the operation of its sportsbook in the province shortly thereafter. 

Customer Ratings & Reputation

According to the Apple Store, nearly 75% of reviews have given PokerStars Sports five stars. Of the critical testimonials provided, none provided specific information regarding the app’s failures, though one did complain of security measures being “over the top,” with users needing to verify their login frequently.

Customer Service

Unfortunately, the “Help” section is focused heavily on the poker and casino applications as opposed to the sportsbook, particularly the virtual assistant that pops up when hitting the “Contact Us” button below the scroll line. 

Once you get there, however, PokerStars Sports’ support chat was responsive. At first, the chat assistant is clearly automated, but if the user can navigate to the correct section of support, a representative will jump into the chat eventually. Representatives are typically quick to connect (responding to my test inquiry within 10 minutes), but the chat is much simpler to navigate for users while logged in.

PokerStars Sports Contact

• Virtual assistant & live chat
• FAQ Section
• Twitter: @PSSports

PokerStars Sports Legal Betting

PokerStars Sports is registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to operate in the Ontario market. It’s regulated and holds an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario, ensuring bettors are treated fairly, feel secure, and disputes are handled promptly.

Responsible Gambling

The legal age for sports betting in Ontario is 19+, and PokerStars Sports is committed to ensuring potential players know the inherent risks of sports betting. Please play responsibly. 

Here are a few resources to help ensure you are gambling responsibly.

• ResponsibleGambling.org: The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a respected, independent non-profit organization. They have been a leader in preventing problem gambling in Canada and globally for more than 35 years. Operators in Ontario are required to register with RGC to operate in the province.
• ConnexOntario: ConnexOntario provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Helpful, supportive system navigation specialists answer all calls, emails, or web chat requests 24/7. Call 1-866-531-2600 for more info.
• BeGambleAware.org: offers free, confidential help and support to anyone worried about gambling for themselves or others.
• Gambling Therapy: a global service provided by Gordon Moody offering free emotional support and advice to anyone affected by gambling.

Why Choose PokerStars Sports?

For Ontario sports bettors who also play poker or casino games, PokerStars Sports is a one-stop shop for all things gambling. In addition to the traditional North American professional leagues, users can enjoy a large selection of international and niche sports markets, including live betting on a large percentage of events. 

Though the customer support for the sportsbook is slightly lacking, PokerStars is a reputable name in the online gaming industry and offers secure and trustworthy transactions. With a history of improvement within its poker and table games offerings, PokerStars Sports should continue to get better with time as well.