FanDuel to integrate retired PokerStars offerings in near future

The convergence of legal online casino gaming and sports betting continues to unfold, with two giants of the sportsbook and gaming industries set to merge on a single platform. PokerStars, one of the world's most popular online poker sites, will merge with FanDuel, one of America's most popular sports betting apps and online casinos, under the banner "PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel" in the U.S. and Canada.

States that feature PokerStars – including New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania – will combine to build larger player pools and richer prize pools while increasing game availability and delivering more money to both real money online casino players and states. 

The competition across state lines also creates one place for users to experience poker, casino games online and sports betting. And it could grow even further in the future.

The shared-platform simplicity makes it easier for players to cross betting interests as well. Rather than needing separate accounts or wallets, users can simply sign up with the FanDuel Casino promo code or log into their accounts and make a deposit that will be available for sports betting, poker or casino gaming, whether through FanDuel or PokerStars. 

Users who already have a FanDuel account don't need to make any changes to play PokerStars games. However, previous PokerStars players will need to create a FanDuel account if they don't already have one. 

Once the transition is complete, which is expected to happen in a few weeks, PokerStars' platform and software will be gone. 

"PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel will create a best-in-class poker experience, launching via a dedicated poker app and desktop client, delivering shared player liquidity across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan," PokerStars said in a statement. "This means bigger games, larger prize pools and a broader selection of tournaments and cash games across those regulated markets."

Reports indicate that PokerStars, once the top online poker platform, has fallen from the top spot. BetMGM Poker, backed with the name appeal of a sports betting service as well, has risen in popularity. FanDuel and PokerStars hope the former's brand appeal as an industry giant will lead PokerStars back to top billing. 

Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of FanDuel, has been making an aggressive push to grow its online casino presence in North America. PokerStars should help that in the NJ online casino market as well as in Michigan and Pennsylvania, which are three of the five states where FanDuel Casino is live and legal. 

FanDuel Casino is also legal in West Virginia and Connecticut, although those smaller populations don't drive the same traffic as New Jersey, Michigan and the PA online casino industry.

Online casino gaming is legal in seven states, and according to the American Gaming Association, these online casinos combined for $8.41 billion in 2024. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Michigan online casino market accounted for nearly 90% of that number, totaling around $7.54 billion in 2024.

In October 2019, Flutter Entertainment acquired The Stars Group, PokerStars' parent company, in a $6 billion merger. PokerStars officially became a part of Flutter Entertainment in May 2020, laying the groundwork for this merger with FanDuel. 

The decision to pair PokerStars with FanDuel under one wallet seems consistent with Flutter's strategy of bringing various forms of wagering, such as casino and poker, under FanDuel's North American brand recognition. This could lead to a significant shift in both North American online sports betting and online poker.

Owen OBrien