Share 
PokerStars is looking to stop its standalone operations in Ontario and will partner with FanDuel Casino soon. Eventually, you’ll need to log in to FanDuel to use PokerStars‘ services in Ontario.
Here is what the merger means for your account, rewards, and future poker sessions.
Partnership between sister brands
PokerStars Ontario’s partnership with FanDuel Casino isn’t a one-off event. Similar moves have been made in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the US.
This series of partnerships on different fronts has happened quickly. It has happened largely because PokerStars and FanDuel share the same parent company, Flutter Entertainment.
Everything but the login stays the same
As per the Grapevines news, PokerStars Ontario’s player pool and software are expected to remain unchanged after the merger. Players with current rewards also don’t need to worry about claiming them per this tweet by PokerStars Ontario:
“We’ll be taking down PokerStars Rewards on Weds April 15, which is your last day to earn rewards, and all Chests will be paid out by April 22. All incomplete chests will be paid out on a prorated basis.
Look out for more information for PokerStars exclusively on @FanDuel soon”.
Based on the information available, the login system is the only expected change. Once the merger goes live, you’ll only play online poker in Ontario if you have a FanDuel Casino account. New FanDuel sign-ups will receive a welcome bonus upon creating their accounts.
The Ontario poker space could get even bigger
Ontario launched as a regulated market in 2022. It has since grown into one of Canada’s largest poker markets. The province is currently working on cross-border player pooling with participants from the US and Europe.
Ontario’s plans are currently being contested by the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC). Its current services will only change if CLC’s appeal succeeds.
In the meantime, PokerStars Ontario’s integration into FanDuel’s thriving environment signals a potential expansion of the poker market in Ontario. A successful integration of both Flutter Entertainment brands in the province will offer a top-tier poker experience. Players can expect a dedicated app, a desktop component, larger prize pools, and more poker tournaments to participate in.
What Ontario players could do now
Currently, there is no fixed date for PokerStars Ontario’s launch into the FanDuel framework. However, all Chests on PokersStars Ontario will be paid out by April 22, and incomplete Chests will be paid out on a prorated basis.
So players with current rewards should review their account balances to track their incoming payouts. Updated accounts will also ease the migration into FanDuel’s ecosystem.
It’s also important to keep an eye on email notifications. They will confirm the launch date and any offers available at that time.
