Review of the poker room PokerStars vs Pokerdom

The local version of PokerStars was launched in 2018 by the world’s largest poker room. It operates specifically for clients from Russia. Visitors to the site can play real money poker, participate in freerolls, satellite tournaments to Sochi Casino events, receive rakeback, bonuses, and many other privileges.

Overview of the Official PokerStars Website

With the launch of the local version, clients from Russia gained access to the PokerStars Sochi website. It supports only the Russian language, has a user-friendly interface, simple navigation, and is presented in classic tones. All information on the site is divided into categories. Visitors can learn about current promotions, tournaments, features of event qualifications, and other relevant information. There is also a “Download” button to download the mobile application. The official PokerStars Sochi website differs from the global version in the absence of a bookmaker and casino, which are unavailable to clients from Russia.

PokerStars Mirror for Unrestricted Site Access

The PokerStars site has often been blocked at the request of Roskomnadzor due to the ban on gambling. After the launch of the local site version, this issue was completely resolved. In 2022, most poker rooms left the Russian market, including PokerStars Sochi. As a result, many players encountered new site blocks.

To access the PokerStars site, you need to use a mirror. This is an identical site that fully replicates the main resource. It has the same design, security, informational content, and other characteristics. The only difference is the domain name.

The PokerStars mirror is created by the room’s administration. Access through the mirror is only available to the global version of the site. A mirror for the Sochi site is not provided, as the room has ceased to support this localization. Mirrors are considered the simplest and safest method of accessing the official site, but they can also be subject to blocking. For this reason, players have to look for current addresses or use alternative methods to access PokerStars. Another option is to play on the domestic Pokerdom platform. It still operates for players from Russia, and visitors can download the PC program or use the browser version. The site offers a large number of cash tables, tournaments, and users receive freerolls and other privileges.

Ways to Bypass PokerStars Blocks

Finding a working mirror of the official PokerStars site is not easy, as they quickly fall under blocking. For this reason, players use other methods to access the site:

• VPN – a service that automatically changes the client’s IP address and country of residence;
• Anonymizers – special web resources that allow access to blocked sites;
• TOR – an anonymous browser that allows access to sites by changing the client’s country of residence and IP.

Such methods are alternatives to the PokerStars mirror, but using them is prohibited by the room’s terms of agreement. PokerStars visitors are not allowed to change their IP or country of residence to play gambling games.

PokerStars Departure from Russia

In 2022, most brands imposed sanctions against Russia, leading to their withdrawal from the market. PokerStars was among such brands, so only residents of other countries are allowed to play here. PokerStars closed the accounts of clients from Russia, and registration is not possible. Due to the situation, most players began looking for alternative sites. The majority chose Pokerdom. This company has been operating since 2014 and offers gambling games to players from Russia. To play poker, the most comfortable conditions are provided:

• The site supports rubles, so playing poker is offered using the domestic currency;
• More than 1 million players have registered with Pokerdom, with about 5000 users online;
• Playing poker against real opponents for money is available around the clock;
• Games are available at any limits;
• Players are offered advanced client programs that support statistics for MAC and Windows. They can be downloaded from the official site;
• The official site offers Omaha, Badugi, Razz, and other types of poker;
• Each client can play for free with conditional chips to test the presented entertainment;
• Downloading the mobile application on Android or iPhone is easy and simple;
• Active players are offered a multi-level loyalty program and cashback is paid;
• Players receive deposit bonuses, profile creation bonuses, tickets to freerolls with jackpot prizes;
• Live series are held for poker, and satellites are regularly held;
• Every registered client has unrestricted access to sports betting and online casino!

How to Register and Log in to PokerStars

Creating a profile on PokerStars is only allowed for individuals over 18 years of age. This procedure requires filling out a form on the official room website or mirror site. During registration, you need to provide:

• Email address;
• Create a password;
• Enter the country of residence!

After filling out the form, automatic authorization is performed. To log in to your account, you need

to enter your password and email address. Each authorized PokerStars client has a personal account. Here you can make deposits, view tournament tickets, submit withdrawal requests, contact support, and perform other actions. After opening an account, verification is required. To do this, you need to submit a passport scan. Document verification takes no more than 3 days.

PokerStars App and Mobile Version

The official PokerStars Sochi website offers a mobile version. It only contains user information, while tournaments and cash tables are not supported. To access all games and tournaments, you need to download the app on IOS or Android. The program can be downloaded from the official PokerStars website. There is a special section called “App” where you can choose the Android or IOS version. Players will be automatically redirected to the online market where they can quickly download the app to play for real money. Installation begins after the completion of the apk/app download. The PokerStars mobile app has the same functionality as the desktop version. With the phone, players can perform any actions.

PokerStars Bonus Program and Loyalty System

PokerStars clients have access to 2 promo offers:

• Instant $30 bonus credited on a deposit of $20 or more. To get this bonus, you need to enter the special promo code THIRTY. $10 is given in cash, and the remaining $20 in poker tournament tickets;
• Delayed 100% bonus – this offer is applied to the first 3 deposits. The player needs to deposit $10. When depositing money, you need to enter the starcode STARS600. The bonus is credited as rake is generated!

PokerStars offers a multi-level loyalty program that awards 100 points for every $1. Thanks to the loyalty system, players can advance through levels, earn new status, and receive rakeback.

Freerolls are held daily in the PokerStars room, which are presented as tournaments with free participation. Most are available for free, but there are freerolls that require a specific loyalty program level for registration. Additionally, you can specify a password, which can be found on cardschat and other well-known poker forums. Active site visitors receive freeroll passwords to their email provided during registration.

Tournament Grid

The poker room offers a wide range of poker tournaments. Events start every 5-10 minutes. They have different buy-in levels: from 2 cents to $10,000. Events are held in various formats:

• Spin & Go—these are fast-paced Sit & Go tournaments for 3-4 players. The prize pool sizes are randomly determined;
• MTT—these are multi-table poker tournaments with fixed payouts, the sizes of which are known before the tournament starts;
• Progressive Knockout—these are well-known poker tournaments that guarantee prize pool distribution and reward for knocking out opponents;
• Sit & Go—these are single-table poker events designed for 6-9 people without being tied to a specific schedule. They start immediately after the required number of players has joined!

Tournaments are held in mixed or classic disciplines. These include Hold’em, Texas, Omaha, Draw, and Horse. The PokerStars room often hosts large-scale online series with multi-million prize pools. Satellites are launched for many tournaments. Tickets to such events are often given away for free in special freerolls.

How to Deposit and Withdraw Funds in PokerStars Room

You can deposit funds using bank cards, online services like WebMoney, Neteller, Skrill, and others. The minimum deposit amount is $5. Funds are credited to the bankroll within a few minutes.

Withdrawal of money is made using the same method that was used to deposit funds. The minimum withdrawal amount is $200. Money is withdrawn within 5 business days. If funds are withdrawn to Skrill, a commission of $1 may be charged.

Since 2020, players from Russia cannot deposit funds or withdraw money from the poker room. But some gaming clubs continue to work with Russian players. These include Pokerdom, which offers favorable conditions for players from Russia. The site offers all popular payment systems. The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is 400 rubles. The average withdrawal time is 24 hours.

Customer Support

PokerStars has customer support that answers customer questions via online chat or email. Support staff respond to questions within 1-2 days. Additionally, an online chat has been developed where a bot provides consultations.

PokerStars is a safe and well-known American poker room. It offered favorable conditions to players from Russia, but since March 2022, it has stopped working for the Russian-speaking segment, and today registration is unavailable. For this reason, all clients from Russia are moving to other sites, including PokerDom. Here you can find generous bonuses, convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, access to a casino and bookmaker, and a convenient application that can be downloaded to any modern device.

Updates and News about PokerStars for 2023

In 2023, PokerStars launched a new tournament series called “PokerStars Live”. This is a new tournament series that will take place in various countries around the world. The first tournament of the series took place in Barcelona, Spain.

PokerStars continues to work on improving the user experience and implementing new features into its platform. They have introduced new features that make the game more interesting and engaging for players.
PokerStars was awarded as the “Best Poker Room” at the EGR Operator Awards 2023.
PokerStars also held a series of major online tournaments in 2023, including the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) and the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP).
PokerStars Caribbean Adventure 2023: This was another major event that took place in 2023.

Latest News on PokerStars Players No-Limit Hold’em Championship 2023:

The championship concluded on February 3, 2023. The winner was Aliaksandr Shylko from Belarus, who won $3,121,838 after reaching an ICM deal with Max Menzel from Germany (2nd place – $2,859,990) and Philipe Pizzari from Brazil (3rd place – $2,524,871). It was one of the most memorable final tables in recent history.

All three players guaranteed their largest live scores. To claim their six-figure shares of the $24,843,000 prize pool, these six players had to navigate through a field of 1,014 entrants, which included a mix of the world’s best players and hopefuls who won a Platinum Pass to the $25,000 buy-in event.

PokerStars Bonuses in 2023

PokerStars introduced a new bonus system for players. This system offers players more rewards and bonuses for their participation in games and tournaments.

Comparison of the New and Old PokerStars Bonus Systems:

New PokerStars Bonus System (2023):

• The new bonus system was introduced in July 2023.
• The system offers players the opportunity to earn bonus points for every dollar spent on rake or tournament fees.
• Players can exchange their bonus points for various rewards, including cash, tournament tickets, and more.
• The new system also includes monthly missions that offer additional rewards for achieving specific goals.
• Under the new bonus system, players can receive between 15% and 65% rakeback.

Old PokerStars Bonus System:

• Prior to 2017, PokerStars used a classic rakeback system, which was replaced by a chest system.
• Players could receive up to 25% in rewards and earn 100 bonus points for every dollar paid in rake or tournament fees across all tournaments and cash games.
• Every time players accumulated 75 points, $5 was credited to their account.
• Players making their first deposit on PokerStars received a 100% bonus up to $600.

Overall, the new PokerStars bonus system offers more opportunities for players to earn bonus points and receive rewards. However, the old system also offered significant rewards, especially for new players.

PokerStars Tournaments 2023

In 2023, PokerStars introduced a new tournament system called Power Path. This is a new way to qualify for major live and online events. Players can participate for free every day by simply logging in and playing their regular games – this is an added value of $15 per month.

Power Path is a four-tiered system that gives players a chance to qualify for PokerStars live and online events – and you can start your journey for free every day. The first step is a $0.50 Spin & Go, which you can buy into directly. But you also get one ticket every day when you log in and play for real money.

Your ticket to the second step will give you access to a $1 Sit and Go or a $1.50 MTT, depending on which ticket you win at the first step. Either way, winners will receive $11 tickets for the third step MTT. This entitles you to participate in the fourth and final step of the Power Path.

The fourth step MTT is essentially a $109 tournament, but there’s a catch – you can’t buy a ticket to this step directly. PokerStars did this to prevent pros from filling up the games. You can enter all other steps directly by paying the entry fee, but you still have to go through the third step MTT to get to the final event.

Depending on the number of participants, each final step of the Power Path will award a certain number of tickets, called Power Passes. There are three different levels of these tickets – Gold, Silver, and Bronze. You can also win them as top prizes in the first step Spin and Go.

• PokerStars Power Path Gold Pass – Cost $10,300
• PokerStars Power Path Silver Pass – Cost $2500
• PokerStars Power Path Bronze Pass – Cost $109

Comparison of PokerDom and PokerStars

PokerDom:

Advantages:

1. The website is user-friendly with easy navigation.
2. Offers a wide range of games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and Chinese Poker.
3. Provides a good selection of tournaments with various buy-in levels.
4. The platform offers a good welcome bonus for new players.
5. Provides a mobile app for iOS and Android users.
6. Supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Disadvantages:

1. The website is primarily oriented towards Russian players.
2. Customer support is not available 24/7.
3. Player traffic is relatively low compared to other major poker sites.
4. The platform lacks a VIP program for loyal players.

PokerStars:

Advantages:

1. PokerStars is the largest poker network in the world, offering a complete online poker experience including tournaments, cash games, and live events.
2. Offers excellent welcome bonuses and regular promotions.
3. Fosters a sense of community among its players.
4. Offers a wide variety of poker games, and it’s the only site capable of providing a consistent high-traffic experience for people not solely focused on Texas Hold’em.
5. Has a massive player pool and offers a wide range of Sit & Go options.
6. Supports a wide range of banking methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Disadvantages:

1. Customer support does not meet the standards of other major poker sites.
2. Players from certain countries, including the US, Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal, are required to play in PokerStars’ local networks, which differ from the global version of the site.
3. The Stars Rewards program is quite unique and may confuse some players, as it resembles more of an MMO video game progression system than a standard online poker loyalty program.
4. Live support is only available via email, and there’s no phone support.