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PokerStars has officially confirmed the closure of its standalone platform for U.S. players, which will take place on April 1, 2026. Starting today, the current PokerStars client and mobile app will no longer work in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan and players will be transferred to the new PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel platform.
The transition will mark the end of an era for the PokerStars brand as an independent operator in the American regulated online poker market. All active accounts will be frozen, and players will need to create a new account on the FanDuel platform to access the games. Funds in the accounts will remain safe. Players will have 30 days to withdraw after closing, after which the remaining balances will be sent by checks to registered addresses.
Three states join in a common liquidity pool under the FanDuel brand
The main change for the players is the consolidation of the liquidity pools between New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan into a single network. This will allow the launch of major tournaments, including the Sunday Million with a $1 million guarantee, and will ensure round-the-clock play at the cash tables thanks to an increased base of active users.
In preparation for the migration, PokerStars has already disabled the PokerStars Rewards loyalty program on March 13, paying players the cash equivalent of unopened chests. Progressive jackpots at PokerStars Casino will also cease to exist on April 1. All accumulated contributions will be distributed among the participants. In Ontario (Canada), the transition to FanDuel will take place later, while the market will remain isolated from the American one.
The technical infrastructure is completely changing for users
The new platform will run on its own software, rather than on the classic PokerStars client. Users will have to download the new PokerStars app Exclusively on FanDuel, while existing PokerStars accounts will not be transferred automatically a new registration is required. The only exceptions are those who already have a FanDuel account. They will be able to log in with their existing data.
The new client is expected to have a built-in HUD (poker tracker), previously unavailable on the old platform, and save all popular formats, including Spin. & Go and Zoom. Integration with the FanDuel ecosystem also involves a single wallet for poker, casinos, and sports betting, which should enhance cross-traffic between verticals.
Source: https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/223116-pokerstars-confirms-us-poker-shutdown-on-april-1
