PokerStars Announces New Jersey Launch Date: March 21, 2016

The long awaited return of PokerStars to the U.S. is almost over.  The company announced today that it will launch in New Jersey on March 21, 2016.  A testing period will begin earlier in the month involving beta play by select participants.

The Full Tilt brand will join PokerStars in New Jersey.  Both will operate under the Resorts interactive gaming license.

PokerStars New Jersey grand opening promotions

PokerStars New Jersey will use the domain Pokerstarsnj.com.  There are two promotions mentioned on this page.  Players that had a PokerStars account before Black Friday may keep their username and have the same password.  Once reactivated, the account will be credited with a VIP status based on previous action.  StarsCoins, once referred to as Frequent Player Points, will also be credited based on play on the platform before Black Friday.

PokerStars New Jersey will hold a $25,000 freeroll on its first Sunday online; March 27.  First prize is $5,000.  Players must be in New Jersey to participate and the account must be created before the tournament starts.

Same software, different player pools

The software used by PokerStars in New Jersey will match the one offered by the company in other markets.  A desktop and mobile platform will be available.  New Jersey players will be a ring-fenced pool, much like ones in Spain, France and Italy.

A special Sunday tournament will be spread each week.  The popular Spin & Go lottery-style sit and gos will be included in the PokerStars New Jersey lobby.  In addition to poker, casino games will be available.  This includes baccarat, roulette, blackjack, video poker and slots.

PokerStars will enter the New Jersey market 28 months after its competitors.  The company missed the November 21, 2013 launch of the state’s regulated interactive gaming industry because its license application was suspended due to unresolved legal issues surrounding the company related to Black Friday.  Rational Group, former parent company of PokerStars, was acquired by Amaya Gaming in 2014.  The PokerStars brand was approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement in September 2015.

About the Author

John Mehaffey

A veteran writer covering the US online poker, online gambling, and land-based casino industries, John Mehaffey lives in Las Vegas, where he is a valued source on things happening around town. He is also the author of the popular Online Poker Payment Processing Report.