Poker Rooms

Has PokerStars Lost Its Shine? The Best Alternatives in 2025

While PokerStars remains a major platform, more players feel that its rewards system, software, and overall focus have shifted. Discover the best alternatives in 2025 with exclusive deals at RakeRace.com.
author-picture banoster - 2025. February 19.

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PokerStars has long been the dominant force in online poker. However, over time, many players feel it has lost some of its former appeal. While it remains a popular choice, 2025 brings a range of strong alternatives that offer competitive—or even superior—experiences.

Why Look for a PokerStars Alternative?

While PokerStars continues to provide a solid platform, players have increasingly raised concerns about tougher competition, an unpopular rewards system, and slower software development compared to its competitors. Many also believe that the Stars Group no longer prioritizes its poker product as it once did, shifting focus to other areas instead.

The Best PokerStars Alternatives in 2025

At RakeRace.com, we partner with top-tier poker sites to secure exclusive deals for our players. Whether you're looking for higher rakeback, private offers, welcome bonuses, or freeroll tournaments, these poker rooms provide great opportunities to maximize your profits and improve your overall experience.

GGPoker – The Market Leader with Massive Traffic

GGPoker is the world's largest online poker network, offering an unmatched player pool across all stakes and game types. While PokerStars dominated the industry for years, GGPoker has now surpassed it and firmly established itself as the number one poker site.

GGPoker features top-tier software with a built-in Smart HUD, allowing players to track key statistics in real-time without the need for third-party tools. Traditional HUDs are not permitted, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.

The site runs huge promotions, distributing millions of dollars in bonuses and rewards every month. Players are automatically enrolled in the Fish Buffet Rewards Program, which allows them to earn points and redeem them for up to 60% rakeback based on their level.

At RakeRace.com, players can access exclusive deals: high-volume grinders can receive private rakeback offers, while low-stakes players can take advantage of special freeroll tournaments for extra value.

Key Advantages:

Massive player pool – Active tables at all stakes and game types
Huge guaranteed tournaments – Multi-million dollar prize pools
Continuous promotions – Millions in monthly rewards
Fish Buffet Rewards Program – Up to 60% rakeback
Built-in Smart HUD – Strategic advantage without external software
Exclusive private deals & freerolls – Available via RakeRace.com

👉 GGPoker Review & Registration

RedStar Poker – PokerStars-Like Experience with High Rakeback

RedStar Poker is one of the best alternatives for PokerStars players, offering a similar table design, customizable settings, and full HUD support. Additionally, the site features an excellent rakeback program, making it a great choice for regulars looking for high returns.

The site operates on the iPoker network, one of the largest and most reliable international poker networks. It boasts strong cash game traffic, large guaranteed MTTs, and exciting Twister jackpot games.

All players receive an automatic 20% rakeback, which increases to 35% for those generating over €500 in rake per month. Additionally, special promotions run regularly, further boosting rewards.

At RakeRace.com, players can join an exclusive rake chase, earning up to 15% extra rakeback. High-volume players may also qualify for private deals—contact us for details. Additionally, players get access to exclusive freeroll tournaments for even more value.

Key Advantages:

iPoker network – Stable and reliable platform
Strong player traffic
HUD support
Up to 35% central rakeback
Up to 15% extra rakeback via RakeRace.com’s chase promotion
Private deals for high-volume players
Exclusive freeroll tournaments

👉 RedStar Poker Review & Registration

888poker – Excellent Software and a Free Starting Bankroll

888poker may have a smaller player pool compared to the biggest sites, but it offers modern software, HUD support, and a softer player base, making it an attractive option for many players.

The Club Rewards loyalty program rewards players for completing various missions, earning Gold Tokens that can be exchanged for cash or tournament tickets. Cash game players can receive up to 50% rakeback, structured as follows:

  • 20% rakeback for players generating over $200 in rake per week
  • 35% rakeback for over $1,000 in weekly rake
  • 50% rakeback for players exceeding $2,000 in weekly rake

Tournament players can also benefit from the Early Bird bonus, which grants 50% rakeback on tournament fees for registering early in selected tournaments.

At RakeRace.com, players can claim an exclusive $25 free bankroll to start playing, available through our customer support.

Key Advantages:

Modern and user-friendly software
Softer player pool
HUD support
Up to 50% rakeback
$25 free bankroll via RakeRace.com offer

👉 888poker Review & Registration

PokerKing – The Best Choice for Tournament Players

PokerKing is one of the leading rooms on the Winning Poker Network (WPN), offering medium-sized traffic and a strong cash game presence, particularly in the evening and nighttime hours—ideal for players who prefer to grind during these times.

While it has a smaller player base compared to PokerStars or GGPoker, PokerKing is known for its exceptional MTT schedule. The site’s flagship event, The Venom, is one of the largest guaranteed online poker tournaments in the world, featuring multi-million dollar prize pools. Players can qualify for The Venom through Venom Fever satellites, starting from just a few cents or via freeroll tournaments.

The Royal Club VIP program offers players up to 65% rakeback, depending on their loyalty level and rake contribution. In addition, frequent promotions provide even more value.

At RakeRace.com, players can benefit from an exclusive rake chase promotion, earning up to 13% extra rakeback. High-volume players can also receive private deals—contact us for details.

Key Advantages:

Tournament-focused room – Large guaranteed prize pools and exclusive events
Royal Club VIP program – Up to 65% rakeback
Up to 13% extra rakeback – Through RakeRace.com’s chase promotion
The Venom tournament – Multi-million dollar prize pool, qualifiers starting from freerolls
Private deals – Available for high-volume players via RakeRace.com

👉 PokerKing Review & Registration

KKPoker – Mobile Poker with Huge Bonuses

KKPoker is one of the most well-known mobile poker apps, now also featuring a fully functional desktop client, allowing players to seamlessly switch between devices. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a modern, mobile-friendly interface with a fast and dynamic poker experience.

KKPoker offers exceptional bonuses and rakeback rewards, with up to 50% VIP rakeback available for regular players. At RakeRace.com, players can access exclusive perks, including freeroll tournaments and private deals for added value.

Key Advantages:

Mobile-first poker platform – With a full desktop version available
Up to $1,000 welcome bonus for new players
Up to 50% VIP rakeback program
Exclusive freerolls for RakeRace.com players
Private deals and special promotions

👉 KKPoker Review & Registration

CoinPoker – Crypto-Based Poker

CoinPoker is a next-generation crypto-based poker platform that utilizes blockchain technology to enhance security and transparency for players. While originally focused on cryptocurrency transactions, CoinPoker now also supports credit card deposits, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Players receive 33% rakeback through the Community Contributions program. Weekly rake contributions are credited the following Monday in CHP tokens, CoinPoker’s native cryptocurrency.

At RakeRace.com, high-volume players generating at least $500 in monthly rake can access exclusive private deals through a custom agreement. Additionally, we plan to introduce a rake chase promotion and freeroll tournaments in the near future.

Key Advantages:

Credit card deposits available
33% central rakeback
CHP token – CoinPoker’s native cryptocurrency
Private deals for players generating $500+ in monthly rake

👉 CoinPoker Review & Registration

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing issues with PokerStars or simply looking for a better alternative, the poker rooms listed above are excellent options. Each of them offers a stable platform, is accessible to international players, and provides exceptional promotions.

By signing up through RakeRace.com, you gain access to exclusive benefits, including extra rakeback and freeroll tournaments. Additionally, our support team assists players with any issues efficiently, as we maintain direct communication with poker room managers.

If you want to take advantage of these benefits, register through our site, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

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