PokerStars Tightens Access to Tables and Hand Histories — Here’s What It Means

PokerStars has rolled out new restrictions affecting how users can observe tables and view hand histories. These updates aim to improve player protection and limit data collection on the platform.

In a major shift, players must now log in to their account to view any poker table — including cash games, tournaments, and sit & gos. While screen names remain visible in the lobby, the tables themselves are only accessible after login.

This policy applies across all PokerStars markets, such as the .com site, Ontario, and European networks. Only the U.S. market (New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania) remains unaffected for now.

Another change affects the hand history feature. Players will now see only those hands where they were dealt cards — even a preflop fold counts. Hands played at the table without player involvement are no longer included.

This move aims to stop third-party tools from collecting large amounts of hand data, which has raised fairness concerns in the past.

"Enhancing poker game security while keeping the player experience enjoyable is always a challenge. We believe this update strikes the right balance," said Francis Lincoln, Associate Director of Game Integrity at PokerStars.

PokerStars was one of the last major poker sites allowing table observation without login. With this update, the site aligns with the industry standard — nearly all other major poker platforms already restrict table viewing or anonymize players.

Sites like GGPoker, PartyPoker, Unibet, and Winamax have long required login to access tables, with some going further by hiding or anonymizing screen names at observed tables.

The software update also includes new product rollouts. Mystery Bounty tournaments, already live on other markets, are now available in Bulgaria after receiving local regulatory approval.

In addition, PokerStars is expanding the reach of All-In Poker, a fast-paced variant where players can only fold or go all-in preflop — offering a simplified, action-packed format.

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