PokerStars will suspend its online poker and casino operations in the United States on April 1, marking a significant step in its planned transition to the FanDuel platform. While the move itself is confirmed, the exact timing of the relaunch under FanDuel remains unclear.
Transition confirmed, but no relaunch date yet
Players were recently notified via email that PokerStars will cease offering both poker and casino services on its current US platform from April 1. The company clarified that it is shifting operations to FanDuel, where it intends to relaunch online poker under new licenses and infrastructure.
However, despite speculation, PokerStars has not confirmed that the new platform will go live immediately. The operator indicated that a launch date will be announced once final preparations are complete, leaving open the possibility of a temporary gap in service.
Withdrawal window and account access
Although real-money games will stop on April 1, players will still be able to access their accounts for a limited time. The platform will remain available through April 30 to allow withdrawals.
After that deadline, any remaining balances will be returned to players via mailed checks sent to their registered addresses, effectively closing the current PokerStars US operation entirely.
A new ecosystem under FanDuel
The relaunch is expected to introduce a significantly different setup. Online poker will operate within the FanDuel ecosystem, featuring a shared wallet that allows users to move funds between poker, casino, and sports betting products.
This approach brings PokerStars in line with competitors such as BetMGM and BetRivers, which already offer integrated multi-vertical platforms in regulated US markets.
Shared liquidity across three states
One of the most important developments will be the creation of a unified player pool across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Until now, PokerStars has kept Pennsylvania segregated from its Michigan–New Jersey network, limiting liquidity and player traffic.
The new structure is expected to connect all three states for the first time, a move that could improve game availability and tournament guarantees while helping PokerStars regain competitiveness.
Market position under pressure
PokerStars has seen its US market share decline in recent years. While it remains a leading operator in Pennsylvania in terms of revenue, its dominance has weakened significantly, with competitors capitalizing on shared liquidity agreements.
In New Jersey, PokerStars trails behind the WSOP platform and remains considerably smaller than the combined BetMGM network.
Software overhaul and feature upgrades
The transition will also bring major changes to the software. Early reports suggest that the new platform will include a built-in HUD, broader support for mixed games, and the return of popular formats such as Zoom Poker and Spin & Go tournaments.
Cash game limits are also expected to expand, indicating a broader offering aimed at both recreational and high-volume players.
What happens next?
The April 1 shutdown creates uncertainty around how long PokerStars will be absent from the US online poker market. While a same-day relaunch is still possible, the company appears to be allowing flexibility in case additional testing or a phased rollout is required.
When the new platform launches, it will represent a major shift—not only for PokerStars, but for the broader US online poker landscape, as poker becomes fully integrated into one of the country’s largest sportsbook ecosystems.
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