Poker Writer
PokerStars and FanDuel announced a partnership to launch PokerStars US exclusively on FanDuel. The Tuesday announcement provided the information in each of the three states in which PokerStars US currently operates.
New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania will merge their player pools into a single shared liquidity pool as part of the new setup. That merged player base will make for larger guarantees and better games for players, ending a long wait for PokerStars US customers.
A lack of shared liquidity had caused PokerStars US to fall behind its competitors. As the former market leader dragged its feet, competitors BetMGM and WSOP battled for the lead. PokerStars US has not ranked as a top-two operator since April 2025, according to PokerScout’s tracking data.
PokerStars enthusiastically pushed the promise of shared liquidity in the FAQs on the announcement page:
PokerStars is joining forces with FanDuel to bring together two of the biggest names in gaming under one powerful platform. This move merges player liquidity for bigger prize pools, larger guarantees, and more exciting competition in the United States.
On social media, PokerStars said that it can’t yet provide dates for the planned merging of the player pools and migration of the games over to FanDuel. The planned merger confirms rumors from last month that Flutter, the parent company of both FanDuel and PokerStars, would shift its U.S.-facing poker product toward the former’s branding.
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One-Wallet Feature for PokerStars, FanDuel Customers
Apart from shared liquidity, the player experience will also change by combining sports, casino, and poker into one e-wallet. A user can play PokerStars tournaments and make bets on FanDuel using the same bankroll.
As part of the migration, PokerStars Rewards will be discontinued. The operator’s FAQ cites a March 13 end date.
There is also a “Now and Later” welcome offer promotion. And a player who creates a FanDuel Casino account in the initial welcome phase is eligible for a welcome package of 500 bonus spins and as much as $1,000 back in casino bonuses.
The integration of multiple verticals under one wallet presents both positives and negatives for the player and operator. PokerScout examined the issue already this week in the wake of the announced DraftKings “super app.”
Positive Player Reaction to New PokerStars US Plan
Many players reacted positively to PokerStars’ announcement.
The shared player liquidity between the three states was the most well-received idea. Bigger prize pools are not a tough sell for tournament players. And in poker cash games, liquidity begets liquidity, as more games running will attract more players.
Unfortunately for some poker players, the migration of PokerStars US to FanDuel will kill their accounts, though. Responding to player questions on social media, PokerStars confirmed that individuals who have either self-banned from FanDuel or been kicked out of the sportsbook will not be able to play on PokerStars US.
