Thursday, 28th March 2024 18:39
Home / PokerStars Ontario: All you need to know

Among the many benefits of playing on the new Ontario client are access to access to all the same account functions you had before, the same games and features, and no need to change anything related new your account or balance.

But first you need to migrate your existing account to the new Ontario license. It’s easy, and this article explains how…


  • Can you still play on PokerStars in Ontario?
  • What happens to my balance?
  • Will I still have access to PokerStars Rewards after I migrate?
  • Does Ontario offer the same games and features?
  • Is there anything that could prevent me from completing the migration?

Can you still play on PokerStars in Ontario?

Absolutely! If you’re an Ontario resident, you simply have to migrate your account over to the new PokerStars Ontario client.

Follow these five steps to migrate your account and get started on PokerStars Ontario.

Step 1 – Open up your usual PokerStars account. A message will pop up stating that Ontario residents will now play at on.pokerstars.ca. Have a read of the pop-up and click the “Okay, move to on.pokerstars.ca” button.

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Step 2 – Once you have clicked the button to move over to on.pokerstars.ca, you’ll see a confirmation appear. This explains that you’ll use the same username and password to continue using your account (see the below image).

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Step 3 – Log out of PokerStars, or continue on to on.pokerstars.ca to confirm the migration. When you log back in, the software will update and be ready to use. If you’re playing poker on mobile, you’ll need to download the PokerStars Ontario platform. Next, log on to the new Ontario site.

Step 4 – Finally, read and confirm that you accept the new End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy. You can check the boxes individually or select them all using the slider, as shown below.

This is the final step to opening your account.

Step 5 – Once opened, you’ll be asked to verify your Ontario account. You can do this using a variety of documents, including utility bills, bank statements, insurance documents, correspondences from local authorities or letters from financial institutions. A full list of accepted documents is available in the Ontario migration FAQ, linked below.

What happens to my balance? Do I need to withdraw the funds, or will you move them to my new account?

One of the main concerns for account holders is their PokerStars balance, whether it be the real money within their account, their play money chips, tournament dollars (T$), or their PokerStars rewards (Star Coins).

Let’s make it clear – you won’t lose any of your balance or the value of your rewards. All funds, T$, tournament tickets, and Star Coins will be converted to Canadian dollars and automatically transferred when you log in to your PokerStars Ontario account.

  • The balance will be converted to CAD and transferred to the new account.
  • We’ll consolidate and convert to cash any T-Money and T-Tickets you may have.
  • StarsCoin will be converted to cash pre-migration with separate automation.
  • Rewards chests will be force-opened pre-migration with separate automation.
  • Open bets will be voided pre-migration with separate automation.

Will I still have access to PokerStars Rewards after I migrate?

Yes, you will still have access to PokerStars Rewards on PokerStars Ontario.

When you initially migrate, your existing Stars Coins will be converted into cash and added to your PokerStars balance.

But from then on, you can continue to collect Stars Coins and use them in the Rewards Store the same way you did previously. Stars Coins can be spent in the Rewards Store to purchase everything from tournament tickets to PokerStars merchandise.

Remember, migration is mandatory for all account holders living in Ontario. If you have any further questions, check out the full FAQ about the Ontario migration.

Does Ontario offer the same games and features?

You’ll still have access to the same great games and features you currently enjoy across all our products. However, you can only play against other players on the Ontario license.

But if you’re worried about missing out, fear not.

PokerStars will be running many big promotions and online tournament series throughout the year.

Is there anything that could prevent me from completing the migration?

Yes, there are some scenarios where you would need to take action to complete the move (which is required to keep playing). These are:

Scenario
Solution
You have a pending withdrawal. Wait until processed (up to 48 hours), or cancel it through the ‘Cashier’, via ‘Pending Withdrawals’, then complete the steps under ‘How can I migrate my account?’)
You have excluded yourself from play. Wait until the self-exclusion has expired, then complete the steps under ‘How can I migrate my account?’
You have a negative balance. Contact Support for help.
You are registered in an existing poker tournament. Finish playing in any ongoing tournaments, and unregister from any upcoming tournaments
You are in an existing poker cash game or have an active Casino session. Finish the game you are playing before completing the process
You are under 19. You must be at least 19 years old to play on PokerStars in Ontario.
You can’t legally gamble if you’re under this age and will need to withdraw your funds from your account balance.

Head here for more information.

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