PokerStars and the Addition of an Integrated Casino

PokerStars took the bold decision to add an integrated online casino to their books, all available within the main poker client. The PokerStars brand has become a force to be reckoned with and now has the largest poker site in the world, an online casino and even a sports book. Powerhouse, is probably a sizeable understatement in describing the brand. The move into the casino and sports betting market wasn't all met with praise.

So how does the casino compare in terms of offerings?

Their casino is powered by Amaya Software, Net Entertainment, NextGen, IGT, iSoftBet, Evolution Gaming, Leander Games, Microgaming, Odobo, Red Tiger Gaming and Quickspin. The casino hosts some 67 casino games, which is pretty descent amount, but not great.

PokerStars has instructions for every game it offers and also offers a live casino. There is an app to get into the action on the go, which offers roulette, blackjack and live casino games - the app is compatible with Android and IOS.

All in all for a new online casino, it's made a solid start however there could certainly be more games added for such a massive brand. Perhaps this is something we will see more of in the near future.

Reaction to PokerStars Casino Launch

A number of high profile players have spoken out on the move. Vicky Coren, the first lady to take down a European Poker Tour title (2006) cut ties with PokerStars just a few hours after they announced the plans. She said she was worried about the "potential addiction by vulnerable people to a site where the odds are in favour of the operator".

Daniel Negreanu on the other hand staked his reputation to back PokerStars. Not known for shying away from controversy, Negreanu published a list of questions he had been pondering over in his mind before making the decision to stay put.

"Am I OK with making a living that requires me to take money from people who are less skilled?

"Am I OK with the fact that some of those people are making very bad decisions for themselves and possibly their family?

"Am I OK with playing poker in a casino that offers games of chance to people where the house holds an edge?

"Am I OK with eating dinner or seeing a show in a casino where some problem gamblers are ruining their lives?"

Daniel went on to say - “I would personally feel like a hypocrite if I justified that it’s OK for me to take money from gamblers, but it’s not OK for casinos to do the same. If it’s wrong it’s wrong, no matter who profits”, said the Canadian. He also went on to say "a recreational player who puts down $100 at a blackjack table is going to win more often than he would at a poker table. His ROI is going to be better at a craps table then it would be sitting down at a poker table full of sharks.”

Love it or hate it, there has been a lot of debate on how this launch compares with other new additions to the market - reaction split as to whether this is a good move. Time will tell.