Initial Posting Date: March 3, 2026, 06:34h.

Updated On: March 3, 2026, 06:36h.

• Exclusive launch of PokerStars on the FanDuel app
• Improved tournament guarantees, enticing welcome bonuses, and integrated wallets coming soon
• Ontario awaits Supreme Court ruling on international liquidity concerns

PokerStars and FanDuel have revealed a collaboration to launch PokerStars exclusively on the FanDuel platform, indicating a significant shift in online poker within Ontario.

Expanding Player Engagement

North American players received notifications through X regarding this significant development. Furthermore, FanDuel will serve as the sole platform for PokerStars in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

PokerStars will be accessible through a specialized poker app and desktop, facilitating shared liquidity across these three U.S. states, resulting in larger games, greater prize pools, and an extensive array of tournaments and cash games in regulated markets.

Conversely, the situation in Ontario is distinct. Although PokerStars will be hosted on FanDuel for Ontario players, changes may be imminent.

Global Liquidity Implications

In 2024, an order-in-council from Premier Doug Ford’s administration directed the courts to address: “Would online gaming and sports betting, if users are allowed to engage with players outside Canada, continue to be legal under the Criminal Code?”

In a historic legal judgment last November, the Ontario Court of Appeal concluded (with a majority of four judges in favor and one dissenting) that Ontario players can partake in peer-to-peer games like online poker and daily fantasy sports against international competitors.

Significant Financial Stakes

The Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), which includes various provincial gaming entities (British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, Loto-Québec, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation), has challenged the concept of international liquidity.

The CLC plans to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, arguing that the Ontario court’s verdict could foster illegal gambling within their operational jurisdictions.

Industry advocates for international liquidity assert that allowing players to engage in online poker or DFS with international participants would not only be lawful but would also enhance the competitiveness of regulated igaming. The financial implications are substantial, especially if Ontario players gain access beyond provincial borders, as they seek higher stakes.

Registration Now Open for Players

Insights from iGaming Ontario market data indicate a lack of sufficient incentives for players to use provincially regulated platforms presently. With the introduction of a new system, Ontario players could engage abroad, while international players could enter Ontario’s regulated market.

In January, peer-to-peer poker attracted $156 million in cash wagers, reflecting an 11% increase month-over-month, capturing a 2% market share. Regarding product category on the NAGGR front, peer-to-peer poker generated $5.9 million in revenue (a 2% increase month-over-month) with a 1% market share.

Players must create a FanDuel account to secure their participation. When the poker tables go live, FanDuel promises an enticing increase in poker bankrolls with welcome bonuses, alongside enhanced tournament guarantees and a seamless wallet for access to poker, casino, and sports within a single account.

Until the FanDuel launch in 2026, PokerStars will maintain operations on its current platform and schedule. Additional updates will be shared soon.