Where you play online poker shapes everything, from the games available to the value you get back on every pot.
PokerStars vs PartyPoker is one of the longest-running rivalries in the industry, and both brands celebrate 25 years in 2026.
One built the biggest player pool in online poker. The other rebuilt itself around recreational-friendly policies and simple rewards.
This comparison covers traffic, software, tournaments, rewards, and live events so you can pick the room that suits your game and bankroll.
What is the Main Difference Between PokerStars and PartyPoker?
The main difference between PokerStars and PartyPoker is that PokerStars offers the largest player pool, the deepest tournament schedule, and the widest game variety in online poker, while PartyPoker runs a smaller, recreational-focused network that restricts third-party tracking tools, favours straightforward cash-based rewards, and works to keep games softer. PokerStars wins on volume and choice, while PartyPoker competes on player protection and a friendlier environment for casual players.
What is PokerStars and What is PartyPoker?
PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker room. It launched in 2001 and is now owned by Flutter Entertainment, the group behind FanDuel and Paddy Power.
The site is famous for the Sunday Million, the WCOOP and SCOOP series, Spin & Go jackpot tournaments, and Zoom fast-fold cash games. It also runs the European Poker Tour (EPT), one of the most prestigious live circuits in the game.
To mark its 25th birthday, PokerStars ran an Anniversary Series in May and June 2026 with $50 million guaranteed across 461 tournaments. In the US, it operates in regulated states and now runs inside the FanDuel platform.
PartyPoker also opened in 2001 and was the market leader during the mid-2000s poker boom. It is owned by Entain, the company behind bwin, Ladbrokes, and Coral.
After years of declining traffic, PartyPoker repositioned itself as a recreational-first site. It removed downloadable hand histories, cracked down on bots and tracking software, and simplified its rewards.
Its software also powers BetMGM Poker in the US. In 2025 it launched the PartyPoker Tour, a lower-stakes live series that expanded into Spain and Ireland in 2026.
Key Differences Between PokerStars and PartyPoker
- Player Traffic: PokerStars has by far the larger global player pool, so tables fill faster at every stake. PartyPoker is smaller, which means fewer games during off-peak hours.
- Tracking Tool Policy: PartyPoker blocks downloadable hand histories, making HUDs unusable. PokerStars still permits approved tracking software, which favours data-driven regulars.
- Rewards Structure: PokerStars uses a points-based loyalty scheme with prizes and bonuses. PartyPoker leans towards simpler cash-back style rewards that are easier to value.
- Fast-Fold Format: PokerStars calls its fast-fold game Zoom, while PartyPoker calls it FastForward. Both work the same way, but Zoom pools are larger.
- Tournament Schedule: PokerStars runs more daily events and bigger flagship series such as WCOOP. PartyPoker’s online guarantees are smaller and its schedule is thinner.
- Live Tours: PokerStars runs the high-stakes EPT across major European cities. PartyPoker’s live tour focuses on affordable €500 and £500 Main Events in the UK, Ireland, and Spain.
- US Presence: PokerStars operates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, now via FanDuel. PartyPoker reaches US players mainly through the BetMGM Poker network it powers.
Key Similarities Between PokerStars and PartyPoker
- Shared Heritage: Both rooms launched in 2001 and helped create the online poker boom. Each is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026 with special promotions.
- Major Corporate Owners: Flutter owns PokerStars and Entain owns PartyPoker. Both parents are large, listed gambling groups with strong compliance teams.
- Regulated Licensing: Each site holds licences from respected regulators, including the UK Gambling Commission and US state authorities, keeping player funds segregated.
- Core Game Selection: Both offer No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, sit-and-gos, multi-table tournaments, and jackpot-style games for every bankroll.
- Mobile Apps: Each provides full-featured apps for iOS and Android, letting players grind cash games or tournaments on the go.
- Online Satellites to Live Events: Both sell low-cost online qualifiers that turn small buy-ins into full live tournament packages.
Features of PokerStars vs Features of PartyPoker
- Fast-Fold Cash Games: PokerStars offers Zoom with large pools. PartyPoker offers FastForward with smaller pools but softer fields.
- Jackpot Sit-and-Gos: PokerStars runs Spin & Go with multipliers. PartyPoker runs SPINS, a similar three-handed format.
- Flagship Online Series: PokerStars hosts WCOOP and SCOOP. PartyPoker hosts smaller festivals with lower guarantees.
- Loyalty Programme: PokerStars rewards points, tiers, and prizes. PartyPoker focuses on weekly cash-style rewards.
- Hand History Access: PokerStars lets players download hand histories. PartyPoker keeps them in-client only.
- Live Tour: PokerStars runs the EPT and PokerStars Open events. PartyPoker runs the PartyPoker Tour across the UK, Ireland, and Spain.
- Mobile Experience: Both offer full mobile apps, though PokerStars supports more games and table options on mobile.
PokerStars vs PartyPoker Comparison Table
| Aspect | PokerStars | PartyPoker |
|---|---|---|
| Player traffic | Largest global pool, with tables running around the clock at every stake | Smaller pool, with thinner games off-peak and at high stakes |
| Competition level | Tougher fields with many skilled regulars | Softer fields with a higher share of recreational players |
| HUDs and hand histories | Approved tracking tools allowed and hand histories downloadable | HUDs blocked and hand histories kept in-client only |
| Rewards | Points, tiers, and rotating promotions | Simple cash-style rewards that are easy to value |
| Rake value | Higher effective rake once loyalty returns are factored in | Clearer returns on rake paid |
| Fast-fold cash games | Zoom, with larger player pools | FastForward, with smaller but softer pools |
| Jackpot sit-and-gos | Spin & Go with prize multipliers | SPINS, a similar three-handed format |
| Online tournaments | Sunday Million, WCOOP, SCOOP, and the $50 million Anniversary Series | Smaller festivals with lower guarantees |
| Game variety | Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck, Stud, Draw, and mixed games | Mainly Hold’em and Omaha, with few niche formats |
| Live tour | EPT and PokerStars Open events in cities like Paris and Monte Carlo | PartyPoker Tour with £500 or €500 Main Events in the UK, Ireland, and Spain |
| Software and lobby | Polished and customisable, but the lobby can overwhelm newcomers | Cleaner lobby that helps beginners find a game quickly |
| Security | Twenty-five years of reliable payouts | Strong anti-bot record with refunds to affected players |
| US presence | New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan via FanDuel | Mainly through the BetMGM Poker network it powers |
| Corporate outlook | Stable under Flutter ownership | Entain explored a sale in 2024 before keeping it |
| Mobile apps | Full iOS and Android apps with more games and table options | Full iOS and Android apps |
| Best for | Big tournament scores, high stakes, HUD users, mixed games, and EPT hopefuls | Recreational play, HUD-free games, affordable live poker, and low-stakes bankroll building |
| Verdict | Winner for most players | Strong secondary option for casual players |
Final Verdict
PokerStars is the winner of this comparison.
Its traffic, tournament depth, game variety, and EPT pathway give it a clear edge for most players. No other room matches its combination of choice and prize money.
PartyPoker remains a strong secondary option for recreational players who value softer games and a HUD-free environment. For an all-round online poker home, however, PokerStars delivers more.
Pros of PokerStars Over PartyPoker
- Busiest Tables at Every Stake: Games run around the clock, from micro stakes to nosebleeds, so you rarely wait for a seat.
- Unmatched Tournament Calendar: The Sunday Million, WCOOP, and the $50 million Anniversary Series offer prize pools PartyPoker cannot match.
- Wider Game Variety: Beyond Hold’em and Omaha, PokerStars spreads Short Deck, Stud, Draw, and mixed games.
- Prestigious Live Pathway: Online satellites lead straight into EPT events in cities such as Paris, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona.
- Highly Polished Software: The client is stable, customisable, and packed with options for table layouts, themes, and multi-tabling.
- Larger US Player Pool: The FanDuel integration gives American players access to more traffic in regulated states.
- Proven Track Record: Twenty-five years of reliable payouts have earned PokerStars a strong reputation for security.
Cons of PokerStars Compared to PartyPoker
- Tougher Competition: The large pool attracts many skilled regulars, which makes games harder for casual players.
- Opponents Can Use HUDs: Permitted tracking tools give data-driven grinders an edge over recreational players.
- Higher Effective Rake: Once loyalty returns are factored in, many players feel PokerStars keeps more of each pot.
- Shrinking Micro-Stakes Guarantees: The 2026 MicroMillions fell to 139 events with about $2 million guaranteed, roughly half the 2024 total.
- More Complex Rewards: Points, tiers, and rotating promotions are harder to value than straight cash back.
- Crowded Lobby: The sheer number of games and filters can overwhelm newcomers.
Pros of PartyPoker Over PokerStars
- Softer Player Pools: A recreational focus means a higher share of casual players at most tables.
- Level Playing Field: Without downloadable hand histories, nobody gains an edge from HUD statistics.
- Simple Cash Rewards: Rewards are easier to calculate, so players know what they get back.
- Affordable Live Tour: PartyPoker Tour Main Events cost around £500 or €500, and the operator promises no deductions beyond the stated fee.
- Strong Anti-Bot Measures: PartyPoker has a long record of banning bot accounts and refunding affected players.
- Friendlier Interface: A cleaner lobby helps beginners find a game quickly.
- Anniversary Bonuses: A £25,000 guaranteed freeroll rewards players who collect stamps across UK and Ireland tour stops.
Cons of PartyPoker Compared to PokerStars
- Lower Traffic: Fewer active players mean thinner game selection, especially at high stakes and late hours.
- Smaller Guarantees: Online tournaments and series carry much lower prize pools.
- Limited Game Variety: Mixed games and niche formats are scarce compared with PokerStars.
- No Elite Live Circuit: The PartyPoker Tour is affordable but lacks the prestige of the EPT.
- Smaller US Brand Presence: American players mostly meet the software through BetMGM rather than PartyPoker itself.
- Uncertain Corporate Future: Entain explored selling PartyPoker in 2024 before deciding to keep it.
Situations When PokerStars is Better than PartyPoker
- Chasing Big Tournament Scores: If you want six- or seven-figure first prizes, PokerStars’ Sunday majors and series are the place to be.
- Playing at Odd Hours: Global traffic keeps tables running even when European or US players are asleep.
- Studying with a HUD: Players who rely on tracking software for review and live stats can use it here.
- Exploring Different Variants: Fans of Stud, Draw, or Short Deck will find regular games only on PokerStars.
- Targeting the EPT: Anyone hoping to qualify for a European Poker Tour Main Event should grind PokerStars satellites.
- Playing High Stakes: The biggest cash games and high roller events run almost exclusively on PokerStars.
Situations When PartyPoker is Better than PokerStars
- Playing Recreationally: Casual players face fewer data-driven grinders and enjoy a more relaxed environment.
- Avoiding Tracking Software: If you dislike being profiled by HUDs, PartyPoker’s ban protects your playing patterns.
- Valuing Simple Returns: Players who prefer clear cash rewards over complex point systems will feel at home.
- Seeking Affordable Live Poker: The PartyPoker Tour offers live Main Events at a fraction of EPT buy-ins.
- Building Skills at Low Stakes: Softer micro and small-stakes games make it easier to build a bankroll steadily.
- Using BetMGM in the US: American players on BetMGM Poker already use PartyPoker technology and its familiar format.
FAQs
Can I have accounts on both PokerStars and PartyPoker?
Yes, you can hold accounts on both sites at the same time, and many serious players do exactly that. Splitting play lets you claim two sets of welcome offers, take advantage of each room’s promotions, and pick the softest games available at any moment. Just remember that bankrolls are separate, so you will need to manage deposits and withdrawals on each platform individually.
Are the games on PokerStars and PartyPoker fair?
Both sites use random number generators that are tested and certified by independent auditing labs as required by their licences. Regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission also monitor game integrity and complaint handling. Neither site benefits from rigging outcomes because they earn money from rake, not from which player wins a pot, so fairness is central to their business.
Which site pays out withdrawals faster?
Withdrawal speed depends more on your payment method and verification status than on the site itself. On both rooms, e-wallets are usually the quickest option, often processed within one to two days once your identity documents are approved. Card and bank transfers generally take longer. Completing account verification early is the best way to avoid delays on either platform.
What deposit methods do PokerStars and PartyPoker accept?
Both sites accept major debit and credit cards, popular e-wallets, and bank transfers, although the exact list varies by country and regulation. Some regions also support prepaid vouchers or local payment systems. Before signing up, check the cashier page for your location, because methods available in the UK, Europe, and US states can differ significantly.
Do PokerStars and PartyPoker offer welcome bonuses?
Yes, both rooms typically offer first-deposit bonuses, free tournament tickets, or reward packages for new players. These offers change often and differ by country, so terms such as release rates and expiry periods vary. Always read the conditions carefully, since some bonuses release gradually as you play, while others arrive as tickets you must use within a set time.
Which site is better for Pot-Limit Omaha?
PokerStars generally offers the larger range of Omaha games, including more stakes, table sizes, and Hi-Lo variants, which suits dedicated PLO players. PartyPoker spreads fewer Omaha tables, but the fields can be softer at low and mid stakes. Players who want volume should lean towards PokerStars, while those seeking easier opponents may prefer PartyPoker’s smaller pool.
What responsible gambling tools do both sites provide?
Both operators provide deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, and full self-exclusion options within account settings. They also link to independent support organisations for players who need help. These tools are required by most regulators, and setting limits before you start playing is a simple way to keep poker an enjoyable hobby rather than a financial risk.
Can I play PokerStars and PartyPoker from any country?
No, availability depends on local laws and each operator’s licences. Some countries ring-fence players into separate national pools, while others block access entirely. In the US, both brands only operate in specific regulated states. Always confirm that real-money online poker is legal where you live and that the site is licensed for your jurisdiction before depositing.
PokerStars vs PartyPoker Summary
PokerStars vs PartyPoker comes down to scale versus simplicity.
PokerStars delivers the busiest tables, the richest tournament calendar, and a direct route to the EPT. It suits ambitious players who want maximum choice at every stake.
PartyPoker offers softer games, a HUD-free environment, and an affordable live tour. It suits recreational players who prefer a relaxed, transparent experience.
Many players benefit from holding accounts on both. If you can only pick one, PokerStars remains the stronger all-round choice.
