FanDuel Launches PokerStars Platform Across Three US States with Merged Player Pools

NEW YORK, April 4, 2026 — FanDuel has officially launched PokerStars exclusively on its platform across New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, merging player pools across all three states for the first time and creating one of the largest regulated online poker networks in North America.

Background

The landmark partnership between Flutter Entertainment’s PokerStars and its sister brand FanDuel was first announced in early 2026, with the combined entity promising to transform the fragmented US online poker landscape. Prior to the merger, PokerStars operated independently in New Jersey and Michigan, while FanDuel offered its own separate poker product. The integration — officially branded as “PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel” — consolidates both brands under a single unified platform.

Key Details

The new platform went live on April 1, 2026, with FanDuel formally announcing the three-state shared player network on April 3. For the first time, online poker players in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania can compete at the same tables simultaneously, significantly increasing player liquidity and enabling larger tournament prize pools than either operator could previously achieve independently.

Former PokerStars account holders must create a new account under the merged platform. To incentivise sign-ups, FanDuel is offering a 100% deposit bonus of up to $1,000 plus $30 in free tickets. A promotional “No Sweat Series” runs from April 6–12, featuring $150,000 in guaranteed prize money across a packed tournament schedule.

Industry Impact

The PokerStars–FanDuel merger represents one of the most significant consolidation moves in US online poker in recent years. Combining player liquidity across three states is expected to double peak cash game traffic at mid-stakes tables and allow PokerStars on FanDuel to compete head-to-head with the BetMGM Poker Network. Flutter Entertainment, which owns both brands, also confirmed that Ontario, Canada will be added to the shared network later in 2026. According to iGaming Business, Flutter’s strategic consolidation of its US poker assets is part of a broader push to dominate the regulated North American gaming market.

What This Means for Players

For poker enthusiasts in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, the merger delivers immediate, tangible improvements: shorter wait times for cash game seats, bigger guaranteed tournament fields, and a richer promotional ecosystem. Players interested in exploring other real-money gaming options can compare offers at our guide to the best online casinos in Malaysia.

What’s Next?

FanDuel has indicated it is exploring expansion of the PokerStars-branded poker product into additional US states as iGaming legislation progresses in 2026. Connecticut, Delaware, and West Virginia are considered likely candidates for inclusion in the shared network before year-end. An Ontario launch is also confirmed for later in 2026, which would extend the shared liquidity pool internationally for the first time.