Responsible Gaming

1. Our Core Commitment

At PokerStars, responsible gaming isn't just a policy—it's part of our DNA. We believe that online gaming should be fun, safe, and entertaining. We are committed to protecting our players, preventing underage gambling, and ensuring that playing on our platform remains a positive experience. We invest heavily in responsible gaming tools, staff training, and external partnerships to support this mission.

2. Tools for Player Protection

We empower you to stay in control with our comprehensive suite of self-imposed limit tools. We encourage all players to familiarize themselves with these options before they start playing.

• Deposit Limits: Manage your budget by setting real money deposit limits for 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day periods. Decreases to limits are applied immediately, while increases are subject to a cooling-off period.
• Table & Buy-in Limits: Control your exposure by setting limits on the table stakes you can play at cash game tables and the maximum buy-in amount for tournaments.
• Playing Time Limits: Set a limit on the amount of time you spend playing poker or casino games per session. Once the limit is reached, you will be logged out automatically.
• Loss Limits: For casino games, you can set a cap on the net amount you can lose within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).

3. Self-Exclusion & Time Outs

If you feel you need a break from gaming, we offer flexible time-out and self-exclusion features. Taking a step back can help you regain perspective and control.

• Cooling Off Period: Take a short break from 12 hours up to 7 days. During this time, you cannot play real money games or deposit funds.
• Temporary Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from playing for a period of 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Your account will automatically reopen after the period expires.
• Permanent Self-Exclusion: If you believe your gambling has become a serious problem, you can request permanent exclusion. This action is irreversible and prevents you from accessing your account or creating new ones.

4. Prevention of Underage Gaming

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to open an account or play on PokerStars. We employ sophisticated age verification systems to ensure compliance.

We perform electronic age verification checks on all customers who use payment mechanisms available to under 18s and perform random age verification checks on customers using other funding mechanisms. Anyone under the age of 18 found to be using this site will have any winnings forfeited and may also be reported to the police.

Parental Controls: If there are minors in your household, we strongly recommend using filtering software to block access to gambling sites. Tools like NetNanny and CyberPatrol can help protect your children.

5. Identifying Problem Gambling

Gambling should never be seen as a way to make money or pay off debts. It is important to monitor your behavior. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
• When you lose, do you feel lost and in despair, and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
• Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the bus fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
• Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
• Have others ever criticized your gambling?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a gambling problem. We urge you to seek professional help immediately.

6. External Resources & Support

We work closely with organizations that provide support and counseling for problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling, these independent organizations can help: