PokerStars has been one of the leaders in the world of online poker over the past two decades and has continually offered some of the best games and biggest bonuses for Canadian players. Although it’s no longer the biggest poker site in Canada, PokerStars continues to be one of the top options, especially for tournament players. In this guide, we will go over the details of the PokerStars welcome bonus Canada and teach you how to claim your welcome offer as a new player on the platform.
This guide applies to PokerStars players in Canada outside Ontario. Players located in Ontario should check the separate PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel offer, as bonuses, player pool, account rules, and eligibility may differ.
PokerStars Welcome Bonus Explained
New players joining PokerStars from Canada can expect a juicy welcome bonus worth up to C$600, which can be triggered by any deposit of at least C$10. To get the bonus, all you need to do is use the bonus “star” code STARS600 during the deposit process. The bonus matches eligible deposits at 100%, meaning that a total deposit of C$600 can unlock the full C$600 in bonus value. Players may use up to three qualifying deposits within 60 days of the first qualifying deposit to reach the maximum bonus amount.
It’s worth noting that the PokerStars bonus funds aren’t added to your real money balance right away, but rather to your bonus balance. From there, you must clear the bonus money by playing real money poker and generating Redemption Points. For every C$1 in rake paid, you will get 5 Redemption Points, and for every 75 Redemption Points generated, you will release C$5 of your bonus balance.
This means the bonus clears at a rate of 33%, and you have four months from the date of making your first deposit to clear it in full, giving you plenty of time to complete the wagering and get your full bonus value.
Here is a step-by-step look at how to go about clearing your PokerStars welcome bonus:
- Create your PokerStars account.
- Verify the account ownership.
- Make your first deposit.
- Use promo code STARS600.
- Play real money games.
- Release C$5 for every C$15 in rake paid.
Get More Value with PokerStars Rewards
The sign up bonus at PokerStars is only the first bit of value you can get when signing up, but there is a lot more to play for with various PokerStars promotions and the popular PokerStars Rewards program.
The PokerStars Rewards scheme is particularly interesting for all the high-volume players, as they can earn up to 60% in rakeback on top of the welcome bonus. The rakeback percentage depends on the stakes you play and the number of hours you put in, as it’s entirely based on your rake contributions.
Rakeback across the first six levels of PokerStars rewards is paid through Chests, as follows:
| Chest Level | RP Required | Chests to Level Up | Chest Value | Rakeback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 2,000 | 5 | $3 | 15% |
| Bronze | 6,000 | 5 | $10.50 | 17.5% |
| Silver | 20,000 | 5 | $40 | 20% |
| Gold | 50,000 | 5 | $125 | 25% |
| Diamond | 120,000 | 5 | $360 | 30% |
| Black | 250,000 | N/A | $1,000 | 40% |
Beyond the Chests, players who put in even more volume can get direct cash rakeback through the PokerStars Select and PokerStars Select+ levels. PokerStars Select requires $50,000 in rake or tournament fees over a rolling 12-month period and pays 50% cash rakeback. PokerStars Select+ requires $100,000 over a rolling 12-month period and pays 60% on Spin & Go and Zoom games, while other poker games remain at 50%.
On top of the PokerStars Rewards program and other PokerStars promotions, you can also capitalize on promos at other poker sites, such as the ones displayed in the block below.
More Welcome Bonuses for GipsyTeam Players
The PokerStars welcome bonus is a great way to start your journey in online poker, but it’s far from the only offer you can use to pad your bankroll. You can get more welcome bonuses by signing up with other premium online poker operators, such as:
- WPT Global Bonus: One of the fastest-growing online poker sites in the world, WPT Global offers a welcome bonus package worth up to $3,348, including nearly $250 in free tournament poker ticket.
- CoinPoker Bonus: A 150% welcome bonus worth up to $2,000 is available to all new players at the world’s biggest crypto poker site. Crypto deposits, soft games, and plenty of action make CoinPoker one of the top places to play online poker today.
- Phenom Poker Bonus: If you want to try something completely new, Phenom Poker may be the platform for you. Focused heavily on mixed games, Phenom Poker offers a $4,000 welcome bonus, along with plenty of other perks and even an ownership share, for its loyal players.
Get Started with PokerStars Today
You can get started with your PokerStars welcome bonus in Canada right now by signing up for a fresh account and making your first deposit. The bonus is one of the best value offers in online poker these days, and it comes along with a variety of other perks, such as the PokerStars rewards and exclusive freerolls for Canadians on the platform.
If you need any help starting your PokerStars journey, or want to explore promotions and bonuses at other poker sites, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our customer support agents are available around the clock, and all you need to do is send us a message. We will help you set up your poker accounts and get the best value every single time.
