Play Poker - Download Now

PokerStars Responsible Gaming FAQ

  • What is responsible gaming?
  • “Responsible gaming” means that the people of PokerStars take seriously their obligation to keep online poker fun and safe. That means preventing underage people from playing and helping those who may not have control over their poker playing.
  • Where can I get more information about PokerStars responsible gaming policy?
  • You can read our responsible gaming policy on our website. You may also see it on the PokerStars software main lobby by going to “Help” and then “Responsible Gaming”.
  • How old do I have to be to play at PokerStars?
  • You need to be 18 or the minimum legal age to play online poker in your jurisdiction, whichever is greater.
  • I have two teenagers in my house and want to be sure that they can’t get into the PokerStars software. How can I accomplish that?
  • First, make sure that they don’t know your PokerStars screen name or password. Also, there are software programs which allow you to control access to certain websites. Two of them that you might consider:

    http://www.safekids.com
    http://www.netnanny.com
  • Do your responsible gaming policies include play money tables?
  • Yes. If you are under 18, you may not play on our play money tables. Furthermore, if you exclude yourself from playing at PokerStars, that exclusion will apply to real money tables and play money tables.
  • What is the self-exclusion feature, and how do I use it?
  • You may choose to exclude yourself from playing on PokerStars for a period of 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, 120 days or 180 days. To do this, go to the main lobby of the PokerStars software, select “Requests”, “Responsible Gaming”, and “Exclude me from playing.”
  • I’ve chosen to exclude myself. Will I receive emails from PokerStars?
  • No. During the self-exclusion period, you will not receive any emails from PokerStars.
  • I have registered for a tournament during the exclusion period. Can I still play in it?
  • No. You will automatically be unregistered from any tournaments which begin during your exclusion period. You will receive refunds per the normal PokerStars policy.
  • I won a seat for a brick-and-mortar tournament that begins during the exclusion period. Am I unregistered from that?
  • No. You will still have your seat in that tournament.
  • I’ve excluded myself from playing on PokerStars, but now I’ve changed my mind. Can I remove the exclusion?
  • No. Once you select to self-exclude, the exclusion is irreversible until the end of the period of you have selected.
  • I have clicked on the self-exclusion box, but I’m still in a cash game (or tournament). Will I be thrown off?
  • No. You will receive a pop-up dialog box requesting that you close down the PokerStars software. The exclusion period will begin when you do so.
  • I’ve clicked the self-exclusion box, but haven’t closed the PokerStars software yet. Can I change my mind?
  • No. Once you click the self-exclusion box, the exclusion period will start as soon as you close the PokerStars software. You may not cancel the self-exclusion before it starts.
  • I have chosen to exclude myself from play at PokerStars, but I have $200 in my account that I want to transfer to a friend. May I do so?
  • No. You will not be able to deposit or make inter-account transfers with your PokerStars account.
  • Can I leave money in my account during a self-exclusion period?
  • Yes, if you have chosen a self-exclusion period less than 180 days. If you have chosen the 180 day exclusion period, you must withdraw all funds from your PokerStars account.
  • If I have excluded myself from playing on PokerStars, can I see my real money account balance, FPPs, and still shop at the FPP store?
  • Yes. You will still be able to log into PokerStars and go to the cashier. You will also be able to shop at the FPP store.
  • What happens to my VIP status during a period of self-exclusion?
  • You will not be playing on PokerStars during that period. This may cause your VIP level to lapse, as it would if you simply didn’t play on PokerStars.
  • I am concerned that my problem is greater than just PokerStars. Is there a way to completely prevent myself from playing online poker?
  • Yes. Please visit this site: http://www.gamblock.com. They have software which you may use to completely block your access to any online gaming sites, including PokerStars.
  • I have excluded myself from play on PokerStars for six months. Is there anywhere I can go to receive counseling about problem gaming?
  • Yes. Please go to: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org. They can provide you with information and access to support groups. Also: http://www.gamcare.org.uk provides 24-hour counseling for people who feel they may have a gaming problem.
  • Can I set my own deposit limit?
  • Yes! Just go to the PokerStars main lobby, go to “Cashier”, and then “Restrict deposit limits”. You can then set a weekly deposit limits that will be in place for a minimum of 7-days. Of course, if we have set deposit limits for you for any particular deposit method, you may only deposit the lesser of your deposit limit and ours.
  • How can I learn more about responsible gaming at PokerStars?
  • Please send us an email at wecare@pokerstars.com. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Copyright © 2001-2008, PokerStars.com. All rights reserved. Rational Entertainment Enterprises Limited, 10 Hill Street, Douglas,
IM1 1EF, Isle of Man. License No. 7, granted July 2005.  Online gambling is regulated in the Isle of Man.