PokerStars Open Coming to the US for the First Time

PokerStars Open Coming to the US for the First Time article feature image
Credit:

The PokerStars Open in Philadelphia will offer a variety of live events with buy-ins ranging from $160-$2,200.

You might call this a royal flush for poker enthusiasts.

PokerStars North America is bringing live poker tournament to the United States this month. This monumental occasion kicks off with the PokerStars Philadelphia Open, set to take place from April 21-27, 2025, at Live! Casino and Hotel in Philadelphia.

The announcement came via social media.

This is the first time the PokerStars Open is coming to the United States.

As anticipation builds, let's take a closer look at what PokerStars North America is all about, and what you can expect from this upcoming event in the City of Brotherly Love.

What is PokerStars North America?

PokerStars is an online poker card room and is a globally recognized name in the world of online poker, offering a platform where poker players from various regions can connect and compete. It is the largest real-money online poker site in the world, controlling over two-thirds of the total online poker market. 

PokerStars North America is a division of this well-established brand that focuses on providing tournament and cash game action to players in the United States and Canada.

Live! Philadelphia will host the PokerStars Open from April 21-27. It is highlighted by the $1,100 buy-in, $500K guaranteed multi-flight main event from April 23-27.
PokerStars is the world's largest online poker room. Photo courtesy: PokerStars

In November 2018, PokerStars received approval to launch real-money gaming in Pennsylvania, which commenced in 2019 and has been thriving ever since.

On January 29, 2021, PokerStars made history as Michigan's first regulated online poker site. By December 2022, PokerStars announced plans to connect players from Michigan and New Jersey through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, further expanding its reach and community.

People can also play in Ontario, Canada.

A New Chapter in Poker History: The Philadelphia Open

The PokerStars Philadelphia Open is shaping up to be an exciting event with a total of $550,000 in prize money up for grabs. Taking place over a week at the lively Live! Casino and Hotel in Philadelphia, this event will offer a mix of thrilling poker tournaments.

Returning to the home of the "Tush Push," the Philadelphia Open features a variety of events, such as the Ambassador Bounty, Women's Event, and High Roller, all at the well-known Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, a favorite spot for many top poker competitions.

The main attraction of the event is the $1,100 Main Event scheduled for April 23-27, which alone promises a $500,000 prize pool. Players can also look forward to the $2,200 High Roller on April 22-23, and the $400 PokerStars Cup with a $40,000 guarantee on April 27. With options for different budgets and playing styles, this is an event not to be missed for any poker enthusiast.

PokerStars is giving players a chance to compete in the PokerStars Open Philadelphia by first playing in online satellites. Those games buy-in’s start at just $10.

For those who love a bit of added spice, the $300 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em Bounty on April 24 offers a special twist: players who manage to knock out a PokerStars ambassador will receive a bounty prize. Not to be missed is the $300 Women's Event on April 24, featuring a $10,000 guarantee, spotlighting talented female players.

Online Satellites and the Road to Philly

The path to Philadelphia began on March 26, with online satellites starting as low as $10. This gave players from Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ontario a chance to secure their spot in the live series.

This initiative reflects PokerStars’ commitment to maintaining a broad, inclusive, and competitive poker community.

Pennsylvania Set to Join The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement

Adding to the excitement, Pennsylvania is slated to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in April 2025. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board agreed to enter the compact in January.

PokerStars is bringing its first United States live tournament to Live! Casino Philadelphia from April 21-27. Players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan and Ontario can qualify into the PokerStars Open Philadelphia by playing in online poker satellites.
PokerStars live tournament is coming to Live! Casino Philadelphia April 21-27.

This agreement allows for interstate poker, where participating states can link their online poker sites, providing more substantial player pools and even bigger pot sizes.

In 2022 and into early 2023, Pennsylvania led the online poker market, but Michigan took the lead. Lawmakers attribute this growth to Michigan and New Jersey joining the MSIGA, which provided a significant boost.

Get a PokerStars Bonus Code

With the upcoming PokerStars Philadelphia Open and Pennsylvania's potential MSIGA inclusion, and online casino revenue surging, the future of online poker in the US looks brighter than ever.  Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, the PokerStars Philadelphia Open is a must-see event that promises to thrill.

Don't miss your chance to get in on the action! Grab your PokerStars bonus code now to secure your edge and enhance your gameplay experience at the upcoming Philadelphia Open. Or find a site to develop your online poker strategy.

About the Author
Dave Grendzynski is a casino writer for Vegas Insider and Action Network. His most cherished casino experience is hitting a royal flush after betting the maximum amount on a machine at Seneca Niagara. 

Follow Dave Grendzynski @casinonewsdave on Twitter/X.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.