Getting Free Money at PokerStars

Almost every online poker player gives PokerStars a try at some point in their poker career.  The site is so large, and offers such a wide variety of game types, limits and formats that there is quite literally something for everyone at PokerStars.  Everyone that plays poker, that is.

One drawback to the room: PokerStars, unlike other major online poker rooms such as Titan Poker and Everest Poker, doesn’t offer players a free bankroll on signup.  For players who don’t like to make a deposit, or who fancy themselves bonus hunters, this lack of a no deposit bonus can be a non-starter.

It is true that PokerStars does not offer a no deposit bankroll.  That fact doesn’t mean, however, that there is no such thing as PokerStars free money.  In fact, the room bonuses players via a number of channels, with a few of the major channels described below.

Deposit Bonuses: The PokerStars deposit bonus is one of the best-kept secrets in the online poker industry.  With  a clearance rate near 33%, you’ll be earning more bonus money with this deposit bonus than almost any other available in the industry.

PokerStars VIP:  Even with the recent changes, the PokerStars VIP program is still considered by most to be the premier online poker rewards program.  Players at the very top of the VIP ladder can easily earn over 75% rakeback, one of the highest effective rakeback deals you’ll find anywhere.  The recent changes make the bottom levels more value-laden, a boon for recreational poker players.

Leaderboards: Pokerstars has perhaps more tournament and SNG leaderboards than any other online poker room.  These leaderboards are funded by the room, so any winnings you receive are on top of your VIP or otherwise earned rewards.

While there may not be a no deposit bonus, it’s clear that players with the goal of getting free PokerStars money have several avenues via which that goal can be accomplished.