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PokerStars only accepts players from the state of New Jersey at this time. Alternatives include Americas Cardroom, available to play for real money in all 50 states.
The world's largest real money online poker site opted to exit the U.S. market back in 2011 after it was caught up in a well-publicized investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. At the time, the indictment filed by Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, charged Isai Scheinberg, the founder of PokerStars, as well as individuals tied to Full Tilt Poker, with operating illegal gambling businesses in the States. The crackdown was almost immediately referred to as "Black Friday" being that the indictments were handed down on a Friday. Gambling911.com had filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department one year earlier and awarded access to legal documents showing PokerStars and Full Tilt were indeed under investigation.
It was later revealed the Full Tilt Poker had engaged in a ponzi scheme.
Companies on the up-and-up were quick to grab a hold of the market share left by Stars and Full Tilt Poker.
PokerStars has had a tough go at re-entering the market, having tried unsuccessfully to open up shop in California.
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The company looks forward to finally adding a second state where players will be able to access beginning in early 2019: Pennsylvania. They've already been approved but must undergoing product testing and certification.
Americas Cardroom is one of the few sites that has long served the U.S. market and is currently offering a $5 million guaranteed online tournament with a $1 million first place prize. Americas Cardroom tends to rank as the 8th largest online poker site in the world. It also offers a sportsbook and online casino.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
