Security - Keeping the game fair
The security and integrity of the games we offer is paramount to our success. Read on for details of the measures we take to ensure this high level of security, as well as how you can help protect your account.
We operate online poker cash games and tournaments, taking a small amount from most cash game pots (in the form of ‘rake’) or tournament buy-ins (via entry fees) as financial recompense. Operating with this business model, the integrity of the game is paramount to our success. In fact, we maintain teams of game integrity experts to ensure no player could ever gain an advantage at the table through anything but their own skill and ability.
We rely on our hard-won, independently verified reputation for providing a fair and honest game. For this reason, allowing players any sort of unfair advantage, or ‘punishing’ any players with an unfair disadvantage, would be counter-productive and damaging to our reputation and our business. And as you can see below, would also be technically impossible.
Game Integrity
When playing on PokerStars, you should know you are in a fair game. When someone breaks our rules, other players are affected. The Game Integrity Team is there to ensure that only those who abide by our rules are able to use our services. We actively monitor our games and are committed to either educating or removing those who seek to gain an unfair advantage.
We may use all data lawfully available to us to ensure offenders are kept off all our platforms. The data of players who breach our General Terms may be retained for this purpose, and it may be shared across the Group’s sites, as explained in our General Terms and Conditions.
Software Security
The Shuffle and the Spin
We deal the cards in a fair and honest manner. Once the deck is shuffled, it is set, and the order in which the cards are dealt cannot be changed. The software that shuffles and deals the cards cannot control who wins or loses; it just deals the cards and the rest is up to the players in the game.
Like all our games, our roulette tables operate in a fair and randomised fashion. The outcome of every spin is dictated by complex randomising software that cannot be controlled or manipulated, either by players or by us, to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.
Our software uses an independently verified random number generator to produce a shuffle that is completely random, and which favors no player over any other. The methods we use ensure complete randomization of the cards, and complete unpredictability of the cards to come.
Our random number generator is one of the most advanced in the industry.
The Random Number Generator
One of the great challenges in generating a truly random number is that computers are logical, process-led machines, and so any series of numbers produced solely by a computer can never be truly random.
We use a ground-breaking system based on quantum theory. A single photon is directed at a semi-reflective mirror; the angle at which it is reflected, or whether it passes through, is an entirely random process that can never be accurately predicted, reproduced or interfered with.
Our random number generator has been tested and certified by Gaming Labs International (GLI) to meet the industry standard for highly-regulated jurisdictions. Click here to learn more, or click here to read our Certification of Integrity.
Return to Player %
All casino games have a percentage figure which represents the theoretical return to player (RTP %). This information can be found on each casino game’s webpage, along with information on how to play the game itself. The RTP % for each game is thoroughly tested and verified.
Player Security
Keeping Player Funds Safe and Separate
All player funds and account balances are held in according to the Trust Deed as explained here.
Responsible Gaming
We have a commitment to ensure that online gaming remains fun and safe. That means preventing people from playing if they are underage, and helping those who do not have control over their playing.
Our software contains built-in measures to protect players, including the facility to limit deposits or play. Look for the ‘Responsible Gaming’ menu to learn more.
You can read our responsible gaming policy here.
Account Security
Please refer to our Help Center for detailed information about Account Security, or to find the best way to contact us.