PokerStars accounts in Sochi are being transferred to PokerPlanets - details unveiled about the debut of a fresh poker venue.
April 6, 2025, sees the closure of PokerStars in Russia, as all accounts are moved to the fresh poker room, PokerPlanets. The official word's out, with players receiving letters about the switch and PokerPlanets confirming the shift. Here's the lowdown on the game's big move.
What's happening to PokerStars Sochi players' accounts?
Say so long to PokerStars Sochi and hello to PokerPlanets, because that's where all your account details are headed. Here's what's being switched over:
- Account balance, whether it's cash, tournament dollars, or tickets - they'll all be converted to real money from day one.
- Your username will stick with you.
- Residence data are making the trip too.
But don't expect everything to be the same. Here's what won't be following you to PokerPlanets:
- Unless you use them real quick, those old bonuses and VIP statuses will disappear.
- Accounts that were blocked on PokerStars Sochi won't be eligible for the transfer.
- You'll need to go through a new verification process on PokerPlanets - your old docs won't cut it this time.
When does the action start on PokerPlanets?
Get ready to play on PokerPlanets starting April 6, 2025, as the PokerStars Sochi crowd takes over their new home. The whole transfer process should take around a month before you can start laying down your cards.
As it stands, PokerPlanets' website displays common questions and answers, but more detailed info will be flowing soon.
Can I skip the move?
If you're not feeling the PokerPlanets vibe, you can choose to leave your account behind. Just remember, if there's any money in there, you'll need to cash out using your preferred method. If you're down with the move, everything will happen automatically.
What's the scoop on PokerPlanets?
PokerPlanets is a brand-new poker room with a license from Curaçao, ready to shake things up with bonuses and opportunities for players like:
- A new loyalty program unlike anything you've seen before.
- A 100% bonus on your first deposit, no matter if you're a new user or a PokerStars Sochi vet.
- Multiple deposit and cashout methods, including cryptocurrency.
- Table games like Multi-Table Tournaments (MTT), Spins, and cash games – up to NL2K.
We'll keep you updated on all things PokerPlanets. Until then, check out other poker rooms where you can get your game on right now.
Insights:
PokerStars Sochi and PokerPlanets have a few key differences.
- Licenses and Access: PokerStars Sochi ceased operations due to license expiration, with players unable to log in as of April 2025. PokerPlanets, on the other hand, is a growing platform, promoting features like demo videos and reward systems to attract former PokerStars Sochi players.
- Bonus Structure: PokerStars Sochi's historical bonuses are no longer active due to closure. PokerPlanets, however, offers deposit bonuses for players migrating from PokerStars Sochi, applicable to up to three deposits within 60 days and valid for 120 days after activation. They also boast cashback rewards and satellite entry tickets via poker points.
- Reward Mechanisms: PokerStars Sochi previously offered standard rewards, while PokerPlanets introduces a chest system with satellites and comets tiers.
- Game Offerings and Features: PokerStars Sochi provided Spin & Go, Swap, Showtime Hold’em, and standard Texas Hold’em/Omaha games. PokerPlanets focuses on satellite events and daily leaderboards, though specific game variants remain unclear.
- Promotional Focus: PokerStars Sochi relied on its global brand and Flutter Entertainment's infrastructure. PokerPlanets actively markets migration bonuses and short-form video demos to retain and excite players post-Sochi closure.
While PokerStars remains a powerful player in the field, PokerPlanets seems tailored specifically to captivate the displaced Sochi audience with enticing incentives. For more options, Russian players can still access international PokerStars platforms offering Spin & Go and niche variants.
- All account balances, including cash, tournament dollars, and tickets, will be converted to real money and transferred to PokerPlanets starting April 6, 2025.
- Players' usernames and residence data will be moved to PokerPlanets during the transfer process.
- PokerPlanets also offers attractive features such as a new loyalty program, a 100% bonus on the first deposit, multiple deposit and cashout methods including cryptocurrency, and table games like Multi-Table Tournaments (MTT), Spins, and cash games – up to NL2K.
