Thursday, 28th March 2024 21:52
Home / News / FAQs: Everything to know about migrating your account to the new Ontario platform

From the end of June 2022, Ontario residents will be required to migrate their accounts to on.pokerstars.ca. For any players who have questions about the migration, this FAQ provides the answers.


When will the migration to the Ontario platform take place?

    The migration to the new platform will start on 28th June 2022.

Do I have to migrate my account?

    Yes, migration is mandatory for all account holders living in Ontario. If you don’t live in Ontario and receive a message to migrate your account, reach out to our support team with your current address details.

Can I create a new account without migrating my existing one?

    No. If you live in Ontario and have an account with us, you must migrate it to the new platform.

How will it work?

To migrate your existing account to the Ontario platform, follow these steps:

  • Log in to your current user account.
  • You’ll see a pop-up message “Ontario residents will now play on on.pokerstars.ca“.
  • Select the button “OK, move to on.pokerstars.ca”.
  • You’ll see a pop-up message confirming that we moved the account.
  • To confirm the migration, you’ll need to log out.
  • Our software will be updated appropriately and ready to use when you log in again. If you’re using our mobile app, you’ll need to download the Ontario platform. You can download it using one of the links shown on the screen.
  • You can log in to the Ontario platform using your usual username and password.

What happens to my balance? Do I need to withdraw the funds, or will you move them to the new account?

  • The balance will be converted to CAD and transferred to the new account.
  • We’ll consolidate and convert to cash any T-Money and T-Tickets you may have.
  • StarsCoin will be converted to cash pre-migration with separate automation.
  • Rewards chests will be force opened pre-migration with separate automation.
  • Open bets will be voided pre-migration with separate automation.

Will I still have access to PokerStars Rewards after I migrate?

    Yes, you will have access to PokerStars Rewards in Ontario.

What happens to my rewards opt-in statuses, Chest tiers and reward points?

    All of them will be carried over when you migrate.

And what about my tickets and StarsCoin?

    We’ll convert these into cash before migration.

Is there anything that could prevent me from completing the migration?

    Yes, there are some scenarios where you would need to take action to complete the move (which is required to keep playing). These are:
Scenario
Solution
You have a pending withdrawal. Wait until processed (up to 48 hours), or cancel it through the ‘Cashier’, via ‘Pending Withdrawals’, then complete the steps under ‘How can I migrate my account?’)
You have excluded yourself from play. Wait until the self-exclusion has expired, then complete the steps under ‘How can I migrate my account?’
You have a negative balance. Contact Support for help.
You are registered in an existing poker tournament. Finish playing in any ongoing tournaments, and unregister from any upcoming tournaments
You are in an existing poker cash game or have an active Casino session. Finish the game you are playing before completing the process
You are under 19. You must be at least 19 years old to play on PokerStars in Ontario.
You can’t legally gamble if you’re under this age and will need to withdraw your funds from your account balance.

 

How can I verify my account?

    Once you open your account, you’re asked to verify your account. You can upload your documents via our software, mobile app, or website.

Which documents are valid as proof of address?

  • Utility Bill (i.e., Gas, Electricity, internet, etc.)
  • Bank Statement
  • Correspondence from Government/Locals Authorities
  • Insurance documents (valid within the year)
  • Financial Institution letters
  • Formal Declaration form

Alternatively, you may send these, which we will review on a case-by-case basis:

  • Payslip/Employers letters
  • Rental agreements (with date and signature)
  • Mobile Bills

What should I do if I move to a different state or another country?

    You can change your residence details if you live legally in a different state or country. You’ll need to send us the appropriate supporting documents to do this. If you no longer reside in Ontario, you’ll no longer be able to play on the Ontario license.

Does the Ontario platform offer the same games and features?

    You’ll still have access to the same great games and features you currently enjoy across all our products. However, you can only play against other players on the Ontario license.

What currencies will be supported?

    You can deposit and withdraw in Canadian dollars (CAD) only.

Are there any tax implications that will affect me as a player or user?

    Generally, online gambling winnings of an individual who plays online as a hobby shouldn’t be considered a taxable income in Canada. However, an individual’s gambling activities may result in taxable business income or a business loss under certain circumstances. It would be best to get tax advice from your tax advisor to know whether or not you could be seen as carrying on a gambling business and generating taxable business income or loss.

Will the same poker games be available?

    No-Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, 6+ Hold’em, and Tempest will all be available as Cash Games. Other poker games may be available from time to time in a tournament format.

Can I keep playing with my friends from other countries?

    Due to regulations, players in Ontario can only play against other players in Ontario.

Can I log in if I am visiting another country?

    No.

I have an account on PokerStars.net, can I still use PokerStars Ontario?

    No.

Will the same sports be available to bet on?

    No. There are certain sports we can’t offer as part of the Ontario license, such as Horse Racing.

Are there changes to the maximum winnings?

    No.

Are there changes to the maximum bet?

    No.

What about chatting? What languages can I use at the tables?

    The migration doesn’t affect any rules on our tables and games. As a courtesy to other players, we must ask that you only use English at the tables (unless other languages are listed as approved at the table/tournament).

What if I have any issues?

    Feel free to contact our support team at any time. We’re here to help!

 

Study Poker with Pokerstars Learn, practice with the PokerStars app