Create an account: instructions and information

1. Go to our website.
2. Click on 'Download PokerStars'.
3. You'll be prompted to save our software installation file.
4. Save the file, run it, and after installation, our icon should appear on your desktop.
5. Open it and select 'Join Now'. You'll be asked to create a username and password. Choose your username. This will be used to identify you at poker tables. Once confirmed it can't be changed, so choose wisely.
6. Complete the process by entering your email address, country of residence, source of reference, and confirm that you are over the minimum age for that license.

Once you've created your account, you'll receive 35,000 Play Money chips. They're completely free and have no real money value. You'll then be ready to play at the tables.

If you don't have an account yet, you can create one through our mobile app by:

1. Open the app.
2. At the login screen, tap the option 'New to PokerStars? Join Now'.
3. Select your country of residence.
4. Enter your email address.
5. Choose your username. Your username should be at least 4 characters. Choose your username carefully as it cannot be changed and will be visible to other players.
6. Set a password.

If you already have an account, use your login details to start playing on the mobile app. If you cannot remember your credentials, open the app, select 'Forgot password?' and follow the instructions.

To make real money transactions, you'll need to validate your account and verify your identity.

To do this, complete the Real Money form. You can find it in our desktop software or mobile app by selecting:

1. Cashier
2. Withdraw
3. Enter your personal details

Or, if you're using our website, click the button below to go there directly.

To ensure a fair environment for all of our players, duplicate accounts are not allowed. This is because an important part of poker is identifying your opponent's strategy. By only having one account per player, it ensures that you will be able to identify and respond to them.

Yes. Friends and family can play on our site as long as they create and use their own account with their real name and their own email address.