BetStars Makes Its US Debut in New Jersey

September 15th, 2018 | by Kaycee James

BetStars, the sports betting arm of PokerStars is now live in New Jersey making it the eighth operator to do so since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned.

The BetStars New Jersey app is now live, taking the state’s total number of online sports betting sites to eight. (Image: PokerStars)

Announced on September 13, the move will see the BetStars brand build on its European foundations and enter the US market for the first time. After making the move to offer sports betting in early 2015, PokerStars officially launched the BetStars brand in December of the same year.

Initially offering odds on 25 sports, the platform has grown to become one of the largest of its kind in Europe and the operator is hoping to do the same in the US.

BetStars Brand Making Another Play

As outlined in the recent press release, BetStars NJ will be available through the same platform as PokerStars NJ.

In addition to standard pre-event and in-play betting options, the site will feature some of the company’s unique features such as Spin & Bet. Taking inspiration from PokerStars’ Spin & Go tournaments, Spin & Bet markets allow the user to boost their odds with a random multiplier.

Alongside this feature, BetStars will be running various promotions to welcome new players, including price boosts on NCAA parlay bets and odds of up to 300/1 on the Super Bowl.

Crossovers Will be Crucial

With William Hill, 888, DraftKings among the eight sports betting sites already active in the Garden State, PokerStars will be banking on its crossover capabilities.

“Like with everything else we offer, whether it’s sports betting or poker, we like to do things a little differently,” reads the September 13 press release.

In Europe, the operator has toyed with crossover poker/sports betting promotions. So far, only 888 has attempted something similar in New Jersey with its poker freerolls offering casino credits as prizes.

However, with other operators lacking the experience or ability to link sports betting and poker, PokerStars may be able to carve out a niche in this area.

For betting fans, the announcement is another positive for New Jersey bettors as increased competition among the leading operator should lead to better odds and offers. What’s more, with sportsbooks giving people another reason to go online, the state’s poker and casino sites should see an uptick in custom.