Changes Ahead at PokerStars Including the Return of the PCA

PokerStars is set for two important changes in the next few months, but only one of them will please the poker community.

PokerStars announces the return of its Caribbean Adventure while Aussie players learn their fate.  (Image: pokerstarsblog.com)

Following the 2016 decision to overhaul its live tournament schedule, European Poker Tour events such as the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) were removed from the annual roster.

In place of these longstanding events, PokerStars Championships and Festivals were brought in.

Starting the new Championship series in 2017 was an event in the Bahamas that offered a similar selection of tournaments to the PCA.

However, despite the similarities, community feedback has prompted the organizers to reinstate the PCA and continue a tradition that’s been in place since 2004.

One for the Players

Commenting on the decision, Director of Corporate Communications at PokerStars, Eric Hollreiser, said the decision was based on a recent review of its live events in light of player feedback.

“This feedback included suggestions that we restore the PCA name and improve the quality of that event to reflect the great heritage and unique experience that made PCA one of the most-anticipated poker events of the year,” said Hollreiser.

When the PCA returns in 2018, 31 tournaments will take place inside the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas between January 6 and January 14. Among the structural changes, the main event will return to a $10,300 buy-in (compared to 2017’s $5,000 buy-in) and the amount of additional fees players have to pay will be reduced.

For any tournaments costing more than $10,000, admin fees will be cut by 50 percent, while those with levels of 19 minutes or less will see an identical reduction.

Additionally, as a “thank you” to players, anyone that plays at least one PCA event will be able to take part in a live $50,000 freeroll on January 14.

Aussie Players Learn Their Fate

While players have reacted positively to the PCA’s return, the announcement has been tempered with the news that PokerStars will be leaving the Australian market in mid-September. Following the Aussie government’s recent decision to pass the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016, PokerStars has emailed all effected players with an overview of its exit plan.

Although there was no official date given, PokerStars officials said that all Aussie accounts will be closed in mid-September.

Despite the negative change, the email did say that PokerStars executives will be monitoring the market closely and that they hope to be back offering real money gaming in the future.

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