Share 
FanDuel has officially entered a soft launch phase in Pennsylvania as PokerStars completes its transition onto the FanDuel platform, marking a pivotal moment for the state’s online poker market.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed the soft launch began today, which is one of the final steps to entering the Multi-state Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). The soft launch allows players to access poker games through the newly integrated FanDuel Casino platform.
The testing period is scheduled to run through Monday morning, after which regulators will determine whether full approval will be granted.
PGCB monitoring soft launch period
State regulators are closely overseeing the rollout to ensure the platform meets all operational and financial requirements before granting full authorization.
Doug Harbach, PGCB communications director, told PlayPennsylvania in an email:
“They entered soft launch today, so the public is able to play and access poker games.
“The soft launch will run until Monday at 11 a.m., which is when there will be a final revenue reconciliation with them. Then the board would review the test and look at approving full authorization.”
The soft launch process is standard for new or updated platforms in Pennsylvania, giving both operators and regulators time to identify and resolve any issues before a full-scale launch.
PokerStars migrating into FanDuel ecosystem
The launch represents the final stages of PokerStars’ transition to the FanDuel platform, a move that has been in progress in recent months.
PokerStars is shifting its operations into what is effectively a FanDuel-branded ecosystem. The transition will eventually phase out the standalone PokerStars platform in favor of a unified experience that combines poker, iGaming, and sports wagering offerings under one account.
This integration is part of a broader strategy by parent company Flutter Entertainment to align its US brands and streamline operations.
What the transition means for players
For players, the soft launch means immediate access to poker games through FanDuel, with potential changes as the transition is finalized. It also means shared liquidity with states such as Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and West Virginia, which translates to:
- Larger tournament prize pools
- More consistent game availability
- A wider variety of stakes and formats
The new FanDuel platform is designed to offer a shared wallet and cross-platform functionality, allowing users to move seamlessly between poker, PA online casino, and sports betting products. The shift could also position the platform for expanded player liquidity, particularly as multi-state poker agreements continue to evolve.
While some backend changes are taking place, operators have indicated that player funds and accounts remain secure throughout the migration process.
Full approval decision expected Monday
The PGCB will make its final determination following the conclusion of the soft launch period Monday morning.
After reviewing testing results and completing a revenue reconciliation, the PGCB will decide whether to grant full authorization for the platform to operate statewide.
If approved, the move will officially complete PokerStars’ transition and establish FanDuel as the new home for online poker in Pennsylvania, further reshaping the competitive landscape of the state’s regulated market.
