PartyPoker Review (2026)
Last updated: May 23, 2026
PartyPoker is the original poker boom site — founded 2001, dominant 2003-2006, owned by Entain plc since 2016. Anurag Dikshit and Ruth Parasol launched it in 2001; PartyGaming IPO'd on London Stock Exchange in 2005 (~£4.6B valuation). The 2006 US UIGEA forced immediate American withdrawal, collapsing market share. After the 2010 bwin merger and 2016 GVC/Entain acquisition, the brand was revitalized — MILLIONS live tour launched 2017 ($20M Caribbean guarantees), mobile app modernized 2018+. Today: roughly half the traffic of PokerStars or GGPoker, 5% rake cap, licensed in Gibraltar/Malta/Spain/Italy, blocked in US.
Definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PartyPoker still legit in 2026?
Yes. PartyPoker is owned by Entain plc (London Stock Exchange-listed FTSE 100 company, formerly GVC Holdings, acquired PartyGaming/bwin.party in 2016). Licensed by Gibraltar (primary), Malta Gaming Authority, Spain, Italy, and other regulated jurisdictions. Operating since 2001 — one of the original online poker rooms, predating PokerStars. Withdrew from US in 2006 under UIGEA and never returned. Player funds segregated per regulatory requirements.
How does PartyPoker compare to PokerStars and GGPoker?
PartyPoker has roughly half the player traffic of PokerStars or GGPoker as of 2024-2026. Strengths: 5% rake cap (competitive), strong mobile app (modernized 2018+), MILLIONS live tour ($20M+ guarantees at Caribbean stops). Weaknesses: smaller player pool means thinner action at mid-stakes and tournaments. Best for: European regulated markets, recreational players who want decent traffic without PokerStars-tier shark density.
What happened to PartyPoker after 2006?
PartyGaming had IPO'd on London Stock Exchange in 2005 at ~£4.6B valuation. When US Congress passed UIGEA in October 2006, PartyPoker immediately withdrew from US market — stock dropped 60%+ overnight. The site never returned to US. 2010 merged with bwin to form bwin.party. 2016 acquired by GVC Holdings (£1.1B deal). GVC rebranded to Entain in 2020. Brand revitalization launched 2017 with new ambassadors and MILLIONS live tour.
What is PartyPoker MILLIONS?
PartyPoker MILLIONS is the brand's flagship live tournament series, launched 2017. Stops include Caribbean (Atlantis Resort, Punta Cana), Sochi Russia (pre-2022), Barcelona, North America (Canada). 2019 Caribbean event featured $20M guaranteed prize pool — one of the largest non-WSOP guarantees ever. Online equivalent is Powerfest series. Designed as PartyPoker's answer to PokerStars EPT and GGPoker's WSOP partnership.
Can US players use PartyPoker?
No. PartyPoker has been blocked in the US since October 2006 (UIGEA). The brand has shown no signs of re-entering US market — partypoker.com targets Europe, Canada (some provinces), and other regulated international markets. US poker players use PokerStars NJ/PA/MI, WSOP.com (Entain-affiliated competitor), GGPoker, or live cardrooms. Geo-blocking is enforced; VPN use violates terms and risks balance forfeiture.
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