Starting this week, online poker players will have access to a premium series in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PokerStars will be hosting the Winter Series in both states, with the series running at the exact same time. The action kicks off on January 21 with events running through the 31st. Usually, the operator spreads out the events so players in both states can compete in each other series, but that was not the case this time around.
Details of the Series
There is something for everyone via the Winter Series. Buy-ins range from $20 to $200 for the most part, which makes the series affordable for everyone. Of course, there are High Roller events that will have a higher buy-in and the Main Event is also a bit more as well.
Each series will take place in No-Limit Hold’em for the most part with a few progressive knockout options, hyper-turbos, and turbos. As always, the most anticipated event on the schedule is the Main Event. There will be a Mini and Main in both states. The Mini will have a buy-in of $50 and the Main $300. The guaranteed prize pool for the Main in PA will be $200,000 while NJ will only offer $100,000.
In general, PokerStars offers more to players in PA due to participation. This year, the Winter Series will have just over $1 million in guaranteed prize money up for grabs in Pennsylvania, which is a whopping $325,000 more than the 2020 version. In New Jersey, there will be $565,000 up for grabs, which is around $365,000 more than the previous year.
Earning Seats
In both states, PokerStars has decided to offer the same promotions connected to the Winter Series. A freeroll will be connected to the Main Event, offering $10,0000 in tickets. Players who deposit $30 or more will earn tickets to this freeroll with a chance to win a Main Event ticket.
There will also be second chance freerolls. This is a promotion that PokerStars often provides during series tournaments. Players who bust out without earning a cash prize will be able to compete in a special freeroll event.
PokerStars is also providing Spin & Go satellites, providing access to Main Event tickets. The special event Spin & Gos are only $3 to enter, making it easy for players to try and compete for the Main Event seat.
Overall, the New Jersey schedule will offer 40 total events while Pennsylvania will offer a bit more at 45. Each series will offer a variety of formats, but Pennsylvania will have the most including 5-Card Draw, HORSE, Pot Limit Omaha, 5-Card Omaha, and more.
The Winter Series is expected to be successful in both states. There are still state mandates in place in these areas as the COVID-19 pandemic remains an issue. As players are staying home more frequently, the series provides entertainment, that many are expected to take part in.
Once it is all said and done, it will be interesting to see which state sees the largest turnout and if one or both states will be able to surpass its total prize guarantees. It is expected that both will smash the guarantee as players take advantage of the affordable online poker action.
