PokerPlanets Begins Operations as New Platform Post PokerStars Sochi Closure

mrinal-gujare
07 Aug 2025
Mrinal Gujare 07 Aug 2025
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  • PokerPlanets launched officially, leveraging PokerStars Sochi's player base.
  • Focuses on cash games, tournaments, Spin & Win, and more
  • Accessible on desktop and iOS; Android app coming soon.
PokerPlanets Launch
PokerPlanets commenced operations and has inherited PokerStars Sochi’s player database. Targeting the CIS market, the platform offers cash games, tournaments, Spin & Win events, and other promotions. 

PokerPlanets, a recently established online poker platform, officially began operations on April 30, 2025. The site inherited the existing player database previously held by PokerStars Sochi, which closed its services earlier in the year. 

As of July 2025, PokerPlanets is actively operational in its beta testing phase, with key functionalities already accessible and attracting a growing community of players.

About PokerPlanets

According to the official PokerPlanets website, the operational team comprises professionals experienced in managing online poker platforms and organizing major live poker tournaments. 

The platform is committed to maintaining values associated with fair play and respect for player skill levels, along with fostering a competitive environment conducive to intellectual development.

Platform Accessibility

Currently, PokerPlanets operates through desktop client software and applications for iPhone and Android users. 

Target Market and Licensing Information

PokerPlanets primarily serves players located in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other nations within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. 

Operated by Entertainment Planets B.V. under a gaming license from Curaçao, PokerPlanets strategically aims to build upon the trust and player loyalty it inherited from the PokerStars Sochi brand.

Game Selection and Tournament Formats

PokerPlanets currently emphasizes cash games, particularly featuring 6-max Texas No-Limit Hold'em, which is especially popular during peak playing hours. 

While the platform’s tournament traffic and Spin & Win formats continue to grow, it already offers the Teleport fast-fold poker variant. 

PokerPlanets Lobby

Available poker game formats on PokerPlanets include Texas No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), and the increasingly popular variant, PLO5.

Tournament offerings range across freezeouts, re-entry events, Knockouts, and Mystery Bounties. Buy-ins for these events start from as low as $5.50 and scale up to high roller tournaments priced at $1,000. The flagship weekly event, known as the Jupiter Cup, carries a $109 buy-in.

PokerPlanets Tournaments

Spin & Win and Teleport Poker Formats

PokerPlanets hosts Spin & Win tournaments, which are fast-paced, three-player sit-n-gos with randomized prize pools. 

These events have stakes ranging from $0.50 up to $10, including tournament fees typically between 7% and 9%. The Teleport variant provides accelerated poker action for Texas No-Limit Hold'em and PLO games, with stakes available from $0.02/$0.05 up to $2.50/$5.

PokerPlanets Spin&Win

Bonus Offers and Rake Structure

New players registering on PokerPlanets can benefit from structured welcome bonuses, including a deposit match bonus and rakeback bonuses. 

These bonuses are clearly detailed with specific wagering conditions, timelines, and minimum deposit requirements. The site's rake charges align with industry standards, usually set around 10% for tournament play and between 7% and 8% for Spin & Win games.

Loyalty and Rewards Program

PokerPlanets operates a six-tier loyalty program, each named after different space-themed levels. 
Players who successfully complete the initial Andromeda tier automatically advance to Level 3, whereas those unable to fulfill these requirements will default to Level 1. 

Players must complete specific requirements within predetermined timeframes to maintain or progress within these loyalty levels.

PokerPlanets Loyalty Program

Payment Methods and Software Features

PokerPlanets supports cryptocurrency transactions, allowing users to deposit and withdraw funds through crypto-friendly payment options as well as LuxonPay, Skrill and Piastrix depending on the GEO you are in.

Additionally, the platform integrates built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD) software, providing players with real-time statistics during gameplay.

New users can register at PokerPlanets using the PokerPlanets invitation code MAXBET to claim a welcome bonus of up to $600.

Grinding on PokerPlanets

PokerPlanets is actively building upon the foundations inherited from PokerStars Sochi and continuously refining its platform during the beta phase. With ongoing developments and enhancements, PokerPlanets aims to become a leading online poker site within the CIS gaming community.

Upcoming Events

20 June 2026