Security - Keeping the game fair
The security and integrity of the games we offer is paramount to our success. Read on for details of the measures we take to ensure this high level of security, as well as how you can help protect your account.
We operate online poker cash games and tournaments, taking a small amount from most cash game pots (in the form of ‘rake’) or tournament buy-ins (via entry fees) as financial recompense. Operating with this business model, the integrity of the game is paramount to our success. In fact, we maintain teams of game integrity experts to ensure no player could ever gain an advantage at the table through anything but their own skill and ability.
We rely on our hard-won, independently verified reputation for providing a fair and honest game. For this reason, allowing players any sort of unfair advantage, or ‘punishing’ any players with an unfair disadvantage, would be counter-productive and damaging to our reputation and our business. And as you can see below, would also be technically impossible.
The Shuffle
We deal the cards in a fair and honest manner. Once the deck is shuffled, it is set, and the order in which the cards are dealt cannot be changed. The software that shuffles and deals the cards cannot control who wins or loses; it just deals the cards and the rest is up to the players in the game.
Our software uses an independently verified random number generator to produce a shuffle that is completely random, and which favors no player over any other. The methods we use ensure complete randomization of the cards, and complete unpredictability of the cards to come.
Our random number generator is one of the most advanced in the industry.
The Random Number Generator
One of the great challenges in generating a truly random number is that computers are logical, process-led machines, and so any series of numbers produced solely by a computer can never be truly random.
We use a ground-breaking system based on quantum theory. A single photon is directed at a semi-reflective mirror; the angle at which it is reflected, or whether it passes through, is an entirely random process that can never be accurately predicted, reproduced or interfered with.
Our random number generator has been tested and certified by Gaming Labs International (GLI) to meet the industry standard for highly-regulated jurisdictions. Click here to learn more, or click here to read our Certification of Integrity.
Keeping Player Funds Safe and Separate
All player funds and account balances are held in segregated accounts, and are never used for operational expenses. These segregated accounts are managed by a leading European bank.
This arrangement ensures that we can at all times fulfil our monetary obligations toward our online players, and provides further reassurance that player funds are always secure with us.
Responsible Gaming
We have a commitment to ensure that online gaming remains fun and safe. That means preventing people from playing if they are underage, and helping those who do not have control over their playing.
Our software contains built-in measures to protect players, including the facility to limit deposits or play. Look for the ‘Responsible Gaming’ menu to learn more.
You can read our responsible gaming policy here.
Your Password
We employ some of the toughest and most secure systems to protect the integrity of your account, but any account is only as secure as its weakest link, which for many people is their password.
Your password can be up to 20 characters long, and lengthier passwords are usually stronger.
Password protection is your responsibility and leads to secure online management.
SMS Validation
Validating your Stars Account using SMS text messaging provides increased security for your account. When activated, you will receive a SMS text message with a secret code if we detect potential irregularities with the operation of your account. In these instances, the facility to conduct real money transactions (including real money play) will be suspended until you enter the provided code into the software.
If you have any queries, are not receiving SMS validation messages, or no longer have access to the phone number that was registered, please visit our Help Center to find the best way to contact us.
PIN
Using a PIN to log in to your account - in addition to your username and password - provides a further level of security for your account.
Once activated, you will be prompted to enter your PIN upon each log-in. The numbers will change position each time, stopping most keyloggers from recording where you click and what buttons you press.
If you lose your PIN, you can request a new one which will be sent to your registered email address. If you have lost your PIN and no longer have access to the email address registered to your Stars Account, please visit our Help Center to find the best way to contact us.
RSA Security Token
An RSA Security Token is a device that generates an extra password needed to log-in to your Stars Account. Each password only shows on the screen for a few seconds. After that, a new password is generated and the old one expires.