I think the criticism of PokerStars comes down to three key factors: They set high expectations with their previous rewards system which offered good rakeback. When they drastically cut this, it felt like betrayal to loyal players. The corporate takeover marked a clear shift from a poker-first company to a gambling conglomerate. This is evident in their product focus – casino games are prominently featured while poker innovations have slowed. Their rake structure combined with the weak chest rewards creates a tougher environment for winning players. That said, they still offer reliable software and large tournament guarantees. The seasonal series remain industry-leading with huge guarantees.