PokerStars Set to Deal 50 Billionth Hand

Online poker players are known for playing a lot of hands. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of hands a year aren’t uncommon for serious poker players. But 50 billion hands – now that’s something special. PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, is nearly ready to deal their 50-billionth real money hand of poker since the site’s inception in December of 2001.

As with similar promotions held for other milestone hands on the site, PokerStars has planned several prizes for players who are dealt into milestone hands. Starting with hand number 49.7 billion, every millionth hand will come with a special bonus for players dealt into these special hands. Players in these hands will immediately receive $50 for each VIP Player Point (VPP) they’ve earned over their last 50 hands at that table. The winner of each hand has that bonus doubled, making it $100 for each VPP.

Of course, the biggest rewards are being help for the 50 billionth hand itself. Every player in that hand will receive $500 for each VPP they’ve earned over their last 50 hands; once again, the winner of that hand will double that reward to $1,000 per VPP, a prize that could be worth tens of thousands of dollars at a high limit table. In addition, the winner of that hand will take home an additional $50,000, and every player at the table will earn a seat in the 2010 World Championship of Online Poker Main Event, a $5,200 buy-in event.

PokerStars is currently in the middle of running the WCOOP, which features events occurring every day. The Main Event will take place beginning on September 26, and is a two-day event. The tournament comes with a massive $10 million guaranteed prize pool! Also of note is the $10,000 + $300 High Roller 8-Game event taking place on September 26, which has a $1 million guarantee.

PokerStars has traditionally given out large prizes for milestone hands. In February 2010, the site dealt its 40 billionth hand, with the winner of the hand winning $24,000. A year earlier, the site celebrated their 25 billionth hand.