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Best online poker sites UK: Real money poker sites ranked
We’ve provided a rundown of the best poker sites available for beginners and seasoned players
Poker has continued to grow in popularity the UK and it is one of the main markets for those who regularly use online casinos.
Poker sites can seem complicated at first, but for those who learn how to play, it can add another dimension to their entertainment, so we’ve provided a guide to the best online poker sites for real money in the UK, with a focus on security, game variety, traffic and bonuses.
To find out more about how we rate online casinos and about gambling responsibly please scroll a little further down the page.
The best online poker sites in the UK
1. PokerStars
PokerStars is one of the most popular poker sites globally and in the UK, known for its large player bases, high-quality software, and a wide range of poker options.
Its key strength is its huge tournament selection, as well as a variety of regular promotions and an easy-to-use mobile app.
They are currently running a sign-up bonus alongside several ongoing promotions for UK players, with the PokerStars bonus code ‘STARS400’ used for claiming a 100 per cent sign-up bonus.
2. PartyPoker
PartyPoker is a trusted UK poker site with good cashback offers and solid traffic. It offers great rewards for loyalty, as well as UK poker tournaments and a welcome offer that includes a matched first deposit bonus up to £400 and £70 in free play on any game. In addition, it’s one of the best sites out there for casino bonuses to enhance your poker experience.
PartyPoker is a great site for intermediate players, with fewer pro players in the lower stakes rooms, while there are options for mid-stakes games.
3. Unibet Poker
Unibet is a beginner-friendly poker site with anonymous tables, frequent promotions, and a relaxed playing environment. They offer a wide range of tournaments too, from freerolls to bounty events.
In terms of bonuses, Unibet runs regular promotions and loyalty rewards, with free tickets for new players and guaranteed prize pools in tournaments.
Unibet is best for casual and recreational players, as it is designed to be less intimidating with fewer pro-heavy tables.
4. Bet365 Poker
Bet365 is a reputable UK poker site with seamless integration of sports betting and casino games. As expected, it runs a strong welcome offer for new players, and they have frequent reload bonuses and promotions tailored to poker.
Bet365 is the best choice for multi-gaming enthusiasts. There are beginner-friendly tables with low stakes, as well as a host of flexible gaming options, making it easy to switch between poker, sports, and casino.
5. GGPoker
GGPoker is a leading platform for Hold’em and Omaha enthusiasts, and it’s a perfect place for experienced poker players, with a wide range of buy-ins and stakes. Its key strengths include its large player base as well as a low rake of three per cent for Omaha and five per cent for Texas Hold’em.
GGPoker is especially known for its generous bonuses and a well-established user base. For a £10 deposit, new players can claim £40 in free play and weekly freeroll tickets.
What to look for in poker bonuses
Welcome Bonuses: The best online poker sites will offer great value on their welcome bonuses. Customers should look out for free play tokens and matched deposits, but also take into account any terms and restrictions.
Freeroll Tournaments: This is a name given to a tournament with no entry fee. These are good for beginners to build bankrolls without having to buy your way into the table.
Loyalty Schemes: Regular users of UK poker sites can benefit from loyalty schemes that reward regular play.
Best poker sites for beginners
When choosing a new poker site to play on, it’s best to focus on ease of use, low-stakes options, and educational resources like poker tutorials.
Bet365 and Unibet are excellent beginner choices, based on their user-friendliness and accessible stakes. Users will find a range of poker games and rooms that are available and devoid of experienced players, allowing new players to learn and hone their craft. Both companies have sites and apps that run efficiently with a user-friendly interface.
Best poker sites for advanced players (UK)
The main features to be aware of for experienced players include tracking software support, high-stakes cash games, and competitive tournament structures.
To this end, PokerStars and GGPoker are the best poker sites for experienced players, as they offer a range of serious competitions and big prize pools. Customers will find a range of high-stakes rooms available for a range of poker games.
Mobile poker: Best apps for UK players
Many companies offer casino apps that include a range of poker games, which are a good option for players who like to play on the go.
PokerStars and Unibet are the best choices for poker apps. Both operators provide a fast, seamless, friendly user experience alongside wide game availability. Most importantly for live poker betting, we found both betting apps to be reliable and glitch free.
Key factors when choosing a poker site
There are a number of important things to consider when choosing the best online poker sites for you, and we have provided some information below.
Security & Licensing: Your chosen poker site must be licensed by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) in order to ensure a safe experience for the user.
Game Variety: The best online poker sites will have several different formats available, such as Texas Hold’em or Omaha. They will also offer multi-table tournaments, Sit & Go, Progressive Knockouts and other formats.
Bonuses & Promotions: In addition to welcome offers, UK poker sites should offer bonuses such as deposit matches, freerolls and loyalty programmes.
Mobile Experience: Poker sites must offer a mobile-friendly website and app for players who prefer the convenience of playing on their phone or tablet.
Player Traffic: Having more active players results in better liquidity and more game options, so it is important that your chosen site offers a range of games that have plenty of players.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options: Top online poker sites will offer various UK-friendly payment methods.
Bonuses and promotions
Before signing up to a site, check that their welcome offer provides good value, and search for ways to maximise it.
When it comes to promotions and bonuses for existing customers, as well as choosing your bonus wisely, make sure to time your deposits to make the most of loyalty programmes.
In addition, make sure to play games with higher contribution rates where possible, as these contribute to wagering requirements (if there are any).
Finally, keep an eye on the expiry dates of your bonus, and make sure to use it within the specified window.
Responsible gambling advice
It’s essential that players manage their time and money responsibly to keep poker enjoyable. Below are some key tips for responsible gambling.
Set limits: Always set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Many sites allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits.
Take breaks: Avoid long, continuous sessions. It’s important to take breaks to stay focused and prevent emotional decision-making.
Self-exclusion: If you feel that poker is becoming more than just a game, regulated poker sites offer self-exclusion or cool-off periods to help you take a break.
Seek help: If gambling becomes a problem, contact support services like those below for professional advice and assistance:
Online poker FAQs
Is online poker legal in the UK?
Yes. Gambling is a legal, licensed and regulated industry throughout the UK, with plenty of options for punters to gamble safely and securely. Having said that, when choosing a site to gamble on, make sure that it is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
What is the best poker site for beginners?
Bet365 and Unibet as the best poker sites for beginners in our view. These choices are based on their user-friendliness and accessible stakes. Both companies have sites and apps that run efficiently with a user-friendly interface that make it perfect for new players wishing to start their poker experience online.
How do deposit bonuses work?
Deposit bonuses work when customers deposit a qualifying sum with a valid payment method. Once that deposit has been staked on the required market or game, the company will credit the reward(s) to your account. Check the terms and conditions carefully before depositing with these offers, as they often require specific deposit methods.
Where is best to play poker online?
We recommend established operator PokerStars for its wide range of online poker options. However, there are many casino sites who now offer strong poker products, as do many slot sites, backjack sites and roulette sites. Most online casinos have a poker section and will reward new customers with bonuses that can be used on poker.
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Independent a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.
Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
