Determining the quality of the best poker sites in the UK can sometimes feel like a guessing game – will it be a royal flush or just a brick?

With our curated list of the best options, finding the ideal poker table is now a breeze.

Our team of experts has crowned PokerStars as the winner, thanks to its ultra-reliable mobile apps, high-quality cash game and tournament variety, and a stunning £400 welcome bonus.

But don’t just take our word for it. Give yourself a few minutes and read through what we have to say about our top pick and its toughest competitors.

Best Poker Sites UK

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Wondering how these UK online poker sites ended up on our list? Keep reading as we unveil more details about each of them.

1. PokerStars – Best UK Poker Site Overall

Oxford Mail:

First-time depositors only. Min. deposit £10 with code ‘STARS400’. No withdrawal during bonus period. Note that full T&Cs Apply.

Pros:

  • 100% match up to £400
  • 15+ payment options
  • Tons of in-depth poker guides
  • High-traffic cash tables
  • Frequent tournaments with massive GTD prizes
  • Amazing apps for desktop and mobile

Cons:

  • Graphics are a little dated
  • Login required to access live chat

PokerStars is one of the biggest names in UK online poker — and it’s not hard to see why. With its easy-to-use poker app that makes finding your perfect game a breeze and a massive collection of high-stakes tournament action… it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Real Money Poker Games – 5/5

Like all the best UK poker apps, tables at PokerStars are primarily focused on Texas Hold’em. Given that it’s what almost every professional-level poker event plays, that’s no surprise — but you can rest assured that there is plenty of variety available.

Stakes range from micro-stakes tables where you can buy in for just a few pence, all the way up to high-roller tables where the cash games are designed to test your mettle as much as your bankroll.

However, most games fall somewhere in between, striking a nice balance of casual without feeling like you’re feeding into the penny pokies.

Where PokerStars shines is its tournament play, with a huge range of games and formats available throughout the week including Spin & Go tournaments, Knockout, Zoom, and the fast-paced Hot Turbo tournaments. Players looking for more serious play should check out the Sunday Milly and Sunday Billions tournaments.

They even have special tournament series for the ladies out there with their Women’s Sunday tournament. To participate, you can buy a place for $22 or win a seat for less via satellites running throughout the week from under $1.

Bonuses and Promotions – 5/5

New online poker real money players who use the STARS400 promo code while making their first deposit can claim a generous 100% match up to £400 in bonus cash.

This bonus unlocks in £5 increments for every 100 redemption points earned playing real money games. Unlike some of other UK poker sites, PokerStars respects your time by giving you a full 120 days to unlock the funds, making this a particularly great offer for casual players.

Mobile Compatibility – 4.9/5

The PokerStars mobile app is every bit as good as its desktop counterpart, offering a host of great features, simple navigation, and easy-to-read graphics — even if they feel like they haven’t been updated in the last few years, the experience is still top-notch.

Banking Options – 4.9/5

PokerStars accepts a wide array of payment options including debit cards like Visa and Mastercard as well as Pay By Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Maestro, PayPal, Wire Transfer, Much Better, Apple Pay, PaySafeCard, Neosurf, Google Pay, Luxon, and more.

Both deposits and withdrawals are fast and painless, and you can rest easy knowing they only use proven payment methods.

>> Get a 100% match up to £400 [PokerStars]

2. GGPoker – Biggest GTD Poker Tournaments in the UK

Oxford Mail:

18+. Matched Deposit & £60 Free Play for new UK players only, min deposit £10. Free Play given in tickets over 6 days. Matched Deposit max $600. Note that full T&Cs Apply.

Pros:

  • Backed by WSOP Pros
  • £60 in bonus cash
  • Huge selection of massive GTD tournaments
  • High-traffic tables active 24/7
  • Top-notch online poker app

Cons:

  • Tough competition
  • Verification process can be arduous

GGPoker is a fantastic choice for serious players — not only does it have a host of high-stakes (and high payout) tournaments, but it’s sponsored by a ton of pros and is tied closely to the World Series of Poker championships.

So you may very well find yourself rubbing elbows with the greats at GGPoker’s tables.

Real Money Poker Games – 4.9/5

GGPoker tables cater predominantly to Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo since those are the formats everybody plays right now — and with its emphasis on WSOP gameplay, it’s no surprise that GGPoker plays what you’d expect to find in the World Series of Poker.

There is a ton of variety when it comes to stakes and table setups, so regardless of whether you’re just looking for a casual micro-stakes game to pass the time, or are interested in cutthroat Hold’em games against proven players, there’s something for everyone.

GGPoker hosts an array of big tournaments, including Daily Guarantees, Mystery Bounty, Omaholic events, GGMillion$, and the WSOP Super Circuit, promising ample opportunities to win big prizes throughout the week.

Its poker software is fully customisable, although setting hotkeys for call, raise, and fold will only be possible via 3rd party apps.

Bonuses and Promotions – 4.9/5

New players who sign up and make their first £10 deposit will get £60 in bonus cash right out of the gate. This is a smaller bonus than you might find elsewhere, but it’s a pretty great return on investment — especially for low-stakes players.

Alternatively, you could claim a 100% match up to $600, but this bonus actually unlocks gradually and you won’t get it all upfront — which won’t be a problem if you’re already committed to some serious table and cash game action.

Mobile Compatibility – 4.85/5

Like PokerStars, the GGPoker mobile app is pretty much a lightweight, touchscreen-friendly version of the desktop application — which is great. It’s extremely easy to find a table in just a couple of taps, and we had no issues signing up for upcoming tournaments.

Banking Options – 4.8/5

Players can load up their accounts via Visa and Mastercard, as well as Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, and more. Both deposits and withdrawals are safe and secure, and most options have very reasonable payout speeds.

>> Get £60 in free play [GGPoker]

3. PlayOJO – Best Online Poker UK Site for Quick Payouts 

Oxford Mail:

First deposit only. 50 Bonus Spins on Big Bass Bonanza slot. Bonus Spins valued at £0.10. Excludes players in N.I. Note that full T&Cs Apply.

Pros:

  • No wagering requirements
  • Cashback on every game played
  • Excellent video poker games
  • 1-hour PayPal withdrawals
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Lacks poker tournaments
  • Smaller bonus than competitors

If you’re not into the super-serious grind of competitive poker and want something a little more low-key and casual, we recommend checking out PlayOJO – one of the best online casinos in the UK.

When paired with PlayOJO’s peerless customer support and player-first features like the OJOplus program and 1-hour payouts, it’s like an oasis in the online poker desert.

Real Money Poker Games – 4.8/5

There are no cash games or poker tournaments at PlayOJO, which means you won’t be going head-to-head against other punters trying to get the upper hand.

Instead, it’s just you and a nice blend of video poker machines and some live dealer poker games, all of which have high RTP rates. Most games consist of 1 and 3-hand poker machines like Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, 2 Ways Royal, Aces and Faces, and so on.

Beyond that, you’ll want to check out PlayOJO’s collection of Caribbean Stud, Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Tropical Stud, and two different live dealer poker tables powered by PlayTech.

Bonuses and Promotions – 4.8/5

PlayOJO doesn’t offer any poker-specific bonuses, but they are serving 50 bonus spins on Big Bass Bonanza — one of the most popular slots when you make your first deposit of £10.

And since there are no wagering requirements attached to this offer (or any of PlayOJO’s promotions), anything you win can go straight into your video poker fund.

You will also be earning cash back on every single game you play thanks to the OJOplus program, which offers you points whenever you play any casino game. These points can then be redeemed for cash and either re-wagered or withdrawn.

Mobile Compatibility – 4.7/5

There is no downloadable mobile app for this UK online casino, but that shouldn’t be a problem as PlayOJO’s mobile website loads fast and looks great on all devices.

Banking Options – 4.8/5

PlayOJO accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and instant bank transfers.

They keep minimum deposits low, requiring only £10. Plus, they have lifted all minimum withdrawal limits because this casino believes that your money is your money, and you should be able to collect it no matter how much or little you have.

We loved that eWallet payouts are super fast, especially with PayPal – it only requires an average of 1 hour.

>> Get 50 wager-free spins [PlayOJO]

4. Sun Vegas – Best Bonuses of All Online Poker Sites UK 

Oxford Mail:

18+. New customers only. Min deposit £10 for 100% deposit match bonus up to £300 (accept bonus within 72 hours, wager bonus 50x within 30 days on selected ). Debit cards only. Note that full T&Cs Apply.

Pros:

  • 100% match up to £300
  • Excellent VIP program
  • Solid bonus variety
  • Great live dealer poker games
  • Excellent responsible gambling tools

Cons:

  • No cash games or tournaments
  • Website navigation can be a struggle

Sun Vegas offers UK players a robust online casino experience with over 700 high-quality casino games ranging from popular slot games to an impressive blend of live dealer and video poker machines.

Real Money Poker Games – 4.7/5

Like at PlayOJO, you’re not going to find any cash games or poker tournaments here, but that doesn’t mean Sun Vegas is lacking in online poker chips.

Instead of poker rooms, you’ll be greeted with a bevy of top-notch online slots and table games, including a rather impressive poker variety. We found Multi-hand Deuces Wild, 3 Card Brag, Jacks or Better, Premium Hi/Lo, Heads-Up Hold’em, and more.

There are even more options under the live dealer section. Bet On Poker and Casino Stud are the ones we enjoyed playing the most. But to check out these games, you need to create an account first.

Bonuses and Promotions – 4.8/5

This online poker UK site gets new players warmed up with a generous 100% match up to £300.

This welcome bonus is only available for a limited time. This welcome bonus is only available for a limited time. You will have to accept it within 3 days of making your deposit, so make sure you are on top of that.

After claiming the offer, you’ll be given a full 30 days to complete the wagering requirements.

In addition to this, there is a daily prize wheel, bonus spin offers, massive cash drops, and several other great promotions — not to mention the exceptional loyalty program where you can earn points and redeem them for cash prizes.

Mobile Compatibility – 4.7/5

Sun Vegas Casino is available on iOS and Android devices through a downloadable mobile app and a well-designed mobile-ready website.

While we did notice a fairly significant increase in speed when playing on the app, we found both options to be comfortable and quite similar in terms of features.

Banking Options – 4.65/5

Players will be able to use quite a few fast and secure payment options at this online poker UK site, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, PayPal, Paysafecard, Moneybookers, and Skrill.

>> Claim your £300 welcome bonus [Sun Vegas]

5. Magic Red – Best Site to Play Live Dealer Poker Games in the UK 

Oxford Mail:

18+. New Players Only. Spins are given as follows: 50 Spins upon a first deposit of minimum £10. Spins may only be used in specific games. Wagering Requirement: 35x. Spins expire after 24 hours. Note that full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • £35 first deposit bonus + 50 extra spins
  • Extensive live dealer collection
  • Over 1,500 online casino games
  • Several secure e-wallet payment options

Cons

  • Dated website design
  • Welcome bonus smaller than some competitors

Wrapping up our top five online poker UK sites is Magic Red. This classic UK casino site offers players an incredible live dealer poker experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Real Money Poker Games – 4.7/5

With over 1,500 games on tap, it’s no surprise that Magic Red delivers on the poker front — particularly where the live dealer games are concerned.

We found an extensive list of live poker tables including Teen Patti, Three Card Poker, Side Bet City, and a couple of different Texas and Casino Hold’em varieties.

Every table we played at was staffed by friendly, professional croupiers — though the neon vaporwave aesthetic of Side Bet City was a favourite among our team members.

Bonuses and Promotions – 4.6/5

New UK players can claim a 100% match worth up to £35 on their first deposit plus 50 bonus spins on the popular Book of Dead slot. Keep in mind that spins are only valid for the first 24 hours.

Live dealer players will also have access to a generous 10% cashback offer every Saturday and Sunday when they deposit £20 or more and use the LIVEBOOST promo code. This is a great way to stretch your bankroll at the tables and can help take the sting out of a bad hand.

Mobile Compatibility – 4.7/5

Magic Red’s mobile website looks great and loads fast, though players will also be able to download the iOS version from the App Store. Android users will need to download theirs as an APK, which is annoying enough for us that we just stuck with the mobile website.

Banking Options –4.7/5

You can load up your Magic Red account with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, MuchBetter, AstroPay, Skrill, and Trustly.

Every one of these options is swift and safe, making this a perfect poker site for security-minded UK players. Our only real gripe is that the bank transfer withdrawal option can take 6 full business days to process, which isn’t bad but can hurt if you’re in a hurry.

>> Get £35 and 50 spins [Magic Red]

How We Ranked the Best Online Poker Sites UK 

Real Money Poker Games

Every UK site on our list offers a wide range of poker options regardless of whether it’s cash games and tournaments, casino and video poker machines, or live dealer poker games. No matter how you take your experience, you’re sure to find a perfect table.

For more diversity, our recommended sites are also packed with other casino games including online blackjack, slots, and even specialty titles.

Bonuses and Promotions

Because we believe it’s better to win with the house’s money, we’ve made sure every UK online poker site offers fat stacks of bonus cash, freeroll tournaments, or some other form of bonus.

We scored them based on how much free play is up for grabs, as well as how difficult the wagering requirements are to complete.

Mobile Compatibility

From downloadable apps to mobile-optimized websites, we’ve checked every site on this list to ensure you can take your games with you — wherever you happen to be headed.

Banking Options

All the bells and whistles are no good if you can’t make a deposit using your favourite secure banking method. From e-wallets to debit cards and beyond, we’ve made sure that plenty of trusted options are available for all kinds of UK players.

Are UK Online Poker Sites Legit?

Yes! There are many UK online poker sites out there that are legitimate and safe to play at. We’ve seen it ourselves – and many successful players have won as a result of playing poker online.

If you are looking for legit and safe sites, feel free to opt for any of our top picks as we have tested them one by one to ensure their safety.

However, if you decide that you want to try something else, you can still check whether it’s worth your attention or not.

Steps to Find Safe Online Poker Sites in the UK

Here is the list of things we check when deciding if a UK poker site is safe:

  • License: If the poker site holds a license from a recognized gambling authority like the UK Gambling Commission, you can feel pretty confident that they’re going to be regularly checked by trusted 3rd party authorities, ensuring that there is no funny business going on behind the scenes.
  • SSL Encryption: You want to make sure that any site you play at has an up-to-date SSL certificate. This way you know that any information you send to the website is fully encrypted and protected from prying eyes.
  • Payment Options: Legit poker sites are going to use legit payment processors, so once you start shopping around, make sure you pick an online poker site that uses secure payment options you’re familiar with and can trust.

Why is PokerStars the Best Site to Play Online Poker in the UK?

After looking at dozens of online poker sites, our team concluded that PokerStars is the best online poker site in the UK — and if you’re wondering what we saw that makes it so special, we’re more than happy to tell you.

Easy-to-Use Software: The downloadable PokerStars app is easy to use, regardless of what device you’re visiting it with. It loads fast and comes with a ton of great features, putting exciting tournaments and cash poker rooms right at your fingertips.

Massive Tournament Variety: PokerStars serves up an incredible amount of GTD prize money across a wide range of tournaments including major events like the Sunday Billion, Saturday Line-Up, and Omania (a great choice for die-hard Omaha fans).

Suitable for All UK Players: Whether you’re interested in casual micro-stakes games or you have an axe to grind (and the bankroll to back it) at the high-roller tables, PokerStars is sure to have a table that fits you like a glove, no matter how skilled you are at the game.

Security and Trust: PokerStars provides a safe and secure environment for all players thanks to its adherence to regulatory standards. You’ll find industry-leading SSL encryption, known and trusted payment options, and one of the best customer service teams in the UK.

Why Should I Play at UK Online Poker Sites?

While online poker might not have the same quaint charm as sitting around a table with your best mates, sharing a drink and a fair bit of banter — it manages to deliver on several other aspects.

Let’s take a quick look at everything online poker does that we feel makes it superior to the traditional way of play.

Convenience

Online poker sites let you enjoy all of your favourite poker games from the comfort of your own home. If you’re using a mobile poker app, you can play from anywhere once you have an active internet connection.

Amazing Variety

Land-based poker houses have a limited number of tables and usually only one or two poker variants.

Online poker sites, on the other hand, have no limitations and can offer a ton of cash games and multi-table tournaments to thousands of people at any given time. Plus you’ll be able to play a ton of different formats including Hold’em, Omaha, Pai Gow Poker, and more.

Massive Guaranteed Prizes

Online poker tournaments can host far more players than a standard brick-and-mortar event, which means you can expect bigger pots and higher-stake action — and many of the very best UK poker sites offer ongoing tournaments throughout the week, giving you plenty of great opportunities to win.

Better Bonuses

When you step into a brick-and-mortar casino or poker hall, the money you bring in is the money you have. But with deposit bonuses and so many free roll tournaments available, there is a ton of extra play waiting for you at online poker real money sites.

Best Poker Sites UK – FAQ Guide

Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in the UK?

Yes, you can play online poker for real money. Every UK poker site on this list offers real money tournaments, cash games, or live dealer poker tables, letting you wager and – if you’re lucky – win real money.

What is the Rake in Poker?

When talking about “rake” in online poker, you’re referring to the percentage of the pot held back by the house as compensation for hosting the game.

Rake is generally calculated as a percentage of the final pot, though many of the top poker sites have a cap on that amount, ensuring they don’t hold back too much of your winnings for some of the larger events.

What is the Best Poker Game to Play?

The best online poker game to play is Texas Hold’em since it has remained the most popular variant for quite some time now.

Because it’s so popular, you’ll have no difficulty finding other users to play with — plus most of the really good online tournaments are set up in Hold’em formats. So, if you want to grab massive GTD prizes, this is the game for you.

Is Poker a Game of Skill or Luck?

Poker is a game of both luck and skill.

The luck comes in because the cards are dealt randomly (either with actual, physical cards or a random number generator), while the skill comes from knowing what to do with those cards.

The ability to calculate the odds and make strategic decisions like staying in or folding is arguably the most valuable skill in poker.

Is Online Poker Rigged?

No, online poker is not rigged. Because online poker sites make their money from rake (a small percentage of the final pot) they have no incentive to rig online poker games.

How do UK Online Poker Bonuses Work?

The most common form of poker bonus is the deposit match bonus, where a percentage of the amount you deposit is matched in bonus cash (usually something like 100%) up to a certain amount.

But unlike a standard casino bonus, you will not have to wager and re-wager your bonus before withdrawing winnings. Instead, the bonus cash is released to you in small increments as you earn rake at the tables — usually in £1 - £10 increments.

Once released, you only have to wager the bonus cash once, and any winnings you earn from it are yours to keep.

Can You Play Poker on a Mobile Device?

Yes, you can play poker on a mobile device. All the best online poker sites UK offers come with either a downloadable app or a mobile-friendly website, letting you enjoy real money poker whenever and wherever you want to.

What is the Best UK Online Poker Site?

After reviewing dozens of online poker operators we have decided that PokerStars is the best online poker site in the UK.

Not only does it have the biggest traffic, but its downloadable app is exceptionally easy to use and offers players a wide range of exciting cash games and tournaments.

Comparing the Top 5 Online Poker UK Sites

PokerStars: This is the best UK poker site overall. It offers a fantastic balance between casual cash games and high-octane tournament play — packaged in the most reliable poker app on the market. New players can get up to £400 when they sign up. Full T&Cs Apply.

GGPoker: If tournament variety (and massive guaranteed prizes) are what you’re after, check out the WSOP-partnered GGPoker — the favourite app for many of the top poker professionals. First-time depositors can get £60 in free entry tickets. Full T&Cs Apply.

PlayOJO: This fastest-paying UK casino has over 3,000 casino games, no wagering requirements, and offers cash back on every game, including poker. Once you sign up, you can claim 50 rollover-free spins. Full T&Cs Apply.

Sun Vegas: With its extensive collection of casino and video poker titles, Sun Vegas stands out as a fantastic choice for low-stakes (and low-stress) UK online poker games. New players can unlock a 100% match up to £300 on their first deposit. Full T&Cs Apply.

Magic Red: Magic Red is a great choice for players who want a real casino experience via live dealer poker tables. Their 100% match bonus + 50 bonus spins don’t hurt either. Full T&Cs apply.

How to Sign Up and Play at the Best Poker Sites in the UK

Are you ready to create your first online poker account and start playing in some of the biggest online poker tournaments in the UK today? If so, follow our step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.

Step 1: Choose a UK Poker Site

  • Check out our list of the top 10 sites
  • Select your favorite
  • We recommend PokerStars

Step 2: Create an Account

  • Click the Join button
  • Create a username and password
  • Fill in your personal information
  • Agree to the terms, and click “Register” to finish

Step 3: Verify Your Email

  • Go to your email inbox
  • Follow the confirmation link
  • Your account is now verified

Step 4: Make the First Deposit

  • Visit the Cashier section
  • Choose your preferred payment method
  • Make a qualifying deposit to claim a welcome pack

Step 5: Play Poker Online

  • Visit Casino lobby
  • Choose the poker category
  • Select the title you want to play
  • Enjoy!

Tips and Strategies for Playing at UK Online Poker Sites

The online poker world is pretty interesting – unlike other gambling games, it is not a passive experience.

If you want to come out on top, you’ll have to be cunning, and clever, and make use of every advantage you can — which is why we’ve collected the following tips and tricks to help you be the best online poker player you possibly can be.

Baby Steps: Poker is a blend of skill and luck, and if you want to be able to mitigate the damage a bad deal can do, you need to know what you’re doing. We recommend you master the basics and stick with low-stakes poker games until you’re confident.

Avoid Distractions: If you want to win, it’s important to keep your head in the game. We recommend turning off the television, moving to a quiet room in the house, or playing after the kids have all gone to bed. You can focus on the game and avoid making silly mistakes.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Tools: The best UK poker apps come with all sorts of special tools ranging from hand-odds calculators and betting guides to the ability to see what the flop would have been if you had not folded. Explore all the essential tools to assess the strength of your hand and gauge the likelihood that your opponent holds a stronger one.

Put Your Bonus to Work: We recommend maxing out your bonuses whenever possible as this gives you a ton of extra cash to play with — which means even more chances to walk away a winner. Keep an eye out for everything from reload bonuses to free-roll tournaments and take advantage of everything you can.

Ready to Play at the Best Online Poker Sites in the UK?

It’s not hard to see why poker is the most popular card game in the world with its fast-paced action and easy-to-learn but hard-to-master strategy… but it can be difficult to find the perfect place to play.

Or it used to be, because you’re now “in the know” and know exactly where the best places to play are — right?

While we believe that PokerStars is the best poker app, you’d be just as happy at any of the other sites on our list.

Just remember that no matter where you decide to play, the focus should be on having fun. So pull up a seat and don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling is risky and should not be undertaken as a solution to your financial problems.

If you're struggling with a gambling addiction or know someone who is, reach out for help from a professional at the National Gambling Helpline through this phone line: 0808-8020-133.

All gambling websites and guides on our website for people 18+. Check these websites for resources to help with gambling addictions.

 

 

Affiliate Disclosure: This is an affiliate post. We don’t offer casino games ourselves. Instead, we help you find a place to play. When you go to a casino via our site and play there, we receive compensation.