Best Online Poker Sites for UK Players in 2024
Online poker is massive in the United Kingdom, with many of the world's best cash game and tournament players hailing from the UK. UK Online poker players have many sites and apps to choose from. If you are in the UK and are looking for the best UK poker site, the expert team here at PokerNews, with many years of experience between them, have you covered, as we'll tell you all about which are the best UK online poker rooms and why.
Best UK Online Poker Sites - PokerNews Recommendations
There are many UK online poker sites to choose from, and here at PokerNews we have played on them all. Which one is the best for you is a matter of personal preference and depends on exactly what it is you are looking for from an online poker experience. Whatever you prefer, we're sure you will find something here with our top recommendations.
#1 - PokerStars UK
#2 - 888poker UK
#3 - Partypoker UK
GGpoker UK
Bet365 Poker UK
Sky Poker UK
PaddyPower Poker
Which are the Best Online Poker Sites in the UK?
It's difficult to say definitively which online poker site is the "best" in the UK, as it’s a very subjective matter and different players have different preferences and priorities when it comes to choosing a site. For example, someone may consider 888poker to be the best due to it having mystery bounty tournaments, but others may side with PokerStars because they prefer playing mixed games.
It's important to do your own research and choose a site that offers the games, tournaments, and features that you are most interested in. On PokerNews, we have reviewed all the top poker sites in the UK to make things a little easier for you. Simply click the links below to visit our in-depth UK Poker Reviews.
No. 1 - PokerStars
PokerStars UK- This is one of the largest and most popular online poker sites in the world, with a wide variety of games, tournaments, and promotions. No online poker site on the planet can match PokerStars' selection of poker variants. At a last count, PokerStars had 16 poker variants to choose from; most of its rivals offer three to five at the most.
PokerStars' cash games have blinds starting at $0.01/$0.02 up to $200/$400. Its tournaments start at free-to-play freerolls all the way up to $25,000 or more during major online poker tournament festivals. The Spring Championship Of Online Poker (SCOOP) and World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP) are two such series.
Of all the online poker rooms available to UK residents, PokerStars has the most traffic, and by some distance.
PokerStars UK Key Features
Pros
✔ Free poker games for beginners
✔ Fantastic sign-up bonuses
✔ Dedicated poker app for Android and iOS
✔ Top selection of cash games and tournaments
✔ The site is busy 24 hours per day every day
✔ Best customer support team in the industry
✔ The most reliable software on the web
✔ Home of the Sunday Million, SCOOP and WCOOP
No. 2 - 888poker UK
888poker UK - This is another top-rated online poker site in the UK, with a strong focus on player experience and a variety of games and tournaments to choose from. 888poker has a reputation, and a deserved one, for being one of the most recreational-player friendly online poker sites worldwide. Having a busy casino and sportsbook often leads to an influx of players who are new to poker, and they help keep the cash games and tournaments soft and easier to win at.
The biggest downside to 888poker is it has nowhere near as many active players than PokerStars, which some players see as a significant negative. The lesser traffic means smaller prize pools on daily and weekly tournaments. However, look at it the other way; smaller tournament fields make it more like you will become a poker champion because you have fewer opponents to worry about.
888poker is the UK-friendly poker room to head to if you love playing mystery bounty tournaments because 888poker is still the only site that offers daily tournaments in this exciting format.
Although the player count is less at 888poker than PokerStars, there are still plentiful cash games and tournaments at all times of the day, making it the online poker room of choice for thousands of UK-based poker players.
888poker UK Key Features
Pros
✔ Great mix of tournaments inc PKO, Mystery Bounty and Freerolls
✔ No deposit bonus & ongoing promotions
✔ Plentiful cash game traffic
✔ Only online poker site offering daily Mystery Bounty MTT
✔ A superb tournament schedule for all bankroll sizes
✔ Fast-fold poker available, known as "Snap"
✔ Satellites to qualify for major live events
Cons
❌ Only Hold'em and Omaha games offered
❌ VIP scheme not very rewarding unless a very high volume player
No. 3 - Partypoker
PartyPoker UK - This site was one of the first online poker rooms to offer real-money gaming, and its two decades worth of experience is there for all to see. PartyPoker was once the world's largest and busiest online poker site, and while it may have lost that crown, PartyPoker is still immensely popular with British poker players.
PartyPoker's tournaments have limited late registration, only one or two re-entries permitted, and have blinds structures designed to allow the tournament to finish at a reasonable time without compromising the average stack size at the business end of the event.
Partypoker Key Features
Pros
✔ Excellent mobile poker games
✔ Lots of real-money action
✔ One of the most trusted brands in online gaming
✔ Up to 40 percent cashback every week
✔ Fast-paced FastForward poker
✔ Qualify for partypoker LIVE events around the world
Cons
❌ Some satellites auto-register you for the target tournament while it is running
❌ Customer support can be slow in responding to queries
No. 4 - GGPoker
GGPoker UK - GGPoker initially launched in 2014 with a focus on the Asian markets. However, it has since spread globally and is now the busiest online poker room for cash games and tournaments. GGPoker is currently the only place you can play for a World Series of Poker bracelet online in Europe.
Due to licensing laws, players from the UK wanting to play online poker at GGPoker must play on GGPoker.co.uk. The site is only visually different from the global dot-com client, and the UK platform shares traffic with its dot-com cousin.
GGPoker UK Key Features
Pros
✔ Large 100% welcome bonus up to $600
✔ Integrated tournament staking
✔ Progressive hand jackpots and built-in Smart HUD
✔ Spin-and-Gold jackpot SNGs
✔ Wide variety of cash games and tournaments
✔ Huge MTTs, including the WSOP
Cons
❌ No razz, badugi, five-card draw online
❌ Complicated rewards system
No. 5 - Bet365Poker UK
Bet365 Poker UK - Bet365 may be better known for being one of the largest sports betting sites in the world, but it also has a busy online poker room bearing its name. Bet365 Poker is part of the iPoker Network, which is made up of several poker rooms, mostly those attached to sportsbooks, which all share the same pool of players. The only time this changes is if you play on the Premium Tables because these are only visible to Bet365 Poker customers.
Bet365 Poker has plentiful cash game traffic, although it is concentrated towards the lower end of the buy-in scale. It is a similar story regarding multi-table tournaments, mostly because the iPoker Network attracts more than its fair share of recreational players with the "skins" of the network each having large-scale sports betting and online casino operations.
Bet365 Poker Key Features
Pros
✔ Can use your account for other bet365 products
✔ Wide range of tournaments, many have large guarantees
✔ Speed Poker (fast-fold) available
✔ Part of the busy iPoker Network
Cons
❌ Only Hold’em and Omaha cash games
❌ Not the largest of sign-up bonus
❌ Highest cash game stakes are €5/€10
No. 6 - Sky Poker UK
Sky Poker UK - Sky Poker offers a solid online poker experience with some notable strengths. The platform is user-friendly, providing various game options like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Its software is reliable and offers smooth gameplay, with customizable features and a mobile app for on-the-go gaming. The site also boasts a strong community, featuring forums and social interaction, creating an engaging atmosphere for players.
Sky Poker provides various tournaments and promotions, including satellite events to live tournaments, adding excitement to the gameplay. However, the player pool may be relatively small compared to larger poker sites, potentially leading to fewer tables at certain times. While the graphics and interface are serviceable, they might not be as visually appealing as some competitors. In summary, Sky Poker is a good choice for casual and intermediate players seeking reliable gameplay and a sense of community, but high-stakes or high-traffic poker enthusiasts might find better options elsewhere.
Sky Poker UK Key Features
Pros
✔ Soft games
✔ Final table jackpots
✔ Weekly + monthly Sky Poker rewards
✔ Regular freerolls
✔ Easy-to-use interface
✔ PLO Hi-Lo available
Cons
❌ Only available in UK, Ireland & Gibraltar
No. 7 - PaddyPower Poker
Playing on PaddyPower Poker offers a myriad of benefits that cater to both novice and experienced players alike, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to engage in online poker. Firstly, PaddyPower Poker is part of a well-established, reputable gaming brand, ensuring a secure and trustworthy gaming environment.
One of the standout features of PaddyPower Poker is its generous welcome bonuses and promotions. New players can take advantage of attractive sign-up bonuses, while regular players enjoy ongoing promotions, loyalty rewards, and access to exclusive tournaments. This not only enhances your playing experience but also offers more value for your time and money.
Another significant benefit is the community aspect. PaddyPower Poker has a vibrant community of players, providing a social dimension to the game. Through forums and live chat features, you can connect with fellow poker enthusiasts, share strategies, and even make new friends.
PaddyPower Poker Key Features
Pros
✔ £20 worth of bonuses for new customers
✔ A major brand that is trustworthy and financially secure
✔ Regular value-packed promotions and leaderboards
✔ Busy cash games run around the clock
✔ Jackpot SNG
Cons
❌ Top end of the VIP scheme is very difficult to reach
How to choose the Best UK Online Poker Sites
If you are searching for the best UK online poker sites, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are a few tips on how to find the best online poker sites in the UK:
1. Check whether the operator has a UK gambling license: It's important to choose an online poker site that is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that the site is operating legally and meets strict standards for player safety and fair play.
2. Look for a wide range of games and tournaments: The best online poker sites in the UK offer a wide variety of games and tournaments, including popular games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, as well as innovative formats like Spin & Go and Fast Fold Poker.
3. Check for bonuses and promotions: Many online poker sites offer bonuses and promotions to new and existing players, so it's worth looking for a site that offers generous bonuses and regular promotions.
4. Read PokerNews Reviews: Reading our in-depth reviews is a good way to get an idea of the overall reputation and quality of an online poker site.
5. Consider Customer Support: Look for an online poker site that offers 24/7 customer support, ideally with multiple ways to get in touch, such as live chat, email, and phone support.
6. Test the site: Before committing to an online poker site, it's a good idea to test the site by playing a few games or tournaments. This can give you a better sense of the site's gameplay, software, and overall experience.
Top UK Online Poker Sites for Beginners
All of the top sites we recommend on this page are good for beginners. That’s because they all offer a variety of low-stakes games and make it easy for you to start playing online poker in the UK.
888poker is a great option for beginners because it offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of low-stakes games and tournaments. The site has a global reputation for providing soft cash games and tournaments, which in turn, attracts more lesser-skilled and knowledgeable players.
PokerStars not only offers a wide range of games and tournaments, including low-stakes games for beginners, but the site also offers a variety of resources and tools to help new players improve their skills. Check out the PokerStars Learn website for hints and tips from some top-tier professional players, along with guidance designed for amateur players.
PartyPoker also offers a variety of low-stakes games and tournaments, as well as innovative features like FastForward Poker, which allows players to quickly fold and move to a new table and be dealt a new hand. Players from the PartyPoker Casino and its sports betting site often frequent cash games and tournaments at PartyPoker, adding a pinch of weaker players into the mix.
It's worth trying out a few different sites to see which one offers the games, tournaments, and features that you enjoy most. And you can sign up for all of them with a welcome bonus right on this page.
Best UK Online Poker site for Home Games
In our opinion, top of the tree for setting up Home Games is PokerStars. Find out more about how easy it is to Play Online Poker with Friends with PokerStars Home Games.
Home Games allow you to use the PokerStars software to create your own poker club. You can invite friends and family, create one-off tournaments and cash games, or build a league. Home Games are perfect if you struggle to get your poker-playing friends in one place for your usual home game, hence the name.
Best UK Online Poker Site for Freerolls
Free poker tournaments (Poker Freerolls) are events where you connect with other players to play poker and win prizes with no buy-in fee. While these tournaments can feature a wide range of prizes real money prizes, they all have one thing in common: they are all free.
PartyPoker is currently the best British online poker site for freeroll tournaments. It is running an ongoing promotion called Round the Clock Freerolls, which sees $2,500 worth of prize pools up for grabs each day in free-to-play events runnings throughout the day.
Nearly all online poker sites in the UK offer Freerolls. You can play them here:
Best UK Online Poker Bonuses
Most online poker sites in the UK offer bonuses to new players as an incentive to join and start playing. These bonuses come in a variety of forms, including welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, and no-deposit bonuses.
Welcome bonuses are usually the most generous type of bonus offered by online poker sites in the UK. They typically require players to make an initial deposit, and the site will then match a certain percentage of that deposit, up to a specified maximum amount. For example, a site might offer a 100% match bonus up to £400, which means that if a player deposits £400, they will receive an additional £400 in bonus funds.
Deposit bonuses are similar to welcome bonuses, but they are usually offered to existing players rather than new ones. These bonuses typically require players to make a deposit during a specified promotion period, and the site will then match a certain percentage of that deposit.
No-deposit bonuses are less common than welcome and deposit bonuses, but they can still be found at some UK online poker sites. These bonuses usually require players to sign up for an account, but they do not require a deposit. Instead, players are given a small amount of bonus funds to use on the site.
When choosing an online poker site in the UK based on bonuses, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some bonuses may have restrictions or wagering requirements that make them less attractive than they appear at first glance. Check out some of the best UK Online Poker bonuses on offer right now.
UK Online Poker Tournament Calendar
With so many online Poker tournaments running in the UK on any given day, we decided to make life easier for players. Our Online Tournament Calendar gives you a view of what’s going on in the lobbies of the top UK poker sites of PokerStars, 888Poker and partypoker.
UK Online Poker Sites Regulation
In the UK, online poker sites are regulated and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC is a government agency that is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the country, including online poker.
To obtain a license from the UKGC, online poker sites must meet strict standards for player safety and fair play. This includes requirements for Responsible gambling, Player Protection, Fairness and transparency (e.g. certified and audited random number generators to ensure that the outcome of games is fair and unbiased) and anti-money laundering.
All the UK sites listed here on PokerNews adhere to these regulations, providing a safe and fair environment for you to enjoy the game.
UK Online Poker Sites Payment Methods
Most UK poker sites offer a variety of payment methods to make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds. Some of the most common payment methods available on UK poker sites are:
1. Debit cards: This is the most popular payment method on UK poker sites. Most sites accept Visa and Mastercard. Residents of the United Kingdom cannot use credit cards to fund their online poker account nor any other gambling account.
2. E-wallets: E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are popular payment methods on UK poker sites because they are fast and secure. Many sites also offer special bonuses or promotions for using e-wallets.
3. Bank transfers: Bank transfers are a safe and reliable way to deposit and withdraw funds from UK poker sites, but they can take longer to process than other payment methods.
It's worth noting that the availability of payment methods may vary depending on the poker site and the country you're playing from. Before signing up for a site, it's important to check which payment methods are available and whether there are any fees or restrictions associated with them.
Best UK Poker Apps for iPhone & Android
Thankfully, all of the top UK Online Poker sites also offer their services via apps for both iPhone and Android. There are several excellent poker apps available to players in the UK, each with its own unique features and advantages. You can download and play the best UK poker apps using the links below.
| Poker Site | Details | Android App | iPhone App |
|---|---|---|---|
| 888poker | 888poker boomed after a complete revamp of their platform and game offer. Today, this is one of the best poker sites in the world. | Download | Download |
| PokerStars | The world's largest poker site is an obvious choice for everyone who likes poker. The top-class mobile apps replicate the same experience you get on desktop. | Download | Download |
| partypoker | A modern poker app to play on iOS and Android and experience all the best the partypoker client has to offer. | Download | Download |
| GGpoker | The newest and most innovative real money poker site in the industry. Lots of games, great liquidity, and a modern mobile platform. | Download | Download |
Learn how to play poker and other useful links….
- How to Play Texas Holdem Poker
- Poker Hands Rankings
- Poker Odds Calculator
- Play Poker Online with Friends
- Poker Bonuses
Best UK Online Poker Sites FAQs
Is online poker legal in the UK?
Yes, UK poker sites are legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
How can I find the best UK poker sites?
You can find the best UK poker sites by reading reviews, checking out rankings, and trying out different sites for yourself.
What payment methods are available on UK poker sites?
The most common payment methods on UK poker sites include debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Credit cards are not allowed to fund any gambling account in the UK, including online poker sites.
Can I play on UK poker sites from my mobile device?
Yes, most UK poker sites offer mobile apps or web-based versions of their software that can be accessed from a mobile device.
What types of poker games can I play on UK poker sites?
UK poker sites offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and more.
Do UK poker sites offer bonuses and promotions?
Yes, UK poker sites often offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players and reward loyal ones.
What is the legal age to play on UK poker sites?
In the UK, the legal age to play on poker sites is 18 years old.
Can I play on multiple UK poker sites at the same time?
Yes, many UK poker players play on multiple sites at the same time using multi-tabling software.
Can I withdraw my winnings from UK poker sites?
Yes, you can withdraw your winnings from UK poker sites using a variety of payment methods.
Are there any taxes on poker winnings in the UK?
In the UK, poker winnings are generally not subject to taxes as they are considered a form of gambling winnings. However, it's always best to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific tax situation.
Article last updated 08 February 2024