Expect a full house as our team of experts has put together a list of the best online poker sites UK players can join right now for exciting cash games, tournaments, and fast payouts.

Whether you’re looking to go head-to-head against other players or have a peaceful video poker experience, you’ll find something on our list — starting with the well-known PokerStars on top.

While PokerStars is our favourite, thanks to a streamlined app filled with cash games and tournaments, we recommend you look through the entire list of poker sites to find the perfect fit.

Ready to bluff and muck? Let’s go.

Best Online Poker Sites in the UK

 

Player traffic and tournaments are primary criteria when ranking these poker sites. Read on to learn more about all the poker games they offer, bonuses for new players, and other important details.

1. PokerStars – Best Online Poker Site in the UK Overall

Eastern Daily Press:

First-time depositors only. Min. deposit £10 with code ‘STARS400’. No withdrawal during the bonus period. Full T&Cs apply.

Pros

  • 100% match bonus up to £400
  • Exciting cash games
  • Wide range of poker tournaments
  • Easy-to-use app for desktop and mobile
  • Fast payout speed

Cons

  • No rakeback
  • Stiff competition on cash tables

If you’ve been playing online poker for a while, you’ve probably heard of PokerStars. 

This powerhouse has become one of the cornerstones of the online poker industry in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the market for stiff competition, fast-paced cash games, and a generous welcome bonus, look no further.

Online Poker Games & Tournaments - 5/5

PokerStars is our favourite poker site for cash games for no other reason than its dedication to variety. You’ll find a ton of poker rooms set up for Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and Draw games — with quite a few variations on each.

For example, under Hold’em, you’ll find No Limit, Pot Limit, 6+ and Hold’em games. The Omaha rooms offer a similar level of variety, while the Stud and Draw tables are a little more limited.

Buy-in is cheap, with the low-stakes tables starting at just a few pence, allowing casual players to get in on the fun without breaking the bank. 

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the PokerStars interface, we recommend checking out the site’s online poker tournaments. 

You’ll find a variety of Spin & Go (the PokerStars take on Sit & Go tournaments), Sunday Million (and Billion) tournaments, and plenty of different Knockout and Bounty tournaments.

And as if poker was not enough, PokerStars also offers online casino games and sports betting in the UK

If we have one complaint about PokerStars, though, it’s the fact that as the premier online poker site, it is frequented by some fairly serious poker players. This means that sometimes you’ll be going up against some ferocious players who are not mucking about.

Bonuses and Promotions - 4.9/5

The PokerStars welcome bonus is simple and effective. New players can double their initial deposit up to £400 by using the STARS400 promo code after signing up.

This bonus requires a minimum deposit of £10 and should be claimed within 7 days of a qualifying deposit.

Your bonus will be cleared to you at a rate of £5 for every 100 redemption points earned, and no withdrawals can be made until all funds are cleared or 4 months have gone by.

In addition to the welcome bonus, PokerStars offers players new promotions and opportunities, though none of them seem to come in the form of rakeback offers, which we feel is a bit of a missed opportunity.

Deposits and Payouts - 4.9/5

You will have a wide selection of payment methods at your disposal. Players will be able to load up their accounts via debit card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Maestro, MuchBetter, Apple Pay, Paysafecard, Neosurf, Google Pay, Trustly, and PokerStarsTopUp. 

The payout options are fairly similar, with the addition of direct bank transfers and wire transfers taking the place of some of the other methods.

Payouts are fast, with many options processing within a couple of hours.

>> Get up to a £400 welcome bonus [PokerStars]

2. GGPoker – Best Tournaments of All UK Online Poker Sites 

Eastern Daily Press:

18+. Matched Deposit & $80 Free Play for new UK players only, min deposit $20. Free Play is given in tickets over 6 days. Matched Deposit max $600 - withdrawal restrictions & play-through requirements apply. Full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • 100% match bonus
  • Up to 60% rakeback
  • All-In Fortune jackpots
  • Beautiful mobile app
  • Tons of tables and tournaments

Cons

  • HUDs are not supported
  • Few payment options available

Up next, we have GGPoker. Even though it hit the UK market quite a few years after PokerStars – it has managed to build one of the strongest poker communities and is currently enjoying the highest traffic on a worldwide level.

GGPoker offers some of the best tournament play we’ve seen, an excellent collection of cash games, and a generous bonus to get you started.

Online Poker Games & Tournaments - 4.9/5

You won’t find quite the same cash game variety at GGPoker as with our top pick, as GG seems to focus on Texas Hold’em and Omaha — Stud and Draw fanatics might be a bit disappointed.

Even with just Hold’em and Omaha, we found a massive collection of cash games and tournaments waiting — and there was almost always a seat available, so you don’t have to worry about standing around twiddling your thumbs waiting for someone to play with.

While there were tons of cash games to play, we were more impressed with GGPoker’s tournament play. 

We found Knockout-styled tournaments under the Bounty Hunter series with a guaranteed grand prize of $50 million (roughly £40.9 million), as well as all-day Omaha tournaments with buy-ins starting at only $1, An exciting High-Roller series, and much more.

And with GGPoker’s beautiful poker app, it all plays as good as it looks — which is to say it plays very well. 

Games are easy to locate and join, the user interface is clean and sharp — and you won’t have to worry about any 3rd party HUDs being used to track your playstyle, as they’re not supported.

Bonuses and Promotions - 4.9/5

New players at GGPoker will get a 100% match on their first deposit up to $600 (about £491) that is unlocked at a rate of $1 for every $5 won in net rake.

Alternatively, you can deposit £10 and get £40 in free play.

Regardless of which you choose, you’ll have a plethora of bonus options once you’re done. 

For example, with the Fish Buffet program, you’ll earn points to level up and get up to 60% cashback. You can also lay claim to your share of the $10 million in monthly giveaways from events like the Flip > Go or Short Deck 6+ daily giveaways.

There are a lot of ways to win at GGPoker, which makes it a top contender for UK players.

Deposits and Payouts - 4.5/5

Players can load up their GGPoker account using Visa or Mastercard – and that’s pretty much it. GG Poker doesn’t support any other payment methods, but on the bright side, payouts are processed and paid out in just a few hours.

>> Get a 100% match on your first deposit at GGPoker

3. Sun Vegas – Best UK Poker Site for Casino-Style Poker Games

Eastern Daily Press:

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 games). Debit cards only. Full T&Cs apply.

Pros

  • 100% match up to £300
  • Excellent variety of casino-style poker
  • Live dealer poker is available
  • Tons of casino bonuses
  • Generous loyalty program

Cons

  • No online poker rooms
  • Higher rollover on bonuses

Our next stop on the tour of online poker in the UK is The Sun Vegas Casino. 

While this is not a dedicated poker site like the previous gambling sites, there is still plenty of poker fun to be had — not to mention the massive collection of exciting the best UK online slots, stellar loyalty program, and tonnes of great bonuses.

Online Poker Games - 4.6/5

Sun Vegas is host to several hundred exciting casino games, and while most of the 700+ games are made up of video slots and the like, there is a fairly robust collection of casino and video poker titles.

You’ll find plenty of proper poker games like Texas Hold’em, 3 and 5-card poker, Caribbean Stud, and Omaha. This ensures that regardless of your favourites, you’re bound to find something.

We were particularly impressed with the less common poker variants available, like Teen Patti and Pai Gow Poker.

Pai Gow is an exciting twist on the standard game. Both the player and the dealer are dealt seven cards, and those cards must be broken down into two hands — a 5-card hand and a 2-card hand. The goal is to ensure both of your hands outrank the dealer’s hand, with the 5-card hand being of higher rank than your 2-card hand.

It takes a little getting used to, but once you learn the rules, this swiftly becomes one of the more exciting poker variations you’ll play.

If you find yourself getting lonely with the regular single-payer poker games, you’ll find quite a few live dealer poker games as well, giving you a flesh-and-blood dealer and an experience to rival any casino floor in Vegas.

Bonuses and Promotions - 4.7/5

New players who make a deposit of £10 or more will get a 100% match bonus up to £300. This bonus, however, comes with a 50x wagering requirement that’s a little higher than we like to see.

Beyond that, there are a ton of great bonuses available. Players who deposit and stake £10 or more qualify to spin the Deluxe Prize Wheel for a chance at winning up to £200 (available once per day).

There are also bonus spins offers, live trivia games on Fridays, and a loyalty program where you earn comp points by playing the games you love — and can later turn those points in for bonus cash. What’s not to love about that?

Deposits and Payouts - 4.7/5

Players can load up their accounts with a variety of debit card and e-wallet options, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Paypal, Paysafecard, and Skrill. 

The minimum deposit and withdrawal for most options is £5, which is very nice — though we recommend depositing at least £10 to ensure you get to make those prize wheel spins.

Payouts are fast, with most options clearing in 24-72 hours.

>> Get up to a £300 welcome bonus [Sun Vegas Casino]

4. Magic Red – Top Online Poker Site in the UK for Live Dealer Poker

Eastern Daily Press:

18+. Qualifying Games Only. Min. Deposit £10. 20 spins on the first deposit. Offer valid for 24 hrs. Full T&Cs apply.

Pros

  • 20 bonus spins with the first deposit
  • 10% live dealer cashback on weekends
  • Great live dealer poker variety
  • Live chat support in multiple languages

Cons

  • Lacklustre welcome bonus
  • No poker room

Magic Red has been one of our favourite UK online casinos for a long time, and while their poker variety is extremely limited compared to some of the other online poker sites on this list, live dealer poker fans should find a lot to love here. 

There is an excellent selection of live poker games and a very generous 10% cashback bonus for live games on Saturday and Sunday.

Online Poker Games - 4.6/5

We found 7 great live dealer poker games, and each of them has a low buy-in limit, making them perfect for players who are looking for a little casual fun.

The options available are fairly limited, though, with the games consisting of Casino Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Three Card Poker, Side Bet City, Caribbean Stud, and Teen Patti.

The Hold’em games play out pretty much as you would expect. You’ll have your two-hole cards, place your bets, and either fold or ride out the flop and see if you can’t beat the dealer. As it is a live dealer game, you and several other players may be betting on the same hand.

Side Bet City is an 80s-themed game complete with neon lights and a vibe that walks the line between seedy and classy. 

You’ll bet on 3, 5, and 7-card hands and can also place an “All Lose” bet if you feel like the 3, 5, and 7-card hands will all lose to the dealer. The payout is up to 1,000x your bet, so this stands to be an exciting game.

Bonuses and Promotions - 4.4/5

Magic Red does not have as robust a welcome bonus as we’d like to see. In fact, some players may find it a little underwhelming — especially poker players. 

New players who deposit £10 or more will get 20 bonus spins on the popular Pragmatic Play slot game Big Bass Bonanza. To withdraw any winnings from these spins, you’ll have to either use up all of the spins or wait for them to expire.

On the upside, it’s entirely possible to get lucky and come away with enough winnings to really enjoy some live dealer poker games, so even if you’re not a fan of slots, it’s worth taking advantage of.

Speaking of live dealer poker, we heartily recommend players take full advantage of Magic Red’s 10% cashback bonus that is available on live dealer games played on Saturday and Sunday after a qualifying deposit. 

We don’t see a lot of live dealer bonuses in general, so this is quite the treat and can go far to make up for a run of poor luck.

Deposits and Payouts - 4.7/5

Magic Red Casino accepts payments through Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, Trustly, PayPal, AstroPay, MuchBetter, Skrill, and Paysafecard. 

All of these options are swift to process and have reasonable payout times — though the bank transfer states it can take up to 6 days to process.

>> Join today to get 20 bonus spins on Big Bass Bonanza [Magic Red]

5. PlayOJO – Best Variety of Video Poker Games in the UK

Eastern Daily Press:

First deposit only. 50 Extra Spins on the Book of Dead slot. Free Spin valued at £0.10. Full T&Cs apply.

Pros

  • 50 no-wager extra spins
  • Thousands of casino games and bingo
  • Excellent video poker variety
  • Cashback on every game played

Cons

  • No poker room or tournaments
  • Limited bonus options

Wrapping up our top five UK online poker sites is PlayOJO, which is a fantastic player-focused online casino site that delivers rollover-free bonuses (meaning you keep what you win, always), cashback on every game played, and a great selection of video poker games.

Online Poker Games - 4.6/5

In the casino game section, we found 8 different video poker games, including both 1 and 3-hand versions of Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Aces & Faces. 

While video poker might not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re looking for a casual, mobile-friendly poker experience, it’s hard to beat.

In addition to that, there is a single casino poker game, Tropical Stud, which plays like most 5-card Stud games and continues the perfect-for-mobile vibes.

And just in case you need a little more variety, PlayOJO has quite a few live dealer poker games as well, including Bet On Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Andar Bahar, and a fun live-dealer video poker game which is a spin on 5-Card Draw.

Bonuses and Promotions - 4.6/5

PlayOJO advertises itself as a casino by players, for players, and one of the ways it likes to demonstrate this mantra is in its small-but-fair bonuses.

Every bonus (or Kicker, as PlayOJO likes to call them) is completely free from wagering requirements, meaning that everything you win is yours to keep.

This starts with the generous 50 bonus spins on Book of Dead you’ll receive when you make your first deposit of £10 or more. Each spin is worth 10p, and whatever you win from those spins, you can take straight to the video poker games.

PlayOJO also offers cashback on each and every game you play via the OJOplus program. In this program, you will earn points on every slot, video poker, and scratch card you play, and once you get enough points, you can transfer those over to your account as cash.

Deposits and Payouts - 4.5/5

PlayOJO accepts a fairly limited number of banking options, but they all have little-to-no fees attached and low deposit limits. You can load up your account using your debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Instant Bank Payment.

Withdrawals are even better, as there is no minimum withdrawal required. This means if you’ve got £5 to your name, you can pull it out.

>> Sign up today and get 50 free spins on Book of Dead [PlayOJO]

How We Ranked the Best Online Poker Sites in the UK

Ever wonder what goes into making a list of the best online poker sites? While our team does look at everything, we trim the fat and will only be showing you the bits that really matter.

We’ve focused on the following things: 


Player Traffic

You can’t have a great UK online poker site without thousands of players frequenting it on a daily basis. The number of players an online poker site has directly impacts the frequency and size of tournaments it offers and whether you can find cash game action 24/7.

With this in mind, we only featured UK online poker sites with huge player traffic so that you can find action regardless of the time you want to play.


Cash Games

From low stakes to nosebleeds – top UK online poker sites should offer suitable tables for all budgets. Therefore, we carefully inspected the cash game offering at each online poker site and whether the stakes were suitable for both beginners and sharks.[2] 


Poker Games & Tournaments

Tournaments are the backbone of all UK online poker sites - so they were one of the most important criteria we had when creating our list.

Regardless of the online poker site you choose from our list, there will be plenty of low-stakes and high-roller tournaments, sometimes with over £1 million in guaranteed prize money (GTD).

We also assigned bonus points to online poker sites that offered games like Teen Patti and Live Dealer Hold’em.


Bonuses and Promotions

We’re primarily looking at poker bonuses for this section, but we will also be taking any generous casino bonus offers for UK players[4] , loyalty programs, special giveaways, and anything else like that while making our rankings.


Deposits and Payouts

Finally, every casino on this list only uses the most trustworthy online banking options, and we look closely at each one to discover if there are any fees or something else you should know about.


Is Playing Poker Online in the UK Safe?

Yes, so long as you stick with trustworthy online poker sites like the ones we’ve tested and reviewed above, it’s perfectly safe to play online poker in the UK.

Always make sure the poker site you want to join is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission if you decide to do research on your own.

Why is PokerStars the Best Real Money Online Poker Site in the UK?

As we’ve demonstrated, there are more than enough fantastic places to play poker online in the UK — so what makes PokerStars so special?

We’re glad you asked. Here is what really made this long-standing online powerhouse stand out to our team of researchers.

  • Generous Poker Bonus: We’re huge fans of the 100% match bonus PokerStars offers their new players. This extra bit of betting can go a long way in the right hands.
  • Easy-to-Use Poker App: Whether you’re playing on a PC or your favourite mobile device, the PokerStars app is straightforward and very user-friendly. It might not be as flashy as the competition, but it does everything you’d want and more.
  • Major Tournaments: Pokerstars gives players access to a wide range of exciting tournaments in all manner of formats. You’ll find everything from bounty-hunter tournaments to several massive Sunday competitions.
  • Safe Banking: You’ll be able to load up your account (or claim your payouts) with an absolutely huge collection of trusted debit cards, electronic transfers, and e-wallet payment options.

Why Play Poker Online in the UK?

Players all over the world are making the switch to online poker. Sure, it doesn’t quite capture the charm of sitting around a table with your mates, but being able to compete in multi-million tournaments without leaving your flat does have some appeal.

If you’re considering making the jump, here are a few of our favourite aspects of online poker:

  • Convenience: Thanks to the phenomenal mobile apps the biggest online poker sites offer, you can play poker online whenever you want – from wherever you are.
  • Variety: Real money poker sites often have a thrilling variety of cash games and tournaments available, with all manner of rules and playstyles supported. This gives you unparalleled access to just about any sort of poker variant you could want.
  • Bonuses: We’ve never sat at a poker table and had our chips doubled before even playing, have you? Didn’t think so. But that’s almost exactly what happens when you take advantage of the 100% match welcome bonuses some online poker sites offer (such as our #1 pick, PokerStars).
  • Security: From the end-to-end SSL encryption that protects our sensitive information to the trustworthy payment options available at legit poker sites, you can rest assured that prying eyes won’t get anywhere with your information.

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

Yes, you can play for real money at UK online poker sites. In fact, UK players have access to some of the best online poker rooms in the world, including PokerStars and GG Poker.


Guide to Playing Online Poker in the UK: FAQ


What is the best online poker site in the UK?

PokerStars is the best online poker site in the UK. It offers a ton of great features, plenty of poker rooms and tournaments, and a generous welcome bonus to get you started.


Is playing online poker legal in the UK?

Yes, it is legal to play online poker in the UK so long as you are over 18 years of age. It’s also important that you’re using online[9]  poker sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Playing at offshore poker sites is not legal nor a good idea.


What Payment Methods are Available at UK Real Money Poker Sites?

Online poker sites in the UK accept various payment methods. We’ve listed the most popular ones below:

  • Visa, Mastercard, or other debit cards
  • E-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay
  • Electronic cheques
  • Bank or wire transfers


Which Online Poker Site in the UK Has the Best Cash Games?

PokerStars claims the honour of being the best online poker site in the UK for cash games. This fantastic UK poker site offers plenty of great poker formats, cash games, and plenty of rooms and tables for players of all skill levels.


Which UK Poker Site has the Best Tournaments?

We prefer GGPoker when it comes to online tournaments. There are few poker sites that understand the importance of high-stakes poker tournaments like GGPoker.

Not only will you have access to a wide range of Texas Hold’em and Omaha tournaments, but registration is easy, and the beautiful poker app makes play easy across all devices — PC, Android, and iOS.


What is the best mobile poker app for UK Players?

GGPoker’s online poker app is hands-down the best piece of mobile software for poker in the UK. After testing the mobile compatibility of tons of online poker sites, the sleek layout and stellar interface built into GGPoker’s downloadable mobile app just looks and plays best.


How Can I Tell if an Online Poker Site is Legit?

One of the easiest ways to tell if a UK poker site is legitimate is to check for licensure. All legit online gambling sites  will be licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission for UK players.

Legitimate online casinos will always have SSL encryption to protect your data and banking info. 


Last Look at the Top 5 Sites to Play Poker Online in the UK

PokerStars: This is a powerhouse in the online poker industry. You’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of exciting cash games, thrilling tournaments, and one of the most reliable apps around. Sign up and get up to a £400 bonus with the code STARS400 at PokerStars. Full T&Cs apply.

GGPoker: If you live to crush the opposition, GGPoker’s collection of knockout tournaments is just what the doctor ordered. The app features a great interface, plenty of Hold’em and Omaha cash games, and exciting prizes. Sign up to get a 100% first deposit bonus. Full T&Cs apply.

Sun Vegas: The Sun Vegas Casino plays host to some of our favourite casino poker games, including Teen Patti, Caribbean Stud, and Pai Gow Poker. New players will get a 100% match up to £300 when they sign up and deposit. Full T&Cs apply.

Magic Red: One of the best online casinos for live dealer games, Magic Red has a great variety of live dealer poker titles, including Hold’em, Side Bet City, and Three Card Poker. New players can get 20 spins upon depositing and 10% live casino cashback on weekends. Full T&Cs apply.

PlayOJO: PlayOJO is the best option for those looking to play single-player video poker games, with 8 variants available. New players can get 50 extra spins on their first deposit and take advantage of cashback with every bet they place via the OJOPlus program. Full T&Cs apply.


How to Sign Up and Play Online Poker in the UK

Below, we've put together a simple step-by-step guide that outlines how to create an account at new UK casinos and start playing poker online.


Step 1: Install a Poker App

  • Visit PokerStars or another online poker room from our list
  • Click the download button and install the app on your device
  • Once installed, click the ‘Join’ button to start the registration


Step 2: Create Your Account

  • Create a username
  • Create a password
  • Provide your email address and country of residence
  • Read and agree to the general terms and the privacy policy
  • Click ‘Create Account’ to finish


Step 3: Deposit

  • Log in to your new account
  • Open the Deposit section
  • Use a bonus code or opt-in for the welcome bonus
  • Follow the instructions to deposit


Step 4: Play Poker Online

  • Open the Poker lobby
  • Navigate to Cash Games or Tournaments
  • Choose a table and buy-in
  • Start playing online poker!


Tips for Picking the Perfect UK Poker Site For You

Whether you’re looking for your very first UK online poker room (how sweet) or are just looking for a change of scenery, we’ve compiled a list of exactly what you need to ask yourself while shopping for your next great place to play.

What games do you prefer to play? Most online poker sites offer Texas Hold’em and Omaha, so if those are your favourites, you got it made. But if you’re a fan of something like 7-Card Stud, you might have a little more trouble finding an online poker room offering cash games in that vein.

Do you prefer cash games or tournament play? While the very best online poker software supports both online poker tournaments and real money games, we find that online casino sites tend to lean more one way or the other. Figure out which is more important to you and go from there.

What kind of bonuses are available? There are few things as fun as playing poker with some extra house money. So whether you’re into single-player poker casino games or going head to head against other online poker players, make sure you pick a casino that rewards the kinds of gameplay you like.

Does this casino support 3rd party HUDs? Some poker players love using a HUD when playing online to help them track details about who they are playing against, while other players prefer online poker sites that offer anonymous tables to ensure every game is fresh and nobody knows their tells. Figure out which you prefer.


Ready to Play at Some of the Best Poker Sites UK?

Now that you know all about the best sites to play poker online in the UK, it’s time for you to get out there and ante up.

While we are confident that PokerStars is the overall best poker site for most players, thanks to its easy-to-use online poker software, thrilling tournaments, and generous welcome bonus — we understand that it might not be the best one for you.

That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time and explore all of the listed online poker sites.

Regardless of where you decide to play, just remember to focus on having fun and always wager responsibly.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. You probably don’t need us to tell you that any form of gambling comes with risks and should not be undertaken as a solution to solve your financial troubles. It’s worth remembering the phrase…the house always wins!

If you suffer from a gambling problem or suspect somebody you know does, then we strongly suggest that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808-8020-133 to talk with an advisor for help and to make gambling safer for you or your loved ones.  Remember all gambling sites and guides are 18+ only.

Casino sites listed on our site may not be available in your region. Check your local laws to ensure online gambling is available and legal where you live. 

Visit these free gambling addiction resources:

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.