According to the 2005 Act, it’s legal for UK residents to play online poker in both country-licensed and offshore-based poker sites. To access the poker site and play real money games, you have to be 18 or over and must have the permission to operate the device you’re playing from. A site that does not hold a reputable licence should be avoided. Playing at an unlicensed poker site is prohibited to UK players, and offering such services to a UK player results in a hefty fine for the operator. By UK law, all casinos, poker sites, bookies and even individual games must be publicly audited, and their RNG proved fair. All poker sites listed below are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission so we can guarantee you are playing in safe hands. We pride ourselves on carrying out the best quality reviews and as a result you’ll find the highest payout rates, fastest payout speeds and most diverse deposit options available from the list of poker sites below. Our ‘Safety First’ guideline ensures all the online poker sites featured on BettingInstitute are legal in the UK in 2020, so feel free to register with any online poker site or app presented on this page. UK players have access to a wide variety of poker operators, and you need search no further than this page for the best freeroll poker.
There are plenty of UK poker sites in existence, allowing residents to compete in real-money games of Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha, and much more. Whether you’re a UK native looking for a virtual poker room, or just a curious foreigner, this article should provide you with some valuable information on the subject.
The popularity of online poker is thriving in Europe, and most sites are eager to bring in business from the United Kingdom and the surrounding countries. This is especially true after the crackdown on Internet gambling in the United States, which has forced virtual card rooms to search elsewhere for the bulk of their revenue.
Top Recommended UK Poker Sites
- $88 Free
Top Ranked UK Poker Sites
UK poker sites offer players the ability to enjoy quality online poker gaming, including tournaments, cash games, SNGs and more. The best online poker sites UK will be approved by the UK Gambling Commission. With this approval rating, you know that the sites are legit, and you will be offered a secure and safe gaming space in which to enjoy your favorite poker variants. Below are examples of the best UK poker sites available, with benefits listed as well as what you should expect from each operator.
Playing on 888Poker in the UK
When it comes to trusted UK poker sites, 888poker is not to be forgotten. The poker room is one of the best online poker sites the UK has to offer and provides players with a trusted option for gameplay. Players of 888poker will have access to Texas Hold’em, Omaha or 7 Card Stud on tournament, cash gaming, and SNGs. Enjoy a quick game of poker with SNAP, the fast-fold poker option offered by 888poker.
Stakes range from 1 cent to $1,000, making it easy for players of all bankroll types to compete. Get started by signing up and downloading the online poker platform, easily depositing cash via only the best financial methods, to begin poker online real money UK gameplay.
Legality of Online Poker in the United Kingdom
I could give you a long-winded answer that goes on for over a page, but I’m going to keep this simple. You can play online poker in the UK without any worries, although sites are legally required to be licensed by the Gambling Commission before offering their services to citizens.
While offshore sites can technically break the law by operating without a UK license, there’s not much a private citizen can do to draw the ire of authorities.
Most Popular Type of Online Poker
It should come as little surprise that the most popular type of online poker in the United Kingdom is Texas Hold’em. This is the game that launched poker to new heights in the 21st century. It remains the favorite option for novices and pros alike. In fact, it replaced baccarat in the James Bond films, which is the equivalent of some other drink being substituted for the British spy’s trademark martini.
Top 5 Advantages of Playing at UK Poker Sites
There are a number of perks that come from opening an account at a UK poker site, and the following list details some of the most notable examples.
- Regulation – The UK-based Gambling Commission doesn’t fool around when it comes to issuing licenses. Every poker room and casino is carefully vetted to ensure quality and fairness, which should provide peace of mind to even the most careful customers.
- Large Player Pool – Since the U.S. market is a shadow of its former self, Europe has emerged as one of the best places to play Internet poker. This allows you to take on some of the strongest competition, and easy-to-beat fish can also be found in abundance.
- Friendly Tax Laws – Thanks to a 2001 European Union law against double taxation, gamblers don’t have to pay taxes on their winnings. If you’re a high-stakes player, this can be a huge advantage.
- Easy Transactions – In addition to offering secure transactions, licensed sites also provide customers with a huge range of deposit and withdrawal options. I’ve seen some sites that have 20 or more choices, although a dozen is more common.
- Smoke All You Want – If you’ve played poker at land-based British casinos, then you know that smoking is now prohibited in most indoor venues. When you play in the privacy of your own home, however, you can smoke as many cigarettes as you like. It may be terrible for your health, but some players enjoy an immediate stress release while playing such a challenging game.
What Defines the UK?
Readers who live in the United Kingdom should already know this information, but I’m presenting it anyway for those who slept through geography class or come from a distant land.
The following nations make up the UK, which means all residents should be eligible to play at the same poker sites.
England – Became a unified state in the 10th century and the first industrialized nation in the 18th century. Famous poker professionals hailing from England include Sam Trickett and Matthew Ashton.
Northern Ireland -When Southern Ireland removed itself from the UK following the Free State Constitution Act of 1922, this became the only part of the nation affiliated with the UK. Famous modern-day poker stars include Marty Smyth and Andy Black.
Wales – Unified by the King of Wales, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, in 1057, the nation was annexed by England following the Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542. Famous poker players include Roberto Romanello and Dave Colclough.
Scotland – Established as a nation in 843, Scotland entered into a political alliance with England to form the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. Notable poker players from this nation include David Vamplew and Niall Farrell.
Conclusion
UK poker sites offer a wide range of games and a sizable pool of players. Any site licensed by the Gambling Commission must undergo rigorous tests for fairness and reliability, so customers can open accounts without worrying about annoying items like payment speed and software quality. In short, playing online poker in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland is a problem-free experience.
EXCLUSIVELY RANKED & REVIEWED BY PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
If you are looking for the best online poker sites in the UK then you have come to the right place. Poker Sites UK has one goal in mind: offering you some of the best rooms that give you lucrative welcome bonuses and promotions. We also offer trust and security while providing a wide variety of payment options.
Our team of experts have done all the hard work by playing at online poker sites with real money and have found some of the best sites on offer to UK poker players.
On these recommended sites, you'll find:
- The poker rooms with the best promotions for players
- Loads of fish to give you a good chance of winning
- An enjoyable poker experience on reputable sites
TOP POKER SITES FOR UK PLAYERS
+£20 free
T&C apply
WHY CHOOSE 888 Poker
888's huge popularity with players is partly thanks to their £500 welcome bonus and the extra £20 they give you for free, meaning you'll hit the range of cash games and tournaments with a strong bankroll.
compability:
deposit options
payout time: 1 to 2 Days
T&C apply
About partypoker
partypoker has a massive tournament selection, a wide variety of poker variants, and fast payouts.
compability:
deposit options
payout time: 2 to 5 Days
£400 T&C apply
About PokerStars.co.uk
PokerStars is one of the biggest poker rooms on the planet with tens of thousands of players online.
compability:
deposit options
payout time: 3 to 6 Days
T&C apply
About Betfair Poker
Betfair Poker gives a generous welcome bonus and has safe and secure banking options.
compability:
deposit options
payout time: 2 to 5 Days
T&C apply
About Betfred Poker
BetFred Poker has fast and intuitive software, and also offers a wide range of banking options.
compability:
deposit options
payout time: 1 to 2 Days
PLAYING ONLINE POKER IN THE UK
Online gambling has become increasingly popular in Great Britain. with close to £3bn wagered in 2014. This growth has seen many real money sites focusing their attention on the British public, allowing UK players to pick and choose from the best poker rooms on the internet. All of the websites found on PokerSites.co.uk are UK regulated by the Gambling Commission, and have been individually reviewed and ranked by us. You will only ever find high quality sites here, which have past all our checks and met our demanding standards. We haven't only looked at one type of software either, as our featured UK online poker sites are from every network including iPoker, MPN, and Ongame.
There is a wealth of information here, telling you all about the top sites in the United Kingdom. Online poker is enjoyed by thousands of people in Britain every day, and our knowledge experts can help you find great games right now! In addition to finding you the best online poker rooms for UK players, you can also discover our free tips and strategy advice. Our online guide will help you compete in some of the best Texas Hold'em games on the internet, as well as introduce you to other poker formats, including Omaha, 7-Card Stud and 5-Card Draw. In addition to our excellent articles, you will find a selection of great welcome bonuses. We have also arranged a number of exclusive offers, allowing you to compare the best deals and find the right UK poker site for you.
Browse the top UK poker sites by category
We talk a lot about what we look for in a great poker site. We've told you about the lengthy process we go through in reviewing and rating every online poker room out there. And we've explained how our goal is to make sure you have a safe experience while playing.
Therefore, to complement our list of the best online poker sites out there, we have also compiled a list of poker rooms you should steer clear of. These sites represent those that have been involved in shady practices, have a poor payout history, or simply don't offer a great experience.
Lock Poker
- Lots of player complaints
- No pay or slow pay
- Questionable handling of player funds
Colt Poker
- No response on customer support
- Bad reputation for payouts
- Bad business practices
Poker Host
- Bad software gives a bad experience
- Very poor customer service
- Payouts are rare or non-existent
Frequently Asked Questions about UK Poker
Is Online Poker Legal in the UK?
Yes. For a long time the UK has had a liberal attitude towards online gaming, allowing poker, along with other internet gambling activities. Despite legislation introduced in 2014, meaning operators must first obtain a UK license, Great Britain is still seen as progressive in its approach to online gambling. Many activites are permitted and and poker players can still enjoy games against international player pools.
Do you have to pay Taxes on your winnings?
No. Thanks to relaxed gambling laws in the UK, you don't have to pay tax on any gambling or online poker winnings - even if it's your main source of income. While taxes have been imposed on operators since 2014, this has no direct effect on the players.
Poker Sites Money
Can I Play Online Poker in Pounds
Yes. There are many sites, particularly those linked with British bookmakers, which allow you to play in Pounds Sterling, although international sites may prefer to operate in US dollars or Euros. All poker sites accepting UK players will allow you to deposit and withdraw in pounds, by completing a currency conversion make a transaction.
How do I get my welcome bonus?
Welcome bonuses vary from site to site, however with so much competition out there you can find many great deals. Normally you will gain a matched bonus, based on your first deposit. This is usually around 100%, doubling your bankroll straight away, although you will normally have to pay a required amount of rake or tournament fees before this bonus is released. While many bonuses now release in increments, make sure you check the time limit, as when this expires you will lose any unclaimed bonus.
Do I have to play for real money?
Not at all. Most online poker sites offer play-money versions of their games so you can get a feel for the games without risking any real money of your own. Then once you are used to the feel of a poker site, you can make a deposit and start winning real money!
Can I play on my mobile or tablet?
Yep. In 2020 many online poker rooms are offering poker apps that work specifically for your smartphone or tablet. Multi-tabling on such a small screen may prove to be a bit tricky, but now you're free to play your favourite poker games on the move - the train, in front of the telly, even at work (don't tell the boss).
All Poker Sites Uk
Can I use a Mac to play the same games as PC players?
Poker Sites Outside Uk
A few years ago if you'd suggested the idea of a Mac-friendly client to an online poker room you'd have been laughed out of the room. Today, however, with the Apple Mac gaining exponentially in popularity, poker sites are starting to sit up and take notice. Not only do most of the major online poker sites offer a Mac version of their software, the Mac clients often work better due to the machine's superior processing power. Mac poker is no longer a joke! Even if a room doesn't offer a Mac download version of their client, you can often enjoy the same rooms as PC users by playing via your web browser.
Poker Sites Uk
Are online poker sites safe?
In 2020 all poker sites accepting UK players are safer than ever, often operating under regulation from the UK Gambling Commission, as well as holding international licenses from the likes of Gibraltar or the Isle of Man. While there have been some high-profile cases of involving poker companies, regulators and players alike have become more knowledgeable when it comes to spotting irregularities.
The UK Gambling Commission have imposed some of the strictest licensing conditions on operators, while allowing players as much freedom as possible. One requirement, to ensure deals are fair and random, means poker companies must employ independent auditors to thoroughly check their software. Another requires that all players monies are kept seperate from operational funds. While many trusted operators were doing these already, such measures are now compulsory to operate in the UK. As such the handful of questionable operators remaining have now left the British market.