A Comprehensive List of the Best Online Poker Sites in the UK

By Marisha

Date published: 2025/10/02

Last updated: 2025/10/02

11 minutes

However, one challenge that online poker players encounter is selection of credible poker sites that would offer a variety of games, appealing bonuses, and flexible payment methods all in one package, while also staying secure.

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the best online poker sites where you can find all these features. You can compare them and choose the ones that suit your needs the best. We will also dive deeper into what you should typically consider when you evaluate an online poker site.

Best Online Poker Sites in the UK

In the list above you will find some of the best online poker sites in the UK. All of them tick off the conditions that ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the players, from a variety of bonuses to convenient payment methods. To give you a bit of a sneak peak into some of our favourites, check out a short review on our top 5 picks.

Benefits of Playing Poker Online

Of course, it is a nice perk that now, every time you want to play poker you don’t have to suit up and go to a casino or a gambling institution. But this is not the only advantage online poker created for gamblers.

Bonuses

While land based casinos may have some extra benefits for their regular patrons, they are not common and are rarely directly tied to the game. Contrary to this, online casinos have a variety of bonuses that any player can qualify for if they fulfill certain requirements.

The best internet poker sites​ will offer more than one or two of these bonuses. They are designed to give players incentive for joining the site, staying a loyal customer, referring the platform to other players, spending certain amounts for deposit, and many more.

When you are reviewing bonuses an online casino offers, make sure to see what requirements you have to tick off to be eligible, be it depositing a certain amount of money, playing a certain number of games, or anything else.

The most customary types of bonuses you will see in online poker sites include:

• Welcome bonus: Offered to the first time customers upon registration to thank them for choosing this particular poker site. They come in a variety of forms, from free cash to free games or access to a poker tournament.
• Match bonus: Offered on your first deposit, this bonus means that the casino will add an amount to your account that equals the amount of your first deposit. However, such bonuses aren’t limitless, so verify the maximum before you load your account. For example, if the limit is £600, the poker site will match your deposit that doesn’t exceed that amount, but if you load your account with £1,000, the match bonus will still be £600.
• Freeroll tournaments: While you need to pay an entry fee to play in most poker tournaments, sometimes the casino will organise tournaments with a free entry and offer access to some players as a bonus.
• Reload bonus: These are offered to customers who have been playing on the poker site for a while and have already used their first deposit bonus. Usually, this type of bonus is smaller than the first deposit bonus, but it is still a good incentive for the players to stick to this site.
• VIP/Loyalty bonus: This is another incentive for existing players to thank them for their loyalty. You can earn loyalty points for playing with real money, and the more points you collect, the better bonuses you will be offered. Loyalty bonuses vary per casino, so don’t forget to check their website.
• Referral bonus: If you want to recommend your favourite online poker site to a friend, most casinos provide you with a unique link or code that you can share with them. After your friend joins, makes their first deposit, and plays the first game, you will be eligible for a reward.

Free Poker Sites

This benefit brought in with the introduction of online poker is a great opportunity for those who are making their first steps in poker. Playing with fake money, you don’t risk losing anything but gain invaluable experience, test out various strategies, and learn the ins and outs of poker.

Many best rated online poker sites​ have an option to play free games if you need to improve your skills before digging into your bankroll.

Choosing Games That Suit You

Every poker player is different in terms of their skill level, playing style, and the size of the bankroll they are willing to commit to the game. A good online poker site will offer a large variety of games with different wager limits, skill level, and even graphic design, because if you are playing your favourite game, you might as well enjoy the visuals.

The most popular poker tournament categories a good online poker site will have available include:

• Sit & Go
• Multi Table Tournaments
• Progressive Knockout/Bounty Tournaments
• Multi Flight
• Freerolls

How To Choose a Poker Site

With the amount of online poker sites that exist out there, choosing the best ones might seem like a daunting task. But if you know what to look for, it becomes rather simple. Here are the factors that make up a good online poker site.

Does the platform offer games for your level? Good poker sites have games that match different skill levels, so that every player finds something for themselves.

What are your deposit and withdrawal options? Most modern poker sites offer a variety of payment methods, from debit cards to e-wallets and beyond. But just to be on the safe side, make sure they include that specific payment method that is the most convenient for you. Also, withdrawal should be easy and available for you at any moment.

Do they offer interesting bonuses to newcomers and loyal players? Bonuses and promotions are one way for casinos to stand out among competitors. Check that the platform you chose offers benefits beyond the welcome bonus and what conditions you have to meet to qualify.

Can you play different types of poker and participate in various tournaments? A good online poker site will offer more games than just Texas Hold’em, as well as various types of tournaments that will suit your preferences and playing style.

Does the poker site have a valid license from a recognised authority as well as an RNG certificate? These two things guarantee that the website will provide a safe experience and handle your personal data with care.

Is the site easy to navigate? From registration to finding your favourite games, the interface should be user friendly and intuitive. Bonus points if it is also mobile friendly.

Safety & Security

When playing at online poker sites, real money is still at stake, so you want to make sure your playing experience is safe.

Most gambling sites in the UK will be licensed under the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). These sites will have mechanisms in place that will ensure your game is safe and your personal data, such as payment details or ID number, are secure.

Some sites may have moved their business procedures offshore and got their license from a different licensing institution. However, as long as they operate under a recognised gambling authority (for example, Malta Gaming Authority), they are safe to engage with.

All legal licensed poker sites will use a Random Number Generator (RNG) for card dealing to ensure fair play. If they are caught rigging the game, they stand to lose much more than what they might have gained, in some cases up to permanent revocation of their license. That’s why playing fairly and safely is as much in their interests, as it is in the player’s.

That said, you should still exercise caution when it comes to other players. Not everyone plays fair, and there have been numerous cases of people using bots, hacking the system, or using other means to rig the game in their favour. So stay alert, and if you notice anything suspicious during the game, notify the site customer support.

Online Poker Regulations in the UK

Poker, whether live or online, has been a popular game in the UK for a very long time. Due to a number of legislative regulations pertaining to online poker, the United Kingdom is considered one of the friendliest environments for poker enthusiasts.

This obviously means that playing online poker in the UK is absolutely legal. Moreover, if you are based in the UK, you don’t have to pay any consumer taxes on poker. In 2002, consumer taxes on gambling were annulled to encourage players to participate in iGaming.

However, what the UK legislation is very strict about is the legal age for gambling. The Gambling Act of 2005 sets the limit at 18 years old, which means any underage person isn’t allowed to play poker for money either online or in land based gambling institutions. The best British poker sites will always make sure to enforce this regulation and won’t allow anyone below 18 years of age to register on their platform.

Responsible Gaming When Playing Online Poker

Responsible gaming is as important when you are playing online poker as when you do it in a land based casino. It will help you not only avoid certain problems, but also make your overall experience more enjoyable.

Here are some tips on how to practice responsible gambling when playing online poker:

• Put aside a sum that won’t affect your financial well being if you lose it and only play within that amount. Manage your bankroll in a way that will allow you to stay in the game without having to go over the budget.
• Set limits to the time you spend playing poker, same as you do for other hobbies. It is easy to get absorbed in the game but it shouldn’t damage your relationships and responsibilities.
• Don’t forget to take breaks. Long sessions tend to dull your focus, you will lose concentration and will be more likely to make mistakes that could have been easily avoided.
• If you notice gambling taking a toll on your mental or physical health, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. The earlier you do it, the easier it will be to deal with the issue.

Before You Start Playing

Ever since it was introduced, online poker has become a popular form of entertainment for many players. Not only is it convenient, as now you can play at any time and from any place, but it also offers certain benefits that aren’t available in land based casinos.

When you are choosing a new online poker site, make sure to check it against the list of factors we discussed in this article to ensure an enjoyable playing experience.

If you exercise reasonable caution and go for the sites that have obtained proper licensing, your game — as well as your personal data — will be safe.