Best Poker Sites UK for 2024

Welcome to our definitive guide to the best UK online casinos offering poker games in 2024. Whether you’re a poker novice looking to get started, or an experienced player searching for the perfect platform, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide and reviews. 

Below, you’ll find our carefully curated list of the best online poker operators for 2024, all of which contain a mixture of classic player-vs-player poker, video poker, and live dealer poker. Our guide also covers the ins and outs of this thrilling game and how to play it online. Ready to find your perfect poker destination? Get started by browsing our recommended poker sites below. 

How Does Online Poker Work?

Online poker can refer to two types of game: a digital recreation of the classic card game, where players compete against each other; or video poker, where players compete against the house. In either case, online poker offers the same excitement and strategy you’d find in the real-life version, all from the comfort of your own home. 

The key technology that powers online poker is called a random number generator, or RNG for short. An RNG is a sophisticated algorithm that shuffles the virtual deck and deals the cards, ensuring the outcome is entirely random and cannot be predicted or manipulated. This means online poker is just as fair as playing in a physical casino.

Online poker sites host a variety of game formats to suit different player preferences and skill levels. Here’s an overview of the most popular formats you’ll find on these platforms.

Cash Games

The easiest place to start, cash games allow players to buy in and cash out of poker games whenever they like. The chips represent real money, and the blinds remain constant throughout the game. This format is ideal for those who prefer flexible sessions and a traditional poker experience. Cash games also offer the opportunity to win — or lose — substantial sums in a single hand.

Tournaments

Poker tournaments are another popular format, where players buy in with a fixed amount and compete to win a share of the prize pool. The tournament usually continues until one player has all the chips, which often takes multiple rounds and table changes. An appealing aspect of poker tournaments is their structure — players start with the same number of chips and blinds increase at regular intervals, adding pressure as the tourney progresses. 

There are a few other types of tournaments you might find at the best poker sites:

• Sit & Go (SNG)

Sit-and-go tournaments are a quicker version of traditional tournaments, which typically start as soon as a predetermined number of players have registered. These games are perfect for those who want the thrill of tournament play but can’t commit the hours needed for a bigger event. The buy-ins vary, and the prize pool is usually distributed among the top two or three players.

• Freerolls

Freerolls are poker tournaments that have no entry fee but still offer real money or other rewards to winners. They’re excellent for beginners who want to experience tournament play without putting their own money on the line. Many of the best online poker sites offer regular freerolls as a way to attract new players and reward loyal customers.

• Satellites

Satellite tournaments serve as entry points to larger or more prestigious poker tournaments. Instead of playing for a cash prize, participants are competing for a seat in a higher-stakes event. This allows players to potentially turn a small buy-in into a seat at a major tournament, making it appealing to those looking to compete on a bigger stage.

Video Poker

Unlike traditional poker games which are player-vs-player, video poker is played against the house. This virtual game combines elements of slot machines and poker, beginning with the player being dealt five random cards. They then have the option to keep or discard any number of them to form the best possible poker hand. Payouts are determined by the strength of the final hand according to traditional poker rankings.

Live Casino Poker

For those who miss the social interaction of a physical casino, live casino poker offers the best of both worlds. Most live casino poker is played against the house, but the game is run by a professional dealer using real cards, while players bet through an interactive interface and follow the action via live video feeds. There are often chat functions that let you interact with your fellow players and dealer too, providing a highly immersive experience.

Different Variants of Online Poker 

Online poker comes in various variants, each with its own set of rules and strategies. Here are the most popular ones you’ll encounter for traditional player-vs-player games.

• Texas Hold’em – The most widely played variant, Texas Hold’em is known for its strategic depth and widespread popularity. Players are dealt two hole cards and must make the best five-card hand using five community cards.
• Omaha – Similar to Texas Hold’em, Omaha features a unique twist: players are dealt four hole cards instead of two. However, they must use exactly two of their hole cards combined with three of the community cards to make the best hand.
• Seven-Card Stud – Once the most popular poker variant before Texas Hold’em took over, Seven-Card Stud involves each player being dealt seven cards (three face down and four face up) over the course of the game. Players must make the best five-card hand from these seven cards.
• Five-Card Draw – In this simpler variant, each player is dealt five cards and has one opportunity to exchange any number of them for new ones to make the best hand. It’s a straightforward game that’s great for beginners, and is often the format you’ll find in video poker games.
• Razz – In this lowball variant, the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. It’s often played as part of mixed games and provides a unique twist on the standard poker rules.

Our Top 5 Recommendations for the Best Online Poker Sites

Not sure where to start your online poker journey? We’ve selected five of our favourite sites to suit a range of players and preferences — check out these quick-fire reviews below.

Best Poker Site for Beginners: bet365

bet365 is one of the most reputable and well-known brands for online gambling in the UK — and it has a fantastic poker site alongside its sportsbook and casino products. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, this site is perfect for beginners looking to get started without feeling overwhelmed. 

There’s a solid selection of poker variants available, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Six Plus Hold’em, plus a range of tournaments including the unique, fast-paced Twister Sit & Go format that’s a great way to dive into competitive play without committing to a longer session. On the casino side, there are plenty of video poker games and live dealer versions too.

For new players, there’s a particularly appealing welcome bonus that’s a great way to get to grips with the platform. The poker-specific offer delivers a gradual release of bonus funds as you earn points through gameplay, while video poker fans opting for the casino arm of the site can bag 100 slots free spins when they stake £10. 

Best Poker Site for Experienced Players: Grosvenor

Known for its brick-and-mortar casinos around the UK, Grosvenor is no stranger to putting on a great poker game. And for those seeking a more competitive environment, this is the perfect site. There’s a robust selection of cash games and tournaments, including high-stakes options that attract serious players. What’s particularly exciting is the online side of Grosvenor is seamlessly integrated into its real-life venues, and there are plenty of opportunities for online qualifiers to participate in live events across the UK thanks to daily satellite tournaments.

While Grosvenor doesn’t offer a welcome bonus for its poker games, players can take advantage of a casino bonus when they deposit £20, consisting of £30 in bonus funds to use on a range of slots and live dealer games. There’s also a match bonus available when you spend £20 in any real-life Grosvenor Casino venue — perfect if you’re taking your poker strategy to the table in person.

Best Poker Site for Texas Hold’em: Bally Casino

If Texas hold’em is your game of choice, Bally Casino is the go-to platform. It offers an extensive selection of tables, from low-stakes games perfect for casual play, to high-stakes affairs where you can test your mettle against top competitors. You’ll find plenty of tournaments to take part in, including a rather unique format called Wild Seat Poker. 

Here, each player is assigned a random prize between 2x and 10,000x the buy-in — so there’s an extra element of chance involved. As each player is eliminated, they’re shown the prize they could have won. Of course, you can also play standard cash games at Bally too, and the schedule also sees larger tournaments with guaranteed prize pools.

Currently, Bally Casino doesn’t offer a welcome bonus tailored to poker players. However, its sign-up offer is still worth claiming — you’ll get 30 free spins with no wagering requirements, which could potentially provide a bit of a bankroll boost before you head to the poker tables.

Best Poker Site for Bonus Offers: Betfred

Betfred is another distinguished name in the online gambling space, and it’s a stand-out choice for players looking to maximise their bankroll through bonus offers. Known for its generous promotions, Betfred offers a wide range of goodies including a substantial welcome package for new players. 

Up for grabs are tournament tickets, free spins, and a casino bonus, all of which are unlocked as you complete ‘missions’. There’s a 200% bonus up to £1,200 on your first deposit too. Of course, if you’re looking for video poker instead, Betfred’s casino site offers new players 200 free spins with no wagering requirements, so if you strike lucky you could use your winnings on some of the platform’s thrilling video poker games.

Speaking of games, Betfred pulls no punches here. You’ll find Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other popular variants alongside a variety of sit-and-go and multi-table tournaments, plus a host of fantastic live poker titles in the casino library.

Best Poker Site for Game Variety: Sky Vegas / Sky Poker

Sky, combining its Vegas casino platform and Poker site, is the go-to if you’re looking for unparalleled game variety. The perfect choice for players who like to mix things up, it features a comprehensive selection of variants including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Hi-Lo, and unique formats like Six Plus Hold’em. Beyond traditional poker, Sky Vegas includes a wide range of video poker games if you’d rather try your luck against the house. 

As Sky Poker and Sky Vegas are integrated with the brand’s broader online betting ecosystem, you can seamlessly switch between poker, casino games, and also sports betting — all from one account. This versatility, combined with regular promotions and a user-friendly interface, makes Sky a top pick for players looking for a broad range of gaming options. 

Throw in a couple of juicy welcome packages — 50 no wagering free spins for Sky Vegas and £10 no deposit tournament tokens for Sky Poker — and this operator has one of the most compelling offerings around. 

How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites

Choosing the right online poker site is no easy task, but at GG.co.uk, we’re here to help. We’ve carefully evaluated each platform featured on the site, using several key criteria to identify the best sites to play poker online. Here are some of the factors we consider in our recommendations.

• Licensing and safety – The first thing we look for is whether the site is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. A UKGC licence is a legal requirement to operate in the United Kingdom, and ensure the site adheres to strict standards of fairness, security, and responsible gambling. 
• Poker game variety – A top online poker site should offer a wide range of poker variants to cater to different preferences and skill levels. Whether it’s Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or less common games like Razz or Seven-Card Stud, we want to see an extensive selection to keep things fresh and exciting.
• Number of tournaments – We’re always looking for platforms that host frequent tournaments with various formats, including SNGs, multi-table tournaments, and freerolls, giving players plenty of opportunities to get involved at all times of day.
• Site traffic – High traffic on a poker site indicates a thriving player community and ensures that you can find a game at any time. That’s why we prioritise sites with a large and active player base, as players get faster fill times for tables and tournaments plus a more social experience.
• Range of buy-ins – Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, the best poker sites offer a range of buy-ins to suit all budgets. We evaluate sites based on the flexibility of their buy-in options, ensuring that players can find games that match their comfort zones.
• Quality of prize pools – The size and structure of the prize pools are critical factors in determining the value offered by a poker site. We favour sites that provide substantial and well-distributed prize pools, giving players a chance to win worthwhile rewards regardless of their buy-in level.
• Bonus and promotions – A generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions can deliver significant value during your time at a site, whether it’s a deposit match, freeroll tickets, loyalty rewards, or rakeback. We don’t just look at size either, and will always consider the T&Cs to ensure a bonus is player-friendly.
• Customer support – Reliable customer support is essential for resolving any issues that may arise while playing. We test the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team across various channels, such as live chat, email, and phone.
• Mobile compatibility – Mobile compatibility is table stakes these days, if you’ll excuse the pun. Many of our readers want to play poker on their phones and tablets, so we’ll evaluate the functionality and user experience of the site’s mobile platform, whether it’s through a dedicated app or a mobile-optimised website.

How to Play Online Poker 

Want to get started playing online poker? Follow our easy step-by-step guide.

1. Choose an online poker site
   Start by selecting one of the recommended poker sites on this page. All our picks are licensed by the UKGC so are 100% safe to play at. Once you’ve found the perfect site, click through to sign up.
2. Create an account
   Register a new account by providing the required personal information, creating a username, and setting a secure password. Some sites may require identity verification to ensure you’re old enough to gamble.
3. Deposit funds
   To play for real money, you’ll need to deposit funds into your account. Most sites offer a variety of payment options — just choose the method that suits you best. Don’t forget to meet any minimum deposit requirements if you’re claiming a welcome bonus!
4. Select a game or tournament
   Head to the library and browse the available games and tournaments. It might be good to get your feet wet with a simple cash game or sit-and-go. If you’re a beginner, start with low-stakes games or freerolls so you can get comfortable with the platform.
5. Learn the rules and strategies
   Before diving in, be sure you understand the rules of the variant you’re playing. Many sites offer tutorials, but you can also find poker strategy guides online to help you perfect your strategy.
6. Start playing
   Once you’re ready, join the tournament or buy in on your table of choice. Be sure to set a budget before you start, and keep track of your bankroll so you know when it’s time to stop. Good luck! 

Difference Between Live Poker and Online Poker

While live poker and online poker share the same basic rules, they offer different experiences — one being real and the other entirely virtual. In live poker, you play face-to-face with opponents, allowing you to read physical tells and enjoy the social aspect of the game. 

Online poker, on the other hand, is faster-paced, with no physical cues, relying more on betting patterns and timing to outsmart your opponents. Online platforms also offer a wider variety of games and stakes, plus the convenience of playing from anywhere. However, the lack of physical interaction in online poker can make it less immersive for some players.

Online Poker Software

The best online poker sites for UK players provide games created by a range of developers. While the quality is generally always high, you might find you prefer certain platforms over others — and this can be a deciding factor in where you sign up. Here are a few names you might find:

• The Stars Group is the name behind PokerStars, and develops award-winning poker software that’s renowned for its smooth gameplay and ease of use.
• Playtech offers a range of games on its iPoker network, which is compatible with most web, mobile, and desktop devices and touts over 1.5 million unique players.
• Evolution is a leading developer of live dealer poker games, with its portfolio including high-quality titles like Live Three Card Poker, Casino Hold’em, and Video Poker Live.

Playing Online Poker on Mobile

These days, you’ve got plenty of options if you want to play poker on your phone or tablet, with nearly every operator providing a dedicated poker app or an optimised site you can access from the browser. 

Typically, we recommend installing mobile poker apps where they’re offered by your chosen site, as they tend to feature smoother gameplay and an intuitive interface designed specifically for the touchscreen. 

So, which app should you go with? For a great player-vs-player experience, we recommend the bet365 app for its smooth and reliable interface. If you prefer live dealer poker, the Grosvenor app provides an excellent live casino experience, bringing the atmosphere of a real poker room to your mobile screen.

Best Poker Site Payment Methods

The best UK poker sites make it quick and convenient to manage your bankroll, thanks to support for multiple payment methods. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re likely to find.

• Debit cards – Accepted at nearly every site and familiar to use for most players, debit cards like Visa and Mastercard offer instant deposits and relatively fast withdrawals within 3–5 business days, or within an hour at poker sites supporting Fast funds.
• e-Wallets – Services like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller provide fast, secure transactions with no need to share financial info with the poker site. In addition, you can link bank accounts and cards and hold a monetary balance in the account. Withdrawals are usually fast, sometimes arriving instantly at the best poker sites.
• Bank transfers – While slower, bank transfers offer a reliable way to make larger transactions at online poker sites. Deposits may take several hours to process, while withdrawals usually take 3–7 business days.
• Prepaid cards – Options like Paysafecard offer a strong degree of anonymity and security as you won’t have to share any bank details and the vouchers can be bought with cash. While deposits are instant, prepaid cards don’t usually support withdrawals.
• Trustly – This payments intermediary runs on Open Banking, and facilitates fee-free instant transactions at your poker site of choice, with no need to sign up. 
• Cryptocurrencies – Although it’s not that common, some sites accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for fast, secure transactions. Deposits and withdrawals can be near-instant, but there are often small fees attached.

Best Poker Site FAQs

Can you play online poker for free at poker sites?

Yes, many online poker sites offer free games and freeroll tournaments, where you can play without risking your own money and still win real prizes.

What is the minimum buy-in for online poker tournaments?

The minimum buy-in for online poker tournaments can start as low as around £1, depending on the site and tournament type.

What is the best mobile poker app in the UK?

There are several options, but we think bet365 Poker and Grosvenor Casino are two of the best. PokerStars is another popular choice due to its user-friendly interface, game variety, and strong reputation. 

Are UK poker sites safe?

Yes, UK poker sites are safe — provided they’re licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which ensures they meet strict security and fairness standards.

Which online poker rooms and tournaments have the biggest prize pools?

bet365 and Grosvenor often have poker tournaments with six-figure prize pools. 

Are there any poker bonuses available at UK poker sites?

Yes, most UK poker sites offer bonuses such as welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and entry to exclusive freerolls.

Who is the best online poker software provider?

For player-vs-player poker games, PokerStars is considered to have some of the best software. For live dealer poker, Evolution has created some of the best games around.