Pull up a chair and deal yourself in while we tell you all about the most popular online poker sites for real money UK players.

Regardless of whether you’re into cash games, massive multi-table tournaments, or just looking to enjoy a few rounds of casino Hold’em games, we’ve got a full house.

While PokerStars topped our list thanks to its high-traffic tables, classic online poker app, and wide range of tournaments, it’s just one option on a list of winners. Let’s go check out the whole lot.

Most Popular Online Poker Sites UK

Now that you know what you’re in for, let’s dive in and see just how PokerStars stacks up against the competition.

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1. PokerStars – Best Online Poker Site for Real Money in the UK Overall
Glasgow Times:

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

Pros

  • 100% match up to £400
  • Easy-to-use app
  • High-traffic poker rooms
  • Sunday Million + several more tournaments
  • Micro-stakes tables perfect for “for fun” players
  • 24/7 support available

Cons

  • Graphics on app are a little dated
  • No anonymous tables

Anyone who has considered playing online poker is probably familiar with the PokerStars brand — and for good reason. Established in 2001, this poker powerhouse has had a lot of time to grow and become the pinnacle of what online poker should be, so we were not surprised that when the dust settled, it had claimed our #1 position.

Real Money Poker: 5/5

The PokerStars app makes enjoying your favourite online poker games a breeze regardless of whether you’re playing on a PC, iPhone, or Android device. While the graphics feel a little bit dated, that doesn’t detract at all from how easy it is to find your perfect table and start playing — which is what matters.

As one of the most popular poker sites, the tables have a ton of traffic, especially the No Limit Hold’em poker rooms. No matter what time of day or night we checked, there were a ton of games available, and we never had any problem finding a seat.

PokerStars is also perfect for just about every skill level and bankroll, and we found not only high-stakes games and tournaments but some incredible small-stake games with buy-ins of just a few pence and stakes even lower. If you’re not a die-hard punter ready to risk it all, you’re still getting the attention you deserve.

There are also a ton of great tournaments available with some seriously massive guaranteed prize pools. The Sunday Million is a real crowd-pleaser, though there are also Spin and Go, Knockout, and Zoom tournaments.

Most options are held in Texas Hold’em formats, though there are a couple of Omaha options as well. The Omania tournament is a massive multi-table tournament with some impressive prizes waiting to be handed out.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5

New players can use the STARS400 promo code when making their first deposit to get a generous 100% match offer good for up to £400 in bonus cash. This bonus doesn’t have standard rollover requirements and is instead unlocked at a rate of £5 for every 100 PokerStars Redemption points you earn by playing real money games at the table.

It is important to note that there are no withdrawals allowed during the bonus period, though, but once you release the full bonus or the generous 4-month span PokerStars offers to complete the bonus expires.

Banking Options: 4.9/5

PokerStars offers a wide range of secure banking options, including Visa, Mastercard, Pay By Bank, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Maestro, bank and wire transfer, MuchBetter, Apple Pay, Paysafecard, Neosurf, and Google Pay.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

The customer support team is available 24/7 via email. We would have liked to see a live chat option, but in pretty much all cases, we had a response within a few hours of our support ticket going in, so while it might not be ideal, we were not put out by it.

>> Get up to £400 in bonus cash [PokerStars]

2. GGPoker – Best Multi-Table Tournaments of all Real Money Poker Sites UK

Glasgow Times:

18+. Matched Deposit & £60 Free Play for new UK players only, min deposit £10. Free Play given in tickets over 6 days. Matched Deposit max $600 - withdrawal restrictions & play-through requirements apply. Full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • Endorsed by WSOP Pros
  • Deposit £10 get £60 in bonus cash
  • Excellent fast-fold poker options
  • Generous MTT selection with massive GTD prizes
  • Excellent mobile compatibility

Cons

  • No anonymous tables
  • Lots of high-skill players

Our next stop is one of the few online poker sites that can go toe-to-toe with PokerStars. GGPoker is a wildcard in that it boasts a healthy amount of traffic on its cash games, but when it comes to multi-table tournaments, it can’t be beaten.

Real Money Poker: 5/5

GGPoker primarily focuses on Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Hi/Lo games. Those have been the most popular options for several years, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon (thankfully).

The downloadable app for GGPoker works on all desktop and mobile devices we tested it on and makes it easy to find a great game in just a couple of clicks. So regardless of whether you’re a high-roller looking for a challenge or a more casual punter playing with pennies, you’ll find a seat at your ideal table in seconds.

It’s the tournament play that makes GGPoker stand out, however. From signature tournaments like Chinese Zodiac, Daily Guarantees, Mystery Bounty, and Omaholic to more specialized events like the GGMillion$ or WSOP Super Circuit, there’s almost always high-octane action available. And with as much traffic as GGPoker gets, it has no trouble supporting all of those tourneys and plenty of cash tables.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

GGPoker offers new players who deposit £10 or more a whopping £60 in bonus cash to play with — or, if that doesn’t do it for you, they can match your first deposit up to $600 instead.

Players who take the £60 in bonus cash will get free entry into various games and can earn more cash by meeting specific challenges along the way.

The other bonus functions similarly to PokerStars’ offer and will be unlocked gradually by staking real money at the tables.

No matter which you choose, you’ll have everything you need to get started and make a splash. You’ll also have access to many other promotions, including daily freebies, mystery envelopes, and specialized jackpots.

Banking Options: 4.9/5

The banking options are a little more spartan than some competitors, with players being able to load up their accounts via Visa, Mastercard, and a select number of e-wallets. Transactions are fast and secure, too.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

The GGPoker FAQ centre is robust, but not as well organized as we would like it to be. We were also disappointed to see that customer support was only available through the email form, but the response was fairly fast regardless, with the longest wait being just a few hours.

>> Get £60 in free tournament entry [GGPoker]

3. PlayOJO – Best UK Real Money Site for Joker Poker

Glasgow Times:

18+. New Players Only. Min £10 deposit. No rollover requirements. Full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • Rollover-free bonuses
  • Cashback on every game played
  • Fun joker poker games
  • Single and multi-hand poker machines
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons

  • No poker tournaments
  • Smaller bonuses than some competitors

Players who are looking for a less cut-throat poker experience should check out PlayOJO Casino. Not only does this casino have an insane number of casino games (including one of the best collections of video poker titles you’ll find anywhere), but it plays host to a ton of player-first features like rollover free bonuses, no minimum withdrawals, and 24/7 live chat support.

Real Money Poker: 4.7/5

While you’re not going to find any poker rooms or tournaments putting you head-to-head against other players, you will find a nice blend of video poker, casino poker, and live dealer poker games, which are perfect for the player who just wants to play a few hands while they are on their lunch break.

The PlayOJO video poker selection consists of 1 and 3-hand poker machines with quite a few different formats available, including Jacks or Better, 2 Ways Royal, Deuces Wild, Aces & Faces, and more. Every game has that classic poker machine feel, perfectly capturing the excitement of a land-based casino’s machine.

In addition to that, you’ll find exciting Joker poker games and live dealers like BetOn Poker and Playtech’s live dealer Poker Lobby.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

PlayOJO doesn’t have any poker-specific welcome bonuses, but they do offer 50 bonus spins on the very popular Big Bass Bonanza pokie. As with all of OJO’s bonuses, there are no wagering requirements attached, meaning that anything you win with those free spins is cash money, and you can withdraw it immediately — or use it to play a few hands at the Joker Poker video machine.

In addition to that, you can take advantage of daily offers, which can range from bonus cash to more spins and other great prizes (all without wagering requirements), as well as the OJOplus program, where you can earn points by playing your favourite casino games.

Once enough points have been collected, they can then be turned into cash and added to your account — or withdrawn, since there are no rollover requirements here, either.

Banking Options: 4.8/5

UK players can load up their PlayOJO accounts using Visa or Mastercard debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and instant bank transfers. Minimum deposits are only £10, and there are no minimum withdrawal limits because PlayOJO feels that your money is, in fact, your money.

So why would they stand in your way?

Customer Support: 5/5

Customer support is one of the cornerstones of PlayOJO’s beliefs. The team claims it is a casino “by players, for players” and it shows. From the rollover-free bonuses to the 24/7 customer support, we have found few places to play poker that offer this level of customer care.

>> Get 50 rollover-free bonus spins [PlayOJO]

4. Sun Vegas – Best Real Money UK Site for Single-Player Poker

Glasgow Times:

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 ). Debit cards only. Offer Ends 31/05/2024. Full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • 100% match up to £300
  • Premium casino-style games
  • Excellent VIP program
  • Live casino poker options
  • Top-notch bonus variety

Cons

  • No cash games or tournaments
  • Website navigation can be difficult

Sun Vegas delivers an excellent online casino experience with over 700 quality casino games including a host of great live dealer and video poker games, plus some of the best slots in the UK.

Real Money Poker: 4.7/5

This is not a dedicated online poker site like we had with GGPoker or Pokerstars, but that isn’t to say you won’t find an amazing poker experience here.

Instead of being able to browse a bunch of cash games, you’ll be provided with a robust online casino chock full of great slots and table games — including more than enough poker to please just about any card sharp.

In addition to a collection of single and multi-hand video poker games that rivals PlayOJO, you’ll find a host of great casino poker games including variants like Texas Hold’em, 3-Card Poker, 5-Card Poker, and less-common poker variants like Teen Patti and Pai Gow.

Under the live dealer section, you’ll find a classic casino experience plus several live poker options, including casino Stud and Hold’em, 3-Card Brag, and BetOn Poker. Everything we tested ran great, and our only complaint was the lack of a decent filter to make navigation of Sun Vegas’ robust library more straightforward.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

New players will get a generous 100% match on their first deposit of up to £300. This bonus requires at least £10 to activate and must be made within 72 hours of you creating your account.

Beyond that, you’ll find daily prize drawings, exciting leaderboards chock-full of prizes, a bonus wheel, and a surprisingly handsome loyalty program that lets you convert rewards points earned playing games into cash prizes.

Banking Options: 4.7/5

We found several trustworthy banking options available to UK players here. In addition to standard debit card options like Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro, players can deposit into their account with e-wallet options like PayPal and Skrill.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

Sun Vegas offers fairly swift response times from their customer support team via email, though they are not available 24/7. The response we got was very courteous and professional, however, so while we’d like 24/7 live chat support, what’s available is pretty great.

>> Claim your £300 in bonus [Sun Vegas]

5. Magic Red – Best UK Poker Site for Live Dealer Poker

Glasgow Times:

18+. New Players Only. Spins are given as follows: 50 Spins upon a first deposit of minimum £10. Spins may only be used in specific games. Wagering Requirement: 35x. Spins expire after 24 hours. Full T&Cs Apply.

Pros

  • £35 welcome bonus + 50 bonus spins
  • Impressive live casino bonus
  • Top-notch live dealer game selection
  • 1,500+ slots and table games
  • Several e-wallet payment methods

Cons

  • Lacks online poker rooms
  • Smaller welcome package than some competitors

Rounding out our top five UK poker sites is Magic Red Casino, which has proven time and again to be one of the top gambling sites in the UK.

Real Money Poker: 4.8/5

We were impressed with Magic Red’s live dealer casino games collection. Not just the blackjack and roulette games on tap (which were both extensive) but the surprisingly robust variety of live dealer poker games.

They manage to juggle a wide range of live tables, including Teen Patti, Three Card Poker, Side Bet City (a fun poker variant that is played in an 80’s vaporwave-themed studio), as well as Casino and Texas Hold’em.

As far as regular casino games go they only seem to have one poker game, Jacks or Better. We’d be a little more upset about it if their live dealer offering was so darn good.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5

Magic Red offers new players a 100% match on their first deposit up to £35 plus 50 bonus spins on the Book of Dead slot game.

Beyond that, there are a variety of bonuses, including a 10% cashback bonus every weekend for their live dealer table games — including the live dealer poker games we mentioned above.

Banking Options: 4.7/5

You can load up your accounts using Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Paypal, MuchBetter, AstroPay, Skrill, and Trustly.

These secure payment options are fast and secure, making this a trustworthy UK casino — though you will have to wait considerably longer on the bank transfer payout option. It can take up to 6 business days to clear in some cases.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

Magic Red is another excellent online gambling site that offers fantastic customer support — which is then hampered by it being limited to an email form. Response times were fairly swift (usually a few short hours) and the team is extremely helpful — but if anything pressing pops up, you’ll just have to be patient.

>> Claim your £35 and 50 spins [Magic Red]

How We Ranked the Best UK Poker Sites for Real Money

Real Money Poker

Whether you’re looking for exciting multi-table tournaments or a quiet round of video poker, you’ll find something among the casinos we’ve picked out. Each casino has been ranked based on the variety of games available and the overall quality of what’s on offer.

Bonuses and Promotions

Every casino on our list knows the importance of a great bonus. We’ve scored each casino not just on the size of their welcome bonus, but the overall fairness of the terms of each bonus, as well as any VIP or loyalty program they might have.

Banking Options

If a casino didn’t have a wide range of secure, trusted payment options available, it didn’t make it on our list. If we’re not willing to trust a casino with our cash, we wouldn’t expect you to, either.

Customer Support

Finally, we’ve put each poker site’s support team to the test to ensure that they are every bit as knowledgeable and friendly as you deserve. Bonus points if their live chat is available 24/7.

Why is PokerStars the Best UK Poker Site for Games and Tournaments?

PokerStars is one of the biggest names in online poker in the UK. To make our case, here’s what makes this poker site so great.

High-Traffic Poker Action: PokerStars hosts many exciting cash games and tournaments, focusing on Texas Hold’em and Omaha games. This, combined with the sheer amount of traffic their tables get, ensures plenty of active tables to get dealt in on.

High-Stakes Tournaments: Known for hosting some of the most prestigious online poker tournaments in the world, PokerStars provides players with a chance to compete in events like the Sunday Million, SCOOP, and WCOOP.

Reliable App: The PokerStars poker app is not the flashiest we’ve seen, but it’s full of great features, proving that substance over flash is paramount in online poker. Players will have the ability to find games, track their progress, and sign up for tournaments without breaking a sweat.

Security and Fair Play: Security is top-notch at PokerStars, which employs advanced encryption and fraud prevention tech to protect you and your information and ensure the integrity of the game. The site uses random number generators (RNG) to determine the outcome of each game.

These features make PokerStar the poker star, solidifying its position as the best site for real money poker in the UK.

Why is Online Poker Better Than Traditional Poker?

Online poker has taken the world by storm, and if you’re still not certain why players have made the switch, here is a list of our favourite reasons to start playing on digital felt:

  • Accessibility and Convenience: Online poker provides unparalleled accessibility, letting you play anywhere you have data thanks to phenomenal mobile support. This means you can squeeze in a quick session anytime, making poker an easy part of your daily routine.
  • Ultimate Variety: The UK’s online poker scene caters to a diverse player base by making it easy to find the perfect table for you, regardless of whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned pro looking for high-stakes tournament play.
  • Fast-Paced Action: The lack of physical cards makes it easy to play more hands in less time than a traditional table. Deals happen almost instantaneously, reducing downtime significantly.
  • Bonus Offers: One of the best aspects of online poker is the abundance of bonuses and promotions available, making it easy to pad out your bankroll with extra cash, giving you even more opportunities to walk away a winner.

Can You Play Online Poker in the UK?

Yes, you can play online poker in the UK. We recommend sticking with trusted, regulated online gambling sites like the ones we review in this article. That way, you know you’re playing at vetted, legitimate online gambling sites.

Are Online Poker Sites in the UK Legit?

Yes, there are many legitimate online poker sites in the UK.

If you have difficulty telling whether or not an online poker real money site is legitimate, one of the first things you should look for is a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license. This ensures that a trusted 3rd party is regulating the site and regularly investigating it to ensure it is safe and fair to play at.

What Kind of Poker Games Can You Play Online in the UK?

Almost any kind of poker you can imagine is available at UK online poker sites. The most common by far is Texas Hold’em in both cash games and tournament format.

It’s also extremely common for poker sites to offer Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo format poker rooms and tournaments. Less commonly found are Stud and Brag format games, largely because they’re just not as popular among players.

In addition to the above poker tournaments and cash games, UK’s poker scene consists of a wide range of casinos-style poker games that pit players against RNG. These games come in a huge variety of formats including

  • Caribbean or Casino Stud
  • Caribbean or Casino Hold’em
  • Andar Bahar
  • Teen Patti
  • Pai Gow Poker
  • Let’em Ride
  • 3 Card Poker
  • And more

Casino-style poker games are particularly well-suited to players who enjoy the game but might not have a strong signal on their mobile device, as there is little data transferred over the network once the game has loaded.

How do I Pick the Right Poker Site for Me?

There are so many poker sites out there that it can be daunting to figure out which one is worth your time and money. To take some of the pressure off you, we’ve put together a list of some points to think about creating your next online poker account.

  • How do you like to play? Are you a fan of high-stakes Hold’em tournaments or just looking for some online poker rooms with decent traffic? Maybe you prefer just going against the dealer in live dealer poker games instead? This is easily the most important question to ask yourself while shopping around. If you’re not able to have fun, why bother?
  • What kind of bonuses do they offer? Not everyone likes to play with bonuses, but those who do do. If you’re looking to stretch your bankroll, make sure the poker site you join offers a bonus that fits your needs and has terms you are comfortable with.
  • What sort of payment options are available? Being able to deposit and withdraw money is an integral part of online poker. Make sure that wherever you play accepts your preferred payment methods — and they offer timely payouts while you’re at it. You’d be surprised at how slow time can move when waiting to collect your winnings.
  • What are other players saying? Take some time with your favourite search engine to see what other players say about the poker site. Their reviews can give you a good insight into any frustrations or sticking points players on your end of the table might have and can be a great way to spot major red flags before they happen to you.

Guide to Online Poker UK – FAQs

Is Playing Online Poker Legal in the UK?

Yes, it is perfectly legal to play online poker in the UK so long as you are 18 or older and you only do it at legitimate online poker sites.

Can You Play Poker Tournaments in the UK?

Yes, you can participate in exciting poker tournaments at many of the best UK online poker sites.

We recommend checking out PokerStars and GGPoker as they offer some of the biggest online poker tournaments in the world and both accept UK players.

Can You Play Online Poker on a Mobile Device?

Yes, you can play online poker using almost any iOS or Android mobile device.

What is the Most Popular Poker Site in the UK?

PokerStars is one of the biggest names in online poker, so it’s no surprise that it is the preferred poker app for UK punters.

Can You Play Poker for Real Money in the UK?

Yes, you can play poker for real money in the UK. Every poker site on our list offers players exciting real-money poker action — we recommend checking out PokerStars, first.

Last Look at the Top 5 UK Online Poker Sites for Real Money

PokerStars: The perfect UK poker site for players looking for high-traffic tables, exciting tournament play, and the most reliable poker app. Get up to £400 in bonus cash when you sign up. Full T&Cs Apply.

GGPoker: GGPoker is one of the few true competitors to our #1 pick and is backed by several of the most prominent professional poker players. Grab up to £60 in free entry tickets. Full T&Cs Apply.

PlayOJO: With over 3,000 casino games, rollover-free bonuses, and cashback, PlayOJO is a top-ranking casino in every category. Get up to 50 spins plus access to exciting video poker titles. Full T&Cs Apply.

Sun Vegas: If you’re not competing against other players, Sun Vegas’ collection of video poker, casino poker games, and live dealer options is a perfect fit. Get a bonus of up to £300. Full T&Cs Apply.

Magic Red: Players who live for a live dealer experience will have plenty of blackjack, roulette, and poker tables available and streamed right to their favourite device. Get up to  £35 + 50 spins. Full T&Cs Apply.

Sign Up and Play at the Best UK Online Poker Site for Real Money

Getting into online poker is a breeze, and you’ll be able to start playing poker in moments when you follow this step-by-step guide to creating your first online poker account at our pick for the best UK poker site: PokerStars.

Step 1: Download the app or go to the site

  • Head over to PokerStars.uk and download the app
  • Once you’ve opened the app, click the “Sign Up” link

Step 2: Start the registration

  • Create a unique username and password, and provide your email address
  • Verify your age and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Click “Create Account”

Step 2: Claim Your Bonus

  • Check your email to verify your account, and then log in
  • Head to the Cashier and use the STARS400 bonus code
  • Deposit at least £10 to get a 100% match worth up to £400
  • That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy the best online poker in the UK!

Top Strategies to Improve Your Online Poker Game

Are you struggling at the tables and scrabbling at anything you can get your hands on to get back on top? Well then, you’re in luck.

We’ve compiled a short list of tips and tricks to help you improve your poker game and put you on the path to success — or at least a few fewer losses.

Tip 1: Master the Basics

Make sure you have a solid understanding of poker fundamentals. It’s online poker, so feel free to keep a browser page open on hand rankings and any other knowledge you want to keep at your fingertips. Once you’re confident, move on to resources like books, tutorial videos, and even online forums to deepen your strategic knowledge.

Tip 2: Analyze Your Play

Use poker analytic tools when possible to review your games (many of the best online poker sites UK players have access to build these tools into their apps). This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can learn from them for future games.

Tip 3: Embrace the Psychological

Poker is not just a game of chance; there is a strong element of skill involved, making it a mental game as much as anything. Focus on staying disciplined and avoiding emotional decisions. Being mindful of the game is key to maintaining focus and can help you mitigate the troubles that come with chance.

Tip 4: Bankroll Management

Make a plan and budget before sitting down. Outline how much you can comfortably spend each week or month and stick to that budget. This will minimize the risk of significant losses and help you build a more fun, sustainable poker routine.

By focusing on these four areas, it should be easy for you to turn your luck around and have significantly more fun at the tables than you otherwise would.

Are You Ready to Try the Best Online Poker Sites the UK Has to Offer?

Now that you’re pretty much an expert on where to find the best online poker tournaments, games, and UK online poker bonuses, we have nothing left to teach you.

PokerStars was the online poker site that our team felt was the best overall for most players due to its generous first deposit bonus and high-traffic cash games and tournaments, but we understand that it might not be the right fit for you. Maybe you prefer GGPoker’s slick mobile poker interface or PlayOJO’s rollover-free bonuses.

No matter where you decide to play, just get out there, have fun, and remember to wager responsibly.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any form of gambling comes with risks and should not be undertaken as a solution to solve your financial troubles.

Underage gambling is an offence. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.

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.

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.