Best Online Poker Sites for UK Players

Posted on May 4, 2025 by author in Gambling

Online poker has solidified its place as a favorite pastime for UK players, blending the thrill of strategic gameplay with the convenience of digital platforms. With over 250,000 active players in the UK, according to Gambling.com, the demand for high-quality poker sites is higher than ever. However, with so many options available, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. The best online poker sites for UK players offer a mix of game variety, generous bonuses, secure payments, and reliable customer support, all while adhering to strict regulatory standards.

This comprehensive guide explores the top online poker sites for UK players in 2025, providing detailed reviews, comparisons, and practical tips to help you find the perfect platform. Whether you’re a novice looking to learn Texas Hold’em or a seasoned pro chasing high-stakes tournaments, this article will guide you through the best options available. We’ll also cover the legal landscape, key evaluation criteria, and answers to common questions, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

Criteria for Evaluating Online Poker Sites

To identify the best online poker sites, several critical factors must be considered. These criteria ensure that the platforms are safe, enjoyable, and tailored to UK players’ needs:

Licensing and Regulation: All reputable sites must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), guaranteeing fairness, security, and responsible gambling measures.
Game Variety and Traffic: Top sites offer diverse games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud, with high traffic to ensure games are available 24/7.
Bonuses and Promotions: Welcome bonuses, rakeback, and freerolls can boost your bankroll. Look for clear terms and achievable wagering requirements.
Payment Methods and Security: Secure options like Visa, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies, protected by SSL encryption, are essential.
Customer Support and User Experience: 24/7 support and intuitive software enhance the gaming experience.
Mobile Compatibility: High-quality mobile apps or responsive websites are crucial for players on the go.

Top Online Poker Sites for UK Players

Below is a detailed review of the top eight online poker sites for UK players, based on extensive research and player feedback.

PokerStars

Overview: PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker platform, renowned for its extensive game selection and massive tournaments. It’s a top choice for UK players due to its reliability and player volume.
Game Selection: Offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, Five-Card Draw, and more. Hosts major tournaments like the Sunday Million, Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), and World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP).
Bonuses and Promotions: New players can claim a 100% welcome bonus up to £400, with ongoing promotions like freerolls and loyalty rewards (PokerNews).
Traffic and Player Pool: The largest player base globally, ensuring games at all stakes and times.
Software and User Experience: Industry-leading software with customizable tables, hand histories, and advanced analytics.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android, offering full functionality.
Payment Methods: Supports Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and bank transfers.
Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone.
Pros: Unmatched game variety, high traffic, excellent software.
Cons: Competitive player pool may challenge beginners.

888poker

Overview: 888poker, established in 1997, is a trusted platform known for its beginner-friendly features and diverse tournaments.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and SNAP (fast-fold poker). Offers unique formats like Mystery Bounty and Progressive Knockout (PKO).
Bonuses and Promotions: £50 free play on first deposit and regular freerolls (PokerScout).
Traffic and Player Pool: Strong traffic, particularly in tournaments.
Software and User Experience: Smooth, user-friendly software with easy navigation.
Mobile App: Highly rated for iOS and Android, supporting all games.
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and more.
Customer Support: 24/7 via live chat and email.
Pros: No-deposit bonus, great for beginners, diverse tournaments.
Cons: Fewer game variants than PokerStars.

Partypoker

Overview: Partypoker is a veteran in the online poker scene, popular for its mobile experience and cashback offers.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and FastForward poker.
Bonuses and Promotions: Up to 40% weekly cashback and qualifiers for live events like the MILLIONS series (Gambling.com).
Traffic and Player Pool: Robust traffic in cash games and mid-stakes tournaments.
Software and User Experience: Modern software optimized for mobile play.
Mobile App: One of the best, offering all desktop features.
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfers.
Customer Support: 24/7 via multiple channels.
Pros: Excellent mobile app, generous cashback, live event qualifiers.
Cons: Software may feel less intuitive for some.

GGPoker

Overview: Launched in 2014, GGPoker has risen quickly with innovative features and large-scale tournaments.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck, Rush & Cash, and All-In or Fold.
Bonuses and Promotions: 100% welcome bonus up to $600 or $100 in rewards, plus Spin & Gold promotions (PokerScout).
Traffic and Player Pool: High traffic, especially in WSOP online events.
Software and User Experience: Feature-rich with hand replays, staking, and integrated chat.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android, though some features are desktop-only.
Payment Methods: Credit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies.
Customer Support: 24/7 with quick responses.
Pros: Innovative formats, large tournaments, crypto support.
Cons: Interface may feel cluttered.

Bet365 Poker

Overview: Part of the bet365 brand, this site offers a solid poker experience integrated with casino and sports betting.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Speed Poker.
Bonuses and Promotions: Smaller welcome bonus, integrated with bet365 promotions.
Traffic and Player Pool: Decent traffic via the iPoker network.
Software and User Experience: Clean, reliable software.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android.
Payment Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets.
Customer Support: 24/7 via live chat and email.
Pros: Multi-gaming integration, reliable platform.
Cons: Limited game selection, smaller bonuses.

Sky Poker

Overview: Sky Poker is known for its soft games and community focus, ideal for UK-based players.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, PLO Hi/Lo.
Bonuses and Promotions: Regular freerolls, final table jackpots, weekly rewards (PokerNews).
Traffic and Player Pool: Smaller but softer player pool.
Software and User Experience: User-friendly with community features.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android.
Payment Methods: Credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers.
Customer Support: Tailored for UK players.
Pros: Soft games, beginner-friendly, community-driven.
Cons: Limited to UK, Ireland, Gibraltar.

PaddyPower Poker

Overview: Part of Flutter Entertainment, PaddyPower Poker is trusted for its busy games and promotions.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Jackpot Sit & Go.
Bonuses and Promotions: £20 new customer bonus, regular promotions.
Traffic and Player Pool: Busy cash games and tournaments.
Software and User Experience: Reliable, clean design.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android.
Payment Methods: Credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers.
Customer Support: 24/7 via live chat and email.
Pros: Trustworthy, good bonuses, active games.
Cons: VIP scheme hard to reach for casual players.

CoinPoker

Overview: A crypto-focused site gaining popularity for its high rakeback and modern features.
Game Selection: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Cosmic Spins.
Bonuses and Promotions: 150% welcome bonus up to $2,000, 33% rakeback (PokerScout).
Traffic and Player Pool: Growing, especially among crypto users.
Software and User Experience: Modern, crypto-integrated software.
Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android.
Payment Methods: Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum), some fiat options.
Customer Support: 24/7, crypto-focused.
Pros: High rakeback, crypto-friendly, versatile.
Cons: Less appealing for non-crypto users.

Comparison of Top Poker Sites

Site	Best For	Welcome Bonus	Rakeback	Key Games	Mobile App	Traffic
PokerStars	Tournaments, High Stakes	100% up to £400	Varies	Hold’em, Omaha, Stud	Yes	High
888poker	Beginners, Tournaments	£50 Free Play	Up to 50%	Hold’em, Omaha, SNAP	Yes	Medium-High
Partypoker	Mobile, Cash Games	Varies, up to 40% cashback	Up to 40%	Hold’em, Omaha, FastForward	Yes	High
GGPoker	Tournaments, Innovation	100% up to $600	Up to 60%	Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck	Yes	High
Bet365 Poker	Multi-Gaming	Smaller bonus	Varies	Hold’em, Omaha, Speed Poker	Yes	Medium
Sky Poker	Beginners, Soft Games	Freerolls, jackpots	Varies	Hold’em, Omaha, PLO Hi/Lo	Yes	Low-Medium
PaddyPower Poker	Casual Players	£20 bonus	Varies	Hold’em, Omaha, Jackpot SNG	Yes	Medium-High
CoinPoker	Crypto, Rakeback	150% up to $2,000	33%	Hold’em, Omaha, Cosmic Spins	Yes	Growing

Legal and Regulatory Information

Online poker is fully legal in the UK under the Gambling Act of 2005 and the 2014 Gambling Bill, provided the site is licensed by the UKGC. This ensures player protection, fair play, and tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits. All sites listed here are UKGC-licensed, making them safe and reliable.

Poker winnings are generally not taxed in the UK, as they’re considered gambling income rather than earned income. However, players should keep records of their winnings and losses for potential tax reporting, especially if poker is a primary income source.

Tips for Choosing the Best Poker Site

Match Your Skill Level: Beginners should opt for sites like 888poker or Sky Poker with low-stakes games and tutorials, while pros may prefer PokerStars or GGPoker for high-stakes action.
Prioritize Game Variety: Ensure the site offers your preferred games, whether cash games, tournaments, or niche variants like Short Deck.
Evaluate Bonuses: Look for generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, but read the terms to understand wagering requirements.
Check Payment Security: Choose sites with secure, varied payment options like PayPal or cryptocurrencies.
Test Mobile Compatibility: If you play on the go, prioritize sites with robust mobile apps like Partypoker or 888poker.
Read Player Reviews: Check forums and reviews on sites like PokerNews to gauge reputation and reliability.

Conclusion

The best online poker site for UK players depends on your goals and preferences. PokerStars is the top choice for its unmatched game variety, high traffic, and prestigious tournaments. 888poker excels for beginners with its no-deposit bonus and user-friendly interface, while Partypoker is ideal for mobile players. GGPoker offers innovative formats and large-scale events, and CoinPoker appeals to crypto enthusiasts with high rakeback.

To find your perfect fit, consider your skill level, game preferences, and whether you prioritize bonuses or mobile access. All listed sites are UKGC-licensed, ensuring a safe and fair experience. Try a few platforms, take advantage of welcome bonuses, and always play responsibly. For more insights, visit Gambling.com or PokerScout.