The UK online poker scene is one of the most vibrant and competitive in the world. For British players, this is fantastic news, offering a huge choice of platforms vying for your attention. But with so many options, how do you find the right one for you? It’s not just about who has the flashiest welcome bonus; it’s about safety, game variety, software, and overall player experience.
We’ve analysed the market to bring you a curated list of the top-tier online poker sites that are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment.
What Makes a Great Online Poker Site?
Before we dive in, let’s look at the key criteria we used:
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UKGC Licence: Non-negotiable. This ensures player protection, fair play, and secure transactions.
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Game Variety & Traffic: A wide selection of games (Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc.) and enough players to find a game at any time.
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Software & Usability: Smooth, reliable software available on desktop, mobile, and tablet.
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Bonuses & Promotions: Competitive and fair welcome offers and ongoing rewards for loyal players.
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Payment Methods: A range of trusted, UK-friendly options like PayPal, Skrill, and instant bank transfers.
The Top Contenders for UK Poker Players
Here are some of the standout poker sites currently serving the UK market.
1. bet365 Poker
A household name in the UK, bet365 Poker leverages its massive sports betting platform to offer a seamless and trusted poker experience.
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Why it’s great: The integration with the main bet365 app is superb. If you’re already a customer, moving between sports, casino, and poker is effortless. The software is incredibly user-friendly and reliable.
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Game Selection: Excellent for casual players and beginners, with a wide range of micro-stakes tables and popular daily tournaments.
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Standout Feature: Its trusted brand and all-in-one ecosystem make it a safe and convenient choice for many UK players.
2. 888poker
A true veteran of the online poker world, 888poker has consistently proven its commitment to the player community with innovative features and a focus on recreational players.
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Why it’s great: It boasts a softer playing field, making it an excellent site for newcomers to build their confidence. The platform is known for its mission to protect beginners from pros.
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Game Selection: A vast array of cash games and unique tournament formats, like “The Mega Deep,” which features unusually long blind levels.
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Standout Feature: Its “PokerCam” feature adds a fun, social element by allowing you to see and interact with opponents via webcam.
3. GGPoker UK
As a global giant, GGPoker has made a huge splash in the UK market. It’s the official partner of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and is renowned for its innovative game types and high-stakes action.
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Why it’s great: If you’re looking for cutting-edge features and the chance to win a WSOP bracelet from your living room, this is the place. The software is packed with unique tools and staking options.
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Game Selection: Unbeatable for tournament lovers, offering massive guaranteed prize pools. It’s also the home of novel games like “All-In or Fold” and “Rush & Cash.”
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Standout Feature: The “GGPoker Good Rewards” system is one of the most transparent and rewarding loyalty programmes in the industry.
4. PokerStars
Often called the “Titan” of online poker, PokerStars is the largest site in the world. While the competition can be tougher, no list would be complete without it.
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Why it’s great: Unmatched liquidity. You can find a game at any stake level, 24/7. It offers the most comprehensive schedule of tournaments, including the famous “Sunday Million.”
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Game Selection: The most diverse range of variants and formats anywhere, from standard Spin & Go’s to complex high-roller cash games.
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Standout Feature: The sheer volume of games and the prestige of playing on the same platform as the world’s best.
5. William Hill Poker
Another iconic British brand, William Hill Poker operates on the renowned partypoker network, giving it a strong player base and robust software.
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Why it’s great: It combines the trust of a high-street bookmaker with the power of a major poker network. The welcome bonus is often very competitive.
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Game Selection: Solid traffic across cash games and tournaments, with good promotions tailored to its player base.
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Standout Feature: Excellent integration for existing William Hill customers and a strong focus on UK-specific payment methods.
Getting Started Safely: A Quick Checklist
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Check the Licence: Always verify the site is licensed by the UKGC. This information is always in the website footer.
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Read the T&Cs: Pay close attention to the wagering requirements on bonuses. They can be tricky.
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Use Strong Banking Methods: Opt for e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill for faster withdrawals.
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Play Responsibly: Set deposit limits and take advantage of the responsible gambling tools provided by all UKGC sites. Remember, poker is a game of skill, but it should always be fun.
The Final Hand
The “best” poker site ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Are you a complete beginner looking for a gentle introduction? 888poker or bet365 might be perfect. Are you a tournament grinder chasing life-changing prizes? GGPoker and PokerStars are your arenas.
Whichever you choose, by sticking with UKGC-licensed sites like the ones listed above, you can be confident you’re playing in a safe, fair, and well-regulated environment best uk poker sites. Now, all that’s left to do is take your seat at the table. Good luck