Best online poker sites UK for June 2024... (original) (raw)

POKER is the perfect pursuit if, like me, you love games that require a combination of logic, a touch of luck, mathematics and some skill. Live poker rooms remain the go-to places for players who enjoy the social aspect of gaming.

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However, if the sound of poker chips riffling like crickets in the jungle isn’t your thing, the internet has a lot to offer. The best online poker sites give you access to games of all descriptions.

From traditional Texas Hold’em to table game variants, the leading casino sites put the best poker variants within easy reach, as I’ll explain…

If you get to walk away with the pot, it’s an example of your mastery of this classic card game. Where previously online poker players would flock to dedicated poker sites for their poker fix, the rise of casino poker is making the game more accessible than ever, without the need for an additional gambling account.

How I rated our favourite live poker casino sites among our partners

Just because a site offers live poker games, it doesn’t mean you should register and play. I’ve used dozens of poker sites in my time. Some have been great, while others promised a lot but delivered very little.

I don’t want you to waste time sorting through the subpar casino poker sites in search of the perfect platform. That’s why I’m prepared to give you my secret formula. I assess the following features when I’m testing live poker sites:

• Game range - Poker players need a site that hosts multiple types of poker from a selection of high-quality software providers. Another key thing to look out for is a poker site that has enough tables to avoid lengthy waiting times.
  My pro tip: The very best live poker sites not only offer a lot of games; they also offer games at betting limits that suit beginners and experts.
• Poker bonuses - I always make sure a live poker site has plenty of bonuses. Welcome offers should come as standard. From there, casino bonuses such as reload promotions and loyalty rewards should be on hand to boost your bankroll.
  My pro tip: I always read the terms and conditions to make sure they’re fair.
• **Payment methods - I like live poker casino sites that offer a variety of secure payment methods, such as Visa, Mastercard and e-wallets.
  My pro tip: a poker site can never have too many payment options, just make sure there isn’t a big difference between the number of deposit and withdrawal options.
• Payout speed - I don’t like waiting for weeks to receive my winnings, which is why I use a casino site with fast withdrawals. Waiting anywhere from a few hours to 5 days is acceptable, in my opinion. Anything significantly longer and it’s a problem.
  My pro tip: eWallets such as Skrill and PayPal typically offer the fastest payouts, so choose casinos that offer these payment methods.
• Reputation - I only use licensed casinos and poker sites. Once I’ve established that the operator is legit, I’ll read player reviews to see what it’s really like. Finally, if a company has been around for a few years, it probably offers a high-quality service.
  My pro tip: scroll to the bottom of a site’s homepage to check its licensing credentials and the security measures it has in place.
• Functionality - A poker site or app must be optimised for use on any device. If it’s an app, then it must be available from the Google Play Store or App Store for Android and iOS devices. If it’s an optimised site, it should provide a full range of services for all devices.
  My pro tip: always test out the mobile software on Wi-Fi and 4G/5G to make sure it doesn’t slow down or crash.

Best live poker casinos for players in Britain 2024

There are so many places to play online poker right now, and things can get a little confusing. I decided to draw up a shortlist, based on player experience, as well as safety and security. Here’s a summary of each one, plus advantages and disadvantages, so you can get a headstart on choosing the best place to play online poker in the UK.

Keep reading my poker reviews to learn more about game selection, fairness, and more about each operator.

1. MrQ

This online casino landed in 2018 and has been collecting loyal poker players ever since. Alongside an impressive selection of 900 slot games are a ton of table games, including poker.

My favourites are Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em because the live dealers always make the games entertaining. I’d also urge you to check out MrQ’s promotions, particularly the free spins no deposit bonus.

2. Duelz

I really like the fantasy-themed aesthetics of this online casino. A few clicks and you’ll be immersed in a world where you’re not only battling for prizes but loyalty rewards. In terms of poker, Evolution’s popular Stud game is my top choice.

If live casino poker isn’t your thing, Duelz lets you choose from two RNG poker games; Three Card Poker and Cyber Stud Poker. The site is well-designed and you’ll have plenty of bonuses to choose from.

3. PokerStars

PokerStars casino is undoubtedly a great platform for online poker players. Its extensive collection of poker games varies from Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud to Razz, mixed games, and Sit & Go's.

The platform's user-friendly interface and smooth gaming experience make it one of the top choices for online poker enthusiasts globally. Apart from poker, PokerStars casino boasts an impressive selection of slots and live dealer games, but their poker offering is unbeatable. Why? Because you get access to thousands of cash tables and tournaments, as well as casino poker games, in one website.

4. Mr Vegas

Mr Vegas is a great place to play if you’re looking for a colourful selection of promotions, like Rainbow Fridays, where you can pick up extra wins just for playing your favourite poker games. Of course, you need something more than promotions to make a great poker site.

When you’re ready to play, you can choose from about 17 different video poker games, including All Aces Poker, Jacks or Better Poker, High Card Flush and more. Alternatively, visit the live casino section made up of Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live games. Here, games like Three Card Poker, Casino Hold ’em, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, and more.

5. Mr Mega

Why do I like to play poker at Mr Mega? Because it has a generous welcome promo and a loyalty club. If you’re ready to give them a try, register an account and claim your welcome offer.

My tip is to learn the ropes by using the demo games. Then, once you’ve had enough practice, head over to the live casino lobby where you can play a plethora of poker games while, simultaneously, claiming bonuses.

6. Karamba

This well-established gambling site offers players both online casino games, as well as a fully stacked sportsbook. As a result, the site is loaded with almost every gambling option imaginable.

I know that Karamba might not seem like an obvious place to play online poker, but bear with me. In addition to its classic casino games, the well-stocked live casino section gives gamblers plenty of options, from Texas Hold ’em to Omaha and more.

7. Magic Red

You know live poker is a big deal at Magic Red because it gets its very own section. Just click the category heading in the navigation bar and you’ll be taken to a lobby filled with magical offerings that you can click on from the top navigation bar.

In my view, Three Card Poker is the best game to play because it’s available in a variety of formats. However, if you prefer something a bit quicker, check out the video poker games.

8. 10bet

You’ll find plenty of video poker and live poker tables within 10bet’s library of 1,000+ casino games. If I’m being honest, I’d like to see a few more digital poker games because the majority of the options are in the live dealer lobby.

Having said this, you do get access to six fantastic live casino games, including Three Card Poker and Caribbean Stud. For me, the best live poker game is Hold’em because it comes in three variants.

9. Bally Casino

If you're looking for poker, you'll find a good variety of games at Bally Casino.

I think the website is a little bit cluttered, but the user experience still gets top points from me because of the sheer variety of games you can play. In addition to poker, you can also play several other live games, slots, and even bingo and slingo!

10. Winomania

Winomania is a modern online casino serving the UK market with a focus on scratch cards and slot games. However, they also offer a decent selection of video poker games. The poker games are well-designed and easy to play, with an intuitive interface that's accessible even to beginners. Winomania offers a smooth and reliable gaming experience, with fast payouts, reliable customer support, and a variety of promotions and bonuses.

How does playing at live poker casinos work?

Online poker casinos like PokerStars have a great game variety and you can find anything from Texas Hold'em to European poker. In addition to money poker games, you'll also be able to play other card games, slot jackpots, and even scratchcards on some sites.

Regardless of what you choose, the process of playing live poker is always the same:

1. Choose your preferred place to play, and fund your casino account from the cashier section.
2. Select the type of poker you want to play (Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Three Card Poker, No-Limit Hold'em) from the game library.
3. Buy into the game using your deposit or bonus cash. Some tournaments will even let you re-buy once or twice if you bust - it depends on the rules.
4. The croupier will deal you into the game, and the rest comes down to skill and a little bit of luck!

The benefits of playing at live poker casinos

Obviously, playing live poker online isn’t exactly how the game was initially meant to be played. However, while there’s an undeniable appeal in taking your seat at a real poker table in person, this is often no longer practical, or even possible in some cases.

That's why, while playing live poker in a cardroom is great fun, online games are my go-to. They’re more accessible and there’s more choice. I also love the fact you can get bonuses and loyalty rewards by playing online. This doesn’t mean live poker rooms don’t offer a variety of games or, indeed, promotions. However, if I'm putting them head-to-head, online poker wins and here’s why:

• The accessibility and convenience of online casino poker is undeniable when compared to live games that require travel and spending hours inside a casino or card room. Playing online means you can be at home, at the beach or anywhere with a steady internet connection.
• Online games tend to be much faster than in-person poker, which often runs at a much slower pace. This is usually due to the inevitable chatter between poker players and the dealer when playing at a land-based casino or card room.
• Flexible payment options are a definite perk of choosing to play poker online. Instead of dealing with casino cages and cash, you can choose from a wide range of bank card and e-wallet options in just a few clicks.
• When playing with real cash, security should be at the top of your list of concerns. Quality live poker sites come with built-in security tech that ensures your funds and personal information are kept safe at all times.
• Bonuses and promotions are commonplace at online gambling sites, but they'll be hard to come by at land-based casinos and card rooms. Playing poker online means you can scoop up free bonus cash to give you an edge at the table.

The downsides of playing online live dealer poker games

There’s no such thing as a perfect experience, and live poker comes with certain disadvantages. Live dealer games are famed for their speed and convenience, but frequent players might have picked up on a couple aspects that aren’t quite so ideal.

Here are a couple things you should be aware of before you’re dealt your first hand:

• At smaller online casinos, and during peak hours, live casino poker tables can fill up quickly, so you may have to wait in a queue to get a seat at smaller casinos. My top tip is to make a list of poker sites you like and switch between them at peak times to ensure you don’t have to wait for games.
• Despite the fact that you can interact via chat with live casino poker games, that authentic social aspect found in a card room or casino floor is hard to replicate.

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Play live poker online. 18+ BeGambleAware.org Please play responsibly

What poker variants are available at these live poker casinos?

The best live poker casinos offer Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and every other variant you can think of. That’s important.

I love Omaha but I don’t want to play it every day. Variety is the spice of life, which is why every top-rated casino operator makes sure it covers all the main bases.

You might not know which variants you like, so my advice is to try all of them. Below is a round-up of the most popular poker variants so you know where to start:

• Texas Hold 'em - This is definitely the most famous version of poker, and is most often televised as a pro player’s games. No limits Texas Hold ’em is where most players start and settle in their poker journeys.
  Everyone starts with two hole cards, and they get to combine them with five community cards. The aim is to make the best five-card hand or win pots by being the last active player. Some of the best poker players in the world are Hold’em experts, including twice-crowned WSOP Player of the Year, Daniel Negreanu.
• Omaha (Hi or Lo) - Omaha is similar to Texas Hold'em in the sense that it’s a community card game i.e. five cards are dealt in the middle of the table, and everyone gets to use them. The big difference, however, is everyone gets 4 hole cards instead of 2. Moreover, you have to use 2 of your hole cards.
• Seven-card stud - This version of poker used to hold court before Texas Hold ’em blew it out of the water. There are no community cards in this game. Instead, everyone gets dealt seven cards (some are face-up, some are face-down) and the goal is to create the best 5-card hand.
• Five-card draw - This variant is similar to video poker in that everyone gets dealt five starting cards face-down. You then have the option to swap as many cards as you want. Then, if two or more players are left after the draw, a showdown takes place and the best 5-card hand wins.
• High Low Chicago - This version is similar to seven-card stud, but ranking could be based on either the highest or the lowest hand, depending on the rules.
• HORSE - This game’s name is an acronym of 5 different poker variants: Hold ’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz (Stud Lo), Stud (Stud Hi), and Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi/Lo). The variant switches after a set number of hands.
• Chinese Poker - This is usually played with 4 players, and each player is dealt 13 cards. These cards must then be sorted into three groups; best 5-card hand, a middle strength hand of 5 cards; the weakest hand that consists of 3 cards.

What is the most popular live poker game and why?

Live poker games have evolved significantly over the last few decades, but Texas Hold’em remains the most recognisable and popular variant. In fact, Texas Hold’em is the variant used for the biggest poker events, including the World Series of Poker and the World Championship of Online Poker.

One of the main reasons Texas Hold’em remains popular is the fact it’s easy to learn. Despite being easy to learn, the complexities of poker strategy can take years to master. That’s what keeps people engaged and eager to play. Such is the popularity of Hold’em that it was depicted in the movie James Bond Casino Royale, despite Ian Flemming’s novel describing a game of Baccarat.

What other games can I play at online casinos?

While there are poker venues that offer nothing other than poker, online casino sites usually have a plethora of table games to choose from. That’s why I often choose casinos over dedicated poker rooms. The fact you can switch between classic poker games and casino variants keeps things interesting. Here's some other things you could try:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Baccarat
• Craps
• Keno
• Sic bo
• Pai gow

In addition to a good poker room and these table games, casinos usually also offer slots, progressive jackpot games, and even a betting section for those who like to combine their skills.

How to choose a live poker casino

I primarily focus on three things when I’m choosing a live poker casino: entertainment, variety, and security. Your chosen site should be entertaining, rewarding and also packed with safety features to protect your funds and your personal data.

When it comes to finding the best live casinos, my best tip is to shop around. I’ve listed my top 10 sites for live poker in this guide, so use them as a starting point. Look at the games they offer and see if they align with your preferences. For example, if you like baccarat, find casinos that offer live baccarat.

I also recommend reading real player reviews so you can see what actual customers have to say about a site. My top tip here is to read the negative comments first. Negative reviews will give you a baseline. After that, see what people have to say about the game selection, bonuses, software and payments. If the positives outweigh the negatives, it’s probably a good poker site.

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How to find the best online poker bonuses

Poker bonuses are often listed together with all the other offers the casino has lined up. The best sites will allow you to filter the promo section so you can pull up just poker-related offers. I strongly suggest reading the small print, so you know exactly what your obligations are.

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For example, a deposit bonus might look really good on the surface, but the playthrough might be extremely high, it’s not really worth your time. The main wagering requirements you should assess are the minimum deposit requirement, the playthrough target (i.e. how much you have to wager to clear a bonus) and the time you get to hit your playthrough target.

I recommend live poker players keep an eye out for:

• No deposit bonuses
• Reload bonus
• Cashback bonuses.

How to deposit and withdraw money into your online poker account

Online poker accounts are no different from regular casino accounts. Once you’re ready to play for real, all you need to do is navigate to the cashier section. This is generally accessible from the top navigation bar on any page of the site.

If you’re using a mobile device, you might find it hidden behind the main menu button. At this point, you can scroll through the deposit and withdrawal options available and make your choice. Punch in the amount you want to fund your account with and follow the steps on-screen.

Withdrawals are generally affected through a very similar process. While deposits are usually instant, withdrawals take a little longer. It's important to choose a fast withdrawal casino if you want to get your funds quicker.

Payouts must first be processed by the online poker site, and this can take up to 24 hours. At that point, waiting time depends on your payment option.

E-wallets tend to be instant, while bank and card transfers can take anything from one to five business days.

My pro tip: choose a fast withdrawal casino if you want to get your winnings quicker. Internal processing times range from 24-72 hours, then you have to wait for the money to arrive in your bank account/eWallet. Therefore, you should choose casinos with fast processing times (24 hours or less) and payment methods that have quick transfers (usually <24 hours), such as Skrill and PayPal.

How do I know that I can trust the live poker casino I choose?

If a poker casino site seems dodgy, it probably is. Make sure the site is licensed and regulated in the UK. That means it needs to be approved by the United Kingdom Gaming Commission (UKGC). Outside of the UK, other regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), are responsible for licensing gambling operators.

Curaçao eGaming is a commonly found license with smaller and newer online casinos. Despite some people feeling slightly wary of this exotic license, it’s actually reliable and fairly commonplace these days. Another thing you should look out for is a reliable customer support system. One that allows you to reach out to the poker casino team in multiple ways and for several hours (if not 24 hours) of the day.

You can also take a look at my curated list of the best online casinos to make sure you're choosing a safe place to play.

Finally, I suggest checking out a site’s FAQs for an overview of how it protects players. The website or app must use encryption technology, so your personal and financial details are protected from hackers.

What happens if I need help at a live dealer poker casino?

Getting help at a live dealer casino is no different to getting help at any other gambling site. These days, most good quality online casinos come with live chat built-in. That means that in a single click, you can launch a chat box that will put you in real-time conversation with a support agent who will answer all your questions.

There you’ll be free to ask for help with any kind of problem you might be having. If you’re in the middle of a game and something appears to be going wrong, the best thing to do is exit the table by clicking the ‘x’ symbol. That way you’ll terminate the gambling session and you won’t be at risk of losing any funds. The agents are also there to clarify any matter relating to a promo code, restricted countries, tournament ticket issues, deposit options, etc.

Keep in mind that if you’re in the middle of a hand at the time, you might risk losing your stake. Take note of these details so you can discuss the issue with the support agent.

Can I enter live poker tournaments at online casinos?

Absolutely. At most poker online casinos you’ll have the choice between cash games and tournaments or satellite tournaments. The latter tend to run for much longer, and you’ll be placing bets using chips with a predetermined value, rather than a real money stake with every play.

Tournaments tend to be more popular at sites that specialize in poker, rather than generic casino sites. Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a handful of poker tables, be sure to choose one that has an affordable buy-in.

Register for the tournament and wait until it kicks off, as you’ll be enrolled automatically upon payment.

How much does it cost to enter a live dealer poker tournament?

Buy-in fees vary but there are tournaments to suit every budget if you play online. I’ve played tournaments that cost as little as 50p and as much as £500 and more.

Of course, the prize pot changes in proportion to the buy-in. In general, higher buy-ins mean bigger prizes. Something I will say though is that you can still get a sizeable return on your investment if you play low-stakes tournaments. In some cases, online poker rooms run promos that offer players the opportunity to sign up to tournaments completely free.

I’ll let you in on a secret. Freerolls and promotions are the best ways to get maximum value from your time online. Yes, the prizes in freerolls might not be life-changing, but you’re not paying anything to play. Therefore, anything you win is great.

Unlike regular promotions, these are free of any wagering requirements. This is possible because the poker site makes money by collecting rake. Now that’s what I call a free roll.

Why are some poker sites described as ‘fishy’?

Not all online poker sites are safe. You’ll sometimes come across poker sites that reviewers have described as fishy, dodgy or even scammy. Most of the time, the comments don’t hold much water.

Players get frustrated if their payouts don’t come fast enough, or if they’re excluded from registering due to responsible gambling constraints. However, sometimes, the comments are correct and you’re best off steering clear of these sites.

Poker software must be reliable, and your live poker provider should be professional. Make sure your chosen site has a positive track record and a solid gaming license.

Where is the best place to play live poker?

If you're looking for the best live poker casino look no further than PokerStars. These guys eat, sleep, and breathe poker offering players the best live dealer experience at the virtual table.

What are the best live poker games?

In my opinion, the top casino poker games you can play online are:

• Ultimate Texas Hold'em
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Seven Card Stud
• Omaha
• Governor of Poker 3

Who is the best UK poker player?

Liv Boeree in her poker career has won millions in top poker tournaments such as The European Poker Tour.

What’s the most I can win playing live poker online?

This is particularly difficult to quantify. The first thing I should say is that you should never go into a poker game with the intention of making a living. Poker is all about recreational fun, and any financial gain should be seen as a bonus and not the ultimate goal.

That being said, a skilled player can win a decent amount of money - if they’re playing cash games or tournaments with big pots and hefty buy-ins. At the very top of the scale, the winner of the world series of Poker can win millions of dollars.

More recreational players can eke out a steady sum from smaller tournaments too, so I guess it just depends on what your risk appetite is.

Tips to have the best experience playing live poker online

The first thing you need to do if you want to have the best experience possible is find a top-quality poker site. The ones I’ve listed in this guide fall into that category. Once you’ve done that, here are my tips for getting maximum enjoyment from your time online:

1. Figure out what style of poker you like best and read up on strategy
2. Set a budget you can comfortably afford
3. Choose a reliable online poker site
4. Decide whether you want to use a poker bonus
5. Keep a cool head - you don't want to give away your emotional state to the other players, or worse yet, tilt and sabotage yourself.

What are the most common poker terms?

The most common poker terms I think you should learn are:

• Fold – you discard your hand
• Bluff - a bet or raise made with a hand you don’t think will win at a showdown
• Blind – these are forced bets posted by players to the left of the dealer button in community card games

What is the most popular type of poker?

The most popular type of poker is Texas Hold 'em. This variant is commonly seen in TV cash games and the biggest tournaments, including the WSOP Main Event and the WPT World Championship. Other popular poker variants are Omaha, Stud, Draw, and Mixed Games.

What is the biggest poker tournament in the world?

The biggest and most prestigious poker tournament in the world is the World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. The latest winner of the Main Event 2023 was Daniel Weinman.

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About the author

Daniel Smyth

Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.

Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk