5 of the Best UK Poker Sites

If you are just learning about online poker sites in the UK, all of the information and options out there can be a bit overwhelming. And if you have looked at poker sites outside of the UK and all their limitations, playing on one here might seem too good to be true. New players understandably might have some questions first, and we have answered the most common ones to ensure that you'll feel safe playing in the online gaming haven that is the United Kingdom.

Is it legal to play online poker in the UK?

The United Kingdom is one of the most poker-friendly countries in the world, and this goes for online gaming as well as its live equivalent. There are literally hundreds of different poker sites available to British players, and you can legally play for real money providing you are over the age of 18.

Among many things, the Commission makes sure all gambling operators are not associated with crime, are fair and open, and do not exploit children or other vulnerable people. The Act has been considered an overwhelming success, and many argue that the UK's online gambling laws are the most straightforward and easy-to-understand in the world. Essentially, this means that you can deposit, play, and collect winnings from both UK and non-UK gambling sites without fear of legal ramification!

What specific gambling laws do I need to know about?

The 2014 Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act has brought about some changes, requiring gambling operators to obtain a UK licence if they want to advertise in the country. It used to be the case that operators licensed in any white listed territory (which also included jurisdictions such as Gibraltar and Alderney) had the same rights.
In practical terms, this means players who already had an account may have to download a new UK-specific poker client to continue playing. However, you still play against the worldwide player pool if you reside in the United Kingdom, meaning you can still take part in big tournaments with huge prize-pools.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

This is one area where it really pays to be British. As online poker is considered a gambling activity, you will not have to pay taxes on the money you make from the game. This is a huge boost, both financially and in terms of stress, and in fact it has led to a lot of professional players from elsewhere in the world moving to the UK to continue playing.

Are UK poker sites reliable?

The top rooms are subject to the best checks and scrutiny to ensure they are fair and reliable, not to mention those holding a UK remote gambling licence under the new licensing regime have had to prove their reliability very recently as well. Check out our recommended sites to find not only those that are reliable, but which are the best in many other respects.

Is it safe to deposit money with a credit card?

Most of the top UK online poker sites around will allow you to deposit with a credit card, and also with a debit card. This can prove hugely convenient for players from the UK, as it means you will not have to sign up for a new account with a third party site just to play real money games.

What other deposit methods are available?

Of course, if you would rather an online poker site not have your card details, there are other options available. For example, you can deposit using one of the many e-wallets available to UK players, where everything is secure and encrypted and there is an extra layer between you and the poker room.

What kinds of games are available?

No Limit Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, Seven Card Stud…even Badugi. You will be able to find pretty much any poker game at a UK site if you are prepared to shop around. Of course, not every poker room has every single variant, so it can be of benefit to look across the board to make sure your chosen UK site has the games you want to play.

How long does it take to claim my winnings?

This will depend on the method you use to cash out, but often it can take a day, or even less. If you have made your original deposit using a credit or debit card then many poker sites will require you to withdraw your winnings to the same card, so it is worth keeping things like that in mind when depositing real cash funds at a UK site.