Whether you are new to online poker or a seasoned pro there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy online poker 24/7 at the 1,000s of multiplayer poker tables hosted by UK casinos and poker networks today. In this article we will show you some of the best options to play poker right now in the UK, explain how to sign up and what to do to start placing your first bets. Don’t register anywhere without reading this guide first.
Poker and the Law in the UK Online poker, like all gambling in the UK is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, an independent organisation trusted with the responsibility of ensuring gamblers are safe and operators run responsible, secure and fair poker tables and casino games. The UK Gambling Commission was created as part of the 2005 Gambling Act. That law was updated in 2014 with a new Act of Parliament. Further updates are expected in 2023 following pressure from MPs, the media and charities to bring in tighter restrictions on how much punters can spend and how operators can advertise.
In the UK gamblers can bet on any of the following:
- Sports betting markets The choice for poker players is wide with many casinos and sportsbooks adding poker to their product lists alongside dedicated poker networks like PokerStars and PartyPoker.
3 Poker Sites For You To Try Here are 3 poker sites offering a wide range of stakes and tournament levels for you to try. All are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
888 Poker 888 is one of the world’s biggest gambling brands. From Israel, this label has been operating casinos, poker, slots and bingo sites since the turn of the century. So, they know a thing of two about what makes gamblers tick. Why play here? Here’s why: Highlights include:
- Big, guaranteed tournaments
PokerStars Poker Poker Stars is the best dedicated poker site globally and with a big presence in the UK. They have been in action since 2012 and offer more tournament action than any other operator. Highlights include:
- Weekly Sunday $1,000,000 game
Unibet Poker Another huge gambling brand in the UK, famous for its sportsbook and casino offering is Unibet. They also run poker tables and offer some of the best value tournaments you will find anywhere. Highlights include: - Famously low 1% rake (house hold) on low buy-in Texas Hold Em tables- £500 play through bonus for new players - Good loyalty program with rewards for completing missions and challenges - Free rolls available for new players on the site - Special Private Table poker app for mobile players NOTE: Unibet don’t offer Seven Card Stud or 5 Card Poker
How Do I Get Started With Online Poker? To start playing online poker, just choose a site from our recommendations, or perhaps another you have found online, and sign up as follows: 1. Click Sign Up to begin registration on your site2. Enter your details including name, address, date of birth, username and email address 3. Make a deposit using a cashier service you are comfortable with 4. Choose a table and get ready to bet! NOTE: Some online poker sites will now require you to submit documents to verify your ID before you can play. If you are making a significant deposit (£1,000 for example) you may also be required to pass affordability checks that require you to submit bank statements. This is a requirement under UK law to ensure gamblers play safely.
Choosing a Table or Tournament To finish, keep in mind that when you start playing it is advisable to pick free rolls or tables with low buy ins as you may come up against players with more experience and skill than you. Most sites will have tables with blinds of 1p/2p or 5p/10p. These are a good place for the beginner to start to avoid getting cleaned out in one hit! Further Reading Here are some useful resources 24 Poker have identified to educated you further on the UK poker scene. 888 Poker School
|