There are now multiple poker sites that let you play from the comfort of your home. But before you go into Google with an online poker search query, read on to learn important things about the best poker sites UK and everything you need to know about playing online poker in our independent review.
According to historians, poker dates back almost two centuries ago. The name is also said to have originated from the Irish Poca. Others have argued that it descended from the French Porque, a variation of the German pochen, which means “to bluff or brag.” Due to these variations, there’s no confirmation as to its true origins.
There are multiple poker versions played across the globe, and they all have distinct rules that guide them. Nevertheless, poker is still an easy game to play, and in most versions, the goal is the same: assemble a stronger poker hand than your competitors.
While online poker might be an easy game to play, things can get tricky when you play at poker sites. There are dozens of online casinos offering poker games, and finding the ‘perfect’ one can be a bit stressful. We constantly review the best UK poker sites where gamers can feel both safe and happy when playing. Here are the major factors we consider when rating the best online casinos for poker.
The first thing we consider when rating an online poker site is if they have a license from a reputable gaming commission. Sites operating from the UK must hold a United Kingdom Gambling Commission license. A reputable license proves that the site passed all the necessary checks and has everything required to cater to the public. It’s also a guarantee of fairness and protection.
The poker site must be secured so as to protect the personal information of players. Every site must have an SSL encryption certificate.
Reputation plays a major role in our rating process because it’s often a solid reflection of the site’s quality. Poker sites that are popular amongst players and industry experts are rated highly.
Furthermore, reputation goes hand in hand with longevity. These two factors combined show that a site has stood the test of time and yet maintained its respect in the industry.
Without reliable payment systems, it’ll be impossible to wager on poker games. That’s why it’s important that our sites offer a diverse range of secure and reliable payment options.
In addition to reliability, we also consider the ease of operations and the speed of deposits and withdrawals. Players should be able to fund their poker wallet quickly and with any payment option they’re comfortable with. Also, our featured sites must be capable of processing withdrawals rapidly and safely.
While many might ignore bonuses and promotions when looking for an online poker site, we don’t because we understand how offers like welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, and loyalty programs can shape a person’s gambling experience.
Also, a site’s bonus opportunities can tell you a lot about them. We review bonuses, loyalty and VIP programs, poker tournaments, valuable gifts, real cash prizes, and bonus wagering requirements.
Nothing is perfect and when you play poker online, you’re bound to experience some difficulties or problems at some point. Good poker sites offer extensive and effective customer support to help players tackle any challenge they’re facing. That’s why this is a very critical factor we consider when rating. While FAQs can be quite helpful, we understand the importance of getting your questions answered by a real and experienced person and so we rate sites with good customer support highly.
The iconic game, depicted and glorified among the most competitive players, Poker thrives at high-stakes tables in UK poker sites. Take a look at our top 3 poker sites and start playing now!
The UK was one of the first nations to legalize online poker. Since 2005, people in the UK have been allowed to play poker online, but any room that operates within the UK must have obtained a license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Sites with this license must follow UKGC laws on safe and responsible gambling.
There are also no limits on the amount that can be staked or won, although the online poker site has the power to limit deposit and winning amounts. To know if a site is fully licensed, scroll down to the bottom of its home page; you should see the license logo displayed there. If it isn’t there, go to the casino’s about us page and check.
You could also go to the UKGC official website and search for the casino’s name on their database.
One of the many benefits of playing poker online is that you can do it on any device you choose. Gone are the days when you could only play poker on a computer or laptop. Now, there are lots of casinos with mobile apps that allow you to enjoy games on your mobile phone.
Furthermore, apps are not compulsory as most casinos have mobile web versions that you can access on browsers of both Android and iOS devices.
The first time you saw or played a poker game was probably live at a local tournament, a university dorm, or even at home. While the social aspect of live poker is undeniably wonderful, the benefits of playing online outweigh it. Here are some of the major advantages of playing poker online.
When you play poker at a land-based casino, the cost of the minimum buy-in is usually high. The cost of a big-blind, even at the lowest stakes cash game, is also high, plus you might have to tip the dealer and buy a round of drinks after a big win.
However, the minimum buy-ins available are very low when you play online. You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to play. This is especially important for players new to the game and those who want to start small. Online poker allows you to practice proper bankroll management. You no longer need to bleed yourself dry before you enjoy or master the game.
You don’t have to leave your home, drive, or visit a casino to enjoy poker. With your mobile phone or PC, you can wager and play while lying on your bed. Also, most live casinos usually have limited tables available, so you might have to wait for a table to free up before you play. Online poker allows you to play anytime you please. You could wake up by midnight feeling lucky and decide to play a game; there’s always a table waiting for you.
Plus, poker is a game that requires you to be focused, and where better to achieve that than from the calm and comfort of your home?
Can you imagine trying to play poker at multiple tables at a land-based casino? Imagine running from one table to another, and you’ll see how difficult that is. Not only is it inconvenient, but you’ll also miss a lot and might end up losing both games.
This is one of the major benefits of online poker. You can play multiple tables with ease, and we all know that in poker, more hands mean a greater chance of profit.
For centuries, gambling has always been a major leisure activity in the UK. Poker wasn’t initially popular in the country, but over the years, it has grown to become one of UK’s most loved casino games. So it’s no surprise that the country was one of the first to join in on the online poker movement back in 2005.
There are many reasons people love online poker. It ranges from being able to play comfortably from their home to easy multi-tabling and less waiting time. We’ve covered everything you need to know before you venture into online poker. All that’s left is for you to choose the best poker sites in the UK and start your journey. Good luck!
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No, online poker sites are not rigged. Sites with a reputable gaming commission license will be closed down if they rig, and most don’t risk it.
If you just want to have fun or understand poker, there are multiple sites that let you play for free. Earnings cannot be withdrawn though. However, if you want to start playing for real money, deposits can be made from £50-200.
To find a trusted online poker site, take a look at our reviews and lists of top US poker sites. All of these poker sites have been checked and verified as reputable and safe.
Yes, you can play on UK poker sites since 2005, when UK became one of the first nations in Europe to legalize online poker.