For poker players in the UK, the quest for the best online poker site is a critical one, particularly when it comes to real money play. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first steps into real money poker or a seasoned pro aiming to find the most rewarding poker experience, choosing the right site is crucial. The ideal site should offer security, fair gameplay, exciting bonuses, and a strong community. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the best poker sites uk for real money players in 2025.
1. PokerStars: The Leading Choice for Real Money Play
Overview: PokerStars remains the dominant force in the online poker world, particularly for UK players. It’s one of the largest and most reputable poker platforms globally, offering an impressive range of real money poker games, from cash games to massive tournaments.
Key Features:
- Extensive Game Selection: PokerStars offers a vast range of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. They also offer unique variations like Spin & Go’s, a fast-paced, high-action game.
- Large Player Pool: As one of the biggest poker sites globally, PokerStars boasts a massive player pool. This ensures that games run around the clock, offering a range of stakes and tournaments for players at all levels.
- Bonuses & Promotions: New players can claim generous welcome bonuses, and regular players are rewarded through promotions and loyalty programs, making it one of the best options for real money poker.
- Tournament Options: PokerStars is well-known for hosting some of the largest online poker tournaments, including the prestigious PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC).
Why It’s Number One: PokerStars has earned its top spot through its unmatched selection of games, a huge player base, and a reputation for trustworthiness and fairness. It’s the go-to site for players of all experience levels and a great choice for serious real money players.
2. 888poker: Great for Beginners and Intermediate Players
Overview: 888poker is another popular platform in the UK, offering a user-friendly interface, a solid range of poker games, and excellent customer service. While it may not have the vast player pool of PokerStars, it is still one of the best poker sites for real money play in the UK.
Key Features:
- Beginner-Friendly: With a more straightforward interface and a welcoming atmosphere, 888poker is ideal for new players looking to get into real money games without feeling overwhelmed.
- Solid Bonuses: 888poker provides a decent welcome bonus for new players, along with regular promotions to keep things exciting for returning users.
- Variety of Poker Games: While Texas Hold’em and Omaha dominate, 888poker also offers other games like Seven Card Stud, and their exclusive “Snap Poker” offers a faster, more dynamic way to play.
- Secure and Regulated: 888poker operates under the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring that players’ funds and personal information are safe and protected.
Why It’s Ranked Highly: For players looking for a well-rounded, user-friendly poker site with solid bonuses and real money games, 888poker is an excellent option. It’s especially well-suited to beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their skills.
3. Partypoker: Rewarding Loyalty and Professional Play
Overview: Partypoker has made a resurgence in recent years and is now considered one of the best poker sites for real money players in the UK. Known for its professional atmosphere and commitment to fair play, Partypoker offers a wide variety of poker games and tournaments for players of all skill levels.
Key Features:
- Loyalty Program: Partypoker’s “Player Points” system rewards loyal players with bonus cash, tournament tickets, and exclusive rewards.
- Big Prize Tournaments: The site is home to some major tournaments, including the partypoker MILLIONS series, which offers substantial prize pools.
- Range of Poker Formats: Partypoker offers a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and more niche options. There are also plenty of cash games, Sit & Go’s, and multi-table tournaments (MTTs).
- Reputable Site: With a long history in the online poker world, Partypoker is known for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and robust security features.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Partypoker stands out for its loyalty rewards and top-tier tournaments. For players looking for a more professional environment with substantial prize pools, Partypoker is a fantastic choice.
4. Betfair Poker: Safe, Secure, and Regulation-Compliant
Overview: Betfair Poker is an ideal choice for UK players looking for a regulated and secure site with a good variety of games. It is part of the extensive Betfair network, which is known for its sports betting, but its poker offering is strong enough to compete with the best.
Key Features:
- Part of the Playtech Network: Betfair Poker is powered by Playtech, offering a smooth, well-designed platform that supports real money play.
- Solid Poker Games: The site offers a range of poker formats, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, with stakes that cater to every level of player.
- Mobile Compatibility: Betfair has a fully functional mobile app, allowing players to access poker games and tournaments from anywhere.
- Reliable Customer Support: Betfair’s customer support is highly rated, with 24/7 availability and multiple contact methods.
Why It’s Popular: Betfair is an excellent option for those looking for a secure and trustworthy site that is fully regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Its ease of use and range of games make it a solid contender in the world of real money poker.
5. Unibet Poker: A Solid Choice for Recreational Players
Overview: Unibet Poker is known for its relaxed and enjoyable poker atmosphere, making it a great choice for recreational players looking to enjoy real money poker in a low-pressure environment. While it may not have the massive tournaments of some competitors, Unibet still offers a range of exciting games.
Key Features:
- Focus on Fun: Unibet emphasizes a fun and friendly experience, perfect for casual players. The platform features a clean and simple interface, with a focus on easy-to-play formats.
- Good Selection of Games: While Texas Hold’em is the most popular format, Unibet Poker also offers a variety of other games, such as Omaha, and the site regularly adds new and unique formats.
- Freerolls and Low Stakes Games: For new players looking to try real money poker without risking too much, Unibet provides frequent freeroll tournaments and low-stakes cash games.
- Innovative Features: Unibet Poker offers innovative features like the “Fast-Fold Poker” option, allowing players to move between tables quickly and experience more hands per hour.
Why It’s Worth Considering: For recreational players or those looking for a less intense poker experience, Unibet is a great choice. While it may not be as competitive as some of the other sites, it offers a refreshing, user-friendly environment for casual poker enthusiasts.
6. Sky Poker: Fun, Secure, and UK-Focused
Overview: Sky Poker is another popular UK poker site offering a secure and enjoyable platform for real money play. Known for its strong brand presence in the UK, Sky Poker appeals to both casual players and those with more experience.
Key Features:
- UK-Focused: As part of the Sky group, Sky Poker offers a distinctly UK-focused experience, with localized payment methods and support tailored to UK players.
- Regular Promotions: Sky Poker regularly runs promotions for new and existing players, offering bonuses, tournaments, and special events.
- Range of Stakes: Sky Poker offers games at a variety of stakes, from small buy-ins to mid-stakes games, which makes it accessible to players at all levels.
Why It’s Popular: Sky Poker’s reputation for security and its focus on the UK market make it a trusted choice for real money players. Its promotions and variety of stakes ensure there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
The UK is home to a diverse and competitive online poker scene, with a range of platforms offering real money poker games for players of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your poker journey or an experienced pro looking for serious competition and huge prize pools, there’s a poker site that fits your needs. PokerStars leads the pack with its unrivaled game selection and player base, while 888poker and Partypoker offer fantastic options for both beginners and serious players alike. Betfair and Unibet provide a more secure, regulated environment, and Sky Poker offers a UK-specific experience. Whichever site you choose, ensure it aligns with your poker goals, level of experience, and preferred playstyle to make the most of your real money poker experience.
