Best Live Poker Casinos UK: Top 10 Online Poker Sites 2023 | The Sun

2023-04-11

POKER has to be one of the most famous casino games in the world.

Featured in films and television, there’s virtually no person who hasn’t heard of this card game. There’s something exhilarating about making the decision to call, raise, check, or fold. The ability to bluff with success is a learned art.

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. In this review we tell you everything you need to know about live poker casinos. Take a look at our list of poker operators and choose your favourite below:

Top live poker casinos with bonuses for you

Mr Q
Duelz
Mr Vegas
Mr Mega
Karamba
Magic Red
10bet
Megaways

How we rated the UK’s best live poker sites

Just because a site offers live poker games, it doesn’t mean you should register and play. Regardless of player skill levels, a bad poker site with poor customer service and a limited prize pool won't bring much either to beginners or experts. Not all poker rooms and sites are made of equal quality and reliability, so we’ve devised a test to separate the good, the great, and the ones that don’t make the cut.

Game range – Poker players need a site that hosts multiple types of poker from a quality range of providers. Another key thing to look out for is a poker site that has enough tables to avoid lengthy waiting times.
Poker promos – if you’re a bonus lover, your chosen site should host both a welcome offer, as well as continued promos and offers. These should come with fair terms, including reasonable wagering requirements.
Payment methods – The poker site needs to have at least a few available payment options in order to appeal to players. We were looking for sites that accept both Visa and Mastercard debit cards, and we made sure to check which e-wallets were available. We only chose sites with enouh deposit methods.
Payout speed – Your available payment options are a top requirement when you’re on the lookout for a casino site with fast withdrawals. The second most important requirement is withdrawal speed. e-Wallets are usually your quickest option, but you should always have a choice.
Reputation – The poker site has to be solid, and that means licensing from a safe course and reliable security measures. Check out real poker player reviews to get a more real look at what you can expect.
Functionality – The site or app must be optimised for use on any device, without slowing down or crashing. If it’s an app, then it must be available from the Google Play Store or App Store for android and iOS devices.

Top live poker casinos for players in Britain 2023

There are so many places to play online poker right now, and things can get a little confusing. We 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 placeto play online poker in the UK. Keep reading our poker reviews to learn more about game selection, fairness, and more about each operator.

MrQ

Mr Q

Spend £20 Get 75 Spins!

First deposit only. Min deposit & spend £20. Max 75 spins on Big Bass Bonanza at 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £20. Full T&Cs apply.

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This online casino landed in 2018, and has been collecting loyal poker players ever since. As an online casino you can access all kinds of games, including about 900 slot games, and several table games, including poker.

The live casino tab is full of amazing games from top providers. Amongst these are Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em all ready and waiting, with a live dealer on hand.

Pros:

Games from world-leading providers
Plenty of exciting promotions and offers
Easy to navigate site
Reliable gambling license

Cons:

Relatively new online casino with limited forums
Smaller game library than competitor sites

Duelz

Get £100 bonus + 100 free spins

18+ new players only. Minimum deposit: £20. Maximum £100 bonus. Max bet with an active bonus: £2. Wagering requirement 100% match bonus: 30 times sum of deposit + bonus. Max redeemable from welcome bonus: £500.

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Navigate to the live casino section of this fantasy-themed online casino and you’ll be able to enter a real casino studio in just a few clicks. Choose Evolution Gaming’s Caribbean Stud Poker game and get dealt into the hand.

If you’d rather not play live, you can also 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.

Pros:

Well designed site
Reasonable bonus wagering requirements
Weekly cashback available
Reputable gaming license

Cons:

Smaller selection of live poker games
No poker-specific bonuses

Mr Vegas

Get 100% bonus up to £200

The Welcome Bonus is only available to newly registered players who make a minimum initial deposit of £ 10. The Welcome Bonus offer is only available to those who have made their first deposit up to maximum of £ 200. Any amount over £ 200 will not form part of the player’s first deposit. Full T&Cs apply.

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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.

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.

Pros:

Great selection of quality live poker games
Plenty of payment options
Reputable gaming licenses
High functionality on mobile devices

Cons:

There’s no FAQ section
The site is a little crowded

Mr Mega

Get 100% bonus up to £125

New customers only. Min deposit £10 max bonus amount £125. Wagering bonus 35x. Neteller and Skrill deposits not eligible. T&Cs apply.

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A generous welcome promo and a very extensive loyalty club make up two of the reasons you choose to play poker at Mr Mega. If you’re ready to give them a try, then register an account and load up on the welcome offer. Your bonus cash can be used to play RNG poker games.

Once you’ve had enough practice and you’re ready to play live, just head over to the live casino section and click onto the live poker tab.

Pros:

Both RNG and live poker games to choose from
Vast casino with both casino and sports options
A safe site with a reputable gambling license
Exciting VIP Club

Cons:

Not many promos beyond the welcome offer
The site feels a little busy

Karamba

Get 100% bonus up to £200 + 100 bonus spins

18+. Welcome bonus: New players only. Min first deposit: ‎€10. Max bonus €200. 100 spins require 3 deposits. 100% bonus and 20 spins on 1st deposit. 40 spins on 2nd deposit (min €20), and 40 spins on 3rd deposit (min €20). Spins issued on selected games. Spins and bonus wagering requirement: 35x, spins expire after 24 hours. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly, www.begambleaware.org. T&Cs apply.

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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.

While Karamba might not seem like an obvious spot for online poker, the well-stocked live casino section gives gamblers plenty of options from Texas Hold ’em to Omaha and more.

Pros:

Plenty of promotions and opportunities for bonus cash
Great choice of live casino games
Reasonable wagering requirements
Reputation for past withdrawals

Cons:

There are no RNG poker games
Website search function can be glitchy

Magic Red

Magic Red Casino

Get 100% up to £25 + 25 spins

18+. Min deposit £20. Offer valid on first deposit and applies to new players only. Full T&Cs apply.

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At Magic Red Casino, Live Poker gets its very own section that you can click onto from the top navigation bar. If you’re looking for poker then you’ll be able to take your pick at Magic Red, which has both video poker options, as well as live poker where you’ll interact with a real dealer.

Three Card Poker is particularly popular here, but there’s also the classic Texas Hold 'em and Omaha varieties.

Pros:

Established in 2014 and going strong
Great bonuses for new players
VIP program for continued rewards
Great payment options from eWallets to bank transfers

Cons:

Site can be a little glitchy
Live chat not available 24 hours a day

10Bet

50% up to £100bonus + 50 spins

New Customers only; Min. deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager bonus 40x within 15 days; Max winnings = 10x bonus; Free spins validity: 7 days; Free spins max. winnings = £100. Stake contribution as per eligible games. Full T&Cs apply.

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Both video poker and live poker are in full flow at 10Bet. These are offered within a library of almost 1,000 different casino games. Most of the poker options are found in the live casino section of the site.

There are six tables on offer, covering poker varieties like Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, and three versions Hold ’em, which is one of the most popular poker variants online.

Pros:

Well-designed iOS and Android apps
Incredibly helpful customer support
Top notch live casino
Flexible payment options

Cons:

Wagering requirements are a little high

Megaways

Get 30 free spins

New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. Free Spins: on Secrets of the Phoenix Megaways. Spins value: 20p each. 18+. †£10 lifetime deposit for Daily Free Game.

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

Although the website is a little cluttered, the user experience still gets points from us 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.

Pros:

Good welcome bonus
Site responds well on all devices
Excellent customer support

Cons:

The website is a little difficult to navigate

How does playing live poker work?

There are three ways to play poker live. Poker players can visit a land-based casino and pull up a seat in person, they can opt to check out live dealer poker games at most quality online casinos, or they can go to a dedicated online poker site, like PokerStars, where hundreds of tournaments and cash games are happening all the time. Online poker sites have a great game variety and you can find anything from Texas Holdem 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 sime sites.

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

Choose your preferred place to play, and fund your casino account from the cashier section.
Select the type of poker you want to play (Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Three Card Poker) from the game library.
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.
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 live poker online

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

That’s where online poker comes in to save the day. Here are our favourite things about live poker online:

The accessibility and convenience of online casino poker is undeniable when compared to having to travel and spend 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 are often full and you’ll have to wait in a queue to get a seat. It's a good idea to make a list of poker venues you enjoy in case on of them is unavailable during the times you like to play.
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.

What poker variants are available at these live poker casinos?

Most casinos that offer reliable live poker games are well aware that variety is key to reeling in players and keeping them happy.

Poker lends itself well to this model, because since its creation it's always had multiple interpretations. From subtle tweaks to full-on rule changes, there’s a poker game for everyone. In fact, there are over 13 different types of poker.

Not all of these are commonplace however, and if you choose to play at poker casinos, these are the ones you’re likely to come across:

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.
Omaha (Hi or Lo) – Omaha is similar to Texas Hold 'em, players are dealt 4 cards instead of 2, and there are a total of 5 community cards.
Seven-card stud – This version of poker used to hold court before Texas Hold ’em blew it out of the water. Your goal is to create the winning 5 card combination.
Five-card draw – Similar to Hold ’em, but players are dealt 5 cards each, with an additional opportunity to draw up to 5 more cards.
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).
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 come in so many varieties, it’s often hard to keep track. But when it comes down to it, Texas Hold ’em is the reigning champion, as the most recognisable and most frequently played poker variety. In fact, Texas Hold ’em is the official ruleset for famous poker events like the World Series of Poker, and the Championship of Online Poker. Omaha used to take top slot, but it’s slipped down the ranks over time.

One of the main reasons why Texas Hold ’em received such top reviews comes down to the fact that it’s one of the simplest versions of the game. It’s easy to understand, simple to follow, while remaining exciting and interesting to study. In fact, the James Bond Casino Royal film featured Texas Hold ’em over the book-accurate Baccarat, on the basis that people resonated with this game far more.

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. Here are some games that you'll be able to find at a good casino venue:

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 to those who like to combine their skills.

How to choose a live poker casino

Choosing a live poker casino comes down to a balance of face value preferences, and security considerations. 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, the first thing you should do is shop around. In this guide, we recommend some of our favourite sites for live poker, so it’s a good place to start. Check what other games the casino has. For example, if you like baccarat, find casinos that offer live baccarat.

You can also research real player reviews to see what others have to say. Instead of only looking at positive comments, check out some critiques. If you can live with the cons, then it’s usually a good direction to head into.

How to find the best online poker bonuses

We love bonus hunters. They’re the bargain shoppers of the online casino world. After all, bonuses are a well-earned gift from your favourite gambling site, and you should find the best casino bonuses to suit your playing style.

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. Once you have a few poker bonuses you’re interested in, read the small print to understand exactly what to look out for.

For example, a bonus might look really good at face value, but if the wagering requirements are too high, it’s not really worth your time. You should also keep an eye on things like the minimum deposit requirement, and the time allowed to meet the wagering requirements.

How to deposit and withdraw money into your online poker account

Online poker accounts are no different to 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.

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

If a poker casino site seems dodgy, it’s usually because it is. Always check out the site’s gaming license. Some of the most reliable gaming licenses are the United Kingdom Gaming Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

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 our curated list of the best online casinos to make sure you're choosing a safe place to play.

Finally, we suggest checking out the site’s FAQs for a summary of their security system. It’s essential that the website or app runs with encryption technology that’s updated and designed to keep hackers away from sensitive information.

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.

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.

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?

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 specialise 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.

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

Poker tournament buy-in fees range drastically, and there’s a tournament to suit every budget. On your chosen poker network, you’ll come across buy-ins as low as 50p or even less, while others climb as high as £500 and more.

Of course, the prize pot changes in proportion to the buy-in. The higher the cost, the bigger the pot. In some cases, online poker rooms run promos that offer players the opportunity to sign up to tournaments completely free.

Unlike regular promotions, these are free of any wagering requirements, and it’s an opportunity to win real cash without any outlay. These are possible because the poker site makes money by collecting rake. Now that’s what we 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.

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

This is particularly difficult to quantify. The first thing we 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 what your risk appetite is.

Tips to have the best experience playing live poker online

A great online poker experience is made up of equal parts responsible gambling, and a little help from a top quality poker site. Here are some base guidelines to stick by if you want to play at the best live poker casinos:

Figure out what style of poker you like best and read up on strategy
Set a budget you can comfortably afford
Choose a reliable online poker site
Decide whether you want to use a poker bonus
Take your seat at the table and good luck!

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.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Best Live Poker Casinos UK: Top 10 Online Poker Sites 2023 | The Sun

Top live poker casinos with bonuses for you

How we rated the UK’s best live poker sites

Top live poker casinos for players in Britain 2023

MrQ