Online poker gets a relatively easy ride in the United Kingdom. When compared to the legal aggravation seen in other jurisdictions it is easy to understand why many pros from mainland Europe choose to relocate here. This is even before we consider that the UK government does not collect gambling taxes directly from players.
As you can imagine it is not easy to pick out which are the best places for UK residents to play, but here we have chosen three of our best deals, all of which are known for their soft games.
Unibet
Unibet is a fine site for the whole spectrum of players. Soft games but still a wide range of stakes on offer if that is what is most important to you.
What Unibet is most well-known for these days is catering for the casual player. Poker is supposed to be a fun game and they have gone all-out to provide that kind of service.
Great software
The first big change that was ushered in was the removal of third-party software. The skill gap between the novice player and veteran has widened too much making it difficult for new players to compete. Forbidding anybody from using a database with a head up display (HUD) was a great way to even the playing field. Even if the recreational player didn’t feel outmatched, it was certain that their deposits would now last much longer.
As far as the visuals are concerned the avatars look great on the table and there are a number of background choices to switch between.
For lesser-experienced players there are a number of options to make it easier to follow the gameflow. The deck can be switched to a four-colour variant which helps to avoid misreading flushes. Players who have already folded will be greyed out and your hand strength is always clearly identified.
A lot of thought has gone into this software.
Bonuses and Promotions
- EU: €200 Bonus + Free €10.
- UK: ÂŁ500 Bonus + Free ÂŁ20 Playthrough Bonus.
Rakeback is rewarded based on the Unibet VIP Program which differs per game variant.
Betfair
Betfair Poker now runs on the iPoker network. With 17 years experience of providing online poker games there should be no surprise that this is one of our favourite places to play in the UK.
It is currently the largest international online sports betting provider in the world with more than four million customers.
The iPoker software is geared more towards the serious player. Most third-party software packages are allowed, including HUDs, which are a must for any ambitious grinder. New players shouldn’t be put off though, because the interface is clean and has a slick feel to it that makes it easy to use.
Full range of games available
- Cash Games
- Sit and Go
- Multi-Table
- Speed Poker
- Texas Hold'em
- Omaha
- Omaha High/Low
Great sign up bonus
200% Bonus up to the value of €200 + €500 in freeroll tickets when you deposit €10 or more. Off extends for the first 90 days after signing up.
Signing up through our link and you will have access to the incredible €30,000 rake race every month as well as instant cash VIP points worth up to 35% rakeback.
With rakeback across the industry on the slide over the last few years this stands out as a great deal.
Overall Betfair is a fantastic choice where you can expect to enjoy your playing experience to the max.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power Poker is another UK-facing site on the iPoker network. If ever there was a company that was all about fun then this is it.
You can’t fail to have seen their TV advertisements and social media campaigns put together with great humour. While they are not as recreational player focussed as Unibet you can be assured that they are going to do their utmost to make sure you enjoy your playing experience.
Paddy Power is one of the most prolific sponsors of poker tournaments in recent years. Their continued support of events such as the Irish Poker Open has been a big help for the game.
Fantastic Customer Support
Paddy Poker Poker really stands out when it comes to customer service. Not only are they available to assist you with any problems 24/7 but they offer help via live chat, email, and telephone. A lot of companies have removed the telephone support option in recent years but Paddy Power are always prepared to go the extra mile to keep you happy.
Promos and sign up bonuses
New customers get an extensive list of bonuses after signing up, starting with a generous 100% matched deposit bonus of up to ÂŁ200. Two twister tokens , a ÂŁ5 mobile device tournament ticket, plus a whopping 30 tickets for daily freeroll events is more than enough to get you started.
A bonus will be released in ÂŁ10 increments once ÂŁ20 has been spent.
The ÂŁ10 increments will be released over the customer's first 5 days.
- Day 1: 5 x ÂŁ2 Twister tokens
- Day 2: 5 x ÂŁ2 Tournament tokens
- Day 3: ÂŁ10 Slots bonus (x20 wagering)
- Day 4: 2 x ÂŁ5 Tournament tokens
- Day 5: Paddy's New Customer freeroll. The prize pool goes up by ÂŁ10 for each registered customer.
The Paddy Power Poker loyalty scheme will also payout as much as 22% rakeback.
Summary
These three UK-facing sites are great places to play online poker. Unibet has a unique character that is friendly towards casual players. No matter how new you are to the game you will never feel like you’re in the wrong place there.
Paddy Power Poker and Betfair Poker are also great sites. They allow players to utilise up-to-date technology in an environment that is conducive towards improving their skills fast.
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