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Poker in the United Kingdom

Introduction

Capital: London

Population: 66,040,000

Currency: British Pound (GBP)

Timezone: UTC+0

– Casinos with Poker in the United Kingdom –

– Poker in the United Kingdom –

 

The United Kingdom is famous for its avid and ample betting men in the country. From time to time, the international media picks up a strange bet that can be placed on a British bookmaker site, usually having to do with the Royal Family. There can be stranger things found to bet on – for example, on Paddy Power you could wager money on whether the world would end in 2012.

The UK Gambling Commission publishes their report semi-annually. According to the latest one, there’s 8,406 betting shops operating in Britain. Meanwhile, the number of casinos is 152 – fewer than, for example, in the Czech Republic (175) which is a country with 1/6th of the UK’s population.

So the main focus in the British gambling life is sports betting. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a rich poker culture in the country as well.

Many big gambling companies have their headquarters in the UK. However, they are usually outside the mainland, with the Isle of Man and Gibraltar being the favorite choices for locations. This is because of the favorable tax laws. For instance, Gibraltar gives companies VAT exemptions on marketing costs. Also, because these territories have semi-autonomy within the UK, they can give out their own gambling licenses that are easier to obtain than one from the UK Gambling Commission.

Some of the world’s most famous land casinos and poker clubs are also located in the UK. Even the biggest tournament in poker history, the £1,050,000 Triton Million took place in London, at the London Hilton on Park Lane in August 2019.

The cult classic TV show Late Night Poker aired on Channel 4 between 1999 and 2002.

Famous British Poker Players

Sam Trickett is a very successful player in the high roller tournament scene with over $21 million in lifetime live tournament earnings. He’s also known for putting on super high stakes promotional PLO cash games on partypoker, the online poker room he’s an ambassador for. The highest stakes cash tables on partypoker were called “Trickett’s Room” for a while. Stephen Chidwick is another great British live tournament player, a constant feature in the highest buy-in events around the world. He has won more on live poker tournaments than any other British player, $37.9 million.

WSOP bracelet winner Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott is a true legend of poker. In 2017, he was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.  Now retired Liv Boeree once was one of the best female poker players in the world. Will Kassouf made a deep run in the 2016 WSOP Main Event where he caught the public’s attention with his ceaseless banter at the table. His chip palming scandal in 2018, however, has tarnished his reputation severely.

Chris Moorman held the record for most lifetime online MTT earnings for a long time. As of the writing of this article, the British poker pro is #5 on this list with $19.5 million in online tournament winnings.

  Online Poker Legislation in the United Kingdom

The Gambling Act of 2005 essentially made online poker fully legal in the country, granted the company offering poker gets a licence from the Gambling Commission, the regulatory body which was set up by this legislation. Amendments added to the bill in 2014 allowed even foreign companies to apply for licences, which means that UK residents truly have 100% freedom of choice if they wish to play some cards online.

There is an abundance of online poker rooms to choose from, the biggest ones being pokerstars.uk and Natural8-GGNetwork. There are some that are specifically for UK and Ireland players only, such as Sky Poker.

Best U.K Poker Sites in 2024

In this article, we offer a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each online Poker Room currently accessible to British players in 2024.

– Recommended Online Poker Rooms in the United Kingdom –

– Playing Live Poker in the United Kingdom –

   Live Poker Legislation in the United Kingdom

 

The Gambling Commission states in its guidance for licencing that “poker is a card game which involves elements of both chance and skill and is therefore classified as a game of chance”.

Thus, you need to have permission from the GC to host poker in your casino. Other venues that don’t hold a gambling licence can get so-called “temporary use notices” (TUN’s) if they wish to put on an occasional poker tournament. 

The piece of legislation pertaining to casino gaming in effect today is the Gambling Act of 2005, last amended in 2014. 

  Live Poker Venues in the United Kingdom

 

The best known British poker club is probably Dusk Till Dawn, located in Nottingham. Owner Rob Yong frequently plays high stakes cash games and tournaments against the best players in the world, drumming up publicity for his casino in the meantime.

DTD offers £1/£1 and £1/£2 cash games running 24/7 – the games types available are No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and Dealers Choice. The highest stakes tables are £10/£25, although there isn’t always a game running on those stakes.

The casino also hosts WSOP Circuit and partypoker LIVE events – two of the biggest poker tournament series in the world.

Grosvenor Casinos is a big gambling franchise with an online and dozens of land casinos across the UK, including in London, Coventry, Manchester, and Newcastle. The biggest venue in the franchise is The Grosvenor Victoria Casino in London. There, you can find NLHE cash tables from £1/£1 up to £50/£100, as well as PLO (£1/£1-£10/£25) and Dealers Choice (£1/£3-£10/£25) tables.

They put on 1-2 tournaments a day. They are exclusively NLHE and the buy-ins range between £37 and £1,100. One of the best known UK poker tournament series is hosted by the same company, the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour – events are held in numerous cities in Great Britain year-round.

Other popular live poker rooms in the country are in the Empire Casino in London; and the Aspers Casino in Stratford City.

 

 

– Casinos and Poker Rooms in the United Kingdom –

Grosvenor Brighton

Grosvenor Brighton

Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen

Grosvenor Casino Birmingham

Grosvenor Casino Blackpool

Grosvenor Casino Bolton

Grosvenor Casino Dundee

Grosvenor Casino Huddersfield

Grosvenor Casino Hull

Grosvenor Casino Leo Liverpool

Grosvenor Nottingham

Grosvenor Casino Reading South

Grosvenor Casino Reading Central

Grosvenor Casino Southampton

Grosvenor Casino Stockton

Grosvenor Casino Stockton

Grosvenor Casino Plymouth

Grosvenor Casino London Golden Horseshoe

Grosvenor Casino London The Victoria

Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

Grosvenor Casino Swansea

Grosvenor Casino Salford

Grosvenor Casino Stoke on Trent

Grosvenor Casino Southend on Sea

Grosvenor Casino Bournemouth

Grosvenor Casino Cardiff

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh

Grosvenor Casino Leeds

Grosvenor Casino Luton

Grosvenor Casino Newcastle

Grosvenor Casino Portsmouth

Grosvenor Casino Scarborough

Grosvenor Casino Sunderland

Grosvenor Casino Walsall

Grosvenor Casino Coventry

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Riverboat

Grosvenor Casino Leicester

Grosvenor Casino Didsbury

Grosvenor Casino Manchester Bury New Road

Grosvenor Casino Thanet

Grosvenor Casino Sheffield

Grosvenor Casino Stockport

Napoleons Casino Sheffield

Aspers Casino Northampton

Alea Casino Glasgow

Napoleons Casino Bradford

Opera House Casino

Aspers Casino Newcastle

Les Croupiers Casino Cardiff

Casino MK Poker Room Milton Keynes

Rainbow Casino Bristol

Dusk Till Dawn

Alea Nottingham

Rendezvous Casino Brighton

Eltham Terrace Club

The Hippodrome Casino London

Aspers Casino Stratford City

Alea Casino Glasgow
Alea Casino Glasgow

Alea Casino Glasgow is located just outside the city center on the River Clyde with stunning views.

Alea Nottingham
Alea Nottingham

Alea Nottingham is located in the heart of the city of Nottingham situated across two well-decorated floors with a sophisticated feel

Aspers Casino Newcastle
Aspers Casino Newcastle

Aspers Casino Newcastle is located on the edge of the city center close to the China Town district.

Aspers Casino Northampton
Aspers Casino Northampton

Aspers Casino Northampton is centrally located in the heart of the entertainment district.

Aspers Casino Stratford City
Aspers Casino Stratford City

Aspers Casino Stratford City is located in the Westfield shopping center just seconds from Stratford City train station.

Casino MK Poker Room
Casino MK Poker Room Milton Keynes

Casino MK Poker Room is located in the heart of the city within the shopping district and entertainment center Xscape.

Dusk Till Dawn
Dusk Till Dawn

Dusk Till Dawn Poker Club is located a short distance from the center of Nottingham, close to the town of Lenton.

Eltham Terrace Club
Eltham Terrace Club

Eltham Terrace Club is located in a central location in Eltham, South East London.

Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen outside
Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen

The Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen located near the port and right in the middle of the city center.

Grosvenor Casino Birmingham Hill Street outside
Grosvenor Casino Birmingham 

Grosvenor Casino Birmingham Hill Street is the main gaming facility in the Midlands.

Grosvenor Casino Blackpool
Grosvenor Casino Blackpool

Grosvenor Casino Blackpool is located right on the promenade by the sea.

Grosvenor Casino Bolton
Grosvenor Casino Bolton

Grosvenor Casino Bolton is located in a central location near the main train station and shopping district.

Grosvenor Casino Bournemouth
Grosvenor Casino Bournemouth

Grosvenor Casino Bournemouth is located in a central location in the heart of the city.

Pier Nine casino Brighton
Grosvenor Casino Brighton

Grosvenor Casino Brighton is housed in Pier Nine, Brighton’s new leisure, entertainment, and gaming destination.

Grosvenor Casino Cardiff
Grosvenor Casino Cardiff

Grosvenor Casino Cardiff is located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, famous for a variety of entertainment events.

Grosvenor Casino Coventry
Grosvenor Casino Coventry

Grosvenor Casino Coventry is located in the Ricoh Arena, north of the city.

Grosvenor Casino Didsbury
Grosvenor Casino Didsbury

Grosvenor Casino Didsbury is located in Parrswood Entertainment Centre just a short train ride from Manchester city center.

Grosvenor Casino Dundee 1
Grosvenor Casino Dundee

Grosvenor Casino Dundee is located centrally, just a ten-minute walk from the main train station and city center.

Grosvenor Casino Edinburg
Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh is located just one mile from the airport situated in a quaint art deco building.

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City
Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City

Grosvenor Casino Merchant City Glasgow is one of two Grosvenor Casinos in Glasgow within walking distance of the city center.

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Riverboat
Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Riverboat

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Riverboat is located close to the city center along the waterfront of the River Clyde.

Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth
Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth is located in the heart of the city center close to the seafront. 

Grosvenor Huddersfield
Grosvenor Casino Huddersfield

Grosvenor Casino Huddersfield is centrally located and is an entertainment hub for the city.

Grosvenor Casino Hull
Grosvenor Casino Hull

Grosvenor Casino Hull boasts a relaxed and friendly environment and is located in the heart of the city, close to the historic Queens Gardens.

Grosvenor Casino Leeds
Grosvenor Casino Leeds

Grosvenor Casino Leeds is located just outside the city center along the River Aire.

Grosvenor Casino Leicester
Grosvenor Casino Leicester

Grosvenor Casino Leicester is located in the heart of the city center close to the shopping district. 

Grosvenor leo liverpool
Grosvenor Casino Leo Liverpool

Grosvenor Casino Leo, Liverpool, is centrally located next to the famous Albert Dock.

Grosvenor Casino London Golden Horseshoe
Grosvenor Casino London Golden Horseshoe

Grosvenor Casino London Golden Horseshoe is a contemporary casino located next to the Bayswater tube station.

Grosvenor Casino London The Victoria
Grosvenor Casino London The Victoria

Grosvenor Casino London The Victoria is one of the best casinos in London also known as “The Vic”.

Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton

Grosvenor Casino Luton is located a short walk from the city center and has recently undergone renovation.

Grosvenor Casino Manchester Bury New Road
Grosvenor Casino Manchester Bury New Road

Grosvenor Casino Manchester Bury New Road is one of three Grosvenor Casinos in Manchester with fantastic facilities.

Grosvenor Casino Newcastle
Grosvenor Casino Newcastle

Grosvenor Casino Newcastle is located in a central location near the main train station and shopping district. 

Grosvenor Nottingham
Grosvenor Casino Nottingham

Grosvenor Casino Nottingham is a major venue in the poker industry with tournaments being regularly televised from the casino.

Grosvenor Casino Portsmouth
Grosvenor Casino Portsmouth

Grosvenor Casino Portsmouth is located in the heart of the city next to the finest designer retail outlet named Gunwharf Quays.

Grosvenor Casino Plymouth
Grosvenor Casino Plymouth

Grosvenor Casino Plymouth is located just outside the city center in the entertainment district. 

Grosvenor Casino Reading South
Grosvenor Casino Reading South

Grosvenor Casino Reading South is located just outside of the city center with its own restaurant, bar, live Show Bar, and games lounge. 

Grosvenor Casino Reading Central
Grosvenor Casino Reading Central

Grosvenor Casino Reading is located close to the heart of the city center and has great gaming facilities. 

Grosvenor Casino Salford
Grosvenor Casino Salford

Grosvenor Casino Salford is located just a short walk along the River Irwell from the city center. 

Grosvenor Casino Scarborough
Grosvenor Casino Scarborough

Grosvenor E-Casino Scarborough is exclusively a jackpot slot venue located close to the city center.

Grosvenor Casino Sheffield
Grosvenor Casino Sheffield

Grosvenor Casino Sheffield is located just outside the ring road of the city center. 

Grosvenor Casino Southend on Sea
Grosvenor Casino Southend on Sea

Grosvenor Casino Southend on Sea is a stylish venue located just inland from the relaxing seafront promenade.

Grosvenor Casino Southampton
Grosvenor Casino Southampton

Grosvenor Casino Southampton is a multi-award-winning casino situated in the Southeast of England.

Grosvenor Casino Sunderland
Grosvenor Casino Sunderland

Grosvenor Casino Sunderland is centrally located and sits in the entertainment district.

Grosvenor Casino Stockport
Grosvenor Casino Stockport

Grosvenor Casino Stockport is located just seconds from Stockport Town Hall. 

Grosvenor Casino Stockton
Grosvenor Casino Stockton

Grosvenor Casino Stockton is located a short walk alongside the river from the city center of Stockton-on-Tees.

Grosvenor Casino Stoke
Grosvenor Casino Stoke on Trent

Grosvenor Casino Stoke on Trent is located in a central location close to the shopping district. 

Grosvenor Casino Swansea 1
Grosvenor Casino Swansea

Grosvenor Casino Swansea is located in the heart of the city and just a short walk from the River Tawe.

Grosvenor Casino Thanet
Grosvenor Casino Thanet

Grosvenor Casino Thanet is located in Westwood Cross retail park, popular with shopping and entertainment.

Grosvenor Casino Walsall
Grosvenor Casino Walsall

Grosvenor Casino Walsall is located in the heart of the entertainment district just outside the city center.

The Hippodrome Casino London
The Hippodrome Casino London

The Hippodrome Casino London in the heart of Leicester Square London and it is the UK’s largest casino venue. 

Les Croupiers Casino Cardiff
Les Croupiers Casino Cardiff

Les Croupiers Casino Cardiff is located just outside the city center next to Cardiff City Stadium.

Manchester 235
Manchester 235 Poker Lounge

Manchester 235 Poker Lounge is located in the heart of the entertainment district of Manchester.

Napoleons Casino Bradford
Napoleons Casino Bradford

Napoleons Casino Bradford is located just a short distance from the city center and is the best poker venue in the area.

Napoleons Casino Sheffield
Napoleons Casino Sheffield

Napoleons Casino Sheffield is located a short distance from the city center in a suburb called Hillsborough. 

Opera House Casino
Opera House Casino Scarborough

Opera House Casino is located in heart of Scarborough close to the shopping district.

Rainbow Casino Bristol
Rainbow Casino Bristol

Rainbow Casino Bristol is located in the heart of the city close to Millennium Square.

Rendezvous Casino Brighton
Rendezvous Casino Brighton

Rendezvous Casino Brighton is located on the stylish seafront of Brighton Marina.