With tournaments featuring a seven-figure prize pool now a regular occurrence, online poker is the go-to game for many gamblers. Unlike playing casino games where you are handicapped by the house edge, poker offers you a chance of earning based on your own ability. As such a popular game, it’s no surprise that new poker sites are popping up all the time. While many think that the established brands are your best bet, there are a number of advantages offered by the hottest new poker sites
What Poker Variations can I Play?
The top new poker sites will give you a real range of choices, meaning that you’ll never be too far away from your favourite variations. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular variations available online.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the classic poker game and probably the most popular of all the different variations. In this version, you are dealt two cards and win by combining your two cards with any of the five community cards on the table to make the strongest hand.
Omaha
Instead of being dealt two cards, in Omaha poker, you are dealt four. The goal from there is to make the strongest five-card hand, however, this hand must consist of two hole cards and three of the five community cards.
Seven-card Stud
Seven-card stud is a little different to other variations, with no community cards involved in this variation. Instead, each player is dealt seven cards, with the strongest five-card hand winning. Another key variation to Seven-card stud is that bets are made as antes and not blinds.
Other Variations
With poker being such a popular game played the world over, it should come as no surprise that there are other variations you can play online. Variations like Caribbean Stud poker, Casino Hold’em and Pai Gow poker are just some of the alternative options available to you. They may not be as widely available as those above, but they offer an exciting twist on a classic game for players.
Casino Poker v Poker Software
What’s the Difference between Casino Poker and Poker Software?
Online poker comes in two main formats: casino poker and downloadable poker software. Downloadable poker software is the most alike to the land-based casino experience. Usually found on a dedicated poker website, the software allows you to compete against other players in cash games and tournaments. Casino poker, however, is found at standard online casinos and operates using a random number generator (RNG), meaning you play against the house, not any other players. If you want to play at the best new poker sites, then look for those that host both options.
Poker Gaming Options
Playing poker online comes in a range of different formats to suit a whole host of different preferences. Here are the key ones to look out for.
Cash Games
You will come across cash games the most when you visit a new poker site and they’re pretty easy to wrap your head around. The chips on the table are representative of their value in cash and you can join any table where this is an empty seat. If you run out of chips, you also have the option of buying yourself back into the game.
Sit and Go Tournaments
Sit and Go Tournaments are some of the most convenient and easy to join game options for poker out there. They generally have some pretty low but-ins – which remain the same for all players – and, with tables usually full, you can expect some pretty exciting action.
Multi-Table Tournaments
Just like Sit and Go Tournaments that have the same buy-ins and number of chips for all players, Multi-Table Tournaments let everyone start off on a level playing field. Where they differ, however, is in their size. They are much larger operations with a potentially unlimited number of players spread across a load of different tables. A winner is eventually decided as the number of tables decreases as players are eliminated. The final table left is where the victor will be decided.
Satellites
If you’re looking to get involved in some of the higher buy-in higher profile tournaments, then you can do so by participating in a satellite. These smaller buy-in games can be found at the best online poker sites in the UK and victory in them can win you entry to the likes of the Microgaming Poker Network Tour and the World Series of Poker.
Make the Most of Your Freerolls
Freerolls are great for those trying out a new site or a new game. When a poker site has a freeroll, it means you can play either a single game or a whole tournament without laying any of your own cash on the line. As such, it’s a great way for you to get to grips with a new site or refine your skills if you’d like to get some practice reps in before progressing to real money games.
How to Stay Safe when Playing Poker Online
Assuming a new poker brand isn’t as trustworthy as its more established counterpart is an easy mistake to make. Some of the best new online poker sites are brought to us by operators that have played a hand in running successful gambling operations in the past, from top online casinos to online bookies. Quite often, these operators use their recipe for success to cook up a winning poker site. Even if you come across a brand that’s a complete newcomer to the world of online gambling, there’s one easy way to guarantee that you’re in safe hands. Choosing a licensed site means that you can rest assured knowing everything will run smoothly, from software to payouts.
Claim a Welcome Bonus
To gain an edge on the already established names, the latest poker sites often offer bigger and better welcome bonuses. These are designed to catch the eye of new players and pry away experienced pros from their favourite sites.
Matched Deposit
Bonuses like matched deposits are a great way to boost your bankroll, and can even leave you with double your initial deposit to play with. They will often come with wagering requirements and other conditions attached, however, which will affect how you play so it’s always best to check the terms and conditions before you jump in with a bonus.
New Customer Offer 18+. New players only. Min deposit $10. First deposit, up to a maximum of $300, will count towards their Welcome Bonus amount with no code needed. Play in any poker game counts towards unlocking the bonus cash, which is released in $10 increments. One $10 increment will be released per $20 paid in net rake and/or tournament fees. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
No Deposit Bonus
You’ll come across certain new poker sites that will offer you a bonus without the need to first make an initial deposit. They’re basically rewards for just signing up. These deals aren’t usually as generous as matched deposits, for example, usually only giving you £10 to £20 in free funds, but they’re still a really useful way to get a feel for a site, no strings attached. Much like any bonus, it’s worth checking the terms and conditions before you sign up.
New Customer Offer New players only. £20 free bonus: includes $1 immediate bonus & $31 in tournament tickets. Bonus will be granted gradually throughout 7 days after claiming. Each part of the bonus expires after 24 hrs. Immediate bonus may be withdrawn after a player has accumulated 2.5 bonus points for every $1 of the received bonus amount. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Wagering requirements vary by game 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
VIP Promotions and Loyalty Programmes
If you are totally new to the game, poker freerolls are your best friend. These are free to enter tournaments which payout real cash prizes. All poker sites offer them but there’s quite a bit of variance in the prize pools and player numbers. A simple bit of research into what’s on offer will lead you to the best value games so you can build your bankroll with some free money.
You’re also likely to see new poker sites with generous VIP programmes that reward customers for their loyalty. Keeping up to date with what your chosen casino has on offer is the best way to make the most of the promotions they make available.
Depositing and Withdrawing
New poker sites will offer a range of different payment options to suit a range of customer needs. Let’s have a look at what you can expect to see.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are the most popular form of banking method and are arguably the most familiar to online poker players with pretty much every new poker site accepting them as a valid form of payment. It can take up to five working days for transactions to be processed and come with all the security measures provided by your bank.
Credit cards are no longer accepted at online poker sites since they were banned from all gambling activity by the UK Government in April 2020.
E-wallets
E-wallets are one of the fastest-growing banking methods for online players and it’s easy to see why. Services like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are completely free to sign up to, process transactions far quicker than debit cards and are widely supported by a number of new poker sites. The only drawback, however, is that they can often be excluded from certain bonuses. As such, it is a good idea to check the terms and conditions of an individual bonus before you sign up.
Playing Poker on the Go
A great way for new poker sites to stand out from the crowd is by offering a first-class mobile casino experience. Most new poker sites will have a mobile app that has all the same functionality of the regular desktop site meaning you will still be able to play the best range of poker games available on the market today. Some sites even have their own native apps, making your playing experience that bit quicker. If a new poker site doesn’t have its own mobile app, then it will most likely have a fully optimised mobile site which will give you the same functionality as the desktop counterpart.
Another great element to mobile poker apps is that push notifications keep you up to date with the best new offers, promotions and games the site has available, meaning you’ll never be out of the loop.
How to Join a New Online Casino and Play for Real Money
How to Join a New Online Casino and Play for Real Money
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Pick out a poker site
First things first – you’ll need to find a poker site that meets all your needs. Of course, this means we’re all after something slightly different, but any top poker site will feature great bonuses, rewarding promotions as well as poker rooms and game variations that suit both your bankroll and playing style. Not sure where to start your search? Our handpicked list of the best licensed poker sites is a quick easy way to narrow down your shortlist and find the perfect match. Our list features the hottest new brands on the scene – there’s something for everyone!
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Register an account
With so many great options featured on our list, you’re sure to find a favourite. Once you have, simply follow our link to sign up and become eligible for your exclusive welcome bonus. Registering an account only takes a few minutes. All you need to do is provide a few personal and contact details and you’re done!
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Deposit & claim your bonus
In most instances, you’ll have to make a deposit before you can claim your bonus funds. Head over to the cashier page and follow the on-screen instructions to make a payment. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of banking methods at the best poker sites. Pretty much every brand offers support for debit deposits, as well as popular e-wallets such as Skrill, PayPal and Neteller. Once you’ve made your deposit, you should receive your welcome bonus almost immediately.
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Try free demos
Most online poker sites offer free demo versions of certain poker games. These are well worth trying out before you head to the real money poker rooms, especially if you’re a beginner. You’ll be able to test out strategies, get familiar with the controls and gameplay without putting any money on the line!
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Join a poker room
Once you’ve got enough practice under your belt, you’ll be able to switch to a real money poker room in just a few clicks. Simply head over to your chosen site’s poker lobby and pick out a game that suits you best. You’ll be able to choose a room that is tailored to your playing style and bankroll – there’s something for everyone at the top poker sites!
Ready to Play Online Poker?
You should now know exactly what to look for when choosing your preferred online poker site. Use our list to compare operators and find one that suits you best. Once you’ve nailed down your favourite, get signed up and enjoy playing some poker!
Yes, our top UK poker sites have all embraced mobile poker as the way forward by providing an immaculate gaming experience, safe banking and superb player support which can be enjoyed on the go.
To put together our carefully curated list, our expert review team has scoured the web for the latest and greatest additions to the online poker industry. Before a brand is even up for consideration, it must hold a valid licence with a governing body such as the UK Gambling Commission. If a site doesn’t have a licence, you won’t find it featured on Compare.bet. With the remaining sites, we review and compare factors that are important to you, including poker games, banking options, poker freerolls and bonuses. This leaves us with a list that’s sure to deliver on all fronts, giving you an unrivalled online poker experience.
We consider any poker site launched within the last two years as new. If it has been around any longer then it is probably already on your radar. We keep our finger on the pulse and Compare.bet to ensure that we always bring you the hottest new sites. Our expert review team scour the web on a weekly basis so you can expect to find any new arrivals worthy of your consideration on our list within days.
Yes, however, you might find that your options are limited when it comes to new sites offering PayPal support. Online poker sites aren’t always treated to an easy approval process when it comes to working with PayPal, but the best sites should host the e-wallet.
Yes. While you won’t receive any real money rewards when playing free demo poker, claiming a no deposit bonus will allow you to play real money poker without putting any money on the line. There are usually terms and conditions in place which include wagering requirements that must be met before this money can be withdrawn, but it’s still arguably the best way to win without making a deposit. In addition, there are a number of freerolls that are frequently offered as promotions at some of the best online poker sites.
