For the serious poker player, the online poker room is not just a place to play—it’s a competitive arena where skill, strategy, and mental fortitude are put to the test. The best UK poker sites for advanced players are those that offer a combination of tough competition, high-stakes games, a wide variety of formats, and the tools necessary for a professional top poker sites uk approach to the game.
1. GGPoker: The Premier Destination for High-Stakes Action
GGPoker has rapidly become the go-to site for many of the world’s best poker players, and for good reason. The site’s focus on high-stakes tournaments and cash games, combined with its innovative features, makes it a perfect fit for a serious player.
- Tough Competition: GGPoker’s massive traffic, particularly at higher buy-ins, ensures that you’ll consistently find yourself playing against skilled opponents, including many well-known professionals and ambassadors.
- High-Stakes Games: The site is known for its high-stakes cash games and tournaments, including events with seven-figure guarantees. The partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) also makes GGPoker the only place to compete for official WSOP bracelets and rings online.
- Integrated Tools: GGPoker’s “PokerCraft” feature is an advanced player’s dream. It provides a detailed breakdown of your playing history, allowing you to analyze your stats, track your wins and losses, and review your biggest hands to pinpoint areas for improvement.
2. PokerStars: The Legendary High-Volume Hub
PokerStars has been at the top of the online poker world for over two decades, and its reputation for catering to a professional player base is well-earned. The sheer volume of traffic makes it an ideal place for players who want to put in a high volume of hands.
- Unrivaled Traffic: PokerStars has the largest player pool in the world. This means you can find a game or tournament at virtually any stake, any time of day, and play a large number of tables simultaneously without issue. This is crucial for advanced players who rely on high volume to maximize their earnings.
- Game Variety: Beyond Texas Hold’em and Omaha, PokerStars offers a wide range of less common variants at high stakes, including Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Mixed Games. This makes it a great choice for specialists and those who want to broaden their poker repertoire.
- Reliable Software: The PokerStars software is known for its stability and advanced features, which are fully customizable to suit a professional player’s needs, including preferred seating and complex betting sliders.
3. PartyPoker: A Focus on the Grinder
PartyPoker has made a concerted effort to create a more level playing field by restricting third-party tracking software, a move that is a double-edged sword for advanced players. However, it is also known for its strong loyalty program that rewards high-volume players.
- Tougher Competition: The lack of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) means that players must rely more on their instincts and live reads, which can favor highly skilled players. The games may not be as “soft” as on other sites, but this is often what a true grinder is looking for.
- Rewarding Loyalty System: PartyPoker’s loyalty program is highly transparent and rewards players with a direct cashback percentage based on their volume of play. The site’s “Diamond Club” tiers offer a very high percentage of rakeback, making it an attractive option for professional players.
4. The iPoker Network (e.g., Bet365 Poker): Consistent and Reliable
The iPoker Network, which includes Bet365 Poker, is a good choice for advanced players looking for consistent action and a solid mix of opponents. The network’s traffic is stable, and many players come from the associated sports betting and casino sites, providing a good mix of skill levels.
- Consistent Action: While it may not have the same peak traffic as PokerStars or GGPoker, the network’s cash games and tournaments run consistently, which is important for any player who wants a reliable place to play.
- Winnable Games: The presence of recreational players from the broader gaming sites can make the games more profitable for a skilled player.