With so many poker rooms out there, it can be tough for new operators to stand out from the crowd. However, there are lots of benefits to playing at a brand-new site, including more open tables at popular games, more bonuses, better promotions, and more.
In this blog, I will introduce you to some of the best new that have launched in the UK over the past few years. I’ve only included sites that have received their operating licence from the UKGC, ensuring they are 100% legal and safe for UK players.
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The Best New Online Poker Sites in the UK
- GGPoker – The Best Range of Soft Competition
- Unibet Poker – Massive Network with Low Competition
- StarCasino – Top Rakeback & Tournaments for Italians
- Paddy Power Poker – Great Offers for Beginners
- BetMotion Poker – Generous Welcome Bonus & MTTs
- Tiger Gaming – Excellent Mix of Cash Game Traffic
- CoinPoker – Great for Crypto Players and SNG Fans
- PartyPoker – Good All-rounder for UK Players
- Prime Poker – Great Offers for UK Players
1. GGPoker
- Established: 2014
- Network: GG (also powers RunItOnce, NLPoker, CardBet, PPPoker)
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: $600 FREE based on deposits of $20+ by 31/12/22 - wagering, stricntly for new players
- Number of UK players: Large
- Biggest innovation: Gamechanging software, including snap cam, flip and flop, snap cam, and smart smooth.
There is no denying that GGPoker has shaken up the European poker scene since launching in 2014 and 2021 saw them continue to innovate. For example, the operator introduced “Flip and Go” tournaments, which see players get instant payouts if they double-up early. They also launched “Flip and Flop”, which allows players to insure their tourney bubble periods for a percentage of their buy-in.
What makes GGPoker one of the best new poker sites in the UK is its soft player traffic. A lot of casual Chinese players transported over from the Asian version of the site, and they make for very beatable opponents - especially at the low-stakes No-Limit Hold’em tables.
If that isn’t enough, GGPoker offers some of the best , weekly freerolls, and lots of leaderboard challenges. And let’s not forget the massive choice of and cash games.
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2. Unibet Poker
- Established: 2020
- Network: Unibet (also Microgaming for live games)
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: £500 free bankroll + Mega Deep stack challenge: £500 Prize pool every Sunday at 20:00 CET. For all new players
- Number of UK players: Growing
- Biggest innovation: Fast forward cash games
Unibet closed their old poker platform in January 2020 and re-launched with a bang a few months later. Partnering up with the legendary Microgaming Poker Network, Unibet Poker is now home to hundreds of Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha ring games, sit & go tournaments, and multi table tournaments, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The big selling point for this operator is its fast-fold cash game variant - known as FastForward Poker. This game makes it impossible to ever get coolered because if you lose the hand, you are instantly whisked away to a new one with a fresh set of cards.
Aside from this innovative variant, Unibet Poker is also a great place to enjoy high-action live Dealer poker games, including Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Texas Hold’em Bonus. What’s more, any money you deposit into your Unibet Poker account can also be used to bet on sports, play casino games, or try your hand at bingo and lotteries - if you want to.
To welcome new players to the table, Unibet Poker gives you the chance to earn up to £500 in prizes via their welcome mission. Plus, there are daily freerolls, prize twists in cash games, and lots of Twister Sit & Go tournaments. If you’re looking for some light competition with lots of juicy tables, this could be the perfect place to start your poker journey.
Head to to claim your £500 free bankroll and Mega Deep Stack Challenge ticket today.
3. StarCasino
- Established: 2021
- Network: SkillOnNet
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: €150 / £125 (125%) Deposit Bonus + €500 Battle of Malta Starburst Satellite Tickets
- Number of UK players: Small but growing
- Biggest innovation: Exclusive access to iPoker tournaments plus networked daily MTTs
starred in 2021 as part of the well-respected SkillOnNet network. Offering both download and instant-play poker software, this site is popular with players in Italy and SAEFTA countries. It’s also starting to gain traction with UK players due to its range of promos, including an enhanced welcome bonus and tickets to EPT and iPoker OPEN tournaments.
At StarCasino, newbies can get 125% up to £125 when they deposit and wager £10. You also get five x £10 tickets to feed into an extended tree where the sole prize is a €500 satellite ticket for the next €1m Battle of Malta at the Casino di San Marino. You have seven days to use each ticket. Note that this offer is only available to players who haven’t already claimed the standard 100% match at this site or any other member of the SkillOnNet network.
This site has plenty to offer new poker players. Alongside boosted welcome bonuses, you’ll find daily freerolls, sit & go’s, deepstack MTTs, and lots of speed poker tables. There are also direct access satellites for major events like the iPoker Opens and Win the Core giveaways. And you can win tickets for the epic Battle of Malta at the Casino di San Marino - one of Europe’s biggest poker tournaments.
Head to to claim your exclusive Deposit Bonus and Battle of Malta tickets.
3a. Snaitechs
- Established: 2021
- Network: SkillOnNet
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: €150 / £125 (125%) Deposit Bonus
- Number of UK players: Small but growing
- Biggest innovation: Exclusive access to iPenter interest scalping training
Launched in late 2021, Snaitechs burst onto the poker scene with an innovative approach to teaching players how to make money through interest rate arbitrage using fiat and crypto savings accounts. Although this site doesn't offer any free pots, it does provide step-by-step guides to help you generate consistent profits through "poker profit peters".
Snaitechs runs on the same software as StarCasino (see above), so you’ll find a variety of six-max and eight-max No-Limit Texas Hold’em tables covering the micro and small stakes. There is some overlap with other SkillOnNet skins, but Snaitecasino generally has lower player volumes. That makes it a solid option for grinders chasing peters.
It is worth noting that Snaitechs has an enhanced welcome deal that differs slightly from StarCasino. You still get 125% up to £125, but there are no Battle of Malta tickets. Indeed, this site doesn’t currently offerdeepstack MTTs, speed poker, or direct access satellites for major events. It’s all about interest rate arbitrage here. So if you want to learn more about making risk-free profits away from the poker tables, it is definitely worth exploring.
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4. Paddy Power Poker
- Established: 2004
- Network: BWin Party (PartyPoker)
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: £500 Free Play (£20 per month for 25 months) + £108 Twister Tournament ticket
- Number of UK players: Medium
- Biggest innovation: Exclusive cash game challenges
Paddy Power may not be a new kid on the block but, in my eyes, it is one of the top poker sites for beginners. Why? Because it comes packed with freebies for first-time depositors - including £500 Free Play (earned at a rate of £20 per month for 25 months) and a £108 Twister tournament ticket, which can be used in new-player only MTTs or for the price splash in four-handed jackpot sit & go games.
The main selling point of PP Poker is its active player pool and mixed games offering. You will always find someone to play against at the low-stakes No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha tables. In fact, these games are often quite loose and lucrative for experienced players.
But what really sets this site apart from the crowd is its support for niche formats like Seven-Card Stud, Razz, Five-Card Draw, Hi-Lo, HORSE, 8-Game, and Badugi. During peak hours, there are dozens of mixed games tables running across these limits: £0.02/£0.04 up to £5/£10.
Of course, to attract players to these tables, Paddy Power hosts loads of freerolls and low-cost satellites. Satellites cost between 10p and £5 and give you the chance to win a seat for various tournaments with buy-ins ranging from £2 to £200.
Head to to claim your £500 Free Play and £108 Twister Tournament ticket now.
5. BetMotion Poker
- Established: 2013
- Network: Chico Poker (also powers Betway, EnergyBet, CampoBeto, etc.)
- Holds a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: 200% up to $1,000 | $11 Welcome Freebie Tournament | Free Gold Coins
- Number of UK players: Medium
- Biggest innovation: Access to huge local Brazilian playerpool
BetMotion Poker is a firm favourite among European poker players and, in my opinion, is one of the best new poker sites in the UK. Of course, it isn't exactly new. However, it is independent and run by a team of passionate poker players, so it deserves a special mention.
One of the main reasons to join BetMotion Poker is its 200% up to $1,000 welcome bonus. This deal is bigger than most, plus there are no complicated wagering requirements, meaning you can clear your bonus by accumulating Yeso points through raked hands - just like everyone else. Other perks include freerolls, competitions, and gold coins that allow you to explore the game without any risk.
Another reason to play at BetMotion Poker is its thriving community and dynamic game selection. This site is part of the Chico Poker Network, which is mainly used by players in Brazil and other South American countries. As such, you get lots of action at the Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha tables - particularly at the micro and small stakes.
Finally, BetMotion Poker has developed lots of nice features, such as "All-in Insurance", "Auto Top-Up," and "Straddle On" to enhance the core gaming experience. Combined with tournaments, boosted cash games, lottery sit & go’s, and lottery SNGs with multi-currencies payouts, this operator ticks all the boxes in my book.
Head to to claim your 200% up to $1,000 welcome bonus now.
6. Tiger Gaming Poker
- Established: 1999
- Network: Chico Poker (also powers Betway, EnergyBet, CampoBeto, etc.)
- Holds a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: 100% up to $1,000 | VIP race entries | Monthly cash game missions
- Number of UK players: Medium
- Biggest innovation: Diversified mix of traffic
Tiger Gaming has been around almost as long as online poker itself. Over the years, this site has evolved to become one of the best new poker sites in the UK for mixed games and alternative payment methods.
When you join Tiger Gaming Poker, you can claim 100% up to $1,000, enter special VIP races, and take on players at all limits, from microstakes up to high stakes. This site has strong traffic from the United States, South America, and parts of Europe, creating a diverse field compared to many rival poker platforms.
Alongside Texas Hold’em and Omaha, Tiger Gaming Poker features Seven-Card Stud, Razz, 2-7 Triple Draw, 8-Game, and Drawmaha. Daily tournaments start at $2 and scale up to bankroll-draining heights. Meanwhile, the cash game traffic is much more substantial.
One of the nicest things about Tiger Gaming is its acceptance of a wide range of payment methods. As well as Visa, MasterCard, and Bitcoin, you can use MatchPay, MatchBook, Money Global, Person2Person, and Paysafecard. You can even pay by phone using Option Payments.
With friendly host support, exclusive freerolls, and lots of boosted cash game prizes, Tiger Gaming Poker is definitely one to try in 2023.
Head to to claim your 100% up to $1,000 welcome bonus and check out its excellent card room today.
7. CoinPoker
- Established: 2016
- Network: CoinPoker
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: $1000 Freerole | 25% Rakeback | Couch Potato Leaderboards
- Number of UK players: Small
- Biggest innovation: First cryptocurrency poker site with UK licence
is led by a group of cryptocurrency specialists and poker pros, making it a unique addition to our list of the best new UK poker sites. This independent operator has secured licences in no less than six different jurisdictions, giving players around the world confidence that it operates to the highest standards.
You can deposit at CoinPoker using fiat currency or cryptos, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Once you have funded your account with CoinPoker chips, you can buy-in to Sit & Go tournaments and cash games without needing a wallet. However, if you want to receive rewards for showing loyalty, it is well worth keeping some chips in your account. You can earn up to 25% rakeback, entry to freerolls, and entry to leaderboard competitions called “Couch Potatoes”.
Speaking of tournaments, there are lots of SNGs covering the full spectrum of Buy-Ins: 100x, 500x, 1,000x, 3,000x, 10,000x. At the time of writing, prize pools were mostly below £25, but the player pool is still growing, so things are likely to change.
For now, I would encourage all new players to join CoinPoker and take part in the £1,000 Freeroll (which runs monthly). You need to collect ten CoinPoker points within seven days of registering to get a token for the freeroll MTT. As there are no regular daily or weekly freerolls right now, this is your best opportunity to get something back when you make a first deposit.
Visit to claim your £1,000 Freeroll, get up to 25% rakeback, and compete in the Couch Potato Leaderboards.
8. PartyPoker
- Established: 2001
- Network: Party (Entain)
- Hold a UK poker licence?: Yes
- UK welcome bonus: Up to $500 in bonus fireworks | Freerolls
- Number of UK players: High
- Biggest innovation: Exclusive cascading bonuses
is another veteran in the industry that should be on the radar of anyone looking for soft competition in 2023. Like Paddy Power, this operator has been around since the early 2000s and continues to attract some very beatable players thanks to its generous bonuses and strong sports betting integration.
When you join PartyPoker, you get up to $500 in bonus fireworks. This promotion cascades into your account every time you make incremental payments into cash games or tournaments - wagering restrictions do not apply. You also get access to regular and turbo Punta Awards, Women's poker tournaments, and semi-regular satellites.
The main downside of this site is its lack of mixed games. If you stick to No-Limit Hold’em and a couple of PLO tables, though, you will usually find some good value during European afternoon/evenings and times.
Awesome Things You Didn't Know About No Deposit BonusesWhere PartyPoker really stands out is its support for new players. Alongside its welcome bonus, this site hosts lots of freerolls. Specifically, you can take part in $10K New Player Open Face Chinese Freerolls on the first Thursday of each month, $5K Boost Your Bankroll Weekly Turbo Freerolls, and $10K Monthly Punta Award Freerolls. You can also compete for seats at low-cost satellites for major events, including the famous Big Game Live and the PartyPoker Million.
Head to PartyPoker now to claim up to $500 in bonus fireworks and tons of freerolls.
How to Choose The Right Poker Site?
Are you struggling to choose from the best new poker sites in the UK? Check out these tips to help you pick the right room for your style:
Ease of Play - Some operators offer a comprehensive suite of 3D games with movie-like sound effects. Others keep things simple with minimalist graphics and classic sounds. It’s important to find an environment that helps you concentrate on your game rather than distracts you.
Banking Options - If you hate leaving poker sites to transfer funds to another gambling product, such as blackjack or sports, ensure the operator accepts the types of payments you want to use. From eWallets to cryptos and pre-paid cards, the best online poker sites cater for all budgets.
Competitive Edge - How can you beat weaker traffic? One option is to use HUD software. If this isn’t allowed, you need to look for the loosest tables. You can often get this information from our reviews. Alternatively, check the average pot size and Flop % stats for each site to find the most interactive games.
Bonuses & Promotions - Most new poker sites in the UK welcome you with a deposit match but, often, there are wagering requirements attached. Always read the terms and conditions to determine whether a bonus is viable. Beyond initial deals, look for reliable reload bonuses, rakeback schemes, and free rolls.
Software & Features - Every software provider takes a slightly different approach to designing poker client. You might prefer slick animations and avatars, while a friend prefers clean lines and simple icons. The key thing is to find an intuitive platform with secure controls and easy access to the features you want to use.
Reputation - When choosing a new online poker room in the UK, it’s wise to consider the operator behind the scenes. Do they operate other gambling products? Are those sites trusted? How many awards have they won? What do user reviews say? These are all important questions.
Advantages of Playing at New Poker Rooms
- Softer Competition - Like any skillgame, poker is easier to beat when less skilled players are in the pot. When an established site offers satellite qualifiers or other promotions on TV, you tend to get more amateurs at the tables. By contrast, new poker rooms offer more casual players during their growth phase.
- More Value - To attract players, new online poker rooms in the UK often run more promotions and extra valuable ones. This can include larger bonuses, stronger rakeback programs, more freerolls, and bigger shares returned via loyalty schemes like points and Status Points (SPPs).
- New Poker Software - If you spend most of your time on PokerStars or GGPoker, why not try a new platform? New poker software can change the way you play. Perhaps you'll like the new features, perhaps you don't. Either way, trying something different can help you develop new skills and keep you engaged.
- Fewer Trackers - If you hate playing against trackers, find a new site where heads-up display (HUD) software isn't allowed. Conversely, if you like to use a HUD, target sites where providers, such as Holdem Manager (PCM), PokerTracker 4, and Holdem Manager 3 are compatible.
- Direct Access Satellites - When you play at new poker sites in the UK, you often get direct access satellites for major events. With multi-table tournaments (MTTs) feeding into higher buy-level satellites, you get lots of opportunities to climb the ladder and win seats for a range of games, including Hold'em, Omaha, 8-Game, and Open Face Chinese.
How to Pay at New Poker Rooms
offer a range of secure payment options. Before you join, it is essential to check which methods are permitted in the cashier and, more specifically, which ones are allowed in your region. With that being said, most sites accept the following payment methods:
Credit Card / Debit Card - It can be hard to deposit at poker sites in the UK with a credit card, but many accept Visa and Mastercard debit cards. This will probably change soon due to new legislation, so jump on this option while you can.
eWallets (Skrill / Neteller) - Skrill and Neteller are the two most popular eWallets in the UK. They offer fast, free transactions and allow you to clear deposits faster. Simply select the Deposit & Transfer option within your Skrill Account.
PayPal - PayPal is the world's leading digital payment platform. It offers some of the fastest poker deposits and withdrawals - often arriving inside one hour. If a site has this iconic payment method, it is usually displayed proudly as a badge of honour.
Pre-Paid Cards - Pre-paid cards offer a convenient way to put a limit on your poker spending. You can buy these cards from retailers or online stores and punch in the code to deposit. Popular options include paysafecard and prepaid Mindesaq.
Bank Transfer / Wire Transfer - If you are playing high stakes poker, you may need to transfer large sums of money. While poker sites do not charge for bank transfers, you may incur fees from your bank, so check the T&Cs.
Cryptocurrency - If you want to keep your poker transactions private, cryptocurrency is a great option. You can deposit using digital wallets loaded with coins, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. This emerging payment system is supported by several poker sites.
How to Sign Up at New Poker Rooms
Ready to sign up at one of our recommended new poker sites in the UK? Follow these steps to create an account and get your hands on an opening offer:
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Step 1: Safety First - Make sure you are joining a legitimate poker site by checking the registration details. If the poker brand is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Gibraltar Betting and Gambling Association (GBGA), it is 100% safe and legal.
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Step 2: Click Play Now - All you have to do to access the sign-up page is click our secure "Play Here" link. It will open up in a new tab so you don't lose your place.
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Step 3: Enter Your Details - You will typically have the option to sign up with your social media accounts, such as Facebook, or enter your details manually. Either way, you will need to provide your name, age, address, contact info, and possibly a copy of your ID.
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Step 4: Complete Verification - To verify your identity, the site may ask you to upload a photo of your driving licence, passport, bills and carry out face verification using webcam or smartphone.
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Step 5: Log in & Deposit - Once your account has been verified, you can log in, head to the cashier, select a deposit method, and make your first payment. Don't forget to look out for a welcome bonus to unlock extra value.
Legal Gambling Age in the UK
The legal gambling age in the UK is 18 for all forms of gambling, including . If you try to join a poker site and say that you are older than 18, but your information shows you are under that age, your account will be suspended indefinitely.
We know that many people don't become legal adults until they are 21, so we exercise caution on this site. If you are visiting PokerListings from the US, Germany, France, China, India, or another country where you know the legal gambling age to be different, please be aware of your own status before you click "Sign Up" at any online poker site.
New Poker Laws in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the leading regulators of online poker. Since 2005, the Gaming Act has provided a framework for issuing licences to reputable online poker sites. Any operator holding an UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence is 100% safe and legal.
Over the years, the UKGC has proven itself to be dynamic and proactive. Following pressure from the EU, the commission began accepting applications from non-UK gaming organisations in 2014. This led to a period of consolidation within the market as the largest international brands obtained a licence.
Since then, the UKGC has had to adapt to changing times. Online , advertising, and sponsorship have come under scrutiny. To protect players, the commission introduced new rules regarding gambling with credit cards. This meant that UK poker sites were no longer able to process deposits made with Visa or Mastercard credit cards issued in the UK from April 2020.
Looking to the future, the UKGC is preparing for Brexit. If and when the UK leaves the EU fully, the gambling regulator will become the sole authority on UK online poker sites. The UK government is also considering introducing laws to combat gambling harm, such as affordability checks and bans on Bonusing**. We will have to wait and see how things evolve.
Tips for Beating New Poker Players
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Leverage Position - One of the easiest ways to beat inexperienced opponents is to exploit position. Basically, acting last gives you more information, so you can make more accurate bets and bluffs. Try to play more hands in position versus newbies.
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Use Tags & Ranges - Most new players are easy to stack because they overvalue their hands. You can use a Heads-Up Display (HUD) like PokerTracker 4 or to identify weak opposition. Tagging someone as a nit, LAG or NOOB lets you create ranges for how they play. You can then adjust your strategy accordingly.
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Avoid Trackers - If heads-up displays aren't allowed at the new poker site you're playing at, it is still possible to identify tags and ranges. Just keep a mental note of players who fold to c-bets, three-bet light, never bluff, etc. Then adjust your strategy accordingly.
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Don't Get Distracted - Sometimes, new poker sites offer immersive software with 3D graphics and cutscenes. While this can be fun, it can distract you and take you out of your zone. If this happens to you, it may be worth seeking more minimalist software with clean tables and avatars.
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Change Strategy Later - If you start a session and notice that your tricks for beating new players are working, try not to get complacent. If you switch things up later, they may stop working, forcing you to revert to type. Keep your opponent guessing by mixing up your play.
Questions About New Poker Rooms
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What are the best new poker sites in the UK?
- The best new poker sites in the UK are GGPoker, PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, Tiger Gaming, BetOnline, Bovada, William Hill Poker, Ladbrokes Coral, Unibet and Betfair. These operators offer soft competition, value promotions, and secure poker software.
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Can you recommend any new card rooms in the UK?
- Yes, we have reviewed numerous new online card rooms in the UK and ranked them based on safety, games, bonuses, software, and service. You can use our list to find reputable poker sites that meet your needs and offer welcoming communities.
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Which new UK poker room should I try?
- It depends on your preferences. If you want the best software and game selection, go with GGPoker or PokerStars. For valuable bonuses, check out BetOnline, Bovada, partypoker, 888poker, and Unibet. Finally, if you like Welcome Tournaments, William Hill is your man.
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Are there any new poker sites in the UK with bonuses?
- Yes, all of the sites featured in our guide to British card rooms have opening offers, such as deposit matches, free tourney tickets, and bonus spins. If you look around, you may also find new poker rooms in the UK with direct paths to satellites for live events.
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Is it safe to play at new poker rooms in the UK?
- Yes, provided you choose a licensed site. All of the recommendations in our guide hold valid gambling licenses from respected regulatory bodies, such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Gibraltar Betting and Gambling Association (GBGA).
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What kinds of payment methods are accepted at new UK poker rooms?
- Most poker sites in the UK accept major credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, or eWallets, such as Skrill and Neteller. Some sites also accept pre-paid cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Litecoin.