Uk-Poker.co.uk

Now we think UK Poker is one of the best online poker sites in the world, but we decided to put together a list of the biggest.

This list contains a brief description of the five most popular online poker sites by traffic sizes based on the forecasts for 2008 and 2009. Of the five sites listed here, only two of them will accept payments from US residents due to US anti-online gambling legislation.

PokerStars

Currently the largest online poker room in the world, its name is linked with some of the biggest names in the poker community, such as Daniel Negreanu, Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem. It offers a $50 sign-up bonus and 100% initial deposit match. A huge variety of games are available at a wide variety of stakes with opponents at all skill levels. The PokerStars software is top-of-the-range, attractive and reliable. The future for US players is uncertain due to DOJ (Department of Justice) legislation on internet gambling.

Full Tilt Poker

A well known name in online poker due to its television presence and its association with celebrity pros such as Gus Hansen and Phil Ivey. It offers a $600 bonus on sign-up through a ‘PokerListings’ link plus a 100% deposit match. It is very novice friendly due to extensive support offered by its ownership team, many of whom are poker pros themselves. A huge variety of games (almost all forms of poker) are available 24 hours a day. Full Tilt is one of the few sites to offer mixed-type cash games and tournaments such as H.O.R.S.E. Overall, it is a very good site for novices and pros alike. However, as with PokerStars, due to the DOJ (Department of Justice) legislation on internet gambling, the future for US players at this site is uncertain.

Titan Poker

Part of the iPoker network, Titan is one of the top online poker sites and also one with a great international feel (with software available in 12 different languages) and very highly rated customer support. It is also one of three sites in this list that no longer accept players from the US, due to the country’s anti-gambling legislation. The ‘loose’ nature of games and the number of promotions and bonuses offered, means they manage to attract a variety of new players, experts and novices alike, so all levels of competition can be found. Offerings include games such as Texas hold-em, Omaha hi-lo, 5 and 7 card stud.

Party Poker

One of the top brands of online poker, its popularity is based on numerous satellite tournaments and special events. It offers a $500 bonus on sign-up through a ‘PokerListings’ link plus a 100% deposit match. Every variation of poker is offered here, along with plenty of soft play options for those who wish it. Similarly to Titan, anti-gambling legislation means it no longer accepts deposits from players from the US.

Bwin Poker

Bwin is one of Europe’s largest online poker networks and has long been renowned for its graphical design and software (with a recent upgrade only enhancing this reputation). This site offers a $500 bonus on sign-up and includes all the usual variations of poker, plus some lesser played versions such as 5 card draw and seven card stud hi-lo. It too no longer accepts deposits from players in the US due to the country’s anti-gambling legislation.