High stakes poker is the pinnacle of competitive card play, where the risks are high, the rewards are significant, and the players are some of the most skilled in the world. For poker enthusiasts in the UK, high stakes games offer an adrenaline-fueled experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re looking for big cash games or high-buy-in tournaments, the UK has several online and live poker venues that cater to those who enjoy high-stakes action. This guide explores the best places to play high stakes poker in the UK, both online and in person, where you can experience the thrill of playing for big money.
1. Online High Stakes Poker in the UK
Online poker has become a dominant force in the UK, offering players the chance to compete in high stakes games from the comfort of their homes. The best online poker sites for high stakes action in the UK provide large player pools, a variety of game types, and substantial prize pools for tournaments. Here are some of the top online poker platforms for high stakes players:
PokerStars
PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker platform and a go-to site for high stakes poker players in the UK. The site regularly features high-stakes cash games and multi-table tournaments (MTTs) that attract some of the best players globally. PokerStars offers a wide range of poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and more, with stakes reaching as high as £1,000/£2,000 or even higher in cash games.
In addition to cash games, PokerStars hosts prestigious tournaments such as the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) and the European Poker Tour (EPT). For high-stakes players, there are also regular high-buy-in satellite events, allowing players to qualify for large live events without paying the full buy-in amount. The site’s robust tournament structure and wide range of stakes make it an excellent option for serious high-stakes players.
888poker
888poker is another popular online platform that caters to high-stakes players in the UK. While it is known for its beginner-friendly environment, 888poker also offers competitive high-stakes poker games and tournaments. The site frequently runs high-stakes cash games with buy-ins reaching £50/£100 or more. 888poker also offers high-buy-in tournaments, such as the 888poker Live Tour, which attracts top poker professionals.
The site’s Million Dollar Challenge and High Stakes Tables are designed specifically for players seeking big-money action. 888poker’s software is fast and reliable, and its community of high-rollers ensures there’s always a game or tournament to enter.
PartyPoker
PartyPoker has long been a favorite among high-stakes poker players, and its UK site continues to host some of the biggest online games in the world. PartyPoker features high-stakes cash games with blinds that go up to £500/£1,000, making it ideal for players who enjoy playing for significant amounts of money. In addition to cash games, PartyPoker hosts high-stakes tournament series, including the PartyPoker MILLIONS events, which feature massive prize pools and significant buy-ins.
PartyPoker also has a reputation for offering high-roller satellite tournaments, allowing players to qualify for big-money events with smaller buy-ins. The site is known for its smooth software and stable gameplay, which is essential for players who want to focus on strategy without interruptions.
GGPoker
GGPoker is a rising star in the poker sites uk, and it has quickly become a favorite for high-stakes players in the UK. GGPoker regularly offers high-stakes cash games and hosts some of the biggest poker tournaments in the world, including the GGMasters and Super MILLION$ events, where the buy-ins reach thousands of dollars.
GGPoker’s high-stakes tables are popular among professional players, and the site provides plenty of options for those who prefer to play at the highest levels. With advanced features like Bubble Protection and a sleek interface, GGPoker has earned a reputation for providing a top-tier experience for serious poker players.
2. Live High Stakes Poker in the UK
While online poker offers the convenience of playing from home, there’s something special about experiencing high-stakes poker in person. The UK has a variety of top-tier casinos and poker rooms that offer live high-stakes games for players seeking to test their skills at the table. Here are some of the best venues for live high-stakes poker in the UK:
The Hippodrome Casino (London)
The Hippodrome Casino in London is one of the most famous venues for live poker in the UK. Located in the heart of the West End, the Hippodrome hosts a wide range of cash games and tournaments, including some high-stakes action. The casino offers a variety of poker variants, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, with blinds and stakes that reach up to £100/£200 or higher.
The Hippodrome is also known for hosting the GUKPT (Grosvenor UK Poker Tour) events, which attract top players from across the UK and beyond. The venue’s luxurious setting and professional dealers make it an ideal location for high-stakes players looking for an exciting live poker experience.
Grosvenor Casino (London and Nationwide)
Grosvenor Casinos is one of the most prominent chains in the UK, and several of its locations offer high-stakes poker games. The Grosvenor Victoria Casino (known as “The Vic”) in London is particularly famous for its high-stakes cash games and tournament series, including GUKPT. Players can regularly find £50/£100 cash games, as well as larger buy-in tournaments, with a competitive field of players.
In addition to the Vic, Grosvenor casinos across the UK often host high-stakes cash games, and the Grosvenor Poker Tour (GPT) brings the excitement of live tournaments to venues nationwide. Grosvenor offers a friendly, professional atmosphere, making it a great destination for high-stakes players looking for a challenging but rewarding experience.
The Casino at The Empire (London)
Located in the vibrant Leicester Square area, The Casino at The Empire is another top destination for live high-stakes poker in London. The casino features a wide range of cash games, with stakes regularly reaching up to £100/£200, depending on demand. The Casino at The Empire also hosts major poker tournaments, including high-stakes satellite events for international tournaments such as the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the World Poker Tour (WPT).
With its prime location and professional poker staff, The Casino at The Empire is a popular choice for UK-based high-stakes players looking to enjoy a live poker experience in the heart of London.
Manchester 235 (Manchester)
For players in the north of the UK, Manchester 235 is a top destination for live high-stakes poker. The casino regularly offers £50/£100 cash games and hosts prestigious poker events, including WPT satellites and UK Poker Tour events. The venue offers a more intimate atmosphere than some of the larger London-based casinos, but it still provides top-quality poker action for players seeking high-stakes games.
3. High Stakes Poker Tournaments in the UK
If you’re more interested in high-stakes tournaments than cash games, the UK is home to some of the most prestigious events in the poker world:
- European Poker Tour (EPT): Hosted in various cities across Europe, the EPT is one of the most well-known poker tours in the world. Many of the EPT events take place in the UK, including London, where high-stakes players can compete for massive prize pools.
- GUKPT (Grosvenor UK Poker Tour): The GUKPT is one of the biggest poker tours in the UK, attracting top-tier professionals and high-rollers. The tour features events with high buy-ins, including its £1,000 main event, which offers substantial prize pools.
- PartyPoker LIVE: PartyPoker’s live events, such as the MILLIONS UK series, regularly feature high-stakes tournaments with massive buy-ins and significant prize pools, making them ideal for serious players.
Conclusion
For high-stakes poker players in the UK, both online and live options offer exciting opportunities to test your skills and compete for substantial rewards. Sites like PokerStars, 888poker, PartyPoker, and GGPoker provide high-stakes games and tournaments for online players, while prestigious venues like The Hippodrome, Grosvenor Casinos, and The Casino at The Empire offer live poker experiences that rival the best in the world. Whether you’re playing from home or at a top casino, the UK is a prime destination for high-stakes poker action.
