Online poker is fully legal in the United Kingdom under the Gambling Act 2005, which revolutionized UK online gambling laws. The UK Gambling Commission, an independent non-departmental public body, issues licenses to approved online poker operators and monitors them closely to ensure standards are met at all times (1). Players aged 18 or over can legally access online poker sites, provided operators hold valid licenses from the Gambling Commission and comply with strict regulatory requirements.
The Gambling Act 2005 serves as the primary gambling regulation in the UK, defining various gambling terms and providing requirements for all types of gambling licenses (2). Since 2014, the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising Act) requires all overseas poker sites serving UK residents to hold a Gambling Commission license, ensuring operators meet standards for fairness, integrity, and transparency. The Commission evaluates applications based on financial means, competence, criminal records, and integrity before granting licenses, with the approval process typically taking around 16 weeks.
"Online poker is completely legal for UK players and everything's in place to keep you safe and secure online."
The Gambling Commission possesses complete regulatory power over online poker websites serving UK players, monitoring approved providers regularly and issuing penalties or revoking licenses for non-compliance (1). Operators must adhere to technical software standards ensuring fairness, implement anti-money laundering measures, and protect player funds through a three-tier system. UK players benefit from tax-free poker winnings, with no tax due regardless of whether gambling constitutes a full-time profession, making the United Kingdom one of the most player-friendly jurisdictions globally.
Source:
https://www.pokersites.co.uk/laws/
https://sumsub.com/blog/gambling-in-the-uk-how-to-get-licensed/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
