Top 10 reasons for Brits to try poker

Poker is an international game but is the poker community missing a trick with U.K. residents? Is there an untapped market still to be conquered in the U.K.? There’s plenty of reasons for Brits to try poker and we list the top 10 in this article.

10. Tax free winnings
One of the best reasons for Brits to try poker comes down to brass tax (or lack of). Unlike many nations that impose a tax on poker winnings, the United Kingdom does not. This makes it very appealing, particularly if you are already a higher rate tax earner. Unlike other side hustles, you may be charged 40% or more on anything earnt, poker winnings are tax free. There’s no income tax or national insurance to pay. So, if you’ve asked the question do you pay tax on poker winnings in the U.K.? We can confirm, you do not.

9. Easy to get coached
With over two decades of online poker, there’s been a wealth of knowledge developed. As a result, there’s a proliferation of coaching websites available to support Brits in the pursuit of great poker. Poker coaching is an effective method of learning as it accelerates one’s ability to master key concepts. The only downside is the potential cost. Most sites specializing in poker coaching in the U.K. charge £100 or more per hour. So, if you’re considering investing in a coach, make sure you have a decent budget to start with otherwise you’ll be limited in what you can find. You don’t want to approach coaches who charge very low as its likely they struggle themselves.

The UK has loads of cardrooms for players to enjoy. (photo by Wikimedia Commons)

8. Lots of local cardrooms
Unlike a lot of countries that permit online poker but have very little live poker action, the U.K. has loads of cardrooms. That means you can easily switch from online to live play without worry. Most major cities have a Gala or Grosvenor casino and they almost always have a cardroom. They usually run £100 cash games with £1 blinds or £50 tournaments so give them a try if you’re free on an evening or weekend. The games are generally busier on Friday or Saturday nights and you can clean up if you play a tight aggressive poker style.

7. Opportunity to complain more
There is nothing Brits love more than having a moan! If it’s raining, they moan its bad weather, but if it’s sunny they complain it’s too hot. It’s a paradox within the British culture. Perhaps it’s because people are reserved with emotions in daily life that they let it out through moaning? Either way, poker is a great opportunity to moan. Players love whining about a bad beat or running bad so even if you play poker and don’t do well you can complain about losing at poker now too.

6. Free time due to flexible working
It seems as though most of the U.K. is embracing the flexible working schemes today. One of the perks of this has meant people have more free time due to less of daily commute. This is free time you can put to good use at the poker tables. In the past, we were stuck in traffic wasting hours of our day. Now, we can use that time to play poker on our mobile or desktop and hopefully earn another form of income, or, at least have a fun time playing.

5. Softer online sites
Sports betting is massive in Britain. With punters loving to bet on horses and football, there are lots of sports betting sites available to U.K. citizens. The beauty of this is that most of these sites also offer online poker. This is fantastic as it means there are plenty of fishes that barely understand the rules trying poker for fun. This is practically unheard of on the major sites in 2022 but luckily still available on smaller sports betting sites for Brits.
Therefore, we recommend joining a few. Naturally, you should do some due diligence first before you register and play. Read a Coral poker review or another sports betting site before depositing to ensure they have some regular traffic, good customer service and plenty of banking options.

4. Another source of income
Everyone is looking for other ways of making money. This ranges widely from walking dogs, delivering takeaways to affiliate marketing. Online poker can be another source of income available to the modern-day Brit. As stated before, it’s tax free too so there is no reason why you can’t be a part-time poker player. Provided you are ready to learn and work hard, you can do fine, especially with rakeback and loyalty award schemes.

3. Sign up bonuses
Online poker sites aren’t as generous with bonuses as online casinos; however, they are still very accommodating to new players. You’ll often find poker sites rewarding signups with matched bonuses up to a certain deposit limit e.g., £600. As you’ll be new to poker, there will be loads of potential bonuses that you can qualify for that other players won’t. Most signup bonuses have wagering requirements and are paid into your poker account after specific levels of rake have been claimed so as long as you play with regularity, you can double your deposit in no time.

2. Mentally rewarding
Another reason to try poker is the intellectual challenge it presents. Poker is inherently complex, requiring multiple skillsets. Becoming a strong player and winning on a regular basis isn’t only financially rewarding but mentally too. Knowing you’re beating other players due to your mind and not luck is very satisfying. This is why you find some of the brightest minds and successful entrepreneurs trying to succeed at poker.

1. Socializing
Lastly, leaving aside the financial component to poker, it’s incredibly social. Visit any cardroom and listen to the voices of locals chatting away. Additionally, Brits love to banter and poker is a great outlet for it! Whether it’s showing a bluff to an opponent or being all in against a mate, the banter between poker players in Britain is rife. Most cardrooms even give players nicknames and it’s an awesome way for players to interact with each other. Some older players even view poker as their weekly social outing.