Online Poker Sites
How to Choose Safely
Looking for an online poker site? Start with the major sites below, then use our safety criteria and scam warning signs to tell the good from the bad. Where you play matters as much as how you spot a safe site.
Major online poker sites, at a glance
A factual summary of publicly known details (founding, license jurisdiction, features) for widely known sites. This is not a ranking or endorsement — check the safety criteria below and verify the laws where you live yourself.
Operated by GG International Limited under an Isle of Man license (among others). Currently the highest-traffic online poker network in the world and the WSOP's online bracelet partner.
Founded in 2001 and now part of Flutter Entertainment. It surrendered its Isle of Man license in 2025 and operates under Malta (MGA) and other jurisdictions. Runs multi-million-dollar series like WCOOP and SCOOP every year.
Founded in 2002 and run by the publicly listed Evoke plc (formerly 888 Holdings), headquartered in Gibraltar. Holds respected MGA and UK licenses and is known for running separate tables for beginners.
Asia's largest network, headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with a PAGCOR license and BMM fairness audits. It isn't a single site but a network accessed through 200+ skins (agents) — safety varies a lot depending on which skin/agent you use, so extra caution is needed.
The official online platform of the World Poker Tour, launched in April 2022. It runs under Costa Rica/Curaçao licensing and serves 130+ countries, with online satellites that feed into live WPT events. A fast-growing, newer platform.
※ External links point to each site's official domain. HoldemMaster has no affiliate or sponsorship relationship with them. Access and legality vary by region.
4 criteria for choosing a safe poker site
If even one of these can't be confirmed, be careful — no matter how flashy the advertising is.
License & regulator
Look for a license from a credible regulator (Malta MGA, UK UKGC, Isle of Man). Costa Rica/Curaçao licensing is comparatively light-touch, and unclear company or license details are a warning sign.
Fairness & security
Check for RNG fairness audits (BMM, eCOGRA), SSL encryption, and account security such as 2FA. No audit or security information at all is a red flag.
Fund segregation & payouts
Confirm that player funds are held separately from operating funds, and check real withdrawal reports and processing speed. Frequent payout delays or refusals are a reason to walk away.
Reputation & track record
Look for a long, transparent operating history and a clear company address and support channel. Be wary of anonymous operations, sites reachable only via messaging apps, or unsolicited 'agent' pitches.
Warning signs of a scam site
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