Our Top Picks for Online Poker Sites
1
Top Pick
Ignition Bonus
150% up to $3,000
Exceptional PVP poker
Tournaments for all bankrolls
Industry-leading poker traffic
Owner
Bamboo Limited
Online Since
2016
Games
1,200+
Min. Deposit
$20
Payment Speed
Instant – 72 hours
2
HellSpin Bonus
Up to A$5,200 + 150 FS + 1 Bonus Game
Live casino welcome bonus
PayID deposits & withdrawals
Multiple no deposit promos
Owner
Neomatrix Ltd
Online Since
2020
Games
4,000+
Min. Deposit
A$10
Payment Speed
Instant – 72 hours
3
SpinsUP Bonus
Up to A$5,000 + 300 Free Spins
Loyalty cashback
Big pokie tournaments
Box of Fortune feature
Owner
Novatrix SRL
Online Since
2024
Games
9,000+
Min. Deposit
A$25
Payment Speed
Instant to 72 hours
4
SkyCrown Bonus
Up to A$8,000 + 400 Free Spins
Speedy withdrawals
Live cashback with no WR
Great welcome bonus
Owner
Metlait SRL
Online Since
2022
Games
8,000+
Min. Deposit
A$20
Payment Speed
Instant – 72 hours
5
Lucky Dreams Bonus
Up to A$10,000 + 500 Free Spins
Lucky Jackpots
VIP deposit bonus
7-Day Spin Rewards
Owner
Just Entertainment B.V.
Online Since
2021
Games
10,000+
Min. Deposit
A$25
Payment Speed
0 to 72 hours
Top 5 Poker Sites – Tested & Reviewed
I spent hours testing poker at online casinos available to Australians, comparing everything from player traffic and poker variants to bonuses and banking. These are the five poker websites that delivered the best overall experience.
- Testing Note: I deposited A$500 at every casino and played poker using real money. I always preferred PvP poker, but where it wasn’t available, I tested live casino poker and video poker instead.
1. Ignition Casino Review
If you asked me to recommend just one poker site to Australian players, it’s got to be Ignition Casino. It offers the best overall online poker experience, especially if you want to play PVP poker against other players.
You can choose between the downloadable poker client (available for both Windows and Mac) and the browser version. The client is the better option if you’re playing on desktop, but no worries, mobile players can still access the poker room through their browser, which worked well enough during my testing.
Player traffic was excellent regardless of the hour. If anything, the low-stakes cash games and Zone Poker tables became quite busy during peak hours, which is a good problem to have since it means there’s always plenty of action.
The tournament schedule is another reason Ignition sits at the top of my rankings. There are hundreds of events covering Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, including freerolls and Cheap Seats tournaments with buy-ins starting from just A$1.
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find larger events like the $200k Guaranteed Poker Tournament that runs every Sunday and the Weekly High Roller with a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. Cash games are just as flexible, with blinds starting at $0.02/$0.04 and going all the way up to $10/$20.
As a primarily poker site, the bonuses are designed for poker players as well. New players can claim a 150% welcome bonus up to $3,000 when depositing with Bitcoin, with up to $1,500 allocated to poker, or a 100% bonus up to $2,000 when using a bank card, including up to $1,000 for poker. Besides the welcome bonus, there are other promotions as well, such as the weekly $250 Social Media Freeroll and the Refer-a-Friend offer.
My only real complaints are the lack of a dedicated mobile app and the occasional short waiting lists on the busiest low-stakes tables during peak hours. Still, if PvP poker is your priority, I don’t think there’s a better option available to Australians today.
AustralianStakes Poker Test at Ignition
| Deposit | A$500 |
| Bonus Claimed | 150% Welcome Bonus up to A$3,000 (Bitcoin) |
| Poker Formats Played | Cash Games, Freerolls, Cash Tournaments, Zone Poker |
| Time Played | 41 hours |
| Highest Buy-in / Stakes | A$105 Tournament Buy-in |
| Lowest Buy-in / Stakes | A$1, Freeroll, $0.02/$0.04 Cash Games |
| Session Result | +A$1,348 |
| Poker Contribution | 100% (Poker Welcome Bonus) |
2. HellSpin Casino Review
Unlike my top-ranked pick, HellSpin isn’t a dedicated poker site, so you won’t find peer-to-peer poker here. There are no Texas Hold’em cash games or tournaments here. However, if you’re interested in casino poker and video poker, it’s one of the best poker sites for real money.
I spent most of my time playing Casino Hold’em, which closely resembles Texas Hold’em but is played against the dealer instead of other players. It still involves plenty of poker strategy, making it a good alternative if you enjoy traditional poker. There are several other live dealer poker variants available, too, and I liked that HellSpin has a dedicated Poker section in its live casino.
The selection of video poker is another highlight. I found 40+ poker games, including Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and several other popular variations. So, if you like to try some high RTP video poker games, HellSpin is a great choice, and the betting range starts from just A$0.10.
The biggest downside is the lack of peer-to-peer poker, but that’s the case with almost all Australian online casinos. If you’re happy playing against the dealer or enjoy video poker, HellSpin is still an excellent choice.
AustralianStakes Poker Test of HellSpin Casino
| Deposit | A$500 |
| Bonus Claimed | 100% Welcome Bonus up to A$5,200 + 150 FS + 1 Instant Round |
| Poker Formats Played | Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, Video Poker |
| Time Played | 6 hours |
| Highest Bet | A$15 |
| Lowest Bet | A$0.20 |
| Session Result | +A$58 |
| Poker Contribution | 0% |
3. SpinsUP Review
SpinsUP has a sizeable collection of video poker games, alongside several live dealer poker options. These live games work a little differently from traditional poker, though. You have a live dealer sitting across from you, but you’re essentially playing a card comparison game against the dealer rather than playing poker against other players.
I still quite like the poker selection here, especially because SpinsUP has a dedicated Poker section that makes everything easy to find. There are several live dealer options to choose from, so if you prefer the feel of playing against a real dealer, you have enough options.
The real highlight for me, though, is the video poker selection. I counted more than 80 games that I’d classify as video poker, including Deuces Wild, Triple Edge Poker, Jacks or Better, Caribbean Poker, Crystal Poker, Oasis Poker and Joker Poker, along with plenty of other variations.
I also like the fact that these games aren’t all coming from one studio. SpinsUP has video poker titles from 10+ providers, including TaDa Gaming, Nucleus Gaming, VoltEnt, Platipus, Mascot and KA Gaming, giving the selection quite a bit of variety.
There’s one important limitation: SpinsUP doesn’t offer player-vs-player poker, so you won’t find traditional Texas Hold’em cash games or tournaments here. However, poker games contribute 5% towards wagering requirements, which gives you at least some way to use your casino bonuses while playing them.
AustralianStakes Poker Test of SpinsUP
| Deposit | A$500 |
| Bonus Claimed | Welcome bonus of up to A$5,000 + 300 FS |
| Poker Formats Played | Dragon Gate Poker, Deuces Wild, Triple Edge Poker, Jacks or Better, Caribbean Poker |
| Time Played | 8 hours |
| Highest Bet | A$25 |
| Lowest Bet | A$0.10 |
| Session Result | A$118 |
| Poker Contribution | 5% |
4. SkyCrown Review
SkyCrown earned a place on my list because it’s a reliable and trustworthy casino with one of the better video poker selections I’ve seen. If video poker is your favourite way to play, this is definitely a site worth considering.
The variety of games is definitely a standout feature here. Alongside the classics, I found titles you don’t often see elsewhere, including Bonus Poker, Lucky Video Poker, Super Video Poker by KA Gaming, and Deuces Wild Video Poker. I’m a big fan of Deuces Wild in particular because, with the right strategy and rules, it can offer a higher RTP than many popular casino games, including blackjack and baccarat.
If you prefer live casino poker, there are several options from LuckyStreak and Winfinity, so you’re not limited to video poker alone. The betting range starts from A$0.20 up to A$10,000 per hand, so all bankrolls are covered.
The bonuses are another reason SkyCrown ranks so highly. New players can claim a welcome package worth up to A$8,000 + 400 FS, while existing players can take advantage of several cashback promotions. Better yet, all poker games contribute 10% towards the wagering requirements, so if you’re looking to play poker with bonus money, SkyCrown is a great pick.
AustralianStakes Poker Test of SkyCrown
| Deposit | A$500 |
| Bonus Claimed | 10% Cashback |
| Poker Formats Played | Video Poker, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, Live Casino Poker |
| Time Played | 7 hours |
| Highest Bet | A$50 |
| Lowest Bet | A$0.20 |
| Session Result | -A$320 |
| Poker Contribution | 10% |
5. Lucky Dreams Review
Lucky Dreams completes my top five list because it offers a well-rounded poker experience alongside one of the best bonus packages of all Australian casinos. While poker shares a section with baccarat, I had no trouble finding plenty of great poker games – though I have to point out that PVP poker is not available here.
During my testing, I enjoyed Casino Hold’em by Imagine Live and Texas Hold’em Multiplier by Live Vegas the most. It’s worth noting that Texas Hold’em Multiplier is still a player-vs-dealer game rather than true PvP poker, but it shares a lot of elements with standard Texas Hold’em.
The video poker selection is equally impressive. I tried games like Triple Edge Poker, Caribbean Poker, Oasis Poker, and several other poker variants that you should try if you’re looking for low-house-edge options. Outside the poker lobby, Lucky Dreams also stands out with thousands of casino games, a full sportsbook, and prediction markets, making it a great all-around gambling site.
One of the main reasons why Lucky Dreams made it into my top five, though, is the promotions. The VIP First Deposit Bonus includes a 150% deposit match, a VIP trial, and 10% cashback, with a combined value of up to A$14,500 + 400 Free Spins. If you’re a high roller who enjoys poker but also wants access to generous rewards across the rest of the casino, Lucky Dreams is my recommendation.
AustralianStakes Poker Test of Lucky Dreams
| Deposit | A$500 |
| Bonus Claimed | VIP First Deposit Bonus (150% Bonus + VIP Trial + 10% Cashback) |
| Poker Formats Played | Casino Hold'em, Texas Hold'em Multiplier, Triple Edge Poker, Caribbean Poker |
| Time Played | 6 hours |
| Highest Bet | A$45 |
| Lowest Bet | A$0.20 |
| Session Result | -A$138 |
| Poker Contribution | 10% |
Why These Casinos Made Our List
Being an experienced poker player myself, I know for a fact that Australian poker players are looking for sites with good player traffic, plenty of poker options, speedy payouts, and will never say no to a good bonus. So, here’s why these casinos made the top online poker sites list:
Busy tables, healthy tournament schedules, and short waiting times are all signs of a quality poker room. So, if a casino offers peer-to-peer poker, I expect to see active cash games and plenty of tournaments throughout the day – as is the case with Ignition. For sites without PvP poker, I looked for an active selection of live dealer poker tables instead.
Variety played a big role in my rankings. I gave extra points to casinos that offered multiple poker formats, including PvP poker, live dealer poker, and video poker. I also looked for popular video poker and live games like Texas Hold’em, Casino Hold’em, Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Three Card Poker.
I only included casinos that process withdrawals quickly and support trusted banking methods. During my testing, I checked withdrawal speeds, verification times, payment options, and whether the overall cash-out process was straightforward.
Casino bonuses can be a little hit-or-miss for poker players because most are aimed at pokies and other casino games, while poker is often excluded or contributes very little to wagering requirements.
So, I checked the T&Cs about poker games at each of the casinos I tested, as well as whether there were poker-specific bonuses or tournaments.
Top 3 Types of Online Poker You Can Play in Australia
You can play several different types of online poker in Australia. Depending on the casino you join, you can compete against other players, take on a live dealer, or enjoy video poker at your own pace.
Peer-to-Peer (PvP) Poker
If you’re after the authentic poker experience, peer-to-peer poker (or Player vs Player poker) is the way to go. It’s the most similar to in-person poker, and you’ll compete against other players in cash games, Sit & Gos, and multi-table tournaments. Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular format in Australia, although many poker rooms also offer Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo.
This is the most skill-based form of poker, as your long-term success depends on your decision-making rather than the house edge. Besides the rake (also known as vig), the house essentially doesn’t take anything, so there’s no built-in testing.
During my testing, Ignition Casino was the only option that currently offers PVP poker in Australia and has an active player pool, hundreds of tournaments, and plenty of cash games.
Live Dealer Poker
Live dealer poker offers a different experience. Instead of competing against other players, you’re seated at a real table with a professional dealer who streams the action live from a studio. Popular games include Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Multiplayer, and similar games.
This is a player-vs-dealer format, which means that you’re essentially betting on the outcome. As such, it’s a card comparison game rather than a standard poker game where your decisions matter during gameplay.
However, it can still be an enjoyable game as it combines the atmosphere of a real poker game, and there are still some strategic decisions you can make, like whether and how much to bet post-flop, etc. It’s a great alternative for players who don’t want to play against other players but still like poker.
Video Poker
Video poker is a type of solo poker game that appeared in the 1980s and sits somewhere between traditional poker and pokies. You play against the machine rather than other players or a live dealer, with the aim of putting together the best possible five-card hand.
Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, and Joker Poker are some of the most common variants, and the strategy can vary quite a bit between them.
One of the biggest advantages of video poker is its potentially high RTP, particularly when you play using the correct strategy for the specific variant. It’s also a great choice if you prefer a faster pace or want to play poker without waiting for other players or dealers.
However, as I mentioned, you do require some knowledge before you play, especially if you want to extract the highest possible RTP from these games.
Poker Rules That Can Affect Your Chances of Winning
The rules can vary from one poker game to another, so it’s always worth checking them before you place your first bet. These are the things I pay attention to whenever I try a new poker game:
- PvP or Player vs Dealer: It goes without saying, but you always need to make sure you know whether you’re playing against other players or the house. They are completely different games, and their strategies are completely different.
- Rake & Tournament Fees: In peer-to-peer poker, check how much the poker room takes from each pot or tournament entry, as lower rake means less money for the house and more for the players.
- Video Poker Pay Tables: Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild can have different pay tables. Better pay tables usually mean a higher RTP, so always check the rules of the game you’re playing.
- Betting Limits: Check the minimum and maximum stakes of the table you’re joining to make sure they suit your bankroll.
- Progressive Jackpots: Some video poker games feature progressive jackpots, but they may require maximum bets to qualify, so check the rules before playing.
- Side Bets: Casino Hold’em and other live poker variants often include side bets. They can be entertaining, but they usually come with a much higher house edge.
- Wild Cards & Special Rules: Variants like Deuces Wild or Joker Poker often change the standard hand rankings and introduce wild cards that can affect the gameplay, so it’s worth learning the rules before you play.
- Bonus Contribution: If you’re playing with a welcome or a reload bonus, check how much poker contributes towards the wagering requirements, as this can vary significantly between casinos.
Bonuses I Use When Playing Online Poker
As someone who mainly plays poker and table games, I know how frustrating it can be to see that most casino bonuses don’t even apply to poker. Thankfully, there are still a few promotions that poker players can actually benefit from, and these are the ones I look for first:
- Poker-Specific Bonuses: Dedicated poker promotions are fairly rare these days, but they haven’t disappeared completely. Some poker casinos still offer bonuses reserved for poker players, such as tournament tickets, cash rewards, referral promotions, or poker-exclusive welcome offers. Ignition is one of the few sites that still does this, with a dedicated poker welcome bonus and a referral program for existing players.
- Freeroll Tournaments: Freerolls aren’t technically bonuses, but I rarely pass up the chance to play one when I have the time. They let you enter tournaments without paying a buy-in, while still competing for real cash prizes. They’re also perfect if you’re new to a poker site or simply want to play poker without risking your own money.
- Welcome Bonuses & Reload Bonuses: Some casinos allow you to use part of their welcome or reload bonuses on poker. Before claiming one, I always recommend checking how much poker contributes towards the wagering requirements, as well as any maximum bet limits or excluded games.
- Rakeback: Rakeback is one of the best long-term rewards for regular poker players. It works like casino cashback, and instead of giving you bonus funds upfront, the poker room returns a percentage of the rake you generate while playing cash games or tournaments. If you play frequently, rakeback may reduce your overall costs over time.
PvP Poker vs Video Poker vs Live Casino Poker
Here’s how the three types of online poker available in Australia compare:
| Feature | PvP Poker | Video Poker | Live Casino Poker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who You Play Against | Other players | Computer | Live dealer |
| Most Popular Games | Texas Hold'em, Omaha | Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker | Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud |
| Skill Factor | Very High | High | Medium |
| House Edge | No house edge (rake only) | Very Low | Varies by game |
| RTP | N/A | Up to 99%+ | Usually 97-99% |
| Pace of Play | Slow | Fast | Medium |
| Best For | Competitive poker players and tournament fans | Players looking for high RTP | Players who want a real casino atmosphere |
Can Australians Play Online Poker?
Yes, Australians can play online poker, although the legal situation is a little different from many other countries.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, companies are prohibited from offering or advertising real-money online poker if they’re operating from within Australia. That’s why you’ll no longer find locally licensed poker rooms accepting Australian players.
However, the law doesn’t make it illegal for Australians to play online poker at internationally licensed casinos and poker sites. Many international operators licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta, Costa Rica, and Curaçao continue to welcome Australian players, offering everything from peer-to-peer poker and tournaments to live dealer poker and video poker.
Which Poker Casino Is Right for You?
Each casino on this list excels in a different area. Whether you’re looking for poker tournaments, the biggest game selection, or the fastest withdrawals, here’s the site I’d recommend for each type of player:
If tournaments are your main thing, Ignition is the top choice. The Sunday schedule includes a $200,000 guaranteed tournament, but there are many other high-roller tournaments with prize pools reaching millions of dollars. There are also plenty of lower-buy-in tournaments and freerolls, so there are poker tournaments for all budgets.
If you want the classic poker experience, Ignition is my top choice. The player traffic is excellent, and you’ll find hundreds of Texas Hold’em cash games and tournaments at every buy-in level.
With more than 95 poker games, SpinsUP offers one of the biggest video poker libraries of all Australian poker websites. You’ll find everything from Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild to several less common variants.
SkyCrown impressed me with its dedicated live poker section, offering Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Multiplayer, and more, as well as a dedicated Live Cashback promotion.
Lucky Dreams supports multiple banking options, including bank transfers, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies, so if your main priority is fast cashouts, it’s the site I’d recommend.
If you’re new to poker, HellSpin is a great place to start. The interface is easy to navigate, the betting limits are beginner-friendly, and the mix of live casino poker and video poker lets you learn the basics without having to play against other players.
Before You Sit at the Poker Table
Poker rewards patience, strategy, and good decision-making far more than luck over the long run. True PVP poker is a game of skill, but even if you’re playing video poker or Casino Hold ’em, you do need patience and some basic knowledge to extract the most out of the game.
These are the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ I recommend before you sit at the poker table:
Learn the basic poker strategy, like positions and hand rankings.
Start at low-stakes tables before you become better.
Compare rake and tournament fees between poker sites.
Check whether poker contributes towards bonus wagering requirements.
Practice poker whenever possible.
Don't sign up at poker casinos with a poor reputation
Jump straight into high-stakes cash games if you’re a beginner.
Assume all video poker games use the same pay tables.
Multi-table until you're comfortable with the pace.
Claim a bonus without checking the T&Cs.
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