It wasn’t that long ago that poker players were forced to travel to Vegas to play a game, but now online poker in Australia allows players to get dealt in from the comfort of home.
The hard part has become finding an online poker site you can trust.
Below, we’ve listed the ten best online poker sites for Australian players, each chosen for safety, game variety, bonus offers, and more.
Ignition tops our list of online poker rooms for Australian players, but several other poker sites gave it a run for its money – including one that gives you over a third of your rake back.
Let’s break down the top poker sites in Australia.
Best Online Poker Australia Sites
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Fan of Texas Hold’em? Or maybe you prefer Omaha – or want to play video poker games! Whatever the case might be, our top picks have got you covered. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Ignition — Best Online Poker Site in Australia Overall
Pros:
- Good traffic at lower limits
- Completely anonymous tables
- AU$3,000 welcome package
- AU$2,500 freerolls weekly
- Large GTD poker tournaments up to AU$150k
Cons:
- Fees on credit card transactions
- Limited variety of casino games
Unless you’re a pro like Daniel Negreanu or Tom Dwan, Ignition has everything you’d want in a poker site. No wonder it’s our top pick today!
Online Poker Action: 5/5
We’ll give you the good news and the bad news simultaneously – almost all of the action here is at the lower limits (AU$2/4 and below). If you want to win six figures in a single hand, you’ll have to do it elsewhere.
There are usually plenty of players, though, even at off-peak hours (nights and weekends are best, naturally). It’s part of the Pai Wang Luo network, one of the larger poker networks in the world, and there’s an average of about 2,000 players on the poker site at any given time.
A lot of these players gravitate towards their Zone poker tables, in which you’ll get a new hand (and seat) the second you fold your old one. It’s great for action junkies — and since Ignition limits you to four cash game tables at a time, you won’t constantly be seeing the same grinders every time you move (and HUDs are banned as well).
There are no screen names here, either — everyone gets assigned a random number. This can make it difficult to remember a player from one session to the next, but it also prevents experts from targeting weaker players.
The poker site looks and plays beautifully on mobile devices, although if we’re quibbling, there’s a lot of wasted space on the edges that could be used to make the buttons bigger. As long as you’re not multi-tabling, though, you shouldn’t have too many panic-inducing misclicks.
If you’re more of a tournament junkie than a cash game player, you’re not likely to get bored here. They have SNGs, jackpot SNGs, turbo tourneys, rebuys, double- and triple-ups — basically anything you can think of.
Bonuses: 4.9/5
Your feelings about Ignition’s bonus will likely depend on whether you’re also an online real money casino games player or strictly a poker enthusiast. The primary deposit bonus is actually split between both sides of the casino, so you won’t get the full amount to take with you to the poker tables.
How much you get also depends on how you deposit. If you use traditional methods like credit cards, you’ll get a 100% match up to AU$2,000 (AU$1,000 each for the poker room and casino).
If you fund your account with cryptocurrency, though, you’ll get a 150% match up to AU$3,000, which you still have to split between the two sides of the house.
Banking Options: 4.95/5
If you’re going to play here, we hope you have a Bitcoin wallet because your fiat currency options are limited. You can pretty much use Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or a voucher.
The crypto choices are a bit more robust. You can use Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Tether, or Ethereum.
You won’t pay any fees to deposit with crypto, but credit card transactions are subject to a 15.9% surcharge — so maybe think about finally getting aboard the Bitcoin train, eh?
>> Get up to AU$3,000 in bonus money [Ignition]
2. Joe Fortune — Best Australian Online Poker Site for Mobile Players
Pros:
- Nine fun video poker games
- AU$5,000 welcome package
- Filled with helpful strategy guides
- Payouts in as quick as one hour
- Mobile-friendly site
Cons:
- Large fees on some withdrawals
- Customer support is slow at times
One of the online gambling sites solely dedicated to Australian players, Joe Fortune, has earned a spot on this list due to its reputation as one of the safest online casinos in Australia. Let’s see what makes it our runner-up.
Online Poker Action: 4.9/5
Video poker is the name of the game at Joe Fortune, and they have nine different options for you to try. None of them is much like Texas Hold’em, but the good news is you can experiment with them in practice mode, allowing you to get the hang of it before wagering real money.
Instead, they have games like “Deuces Wild,” “Jacks or Better,” and “Joker Poker,” the latter two of which let you play up to ten hands simultaneously. The interface is efficient and no-nonsense. The thinking seems to be that you’re at the site to gamble, and if you wanted breathtaking graphics, you’d be playing Zelda instead.
It’s easy to figure out exactly what you need to do (and again, they’ll hold your hand if you need it), and the app is uncluttered and simple to use. The score would be higher if they had an actual online poker room, but that kind of poker isn’t for everyone, and the video poker options here are a nice break from the grind.
Bonuses: 4.9/5
Your bonus here will depend largely on the way in which you fund your account.
Crypto users can get a 150% match on their first deposit, followed by a 75% match on the second and a 120% match on the third. This adds up to AU$5000 in potential bonus funds.
If you use a credit card, you’ll get a 100% match on your first and third deposits and a 65% match on the second. However, you can still get the full AU$5000 amount.
Banking Options: 4.85/5
As you probably already guessed based on the bonus structure, crypto is king at Joe Fortune.
In addition to credit cards, Neosurf, and Flexepin accept six different types of cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin.
There won’t be any fees levied on deposits, but withdrawals are a bit of a different story. Crypto cashouts are fee-free and can be made every three days, but you can only make one cashout per week with fiat.
>> Score your AU$5,000 welcome package [Joe Fortune]
3. SkyCrown — Best Bonuses of Any Australian Online Poker Site
Pros:
- Dozens of casino poker games
- Personal gambling assistants for qualified players
- Turbo deal mode lets you get in hundreds of hands per hour
- Accepts 9 different cryptocurrencies
- AU$8,000 welcome bonus
Cons:
- Customer support could be better
- Doesn’t offer tournaments
Long recognised as one of the top online casinos in Australia, SkyCrown is finally getting its due as a top Australian online poker site – it’s our top pick for bonuses.
Online Poker Action: 4.8/5
There are more than three dozen different poker games waiting for you at SkyCrown, ranging from the arcade-like Bonus Poker all the way to the ultra-realistic “Texas Hold’em Poker 3D.”
The latter title makes you feel like you’ve pulled up to a game at a saloon in the Wild West, complete with six shooters on the table. It plays just like a real game of Texas Hold ’em, but you don’t have to deal with annoying players or super-aggressive sharks.
Unlike in the Old West, though, you can get in a ton of action here. Most games have a “turbo” deal mode that lets you speed through the animations so you can spend more time doing what you came here to do.
Better still, there are several instances of the same game (such as “Oasis Poker”) being offered by different software companies here. This gives you plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect poker atmosphere — you’re not stuck with a single interface like at most other sites.
It’s also one of the best payout online casinos in Australia right now.
Bonuses: 4.85/5
There are several bonuses to choose from here, and more are added all the time, but our favourite is their first-time player bonus.
As a new customer, you can score up to AU$8,000 for a welcome package. Plus, it also features 400 free spins you can use on online pokies. Plus, it also has many other reload bonuses, hosts regular tournaments, and features various other promos.
Banking Options: 4.8/5
It’s interesting that you can’t use cryptocurrency if you want to claim that welcome bonus because SkyCrown accepts 9 different altcoins.
These range from ubiquitous options like Bitcoin and Tether to rarer coins like Cardano and Ripple.
No matter how you fund your account, you won’t be subject to any SkyCrown fees. It’s easy to get your money off the poker site as well, as cashouts are usually processed within 24 hours, and the minimum withdrawal amount is a mere AU$30 — the same as the deposit minimum.
>> Double your initial deposit up to AU$8,000 [SkyCrown]
4. Coinpoker — Highest Traffic Real Money Online Poker Site in Australia
Pros:
- Features high-traffic poker rooms
- Transparent RNG
- Offers 5-card Omaha
- Bad beat jackpots
- “Action” tables designed to create big pots
Cons:
- No fiat deposit options
- Limited game variety
CoinPoker is a community-owned, crypto-only cardroom making a big name for itself thanks to a simple rule change it recently implemented – one that not everyone likes. It’s our top pick when it comes to poker traffic.
Online Poker Action: 4.8/5
When we say we’re reviewing the online poker action at CoinPoker, we really mean “action.” This site is a gambler’s paradise. You won’t see any limited online poker games here, as your only options are NLHE, PLO, OFC, short deck poker, and 5-Card PLO (see, we told you this was an action site).
All of this combines to create lots of betting and big pots, so if you’re a tight player, this might not be the cardroom for you.
The traffic is surprisingly good for such a niche site, though, and you can usually find over 500 players and 10 or more poker tournaments running at any given time.
Oh, and that rule change we mentioned? It’s that every live hand gets revealed at showdown — even if there are no callers.
Meaning, if you drag a big pot with a bluff, your bluff will be revealed to the table. It’s an interesting dynamic that certainly changes the game, but a lot of old-school, “you wanna look, you gotta pay” type players don’t like it.
You won’t get any allegations of rigged casino games here, though, as their random number generator is completely transparent and open to public inspection. CoinPoker is a site with nothing to hide — but one that won’t let you hide anything, either.
Bonuses: 4.8/5
There is no “primary” deposit bonus at CoinPoker; rather, you can choose your own when you deposit.
As a new customer, you can get up to a 2,000 USDT welcome package. Plus, it also has a 33% rakeback.
Banking Options: 4.65/5
You can use seven different cryptocurrencies here: USDT, CHP, ETH, BTC, MATIC, BNB, and BUSD.
There are no deposit fees, though, so that might be the incentive that finally spurs you to open a crypto account.
Withdrawals are nearly instant once they’re approved – so if you are looking for fast-payout casino sites, it’s a great option. Although it’s usually a fast process, there have been reports of players waiting up to 48 hours or more to get their money.
>> Grab a 2,000 USDT welcome bonus [CoinPoker]
5. Casinonic — Best Online Poker Site in Australia for Tournaments
Pros:
- Hosts regular tournaments
- AU$7,500 welcome package
- Mobile-friendly online poker site
- Fast payouts
- Easy sign-up process
Cons:
- Design is not ideal
- Could use more reload bonuses
Coming up next, we have Casinonic, our top pick when it comes to poker tournaments.
Online Poker Action: 4.7/5
When it comes to video poker games, Casinonic really shines. Some of our favourites include Oasis Poker, Triple Edge Poker, Super Video Poker, Lucky Video Poker, and Bonus Poker.
Apart from poker, Casinonic is also home to other games, including online blackjack, roulette, slots, and more.
Bonuses: 5/5
The bonus system at Casinonic is pretty cool. As a new customer, you are eligible for a generous welcome package — it’s up to AU$7,500 bonus with free spins on a popular online slot game called All Lucky Clover 5.
There are many other promotions to enjoy at Casinonic; it features bonuses like Tuesday Bonus, Wednesday Free Spins, VIP Bonus, and more.
Banking Options:4.8/5
One area in which Casinonic has a marked advantage over some other sites is banking. This online casino supports various payment options, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neteller, and Skrill, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and others.
All payouts are processed instantly here, with no fees to worry about.
How We Ranked the Best Online Poker Sites Australia Offers
Poker Rooms
This is the biggie when you play online poker. Nothing else matters if the poker site doesn’t have all the games and limits you’re looking for — and enough other Aussie poker players to give you a game.
In ranking online Australian poker sites based on their action, we looked at things like traffic, game softness, tournament availability, and more. The ideal site is one in which you can find the exact game you want at any time of day — and where you won’t get eaten alive by sharks.
Bonuses and Promos
The best online poker sites use different bait to keep players hooked, and they’re not all created equal. Bonuses can range from deposit matches to rakeback structures, and we compared them based on how much they padded your bottom line, as well as how easy they were to earn.
Banking Options
At a bad online poker site, getting money on and off the platform can be a nightmare. To earn a spot on this list, each site had its banking options thoroughly vetted, ensuring that you can use any deposit method you like — from credit cards to cryptocurrency — without getting hammered by transaction fees.
Safety & Security
Last but not least, our team of professionals focused on the safety and security of Australian poker websites. All of our top picks are licensed to accept Australian online poker players and are absolutely safe to use.
Customer Support
Customer support is a crucial aspect that is often overlooked until it’s needed most. In our evaluation of Australian online poker sites, we meticulously analysed the responsiveness, availability, and helpfulness of the support teams.
A great poker site offers multiple channels of communication, such as live chat, email, and phone support, and provides quick and accurate assistance. Sites with comprehensive FAQs, proactive support, and 24/7 availability scored higher, ensuring that you get the help you need whenever you need it.
We used similar ranking criteria in this guide to the best sports betting websites in Australia.
Why is Ignition the Best Australian Poker Site Online?
There’s no shortage of poker sites in Australia, but we feel that Ignition is the best of the bunch.
We could list dozens of reasons why Ignition has set itself apart from other poker sites, but here are three of the biggest:
Lots of Games: Most top Australian online poker sites only have three or four options, so you can get bored easily. At Ignition, there’s always something new to play — you’ll never be bored of playing poker games here.
Innovative Features: Let’s face it — most casinos are “monkey see, monkey do” operations that all have the same basic features and bonuses. Very few online gambling sites seem willing to think outside the box.
That’s not the case with Ignition. They have some truly unique offerings, from a personal gambling assistant to prioritised withdrawals and VIP support.
Generous Bonuses: You can get AU$3,000 signing up package at SkyCrown to play online poker and other casino games.
Why Should I Play Poker Online in Australia?
The internet absolutely revolutionised the game of poker, and for many players who trained at online cardrooms, brick-and-mortar action will never be the same.
Here are just a few advantages that playing online poker has over the live version:
Way More Action
In a real-life poker room, you can only play poker at one table, and you can only play as quickly as a human dealer can deal. Most of the time that adds up to 40-50 hands per hour.
If you’re folding most of your hands (you are folding most of your hands, right?), you may only play one or two pots per hour.
When you play at the best online poker sites in Australia, you can easily get upwards of 100 hands at a single table — and you can play multiple tables at once.
If you’re an action junkie, there’s simply no comparison between online and real life poker.
Tons of Choices
Ever since no-limit hold’em took over the poker world in the early 2000s, that’s all you can find in most brick-and-mortar poker rooms. There may be a single Omaha table somewhere — but good luck if you can actually find it running.
On the internet, though, there are all kinds of crazy casino games running constantly, at just about every limit you can think of. Sure, there’s tons of NLHE action, but you’ll also find PLO, 5-card Omaha, 7-Card Stud, HORSE, and a whole lot more.
More Money to Be Made
In a brick-and-mortar poker room, the best bonus you’re likely to find is a comped meal after you’ve played a hundred hours. Given all the rake it takes to get there, some lukewarm pad thai is likely to be the most expensive meal you’ve ever eaten.
Online poker rooms, on the other hand, really roll out the red carpet for poker players. From the very first time you deposit, when you can get thousands of dollars in bonuses, you’ll enjoy tons of special offers and VIP treatment.
Oh, and the rake? It’s smaller than what you’d pay at a real-life poker club. Not having to pay dealers (or pad thai chefs) really cuts down on overhead, apparently.
Online Poker Australia – FAQs
Can You Play Online Poker in Australia for Real Money?
Yes, you can play real money poker games in Australia. Above, we’ve listed the five best online poker sites in Australia for doing just that, and each of them offers games at a variety of limits. It’s not hard to find one within your budget.
Are Online Poker Sites in Australia Safe?
Yes, online poker sites are safe — if you find a reputable one. The sites listed above have stellar reputations for running fair games (one even made their random number generator public), and all take swift action to ferret out unscrupulous players.
What Online Poker Site Has the Best Bonuses for Australian Players?
The poker site with the best bonus is likely SkyCrown, as they feature a generous welcome package of up to AU$8,000.
How to Start Playing Poker Online in Australia
Making an account at an online poker site is remarkably easy and stress-free. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps, using our best online poker site, Ignition, as an example.
Step 1: Set Up Your Online Poker Account
- Visit the Ignition website
- Click the blue “Sign Up” button in the upper right-hand corner
- Fill in your personal information
- Check the box at the bottom and click “Sign Up”
Step 2: Verify Your Account
- Check your inbox for a welcome email (it may be in your spam folder)
- Click the verification link inside
- Some sites may also require you to verify your phone number
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
- Choose your preferred currency and deposit amount, then enter your financial information
- Don’t forget to enter your bonus code
- Click “Deposit” — in most cases, the money should be funded instantly
Step 4: Play Poker Online Games!
- Go to the game library
- Open the poker section
- Start playing poker online
Top Tips for Playing Online Poker in Australia for Real Money
No matter if you’re new to the game of online poker or if you’re an established card sharp, there are a few things you can do to give yourself an edge at the tables.
Here are some of the best tips we can share to play poker online at the best Aussie poker sites:
Play Tight: The person with the best cards at the beginning of the hand is usually the one with the best cards at the end of it. While loose, aggressive play is all the rage nowadays, tight players still have an advantage in online poker that’s hard to overcome.
Practise Good Bankroll Management: Many great poker players have seen their careers torpedoed not by their opponents but by their own poor financial skills.
Good bankroll management can separate a pro from just another player, so never play above your head, quit if you find yourself going on tilt, and don’t dip into your poker bankroll for everyday expenses.
Open Accounts at Multiple Best Online Poker Sites in Australia: Your luck won’t be the same at every Australian poker site. The player pools are different, and some have certain features that you may like — or that affect your play in a negative way.
The smart thing to do is open accounts at several different poker sites to see which one you like best. Not only will this give you a good feel for each site and its respective qualities, but it also allows you to find the juiciest game running on the internet at any given time — not to mention take advantage of multiple deposit bonuses.
Ready to Get Started at the Best Online Poker Australia Sites?
Finding the best online poker sites in Australia can be tough work.
Many have become ghost towns, while others have been overridden by sharks and pros — and some Aussie poker sites are just downright suspect.
The online poker sites on this list of poker site reviews have all been thoroughly vetted for safety and trustworthiness, and they all have regular action running around the clock. Not only that, but you’ll be up against regular Joes — not the next Phil Ivey.
Our favourite online poker room is Ignition, as it has dozens of games, some incredibly cool features (who doesn’t want a personal online gambling assistant?), and a substantial deposit bonus.
Many online poker sites just can’t match this!
That said, wherever you play poker online, we urge you to do it responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any form of gambling comes with risks and should not be undertaken as a solution to solve your financial troubles.
If you suffer from a gambling problem or suspect somebody you know does, then we strongly suggest that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858 to talk with an advisor for help and to make gambling safer for you or your loved ones. Remember, all gambling sites and guides are 18+ only.
Casino sites listed on our site may not be available in your region. Check your local laws to ensure online gambling is available and legal where you live.
Visit these free gambling addiction resources:
- https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- https://gamblershelp.com.au/