Best Online Poker Sites Australia: Top AUS Poker Sites for Tournaments & High Traffic [2023 Update]

We’ve ranked the top Australian poker sites with the most poker games, softest competition, highest player traffic, and the best bonuses.

Spotlight Desk

Updated on: 3 October 2023 5:00 am

online poker australia

It wasn’t that long ago that poker players were forced to travel to Vegas to get a game - but now online poker in Australia allows Aussie 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 of which has been chosen for safety, game variety, bonus offers, and more.?

SkyCrown 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.

1. SkyCrown — Best Online Poker Site in Australia Overall

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
Big welcome bonus

Cons

Support is limited to email & live chat; no support via phone
Doesn’t offer tournaments

Long recognized as one of the top online casinos in Australia, SkyCrown is finally getting its due as a top Australian online poker site.
It’s clear they pride themselves on giving players as many options as possible, and while we can’t guarantee you’ll get lucky, we can pretty much promise you’ll never be bored while you’re here.

Online Poker Action: 5/5

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, only 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.?

No matter which software provider you prefer, the games are all laid out beautifully, even on mobile devices. You won’t have to strain your eyes — or worse, risk an expensive misclick — as everything is clear, well-spaced, and easy to see.

Bonuses: 4.7/5

There are actually several bonuses to choose from here, with more being added all the time, but our favourite is their first-time player's bonus.?

This gives you a 100% match up to AU$300 along with 100 free spins to use on the “Aloha King Elvis” pokie.

All you have to do to redeem it is deposit at least AU$30 and enter the code “KNG1” at signup.

You have to redeem the bonus spins on the same day you get them, and you’ll get 20 a day for the first five days after registration.

You should also be aware that your eligibility for this bonus depends on what deposit method you use. If you deposit with cryptocurrency or an e-wallet like Skrill or Neteller, you won’t be eligible.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to fund your account (like with credit cards or vouchers) that will allow you to claim the bonus. They also have a crypto cashback offer, so Bitcoin fanatics won’t be left out.

Another fun feature SkyCrown offers is the use of a gambling personal assistant for everyone who qualifies as an “Instant VIP” (meaning, those who deposit the equivalent of AU$1,500).

Your personal assistant will be on call to make sure that your gambling experience always runs smoothly. Whether you have issues with a game, need help understanding some rules, or just want your cashout to get special attention, your VIP buddy will be there to help.

Banking Options: 5/5

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 fees from SkyCrown. It’s easy to get your money off the site as well, as cashouts are usually processed within 24 hours and the minimum withdrawal amount is a mere AU$30 — same as the deposit minimum.

>> Double your initial deposit up to AU$300 [SkyCrown] <<?

2. Ignition — Best Player Traffic of All Australian Poker Sites

Pros

Good traffic at lower limits
Completely anonymous tables
Combined poker and casino bonus up to $3k
$2500 freerolls weekly
Large GTD poker tournaments up to $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. It’s beginner-friendly in a way most internet poker sites in Australia aren’t, allowing you to play for fun without constantly being preyed upon by sharks.

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’s 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 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 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.?

You can play up to 20 tourney tables at once, and they all break at the same time, so it’s clear Ignition has taken the user experience into consideration. There are big MTTs up to $150k every Sunday, and these get a lot of action, but everyday tourneys and SNGs may take some time to fill up.

Bonuses: 4.9/5

Your feelings about Ignition’s bonus will likely depend on whether you’re also a 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.?
The casino bonus has a small 25x rollover attached, and the poker bonus is released as you play. You must deposit at least AU$20 to get either bonus.

Banking Options: 4.6/5

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?

It takes about 24 hours to get your cashouts approved for most withdrawal methods, whereas checks and bank wires can take twice as long.

>> Get up to AU$3k in bonus money [Ignition] <<?

3. Juicy Stakes — Best Australian Poker Site for Rakeback

Pros

Can get up to 36% rakeback
200% welcome bonus up to AU$1,000
Daily freeroll tournaments
200% reload bonus up to $600
Many other bonuses targeted towards low limit players

Cons

Limited traffic at non-peak hours
High minimum withdrawals

Another poker room/casino hybrid, Juicy Stakes is a great place for micro stakes grinders to build up a bankroll, as it offers plenty of opportunities to pad your balance without having to dip into your wallet.

It tops our list of best online poker sites in Australia for those looking for a little cashback.

Online Poker Action: 4.7/5

As part of the Horizon Poker Network, Juicy Stakes doesn’t enjoy quite as much traffic as Ignition, but there’s still a healthy number of low limit players here most times of day.

The cash game action is sporadic, but the poker tournaments are top-notch, especially the daily freerolls. If the cards haven’t been kind to you lately, you can still play (and potentially win your way back into a ring game).

There’s also a “Happy Hour Micro Madness” offer in which you can get a 3x multiplier on your frequent player points (FPPs) if you’re playing at micro stakes. You can also earn gold chips at this time which can be redeemed for a no-deposit bonus.

Not only that, but they have one of the best rakeback offers in the business — up to 36%. Now, if you sign up for their rakeback plan, you’ll earn half as many FPPs as other players do, but still — that’s a lot of rakeback.

Bonuses: 5/5

The bonus system at Juicy Stakes is one of the best we’ve seen anywhere, and it’s refreshing to find a site that has something for everyone — not just the whales.

The primary deposit bonus is a 200% match up to AU$1,000 using code 1000JUICY.?

Funds are dispersed in AU$5 increments, and you have to earn about 83 FPPs to unlock each AU$5 chunk. You also only have 90 days to do it, which is more than enough time for a grind.

Beyond that, they also have a few no-deposit bonuses, regular reload bonuses, and a ton of different freerolls.?

If you’re short on cash, Juicy Stakes will do all they can to help get you back in the action.

Banking Options:4.8/5

One area in which Juicy Stakes has a marked advantage over Ignition is the big number of deposit options it makes available to Aussie poker players. Here, you can use credit cards (including Discover), or e-wallets like eZeeWallet and Neosurf.?

If you’re a crypto enthusiast, they have you covered as well as they accept Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and LiteCoin.

Deposit minimums range from AU$10 to AU$25, depending on method, but it’s the cashout minimums that get you. If you withdraw using Bitcoin, you have to have at least $100 to get your money — and the total goes up from there for checks and bank transfers.

>> Snag a 200% deposit match welcome offer [Juicy Stakes] <<?

4. Coinpoker — Best Poker Site in Australia for Crypto Players

Pros

One of the best online poker sites for crypto
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 that’s making a big name for itself thanks to a simple rule change it recently implemented — one that not everyone likes.

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 limit 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, they let you pick your own when you deposit.

You have three options, all of which are a 100% match. They can go up to 100 USDT, 300 USDT, or 700 USDT — it’s up to you how much Tether you want to part with. You’ll have to give them at least 20 USDT to qualify, though.

There’s a 2x rake requirement for each offer, and you’ll have 60 days to earn the bonus.?

Banking Options: 4.5/5

There are seven different cryptocurrencies you can use 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, that is. It’s usually a fast process, but there have been reports of players waiting up to 48 hours or more to get their money.

>> Grab a 100% deposit match bonus [CoinPoker] <<?

5. Joe Fortune — Best Online Poker Site in Australia for Video Poker

Pros

Nine fun video poker options
150% match bonus plus 30 bonus spins
Filled with helpful strategy guides
Payouts in as quick as one hour
One of the safest online casinos in Australia

Cons

Bonus broken up into three parts
Large fees on some withdrawals

One of the online gambling sites solely dedicated to Australian players, Joe Fortune has earned a spot on this list due to its reputation for being one of the safest online casinos in Australia .?

The site is filled with helpful tips and strategy guides, and everyone involved bends over backwards to keep their players happy.?
Better still, everything here has an authentic Aussie flair — how many other sites do you know that warn you not to be “a greedy bastard” in their terms and conditions?

Online Poker Action: 4.2/5?
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 here 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.?

Playing here is likely to make you feel refreshed and ready to go back to battle with the other sharks — and if that isn’t worthy of inclusion on a list like this, we don’t know what is.

Bonuses: 4.6/5

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 120% match on the third. All told, it 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. You can still get the full AU$5000 amount, though.
Regardless of what kind of money you use to deposit, you’ll have to satisfy a 50x wagering requirement and fork over at least AU$20.

Banking Options: 4.6/5

As you probably already guessed based on the bonus structure, crypto is king at Joe Fortune.

In addition to credit cards, Neosurf, and Flexepin, they accept six different types of cryptocurrency. These are 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.

The same goes for wire transfers and cheques by courier, although there is a $40 fee each time you use them.

>> Score up to a 150% match on your first deposit [Joe Fortune] <<?

Best Real Money Online Poker Sites in Australia – Our Ranking Criteria

Comparing the different online poker sites in Australia to one another isn’t easy — so much depends on factors like what type of player you are, what games you like, etc.

That being said, we feel that we’ve hit upon the most equitable way to compare all of the best online poker sites in Australia, and we did so by breaking them down into three basic categories:

Poker Action

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 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

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.

Why is SkyCrown the Best Australian Poker Site Online?

There’s no shortage of poker sites in Australia, but we feel that SkyCrown is the best of the bunch.?

We could list dozens of reasons why SkyCrown has set itself apart from other poker sites, but here are three of the biggest:

Lots of Games

At press time, there were 23 different online poker games waiting for you at SkyCrown. You could play a different game every day and not run out for nearly a month.?

Most top Australian online poker sites only have three or four options, so you can get bored easily. At SkyCrown, there’s always something new to play — and if you do get tired of poker, they have over 6,000 pokies you can test your luck on as well.

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 SkyCrown. They have some truly unique offerings, from a personal gambling assistant to prioritised withdrawals and VIP support.?
You’ll find things there you won’t anywhere else — isn’t that what being the best is all about?

Generous Bonuses

You can get AU$300 signing up at SkyCrown to play online poker — that’s a fantastic incentive all on its own.

Beyond that, though, you’ll also get 100 bonus spins on the incredibly popular “Aloha King Elvis” pokie. Who knows what the value of that could be?

There’s more here than just bonuses for new players, though. They run regular promotions like crypto cashback, rakeback on live casino wagers, and Rolex giveaways.

Why Should I Play Poker Online in Australia?

The internet absolutely revolutionised the game of poker, and for many players who cut their teeth 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
At a real-life poker room, you can only play 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 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 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.

Top Online Poker Australia Sites – FAQ

Can You Play Real Money Poker Games in Australia?

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 Juicy Stakes, as they offer a 200% match on your initial deposit up to AU$1000. However, Casinonic offers a larger welcome bonus (up to AU$5000), while SkyCrown has an excellent hybrid bonus that gives you 100 bonus spins to use on the pokies.

How to Sign Up at an Online Poker Site 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 SkyCrown as an example.

Step 1: Set Up Your Account

Visit the SkyCrown 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
You’re ready to play at one of the best online poker sites!
It’s that simple! Now all that’s left to do is hit the tables and try to make your balance grow.

Related: Best Australian Online Casinos

Top Tips for Playing Real Money Poker in Australia

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:

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 their 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.

So, What Are the Best Aussie Poker 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 SkyCrown, as it has dozens of games, some incredibly cool features (who doesn’t want a personal 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.

The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Playing online casino games should always be about fun. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 18+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.

If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

Disclaimer : The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.