BestOnlineCasinos.org.uk

Expert Casino Reviews of UK’s Best Online Casinos

Keen on finding the best casinos for an excellent online gambling experience? Look no further than our website, with all topics related to the best online casinos and games in the United Kingdom. On this page we’ll tackle the biggest question: how to spot a solid, reliable online casino? As with many things, the devil is in the details – so watch out for a few major signs of a good site.

The UK’S BEST Online Casinos
All Providers Listed Here Have:
  • Valid licenses and secure deposit methods
  • Fair real money games with high payouts
  • Great game libraries featuring award-winning software
The Best Casino Games

Our guide will examine not only proper licensing, fair software testing and game selections of operators, but also other key factors of good online casinos and give you additional resources with in-depth information about the most popular games, best casino bonuses, safety in gambling and other related topics. To get you started and give you a frame of reference for what constitutes a top quality site, I’ve recommended some of the stand-out operators on the market.

The Best UK Online Casinos for 2024

For those of you interested in cutting straight to the chase, here is our hand-picked casino selection of the best operators out there. With each of these, you’ve got a whole lot to look forward to. So select your favourite and start playing right away!

Best Online Casinos UK
Online Casino Rating RTP Software Bonus Offer Secure Link Terms and Conditions
4.5 ★ out of 5 96.33% Playtech Bet £10, Get £30 Welcome Bonus Try Here! Full T&Cs below. 18+. New Casino players only. Deposit required. Play £10+ on qualifying games. 40x wager reqs (Bonus only) on selected games. Accept Bonus within 14 days. Bonus valid for 30 days. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply.
4.5 ★ out of 5 96.00% NextGen £123 Try Here! Full T&Cs apply. #AD New players only, Maximum bonus is £123, Max bet with bonus is £5, No max cash out, Wagering is 50x – Skrill & Neteller excluded, Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse. Full T&C’s apply.
4.5 ★ out of 5 97.15% Evolution Gaming £50 Try Here! Full T&Cs below. 18+.NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN DEPOSIT £20 (EXC PAYPAL). MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. 30X WAGERING FOR £30 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. MAX WIN £2,000.*T&CS APPLY. GambleAware.org
4.5 ★ out of 5 97.00% Play’N Go £100 Try Here! Full T&Cs below. No Deposit Offer: New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: FS voucher winnings is uncapped, bonus wins & max redeemable amount for non-funded players capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Deposit Offer: 1st time depositor at 888casino only • £20 min deposit • Claim in 48 hrs • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 30x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply • Withdrawal terms, No Deposit Offer terms & Deposit Bonus Offer terms apply. • Full Bonus Policy appliesGambleAware
4.0 ★ out of 5 96.35% NetEnt £30 Try Here! Full T&Cs below18+ New customers only. Opt in and wager £10 on selected games within 7 days of registration. Get 3 x £10 bonuses for selected games with up to 40x wagering plus 100 Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Max redeemable from bonuses is £750. Card payments only. T&C's Apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

All of the above-named casinos are true masters of the trade in our book. Among them you’ll find great bonuses, an unbeatable wealth of games, and cutting-edge live and mobile solutions. Special offers for existing players as well as limited-time offers, comp point schemes and other perks are also up for grabs, and we’ll do our best to help you pick the right site(s). We’ll get into the meat of our criteria and our online casino review process in a moment, but if there’s any aspect of casinos that is of particular interest to you, you can jump directly to that section by clicking on any of the buttons below.

So let’s have a closer look at the elements we’ve considered when choosing our top picks presented above. There are several items to consider, ranging from legal setup to individual provisions that signal a good standard. In the next section, we’ll walk you through the criteria we examine when reviewing an operator.

Our Testing Criteria: How to Tell If You’re Dealing with a Good Site

As we’ve mentioned, there are factors that differentiate a good operator from a bad one, and it’s important for each player, no matter how experienced, to carefully examine each one before committing with his/her own cash. On this site we’ve done the work for you by giving you our top-rated sites, but it’s nevertheless important to be aware of why we selected the operators presented above. Afterall, you should enjoy yourself while gaming online – and what better way for that than being sure you’ve got nothing to worry about?

Casino chips stacked on top of one another.

So let’s have a closer look at the elements we’ve considered when choosing our top picks presented above. There are several items to consider, ranging from legal setup to individual provisions that signal a good standard.

Games, Games, Games: Find the Best Titles for You

This is truly a no-brainer – look for the games that satisfy (or go above and beyond) your gaming standard. After all, what’s the point in visiting a casino site if the games aren’t up to scratch? However, there’s a lot to take into consideration when looking at an operator’s game selection – from diversity/range, to quantity, to favourable payouts, or strong graphics, to name a few. In the next few sections we’ll be looking at some of the biggest developers in the industry, as well as the most popular games.

Playtech: All About the Big Name Slots

Playtech is one of the biggest names in the online gambling industry. The Isle of Man-based company not only offers its products to online gaming sites, but land-based establishments too. Throughout the libraries of the best operators on the internet, you’ll find stellar titles from this developer like Great Blue, White King, Beach Life and the hugely successful Age of the Gods franchise. The company is also best-known for its slots based on famous films and TV series like Gladiator, Top Gun, Pink Panther, Baywatch and King Kong, to name but a few.

Microgaming: The Industry Veteran

Founded in 1994, Microgaming is one of the oldest and most established developers on the scene. It’s best known for slot titles like Break da Bank, Immortal Romance, Robyn and Big Bad Wolf, all of which are enjoyed by players all around the world. Just like Playtech, it is also based in the Isle of Man, and it too creates games based on well-known TV and movie franchises like Jurassic Park, Terminator, Game of Thrones and Bridesmaids. Additionally, Microgaming’s big claim to fame is being the mastermind behind the millionaire-maker Mega Moolah and its spin-offs.

NetEnt: Award-Winning Live Software

Swedish company, NetEnt, is known as one of the best producers of slot games in the world. Its titles Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest are among the most-played slots online, and their popularity doesn’t seem to be wavering. Its newer titles have also been raking in awards, with Spinata Grande, taking home Game of the Year at the 2015 EGR Awards, followed by Guns ‘N Roses, which solidified NetEnt’s golden child status with a follow-up win the next year. In addition to this, the developer is also known as one of the best creators of live casino software working right now. You’ll recognise NetEnt through its crips live stream and high quality audio, customisable interfaces, and unique, innovative game variants.

Online Slots

Mascots and logos from popular slot games along with logos from online casino award shows. The developers listed above are just a small sample of what’s on offer online. Other names you’re likely to become acquainted with while playing online include up-and-comers like Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Betsoft, Thunderkick, Pragmatic Play and iSoftBet. You’re sure to see these companies listed among the nominees and winners at yearly events like the EGR Awards, which is considered to be the Oscars of the online gambling world.

Slots are far and away the most popular games online, and you’ll find no shortage of them on the sites reviewed at this domain. The popularity of these titles is due, in large part, to the sheer diversity of titles available. To learn more about these fantastic products, you can read all about them in our dedicated slots page.

Classic Table Games

A roulette wheel surrounded by cards, dice and betting chips. While slots are inarguably the most popular games online, any operator worth its salt will also offer a strong variety of classic table games for your amusement. This means you can expect to find plenty of roulette and blackjack variants at the operators featured on this site. You’ll even find more innovative takes on old standards like Mini Roulette, Pinball Roulette and Blackjack Switch. To learn more about table games and the kinds of titles you can expect to find online, head on over to our roulette and blackjack pages.

The Live Casino Experience

One of the most appealing aspects of playing at an online casino is the ability to stream live games and play against real opponents and dealers. Here you’ll find all the games you’d expect to find in land-based gambling venues, hosted by real-life professional croupiers, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat and various kinds of poker. That’s not all, though. Live suites are provided by a variety of different software developers, each of which offer its own exclusive titles like Evolution Gaming’s wheel-of-fortune-esque Dream Catcher. In some cases, you can even play games streamed directly from some of the most glamorous and popular brick-and-mortar establishments from around the world. Top learn more about the world of live gaming, click here.

Other Popular Casino Games

If the above wasn’t enough, there’s plenty more fun to be had at online casinos. In addition to all the games outlined above, there are a number of more recent categories that have steadily been gaining popularity across the internet. These include scratch cards and arcade games. Scratch cards are digital versions of the cards you can find in most land-based stores and require no skill on behalf of the player. Simply scratch to win a variety of prizes! Arcade games, on the other hand, allow you to win prizes for playing titles that you wouldn’t traditionally find in brick-and-mortar operators. For more information on the other kinds of products you can find at online casinos, check out our games page.

Mobile Casinos and Apps

A variety of mobile devices playing online casinos. Market research in the field of online gambling has confirmed that more players are using mobile devices to play than desktop computers. Unsurprisingly, operators have responded to this trend by providing top-notch on-the-go gaming options. Most online casino hosts now offer the ability to play on either a dedicated app or through a mobile-optimized site in your device browser. The latter is becoming increasingly more popular, as it allows players to access their favourite titles without sacrificing any of their device’s memory, and it’s compatible with almost every conceivable operating system.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that one-the-go alternatives to desktop sites will typically have fewer games to choose from. There are so exceptions to this rule, but for the most part you can expect to find a slightly smaller selection of titles than you would find when playing on a desktop or laptop computer. This is most of the time due to older games not being compatible with the mobile format. However, as more software developers polish up their browser-adaptable game format, the numbers will likely not keep shrinking.

Winning Big With Jackpot Slots

In addition to standard video slots and traditional slots, you will often come across progressive jackpot games online. In games like these, the payout depends entirely on the number of participants. So, the more people who pay in, the larger the ultimate prize. Some of the most popular jackpot titles online include Mega Moolah and Jackpot Giant, whose jackpots often reach millions of pounds. To get a real-time overview of the current prizes of these games, just take a look below. If you’re up for playing any of the below titles, simply click on the icon to be directed to our recommended operators.

The above are just a small sampling of the kinds of titles you can expect to find online. There are many more jackpot titles to choose from, each with their own advantages and exciting prizes. To learn more about these games and more, check out our jackpot page.

The Best Online Casino Bonuses 2024

Once you’ve settled that your operator of choice satisfies all the above-named criteria, it’s time to move on to the next important topic: bonus offers. You’ll find that, between various casinos, there are typically several choices of welcome packages available, starting from online casino offers for new players all the way to special perks for existing members. Since there’s so much competition online when it comes to operators, each site will typically offer its own exclusive deal in order to attract new players. These vary wildly, so it’s worth getting to know the most common deals and the lingo that goes with them.

In the next section we’ve highlighted some of the more typical offers that you’ll find at online casinos and broken down the pros and cons of each. This way you can find the best possible deal for you and your needs. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table.

No-Deposit Bonuses

Some sites offer no-deposit bonuses which come without having to put in any funds first. All you have to do is register as a new player. You may have to follow special conditions to redeem the bonus, such as a reduced list of games where you can use the reward or wagering conditions that are different from other bonuses. As a rule of thumb, always check the small print and do not assume that first deposit bonus T&Cs also apply to the no-deposit bonus if both are offered. As a good example, 888casino gives 88 free spins as a no-deposit bonus, which you can claim upon registration.

First Deposit Bonuses

One of the most common deals online is the first deposit bonus, which tends to be a percentage-based cashback on the money you put into your account. While some operators offer a 100% match, some may offer more, or even follow up with cashback bonuses for subsequent deposits. On the other hand, some providers might simply provide a lump sum along to gamble with along with your initial deposit. To release the bonus, you must satisfy the wagering requirements within the designated time frame. This is crucial, as with many deals you will likely end up paying several times the value of the bonus funds in order to fulfill the requirements.

Bet £10, Get £30 Bonus
Full T&Cs below. 18+. New Casino players only. Deposit required. Play £10+ on qualifying games. 40x wager reqs (Bonus only) on selected games. Accept Bonus within 14 days. Bonus valid for 30 days. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply.

Free Spins

Free spins are exactly what they say on the tin – spins on a popular slot game that you can access without making any bets. Often, these deals will give you ten or so spins a day on one pre-determined slot – usually a popular title like Starburst. While this kind of deal is sometimes available as a no deposit bonus, they can also be offered as an extra within a first deposit bonus. In these cases, you’re likely to be awarded both extra funds and free spins after making your first deposit at the site.

High Roller Bonuses

Those of you who are ready to spend a little bit more can look forward to bonuses aimed at high rollers and VIP members. Depending on the operator, you can get from £300 to £1,000 as a high roller welcome reward, with Eurogrand having the best online casino offer at the moment. Other perks include VIP memberships with their own comp point schemes, premium prizes, event invites, extra bonuses and even personalised financial management.

Other Exciting Promotions

Speaking of other bonuses, these are not only available to high stakes players – ‘regular’ existing members can take advantage of numerous extras beyond the welcome package, too! Comp point plans let you collect as you play, and give you the chance to exchange accrued points for prizes. While these may not be the most rewarding – with the typical exchange rate being 1 point for every £10 wagered – it’s definitely a neat extra if you do tend to wager a lot. On the other hand, some websites also offer limited-time specials such as daily or seasonal offers, and may run promotions for particular games, such as 888’s daily live blackjack promo, where you can get up to £750 if you get dealt a bonus card when playing during the designated times. Watch out for daily tournaments and game-like loyalty point schemes like Casumo’s adventure path where you unlock prizes as you advance from level to level.

  • 888Xtra – Live Blackjack Promotion
  • A woman holding a winning hand in blackjack overlaid with the 888casino logo.
  • What is it? – 12 bonus cards are mixed into the decks – each bonus card has a prize on it!
  • When to play? – Daily between 1pm and 1am (GMT) at the dedicated 888Xtra live blackjack table.
  • How to win? – Be dealt a bonus card and win the designated prize – up to £750 at a time is up for grabs!
  • Play here and claim the prize!

Full T&Cs below. No Deposit Offer: New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: FS voucher winnings is uncapped, bonus wins & max redeemable amount for non-funded players capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Deposit Offer: 1st time depositor at 888casino only • £20 min deposit • Claim in 48 hrs • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 30x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply • Withdrawal terms, No Deposit Offer terms & Deposit Bonus Offer terms apply. • Full Bonus Policy appliesGambleAware

Wagering Requirements: Something to Always Consider

There are some basic conditions to keep in mind when you claim an online casino bonus, most of which are common among various sites though the specifics might differ. There are typically two major components to this: wagering requirement and wagering contribution. Both of these will be outlined in the bonus terms and conditions – but we’ll save you some time and give you the details on what these two conditions call for.

The wagering requirement is, simply put, the number of times you need to wager your bonus and/or deposit amount in order to release your welcome bonus cashback. The number or play-throughs can have a wide range but typically moves somewhere between 20x and 40x, with some exceptions here and there. Nevertheless, you should closely examine if the play-through requirement involves only the bonus or the deposit, or both at the same time – since a combined bonus+deposit rule is a lot less in your favour than one or the other separately. There’s typically also a time restriction on by when you must complete the wagering requirement – in better cases ranging from 30 to 90 days.

The other condition is the wagering contribution – how much of your play-through requirement actually counts as valid. This differs between games. For instance, if you wager on slots, 100% of that sum will usually count towards your wagering requirement. On the other hand, card and table games tend to have much lower contribution percentages. Look for a place where you get at least 10% or more for your game of choice.

As with many things in life, there may be exceptions to these standard requirements. For example, there may be games that are completely excluded from the wagering contribution, or games from specific software providers that are subject to a different requirement than the other games in the same category. In the case of special bonuses, such as live casino only offers, different rules may apply and be subject to a different time frame, as well.

Limited Time Only Promotions

Though welcome bonuses are perhaps the most-advertised promotions out there, they certainly are not the only deals available. Many operators will have a dedicated promotions section in their site where you can find other deals. These deals will typically be more fleeting, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on this section on the site. Plenty of operators have regular daily, weekly and monthly offers to reward their players for playing certain games. Look for the promotions page on or sign up for a newsletter once you join a casino to stay up-to-date with the latest special offers.

Understanding Payout Rates and Fairness

If you’ve read anything online about casino games and their respective payouts online, you’ve likely come across the term RTP. This stands for “Return to Player” and refers to the theoretical percentage reflecting the house advantage. This house advantage is the wagers that are retained by the operator. By paying attention to the RTP of a game, you can better understand your likelihood of winning over an extended period of gameplay. To find the RTP of your chosen game, just click on the “How to Play” section. When playing online, you’ll find that most games hold RTPs of between 90% and 98%, which is about 20% higher than their land-based counterparts. To learn more about RTPs, specifically when it comes to online slots, you can check out our full breakdown here.

These certificates from independent testing labs are proof that an operator provides fair games with strong RTPs.

As previously mentioned, the RTP of a game is purely theoretical and even the highest percentage is not a guarantee of your winning. The percentages are all set by the game developers themselves, and not the operators. For fairness and transparency, these rates are frequently tested by third party arbiters. If you’re concerned as to whether or not a game or casino has been tested for fairness, you can scroll to the site’s footer and look for any of the logos we’ve included above. These are the most common testing authorities you’ll find online, and their logos are universally seen as a seal of approval.

Customer Support From Real People

The UK flag surrounded with icons for 24 hour live chat, phones, email and more. As great as the online casinos featured here are, it’s always important to have access to a strong customer support system in the unlikely event that you come up against any issues. There’s a lot of things to look out for when critiquing an operator on its customer support. For starters, it’s always best to have a wide range of contact options. An ideal situation is for an operator to provide a thorough FAQ that is easily-accessible, to clear up any queries and keep representatives free for more urgent enquiries.

When it comes to speaking with a representative, you want to be sure that you’re in contact with a real human who can help you quickly and efficiently. With this in mind, it’s always in a casino’s favour to provide a live chat function, a phone number and an email address or contact form to allow players to make their issue known. Depending on the urgency of your request, some forms of contact will be better than others. For example, using a live chat feature will guarantee you an almost-instant response, whereas email replies may take longer.

Other Casinos Not Featured Here

Naturally, there are hundreds of operators on the market that pass our criteria with flying colours but we nonetheless not featured on this page. While we feel our top six operators represent the best of the best, that doesn’t mean they’re the only sites you can choose from. On the contrary, the internet is teeming with exciting and unique options. Use the framework we’ve outlined here to make your own decisions when visiting online casinos. Different sites will appeal to different tastes, so it’s important to shop around and find the right fit for you.

The Best New Casinos

There are new operators emerging onto the market every single day, each of which have their own pros and cons. As part of our mission on this site to find the best and safest online casinos, we’ll be keeping track of all the new arrivals and providing new online casino reviews periodically, for your benefit. Be sure to check back to this site regularly for updates on the newest sites available.

Oldies But Goodies

While we love to cover hot new arrivals on the scene, that’s not our only focus. There’s an enormous wealth of operators online, many of which have decades of experience as land-based establishments. We feel these sites are just as worthy of critique, and would appeal to discerning players who value prestige and experience. With that in mind, you can expect to find plenty of online casino review pages of older operators here too.

Small Guide for Online Casino Gambling

Below, I have pulled together some of the most important information that one needs before they start gambling online for real money. I’ve summarised some of the most important facts surrounding the online gambling industry. In addition, I have written some sections that explain casino basics that could be helpful to beginners as they start playing online.

Book symbol
Online Gambling Hard Facts

The State of Online Gambling in the UK

Online gambling is an immensely popular activity in the UK and around the world. More and more players are turning to the internet to place wagers on sporting events, play bingo and lottery games. Following the implementation of the Gambling Act of 2014 (Licensing and Advertising), Great Britain now has the largest regulated online gambling market in the world. The industry generates £4.7 billion annually and is expected to experience continued growth if the current trends remain stable.

Growth in the industry is being spearheaded by advancements in broadband technology and the development and spread of smartphones and tablets. People are spending more time online for both business and pleasure. A UK Gambling Commission study estimated that nearly 40% or revenue generated by remote gambling comes through operator’s mobile channels. The UKGC predicts that online gambling will make up more than half of the British gambling market in just a few years as more and more people are fleeing the land-based market.

People playing casino games on handheld devices.

Because the UK is one of the most advanced online gambling markets, with regards to regulation, the region has a wealth of gambling statistics to draw upon. For the last decade, online casinos have had dominated the casino market, making up 70% of the market share. In 2008, online sports betting made up only a quarter of the betting market, but now generates 60% of the sector’s revenue.

Of the respondents in the survey linked above, over 15% said that they engaged in online gambling in the past four weeks. This number grew over the four years leading up to the 2018 online gambling report. The average age of players (separate from slots) is 32 and players are overwhelmingly male (89%). The average person spends nearly £1,000 on average annually. When it comes to slots, the figures are more balanced, with only 61% of players being male. Gambling as a whole, generates £14.4 bn per year and employs over 100,000 residents.

So What Exactly Is an Online Casino?

Because gambling plays a significant role in the UK economy, it may be important to explain internet gaming in more detail. At the most basic level, internet-based gambling platforms are made up of four different components. Although there is some overlap between each of these aspects, they main components are basically as follows.

The four main components of an online casino site: Operators, Software, Games, Website/Brand.

1. The Casino Operator

The company that owns and runs an online casino does not necessarily have the same name as the site itself. Typically, you can find the name of the operator at the bottom of the gambling site, at which you are playing. Most operators are, what is termed ‘remote,’ meaning that they are often based outside of the UK. Many headquarters are found in Malta or Gibraltar. If a company is based in either of these two places, it will need to hold a valid gambling licence from the appropriate regulatory authority. In addition, an operator will need a remote gambling licence from the UK Gambling Commission (if its services are available in the UK). Licences ensure things like proof of solvency, privacy requirements, independent auditing, cooperation with responsible gambling corporations and more.

2. The Website and Casino Brand

A site’s branding is typically independent of the operator. This is so that a company can easily market its services around the world. It is common for a company to run multiple gambling sites and unique branding gives companies the ability to emphasize or target specific regions or gaming markets. The website is the face of an online casino, and it is how customers interact with the operator. On a site, players create user accounts, find important playing info, make payments, play games or contact customer support. All data and transactions on a site are kept secure with the latest internet security technologies. Stellar gambling sites have made downloading casino software obsolete.

3. The Software

The software constantly works in the background to give you a safe and reliable gaming experience. Gambling software is rarely ever developed by an operator. Online gambling companies, instead, turn to ‘white-label’ companies who develop a platform that can be exported across multiple sites. These platforms come equipped with games, technical support and ready-to-use payment processing options. Using white label software is the quickest and most streamlined way for an operator to launch its website without having to deal with the legal hassle required to establish a casino or sportsbook. The games that come as part of the package deal with the software are supplied by the industry’s leading software developers. As a result, you’ll see some of the same games across multiple gambling sites.

4. The Games

The games found at an online casino are not produced by the operator. Instead, game libraries are curated and put together according to the wishes of the company in charge of the gambling website. For example, if a site wants to emphasize table games, they may ask for a wider selection of these titles, rather than slots. Flexible software will allow the best online gambling sites to populate their entertainment catalogues with games from multiple award-winning game developers.

The next sections of this page look at the legal situation surrounding online gambling in the UK. We look at the legal requirements, that must be met in order for players and UK casinos to engage in and offer gambling activities.

Are Brits Allowed to Gamble Online?

Residents of the United Kingdom are legally allowed to gamble online at any licenced UK gambling site. This is probably not news for most people, but those coming to the UK from unregulated markets are probably unsure about the legality of the activity. As long as a player has a verifiable UK address and is above the legal gambling age (18+), they will have no trouble playing at any of the UK’s top online casinos.

What Licences Does an Online Casino Have in the UK?

Image of the UKGC building.

It doesn’t matter where an online casino has its headquarters, in order to offer its services to UK gamers, an operator must hold a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC was established in 2005 and is tasked with protecting players from nefarious practices and operators. In addition to UKGC licences, you’ll see many operators that are licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority and Government of Gibraltar, this is because the company is operated out of these countries. These don’t indicate untrustworthiness; it is simply another layer of protection.

How Does an Online Casino Obtain a Licence?

There is a long list of rules and conditions, that must be adhered to if an operator wants to acquire a gambling licence from the UKGC. The UK has some of the world’s strongest gambling regulations, meaning that it is one of the safest places to play online. To get a UK licence, operators must prove that their sites meet technical & safety standards that guarantee reliability, quality and security. An operator must actively work to prevent money laundering and prevent underage players from accessing its site.

In addition to proving that it is financially stable enough to be an operator, a company must also fulfill important reporting requirements so that the UKGC always has accurate information with regards to the protection of player funds, security breaches and various other important topics. Online casinos also have a social responsibility and must advertise in a certain way that isn’t damaging to young or at-risk players. Having an adequate dispute resolution and support channel is another key aspect of licence the UKGC’s requirements. All of the best online casinos in the UK meet these standards.

Steps involved in obtaining a UK Gambling Commission licence.

Alongside the main points above, there are many small rules and regulations that are industry-specific and depend on the gambling service that’s being provided. I’ll avoid going into these details as they largely don’t affect the player experience. Just know that if you see the UKGC logo at the bottom of the page, you’re playing at one of the safest sites online.

What Does the Future of the Industry Look Like?

I stated earlier on this pagethat online casino gambling is getting bigger and bigger. Although there are a few oppositional parties who seek to limit the spread of the industry, it doesn’t really appear like this will happen. Instead of an outright ban of gambling, regulations appear to be moving in the direction of player safety, especially when talking about underage players. Most new regulations will tackle how the industry advertises and markets its brands. For example, it will soon be difficult to find free play demos that aren’t locked behind some form of age verification. Thanks to regulators, he industry is moving in the right direction when it comes to player protection.

How to Determine If an Online Casino Is Safe

The first thing anyone should do when they get to a gambling site, is look for the logo of the UK Gambling Commission. If the site, at which you’re playing, does not hold a licence, it is operating illegally. A UKGC licence guarantees that a site is safe and trustworthy. There really is no need to look further than licencing when judging a site. However, the following sections will give you a better idea of how to evaluate the different safety aspects individually.

Regulation and Licencing

Regulation is important for many reasons. Regulating authorities place strict rules on operators for them to offer services. If a casino does not have a valid licence from the UKGC, you are not protected against fraud, and you will not have any channels, through which to raise complaints. Below you can see some of the things that result from UKGC protection.

I’ll take time to reiterate, that you don’t need to worry if a site holds licences from offshore locations. This doesn’t necessarily denote untrustworthiness. However, it is imperative that the site, at which you are playing holds a valid UKGC licence. Above are the three regulatory bodies you will most likely encounter when playing at the UK’s best online casino sites.

Player Protection

As part of the UK’s licencing requirements, it is crucial for operators to provide resources for dealing with gambling addiction and have mechanisms in place for players to limit themselves when they recognise an issue, such as self-exclusion options and counseling opportunities through organisations such as GamCare. It is also the duty of the customer support staff to notice problem gambling behaviour and take necessary steps to protect any afflicted users. Although you may have a completely healthy relationship with wagering, you’ll be happy that you chose a trustworthy operator should you ever find yourself running into trouble. All problem gambling resources should be accessible from any page of an online casino’s domain.

Technical Security

Finally, every reputable operator should have in place several measures to ensure fairness, data protection and safe payments. As the majority of games use random number generating software, monitoring by agencies like eCOGRA or GLI must be in place to ensure the games aren’t rigged. On the data security and safe payments front, protection through renowned software like Norton or McAfee and via encryption technology is needed to make sure your sensitive personal information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. To locate a site’s security info, click on the padlock in your web browser’s address bar.

Conclusion: Although it may seem complicated to keep track of everything, ff you play at a site with a UKGC licence, you can be sure all the aforementioned criteria is met.

So How Does One Start Playing for Real Money?

There are only a few easy steps one needs to take before they start playing online for real money. Completing the registration process and first payment at a site is a piece of cake, but should you need help, you can always consult the support staff.

Choose an Online Gambling Site

The first step is to choose a trusted operator. The easiest way to ensure you are playing at one of the UK’s best online casino operators is to choose a site from my top 6 casinos list or any of the other sites reviewed on this website. Look for UKGC licensing, solid software providers, and good customer support to start off with.

Create an Account

The next thing you need to do is create a user account. It is incredibly quick and easy. You’ll need to create a secure, but easy to remember username and password. The site will also need a few personal details, such as name, date of birth and address. I can’t stress this enough, but you must provide.

  • Registration screen at an online casino, asking for basic personal information
  • Registration screen at an online casino asking the user to set up an account
  • Registration screen at an online casino asking for contact information
  • Registration screen at an online casino prompting the user to deposit funds

First Deposit

After you have registered and your identification has been verified, you are free to make tour first deposit. To do this, chose an available online payment method and then select the amount of money you’d wish to deposit. Reputable operators will not charge any fees for making payments. Keep in mind: every online casino sets a minimum deposit amount, typically around £10-£20. It is during your first deposit, in which you must also decide whether or not to accept a new player welcome bonus. You are not required to take on a promotional offer. Bonuses are typically suited to gamblers who know they will be playing on a regular basis.

The Variety of Payment Methods

Good gaming sites will offer a varied selection of deposit methods, usually drawn from the most well-known payment types such as debit cards and some e-wallet options, as well as some fringe options like prepaid cards or mobile payments. Here some of the most commonly accepted methods:

  • Payment methods that allow withdrawal: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Entropay, wire transfer
  • Deposit only methods: paysafecard, pay by phone, fast bank transfer

Deposits are typically instant, and withdrawals typically take 1-5 days, depending on the transaction type. That being said, not all of the deposit methods qualify for withdrawals, so read up on the details on the operator’s site.

Of all the choices out there, the favoured payment method is probably PayPal. The e-wallet is completely secure and has some of the quickest processing times available. The payment service is perfect for those who are sceptical about sharing their bank details with operators (although this is completely safe), since all that is required to make a payment or withdrawal is your PayPal email and password. Some sites even offer PayPal bonuses. You can see one such offer in this section, or you can visit a dedicated page for the best casinos that accept PayPal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below I have answered just a couple of questions that I are frequently asked by readers. I try my best to make my pages as informative as possible by covering all of the topics that players want to know about. However, it is impossible for me to cover everything. Should you have any questions you’d like answered, feel free to send an email to mailbag@bestonlinecasinos.org.uk.

Which online casino pays the best?

It is impossible to say which online casino pays the best. Luck is a huge aspect of gambling, and many players feel like some sites are luckier than others. However, this is gambler's fallacy. Payouts are determined at random based on the game you are playing. RNG games and progressive jackpot payments are independent of casino operators.

Is it possible to try the games for free?

Yes, it is possible to play hundreds of online casino games for free. You can find these games on some sites, but many can also be played directly on game developers' websites. Today, many sites are beginning to require that you log in before you can play a demo. This is to regulate the type of visitors to these sites and thereby prevent children from playing casino games. Registration at a casino site is free, however, so this shouldn't be a problem.

The Best Casino Software Providers

At most of the top online casinos you have the option to play games directly in either your desktop or mobile browser. The best online casinos in the UK fill their games libraries with titles from the industry’s best software developers. As a result, many of the top gambling sites carry the exact same slots and table games, with a few minor differences. Below are some of the most well-known casino game developers. The four listed companies are the pillars are the software world, but many up and coming developers are beginning to challenge these brands.

Out of the four brands listed above, Dragonfish is perhaps the most unique. Unlike the other companies, Dragonfish is part of the 888 Group, and develops its products specifically for the 888 brands. For this reason, all 888 sites will have their own unique games that can’t be found anywhere else.

All of the software providers above are required to have their own UKGC licences. It is up to developers to make sure that the game software functions properly. Games are typically audited by third-party organizations to ensure that there is no funny business going on. Most software developers specialise in slots, but you will also find companies that produce table and live-dealer card titles.

The Best Online Casinos with No Download

There are a lot of people out on the internet who search for no download casinos, but the truth of the matter is that all of the best online casinos do not require downloads. Mobile and broadband technology has come so far that downloads are practically obsolete – though you will still find a handful of older sites that do provide their own casino app or maybe even a few of them – one for each product category. Increasingly, though, it is no trouble at all for players to instantly play their favourite games from their PCs, Macs, tablets or smartphones, a trend which is sure to continue.

Summary: Have Fun Gaming!

I hope you found my guide to the best online casino sites in the UK helpful. The information on this page gives you all the tools you need to select a reputable site, so you can start having fun and play for real money. Jump on back up to my list of the UK’s best online casinos and choose from my list of safe and exciting operators. If you’d like to know more about a specific topic, perhaps you’d like to visit one of the pages below.