Best UK Online Casino 2024 - Overview
There are thousands of online casinos in the UK from around the world, some very different, some the same except for the colour scheme. We dedicate our time to preparing unbiased comparative reviews and reviews so that you can make an informed decision about which online casino to play at.
Our experts compare online casinos. The most important thing about the online casino comparison process is that we only list reputable casinos that are financially sound and have well known big winning payouts.
What is an online casino?
An online casino is an online version of the traditional brick-and-mortar casino.
Online casinos allow gamblers to play different casino games over the internet, with real money. The game selections often include:
- Online slots
- Traditional casino table games
- Live dealer games streamed from a studio
- Video poker
- Bingo
- Scratch cards
- Sportsbetting
- Virtual sports
- Online lottery and keno
Online casinos are available 24/7 and can be accessed with your computer, smartphone or tablet. Use our casino selection tool to find the ones best suited for you.
Stats, Trends & Forecast
Before we delve into the list with our recommended real-money online casinos UK, let’s take a quick look at some industry-related facts. iGaming has always been big business ever since the appearance of the first-ever online casino. From that time onwards casinos take up a big chunk of the gambling industry worth billions of euro.
It is enough to look at the data presented by regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission to be assured of how lucrative this business is and how many people engage in online casino games on a daily basis. These upwards trends compel bookmakers and the best casino sites UK to pay more attention to this sector and work with only the best casino software providers out there. This is, in fact, the only way to remain competitive on a market already saturated with countless online casinos.
Reasons why players choose online casinos for real money
Online casinos are getting more and more popular by the day. Whether they are part of a sports betting site that also hosts a casino platform, virtual casinos are here to stay. Unlike their land-based counterparts, virtual casinos can only be found on the Internet and accessed through a PC, laptop or mobile phone.
Virtual casinos allow for a convenient and safe way to unwind after a busy day at work and forget about your problems. Immerse yourself in unparalleled gameplay and try your luck playing any of the available casino games for free or real money. As we already pointed out, online casinos are very often featured on the platform of the best online bookmakers that couple their sportsbook and virtual sports section with casino and live casino sections. Enjoy live dealer games or spin a slot on your way to work. All this is now possible thanks to online casinos.
How Do We Compare Online Casinos?
To provide you with the best experience, we’ve made sure to review a lot of casino sites and report our findings to you. During the process, we’ve looked at a couple of important factors.
Our team wants to remain transparent, which is why we’ll share with all our readers and countless players looking for the best casinos in the UK the factors we’ve taken into consideration in our reviews:
Reputation and licensing
Reputation matters in any industry, but probably even more so in the online casino market. That’s why we’ve made sure to consider what others are saying about the casinos on our list.
Consequently, we’ve also made sure to check the licences of the casinos. For UK players, it’s vital that a casino is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, so that was the primary licensing body we were looking for.
Bonuses and promotions
Bonuses and promotions are the main things UK players look for in a casino, just like players all across the globe. That’s why we paid special attention to find the casinos that offer some of the best welcome bonuses and the lowest wagering requirements. Naturally, we’ve considered other types of promotions as well, so you’re bound to find some interesting offers on the casinos we’ve listed.
The variety of games
Any good casino needs to have a lot of games and, more importantly, a wide variety of casino games, including slots, table games, betting offers, and a lot more. The more diverse options the casino offers, the better it is. That’s not only because we think so, but also because it’s hard for a casino to have a wide variety of games, as they need to conclude deals with various software developers out there.
For all these reasons, we’ve made sure to include casinos with a diverse choice of games.
Mobile experience
Around 70% of UK players play casino games on mobile phones, which means that the mobile experience is a vital part of every casino offer. For that reason, all the casinos on this list offer a great mobile experience. If they don’t offer an app, then they have a mobile-friendly website.
Payment methods
You can’t play casino games without money, which is why it’s important for a casino site to offer a wide variety of payment options. Naturally, the variety is not as important as the variety of UK payment methods. Most casinos are international, which is why it’s crucial for UK punters that casinos offer enough payment options that are available in the UK.
Security and customer support
Site security is vital for both old and new players. Thankfully, it’s the thing most online casinos have covered by using SSL encryption to ensure all transactions are safe.
Apart from that, customer support is closely related, as it’s the part you’ll probably need, even if you think you won’t. That’s why we’ve tested the service of the customer support agents and the platforms they are using. You’ll be glad to know that all the casinos on our list have great customer support that will always respond to your questions.
Financial security and regulated online casinos
Always ensure that any online casino you sign up with is properly regulated and also financially secure. The last thing you need to ruin your fun is for a casino online that you have trusted with your money to go out of business. It’s also important that whatever casino you play with is regulated properly.
The top online casinos in the UK will be regulated and you can check the details of who regulated who in the footer of the online casino’s website.
How Licences and Legislation in the UK Protect Online Casino Players
To protect the rights of gamblers all across the country, the UK has set up the UKGC, or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, in 2007. The commission is there to ensure that all online casinos follow the gambling laws and regulations in the UK, and it has grown to become one of the most valued licensing bodies in the world of online casinos.
Today, if a casino holds a valid licence from the UKGC, then all new players deciding to join the casino can be certain that the website is legitimate and that it will not try to trick them. Naturally, there are other systems and methods that also ensure the legitimacy and fair play of online casinos, but the UKGC licence is still among the main ones all players care about and want to see in a casino.
The UK Gambling Commission ensures all of the following:
- The fairness of gameplay;
- The protection of personal information and data;
- Licence enforcement;
- Responsible gambling;
- Gambling crime prevention.
Online Casino UK: Game Catalogue
As we already mentioned, online casino games are essential. In fact, for some UK players, they might be the most important factor for selecting an online casino; thus, we also pay a lot of attention to it. The variety of games of chance and their quality determine if a British punter would return to the site. So, let’s have a look at what you can play at the top 20 UK online casinos:
- Slots
- Jackpots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Video Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Sic Bo
- Keno
- Live Dealer Games
- Bingo
- Lotto
- Scratch Cards
- Wheel of Fortune Games
As you can see, the list of available games at the best UK online casino is quite long. There’s virtually no limit on the varieties and types of real money casino games. British customers are some of the pickiest when it comes to having multiple options and premium quality, but the top 20 best UK casino sites step up to the challenge. The players love slots, blackjack, and roulette quite a bit, but frankly, that’s not surprising at all. Those three types of casino entertainment are among the most popular anywhere in the world. However, not all operators from the best UK online casino sites have the full arsenal of playing options at their disposal. That’s why further down, we’ll take a look at each game type individually alongside our suggestions for the top online casino sites.
Software Providers, You Need to Know About
Online casinos offer a massive number of games in their library, but all those games are made by a couple of dozen high-quality software providers.
New players need to learn about the best providers if they are going to play the casino games with the highest payouts and the best gameplay.
Software developer variety is also a good indicator of how great an online casino is. The more reputable and high-quality providers the casino has, the better it is. It’s that simple.
What’s more, finding the best software providers is also a very easy task because the best ones are also the largest ones and the ones with the best reputation. What’s more, most old players know about these providers, and it’s hard not to know which one is good. Many providers even have huge fanbases and these fans eagerly wait for the next release.
In the end, many of these software providers also provide the software that powers the casino website. So it’s best to stick to casinos powered by NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and a few others.
As for the games themselves, you want them to be made by these three, and a couple of other notable companies:
- 1×2 Gaming
- Big Time Gaming
- Aristocrat
- ELK Studios
- Barcrest
- IGT
- Betsoft
- Bally Games
- Evolution Games
- Blueprint Gaming
- Novomatic
- Playtech
Welcome Bonus Offers & Other Online Casino Promotions
Online casino bonuses are a great boost to a player’s balance and are compatible with the best casino online slots. The most common form of welcome offer for UK players is a first deposit bonus match, some of the time requiring a promo code to get activated. Whenever you make your first deposit at an online casino in the UK, you are likely to get a 100% top-up. In addition, many of the welcome bonuses include free spins as well as a deposit match.
British players can get anywhere from £100 to £1500 extra cash at the best casinos in the UK, which is nothing short of amazing. Nevertheless, you need to keep in mind that you absolutely must remain sensible to the dangers of problem gambling. Everyhting the house gives you comes on certain conditions. And in this case, the condition is wagering the bonus a certain number of time. On top of that, most first deposit bonuses have certain validity periods and a list of qualifying banking methods.
It’s not uncommon for players to face difficulties with the bonus wagering conditions. While many UK punters are well familiar with how to turn best UK casino bonuses to good account, others are not as resourceful. For what is worth, we advise you to keep your eyes peeled at the T&C. Impossible wagering conditions will make your casino payouts impossible or hinder them in a big way. Another thing to consider is multi-deposit package deals that grant you second and third deposit bonuses. These promotions are really great for British gamblers who are regular at the online casinos. If you are looking to place a small initial deposit, check out our guide of the top online slots with 5 Pound deposit.
The Bonus Wagering Requirements
Along the same line of thought, there’s an additional criterion based on the casino bonus wagering terms. Experienced UK players pay special attention to the playthrough requirements as they are well aware that without fulfilling them, the bonus will be forfeit. And you definitely don’t want that happening to you. Always make sure to get acquinted with the full terms and conditions of a particular first deposit bonus or other kinds of promotions before signing up for it. Playing with the casino’s money is one of the best advantages that online operators hold to their land-based counterparts. As a rule of thumb, it is best if you can find bonuses with low or no wagering conditions and remember to gamble responsibly.
In case it’s not clear by now, the lower the turnover conditions, the better for you. And as we already mentioned, keep in mind that most of the welcome bonus offers and other promotions come with an expiry date as well. If you fail to claim your offer until the end of the 30 days validation period, you’ll lose it plus any profit made along the way. That’s why it is best to have a game plan and follow it without failing to gamble responsibly.
Reliable & Modern Payment Methods
Payment methods occupy a tremendous place in an age where everything is digital. The most innovative industries know this all too well, and that’s why the payment methods section of iGaming is packed.
Especially since the emergence of cryptocurrencies, deposits and withdrawals at online casinos have never been the same. Now there is the possibility to play with utmost security, transfer money instantly and even maintain anonymity as much as possible.
Being prudent yet curious players ourselves, these are some of the payment methods we use whenever available:
- Trustly: Use your Bank ID and play without an account on the independent casinos UK. Trustly is the perfect payment method for security, convenience, and instant payments.
- Bitcoin: As we just said, cryptocurrencies have arrived and are here to stay. BTC is obviously the biggest crypto casino representative, and the iGaming industry has endorsed it. There are now games and even exclusive bonuses for this and many other cryptocurrencies.
- Paysafecard: Sometimes, you just don’t feel like entering bank details, especially if you don’t know a casino site. That’s why it’s worth getting a Paysafecard; enter the digits when depositing and play without sharing any financial details.
Debit Cards
Several years ago, it became illegal to use a credit card to make payments to online casinos in the United Kingdom. Many players in the country turned to debit cards as their preferred method to fund their online casino accounts. A debit card is linked to a bank account and what sets it apart from a credit card is that you can only spend money you already have. Many players now have at least one debit card, and the process is just as smooth as using a credit card to make an online purchase.
Using a debit card is also the safest way to make a deposit. You must input your debit card number when you link it to your online casino account. In most cases, all your sensitive personal data will be stored as an encrypted file to optimize its security. It's crucial that you confirm that the online casino you want to share your personal and financial data with uses quality SSL data encryption.
You can use Visa, AMEX, Maestro, and Mastercard debit cards to make deposits at most top-rated casinos. After making your first debit card payment, you can make subsequent payments without entering your card details again. However, you will be required to input your security code to verify each deposit.
Bank Wire Transfer
Some players also utilize bank wire transfers for their casino payments. Banks generally don't have a problem transferring money from a client's account to an online casino since most are also their banking clients. Bank wire transfers are almost as secure as depositing money using a debit card. If you experience any problems with this payment, conduct your bank for assistance.
Remember that a bank wire transfer can take some time before the deposit is reflected in your casino account. You can opt for an instant bank transfer if you don't want to wait to play. You can access your bank account directly on your smartphone and transfer the money to the casino's account. The transaction will only take a few minutes to clear, and you can start playing.
E-Wallets
Over the last couple of years, e-wallets have become a well-liked payment option among players thanks to consistent innovation in the space. At the current growth rate, digital wallets are expected to go head-to-head with traditional payment options like debit cards soon.
Making casino payments using an e-wallet is also pretty safe. The most accepted e-wallet among top online casinos is PayPal, with more than 350 million users globally. Its broad user base makes it easy to send and receive money from other people almost anywhere globally. Make deposits using PayPal by linking it with your bank account.
Skrill is the most liked e-wallet after PayPal and has no technicalities for making payments to online casinos. In third place is Neteller, which also has a good reputation for simplicity. EcoPayz is another notable digital wallet launched in 2000 as EcoCard but rebranded to its current name in 2013. It offers fast deposits, breakthrough security features, and support for over 45 currencies.
Prepaid Cards
Although prepaid cards are not highly sought-after among casino users, they have a cult-like following among privacy-conscious players. Most prepaid cards offer unrivalled privacy as they prevent casinos from keeping the personal bank information of the player. The card is often loaded with cash upon purchase and used to make wagers anonymously.
The Paysafecard is a prepaid card widely used in the UK and Europe. Players can top up the cards at high street retailers and make payments safely in online casinos using a 16-digit code. A Paysafecard app for Android and iOS smartphones makes it easier to find a top-up location closest to you.
You can make payments from as low as £10 to as high as £1,000 by combining several Paysafecard codes. You can use part of a balance from one code to make a deposit and use the rest later. Moreover, the Paysafecard has a money-back guarantee, allowing players better control of their funds after they make a deposit to their online casino accounts.
How to Deposit at an Online Casino
The best online casino sites in the UK make it easy for you to deposit money using a wide range of banking methods. Follow these steps to transfer funds to your account:
- Go to the cashier section of the casino and select 'deposit'.
- Decide which payment method you would like to use to make your deposit. Remember most deposit methods must also be used as withdrawal methods to prevent money laundering.
- Check to see if there are any time restraints, fees or deposit limits attached to the method you've chosen.
- Enter all the relevant banking information, e-wallet address or voucher details.
- Enter the amount of money you wish to deposit. You can also enter any relevant promo codes to take advantage of a welcome bonus.
- Confirm all the information entered and click to complete the deposit.
Customer service
Generally speaking online casinos UK customer service has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. In particular since the UK Gambling Commission has started to enforce stringent standards within the industry. Many big names UK casinos, and in particular the ones featured below offer multiple ways of getting in touch with them.
Most online casinos now offer live chat, either by way of via their own platforms or using services like Facebook Messenger. Email and telephone support is also available, some online casinos offer this during UK working hours, others from about 9 am to 1 am (UK) time and a few 24 hours a day.
FAQ sections on their websites is becoming much better too. In fact, there is very little that you won't find in terms of answers to the questions you're most likely to have regarding bonuses, deposits, withdrawals, winnings, etc.
Online Casino Safety – UK Licensing and Audits
Earlier in our guide to the top 20 casinos the UK, we highlighted that we only analyse secure and licensed operators that encourage their users to gamble responsibly. As a top priority in this area, we always lookout for the seal of approval of the UK Gambling Commission, since it’s the most significant authority on the territory of the United Kingdom. As a British player, your primary concern is registering at online casino sites that hold a UKGC licence. Nevertheless, you also need to look out for fairness and randomness in the games, fair wagering requirements, as well as the presence of the logos of responsible gambling associations. Here, our experts will help you pinpoint every security measure you need to take before opting in at an online gambling site.
- Valid UKGC Licence
- Safe Casino Games with Fair Odds
- Technical Security and Data Protection
- Trusted Deposit & Withdrawal Options
- Accessible English Customer Support
- Responsible Gambling Partnerships
Usually, you can find all of the above information on the footer of the best UK online casinos. If you see the logos of agencies such as eCOGRA, GamCare, and GambleAware, that’s a clear sign that the operator is reliable. Since the gambling laws in the United Kingdom are stringent, the best casino sites take serious measures to prevent irresponsible gambling from their customers. You can get help from multiple organisations whenever you feel like real money gaming is getting the better of you. Of course, our team also supports this cause fully, and we’re encouraging you to stop playing when it stops being fun.
- BeGambleAware
- GamCare
- GamStop
- Gamban
While on the same train of thought, we must also mention the importance of cybersecurity when playing with real money on the Internet. We make sure that the recommended top 20 online casinos UK utilise the latest SSL encryption fully. Companies such as DigiCert are one of the industry leaders when it comes to cybersecurity. Furthermore, reliable customer support is also a must for the top UK casino sites. Every little form of gratitude towards the customers sticks with them and builds stronger relationships. That’s why even the smallest details count in the online gaming industry.
Live Casino: Real-Dealer Games & Platform Quality
The quality of the live lobby takes a central stage when we talk about real dealer gamification. It’s not a surprise that many UK gamblers prefer playing online casino games against professional dealers. Ever since the progress of live broadcast, this type of gambling has been attracting players who are fond of playing against real croupiers. The absence of lag and high table limits are the main qualities when shopping for live dealer games.
Essentially, each live table game is led by a professional croupier who accepts the bets of casino players within a specific time frame. The dealers usually are both men and women, but some casino operators rely on the presence of more female dealers. Typically, the croupiers are very attractive and friendly. They will greet you when you enter the game lobby and you can interact with them through the live chat option available at most of the best UK online casinos. Most commonly, punters have a countdown of 20-30 seconds to lay their bets between each round.
While there’s no limit to how many people can participate in live roulette at the same time, live blackjack tables work similarly to land-based counterparts. This means that if the total number of, let’s say, 8 seats are occupied, then you have to wait in the lobby. But that’s rarely an issue because there are dozens of high-quality games at the best UK live casinos, and you can always find a free spot. Most of the top UK casino sites offer the ‘bet behind’ option, to better the player experience for those who can’t find an open seat.
Mobile Casinos UK
The majority of the best casino sites UK have made its platform compatible with both desktop and mobile devices regardless of the operating system they are running on. That is why users can opt for the fully optimized mobile version of the online casino. Thus, playing a hand of Blackjack or indulging in several spins on the go is now possible wherever you are. It is also not uncommon to see stand-alone mobile apps that are compatible with iOS and Android phones. Mobile casinos have more than enough advantages that overshadow the few downsides they come with. Take a look at our pros and cons and compare them yourself.
Pros
- Instant access to a wide range of casino games with just one tap
- Optimized to fit the dimensions of your screen perfectly
- Excellent graphics and sound effects
- Most games are available in a free demo mode
Cons
- You require a stable Wi-Fi especially if you play in the Live Casinos
- Uses lots of MB of your Mobile Data
Online casinos and responsible gaming
Online casinos need to follow strict rules and regulations when in comes to responsible gaming. Some casinos handle this better than others and even hold it as a priority.
Usually the best casinos are the ones who take care of their customers. The ones who have the means to help you and actively do so. Just saying you can limit yourself just isn't enough.
For example, Kindred Group holds responsible gaming in high priority. They are actively trying to reduce their revenue from problem gaming to 0%. They plan on doing this by educating the players, investing in detection systems and by working with regulators to keep the markets healthy.
On a personal level, online casinos are a great place to have fun and play. They are not a place to try to fix your money problems. Gambling is a form of entertainment and not a solution to financial issues.
If you ever feel like gambling is no longer fun, then it is time to take a step back. Take a break, set limits or even use the self-exclusion feature. Only play with money that you can afford to lose. Play responsibly and play safely.
Random Number Generators
Sometimes referred to as an RNG, Random Number Generators are the computer systems used by online game developers to ‘ensure’ that games are as fair as possible.
The only thing is, they’re not really random. That’s not because casinos are cheating – they’d be shut down in no time if they were – it’s just that nothing is truly random when it comes to mathematics. 2+2 will always equal 4, so there’s only a certain extent to which the randomness of RNGs can be guaranteed.
You might be wondering why this matters, after all you don’t play a game called RNG so it’s not your problem. Except if you’ve ever played a game online without a human dealer then an RNG will have been deciding the outcome of every spin you made. Whether you’re talking about online bingo, blackjack, or slot machines, Random Number Generators are used to ensure that the outcome is as random as it is possible to artificially be.
Policing this comes down to the external companies that test the software involved in RNGs, they run countless tests and demo spins/hands to make sure that the RNG is working as it’s supposed to. Licensed casinos have their software checked on a regular basis, so while there might be an edge built in favouring the casino, the result of each game will be as fair as it can be.
FAQ about UK online casinos
Why does the casino ask me for documents, such as proof of address?
Since May 7th, 2019, all UKGC-regulated online casinos are required by law, as a minimum, before allowing players to gamble with them to verify their patrons' names, addresses, and dates of birth. Asking for documents is a normal, quick part of that process known as KYC (Know Your Customer).
Do gambling sites need a UK license?
UK gambling laws demand that an online casino has a UK online gambling license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) to welcome gamblers based in the UK. The UKGC licenses, regulates and advises those who offer gambling in the UK. To apply for a license, an iGaming company can find application forms on the Gambling Commission's website.
Are winnings originating from UK internet casinos taxable?
Winnings from gambling, including online casino sites, are usually exempt from taxation in the United Kingdom. However, it is always wise to speak with a tax expert or the UK tax authorities to establish your unique tax requirements.
Can you win money in online casinos?
Absolutely – millions of players around the world have played and won real money repeatedly.
The majority of online casino games are based 100% on chance, meaning there's no element of skill involved. These include online slot machines, scratch cards and online roulette.
Other games require a varying level of skill. Skill-based games include poker, sports betting and blackjack. However, even skill-based games have a built-in house edge. You can play them well, but the odds are still not in your favour. Never play with money you can't afford to lose.
Is online gambling legal in the UK?
Yes, gambling in the UK is 100% legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. British players can enjoy a wide variety of online real money games such as sports betting, lottery games, bingo, poker, slots, roulette, blackjack, and others.
Can I play free online casino games in the UK?
Yes, many online casinos in the UK provide free-play alternatives for their games. This enables you to test out the games before committing to playing with real money.
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