Our Team of Casino Experts is Here to Help!
Here at CasinoHawks, we’ve got a team of experts with decades’ worth of experience in the business. We’ve been working in the industry since 2015, and have kept up to date with all the changes in gambling legislation that have taken place over the years.
Add to this a balanced, critical but fair casino review process and we’re able to tell you exactly how the best casino sites compare, what makes them great and the types of players they suit.

The Legality of Online Casino in the UK
Online casino safety is not only our priority but a priority for lawmakers in the UK.
Thanks to the Gambling Act of 2005, all online betting and gaming activity has been tightly controlled for more than a decade.
Across the industry as a whole, there are various licencing bodies, including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curacao e-Gaming and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
Furthermore, under UK casino online legislation, all active operators must be licensed by the UKGC, irrespective of whether they have licenses elsewhere.
As such, any casino without a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is deemed illegal and, potentially, unsafe.
We only deal with regulated casinos.
Online Casino: Did You Know?
Did you know that regulated UK casino sites generate £3.2 billion in revenue each year? That’s more than online sports betting, online bingo, and land-based casinos!
Unique Restrictions around online casino in the UK
Over the years, the UK Gambling Commission has imposed market-specific restrictions that apply to all casinos and providers that cater to the UK market. The most important ones to keep in mind are:
- the requirement for casinos to keep players’ deposit balance separate from the bonus balance, and to allow players to withdraw their deposited amount at any time;
- a ban on gambling using any credit card;
- a ban on bonus-buy features in slot games
A Reputable License brings Safe Software, Safe Funds
Licensing is the first thing you should check when choosing a casino site.
This will tell you under what regulations the casino is operating and what kind of responsibility the licensing authority takes in a potential conflict between you and the casino.
Luckily for you, the UKGC is considered one of the best and safest gambling licenses.
Casinos operating under it are constantly monitored for fairness and it can even assist players in solving disputes with operators.
Licensed casinos also have to keep your money safe.
As per UK gambling regulations, player funds must be held in secure, segregated accounts.

Fair Online Casino Games
Does anybody actually win at these games?
That’s a common question when it comes to a casino site’s game fairness and the answer is yes!
The main regulatory guideline licensees have to follow in this regard is having a certificate provided by a third-party agency such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs.
These agencies test a provider’s random number generator (RNG) software for fairness.
They then issue a certificate and carry out further checks in the future.
If an operator doesn’t have a certificate, it won’t receive a UKGC licence.

Responsible Gambling Measures
The other main area under scrutiny by the UKGC is responsible gambling.
In its role as regulator, the agency wants to make sure you’re having fun and not getting in over your head.
To this end, it places restrictions on the products that UK licenced casino sites can offer, their advertising activities, their responsible online gambling tools and more.
By using unlisted or unlicensed casinos, you won’t get the benefit of these regulatory conditions.
Therefore, you run the risk of breaking the law, losing your funds or worse.
New to Online Casino? Here’s How to Get Started
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CASINO | 2. CLAIM A BONUS | 3. OPEN AN ACCOUNT |
4. PLACE A DEPOSIT | 5. CHOOSE A GAME | 6. COLLECT YOUR WINNINGS |
First Thing’s First: Here’s How You Choose the Right Casino
Choosing the casino that suits you the best is essential for the whole gambling experience.
You can rely on our online casino site reviews for the facts, but they won’t make the decision for you.
This is where you need to use your own judgement.
To help, here are the main points you need to consider.
1. Explore our casino reviews
Our casino reviews will tell you:
- Which casinos offer the best bonuses
- Which are the most popular online casinos in the UK
- Where it’s easiest to register a new account, play your favourite games and withdraw your winnings
- Who offers state-of-the-art customer service.
There’s no better way to separate the wheat from the chaff than by using our casino comparison tool. We review the most popular online casinos in the UK, whether they are based internationally, like LeoVegas and Rizk, or locally, such as the long-standing Betfred, Hippodrome Casino Online, and William Hill.
Best Overall UK Casinos
Rank | Online Casino Index | Overall Score |
---|---|---|
#1 | Mr Green | 94 |
#2 | Leovegas | 94 |
#3 | Unibet | 93 |
#4 | Party Casino | 92 |
#5 | PlayOjo Casino | 85 |
Our Casino Ratings are based on:
- Popularity of the casino
We take a close look at how popular the casino is across the UK market. If a casino has a large following, we can assume it’s popular among British players.
Best UK Casinos based on our Popularity score
Rank | Online Casino Index | Popularity Score |
---|---|---|
#1 | William Hill | 98 |
#2 | Betfred | 95 |
#3 | Ladbrokes | 95 |
#4 | Paddy Power | 93 |
#5 | Unibet | 92 |
- Terms & Conditions the casino has in place
No one wants to play at an online casino with high wagering requirements! The higher the wagering, the harder it will be to withdraw your winnings from the bonus.
There are also other terms that severely restrict the use of the bonus or the amount you can win from it. We choose the best bonus casinos while taking all of this into account.
Best UK Casinos based on our Terms and Conditions score
Rank | Online Casino Index | Terms Score |
---|---|---|
#1 | Paddy Power | 97 |
#2 | PokerStars | 96 |
#3 | PlayOjo | 95 |
#4 | Mr Green | 94 |
#5 | LeoVegas | 92 |
- Usability of their website
A good casino site will make its platform easy for players to navigate. Bonuses and promotions should be easy to access, as well as the site’s games and features.
Best UK Casinos based on our Usability score
Rank | Online Casino Index | Usability Score |
---|---|---|
#1 | PokerStars | 87 |
#2 | Videoslots | 86 |
#3 | Playzee | 85 |
#4 | 21.co.uk | 77 |
#5 | Skol Casino | 75 |
- How good is the casino’s Customer Service
Everyone runs into an issue or two at some point while playing at a casino site. It’s important to have a reliable support team players can reach out to whenever need be.
Best UK Casinos based on our Customer Service score
Rank | Online Casino Index | Support Score |
---|---|---|
#1 | LeoVegas | 94 |
#2 | Unibet | 93 |
#3 | Rizk Casino | 92 |
#4 | Mr Green | 94 |
#5 | Party Casino | 92 |
Other useful tips to keep in mind
Choosing an online casino site to sign up for is no easy task, especially with all your options in the UK!
Let’s take a look at other important factors you should think about when choosing the best casino sites in the UK.
- Look for casinos with low-wagering requirements bonuses
Every offer out there will have wagering requirements attached to it.
Every bonus will have a playthrough target that’s a multiple of the amount you receive.
For example, you might get £100 and have to wager 10X the amount (i.e. £1,000) before you can request a withdrawal.
Wager in this context means the sum of all your bets, irrespective of wins or losses.
Naturally, you want the playthrough to be as low as possible.
Use our Free Bonus Wagering Calculator tool to see how your casino bonus stacks up!
Some of the casinos with low-wagering requirement bonuses that we can recommend are: Party Casino, PokerStars Casino and Casino.com.
Party Casino | 10x wagering | Requirements apply to free spins winnings |
Mr Green Casino | 15x wagering on bonus & spins | 20 No Deposit Spins + 180 Bonus Spins |
PokerStars Casino | no wagering on spins! | 50 Free Spins with no wagering! |
- Find out which are the best payout casinos
Every casino game has a theoretical return rate known as an RTP (return to player).
Online casino games with a high RTP will potentially return a higher percentage of your initial stake as winnings, in theory, over a long period of time.
All games have to advertise their RTP score, so it’s easy to identify those with the best theoretical payouts.
The best payout casinos are those that offer a large number of high RTP games, as well as jackpot games that pay out huge amounts!
Factors like big bonuses, cashback and regular rewards also help increase a casino’s RTP rate.
- Look at the game options
Variety is the spice of life and, today, all the best online casino sites are packed with options.
Indeed, it’s rare to see a big name with fewer than 400 games.
At the top end, these casinos have upwards of 500 titles, including slots, table games and more: LeoVegas, Rizk Casino, Videoslots.
- You can play on your mobile!
With a smartphone in your pocket, that means you can play on-the-go.
When you’re choosing an online casino, make sure it has an app or an optimised website.
This not only gives you the option to play whenever and wherever you want, but it’s also a mark of quality.
William Hill Casino, Unibet, and Mr. Green, are well known for their efforts in optimising online casino games for mobile.
- The new kids on the block! Here are the New Online Casinos
It’s easy for big brands to rest on their laurels.
This means new casino sites often come in all guns blazing.
Because they need to make an impact, they’ll try to offer bigger bonuses, more games or some unique features that set them apart from the crowd.
- Want to feel like a VIP at ?
If you’re going to spend time and money at a site, you want to know that effort is appreciated.
VIP schemes are an operator’s way of saying thank you and giving something back.
A great example is the LeoVegas loyalty scheme, which not only gives you bonuses credits and extra bonuses but entry to prize draws where you can win iPads and more!
One other tip to keep in mind!
Due to the responsible gambling and AML restrictions in the UK, some casinos no longer have an invite-based VIP Program open to British players.
However, you can always check out a casino’s loyalty scheme instead. This kind of scheme is usually open to all players who wager real-money, and involves collecting points and climbing up various levels to unlock different rewards.
Check out Voodoo Dreams Casino for an excellent example of such a loyalty scheme.
Why play online?
Online Casino | Land-based casino | |
---|---|---|
Get regular bonuses | ✓ | ✗ |
Play anywhere | ✓ | ✗ |
Play anytime | ✓ | ✗ |
Wide game selection | ✓ | ✗ |
Safe & secure | ✓ | ✓ |
Did you know?
A lot of UK casino sites offer new players no deposit bonuses that they can use on selected slots. This gives them a chance to win real money without any risks.
Picking a Bonus
Bonuses will vary from site to site.
However, there are fundamental categories that all the best promos fall into.
Here’s how to choose a bonus that suits you the best:
Bonus | Pros | How/where to get it |
---|---|---|
Free Spins | Play rounds without betting your money | Free Spins Offers |
Welcome Bonus | An instant bankroll boost | Welcome Bonus Offers |
No Deposit Casino Bonus | You get it without paying anything! | No Deposit Bonus Offers |
Promotions | More Bang for Your Buck | See Promotions |
New Casino Bonus | Bigger bonuses! | New Casinos List |
Wager-free Bonuses – the UK’s favourite bonus!
Smart UK players are always on the lookout for casino bonuses with no wagering requirements.
These types of bonuses are getting increasingly popular in the UK, and are on offer at casinos like PlayOjo, PokerStars and Paddy Power.
Usually, wager-free bonuses involve a set of free spins with no wagering requirements, which are awarded to players on deposit.
Free Spins: A Great Way to Try Out a Slot Game?
Free spins are, as you’d expect, free bets on an online slot machine.
You complete X task and receive Y spins.
Whatever you win from Y spins will be subject to Z wagering requirement.
In recent years, cash spins or wager-free spins have also become popular.
This type of slot bonus allows you to win and withdraw your cash instantly.
No Deposit Bonuses: Free Funds to Play With
At some casinos, you’ll get a No Deposit Bonus without adding funds to your account.
To claim one, you’ll have to complete some sort of task, such as registering for an account at a UK casino site.
A thing to remember: No-deposit promotions still come with wagering requirements, so in order to withdraw any wins you will have to make a deposit at some point.
Welcome Bonus: The Casino’s way of saying “Welcome to the Club”!
Welcome bonuses are only available to new customers creating their first (and only) account at a casino.
The term “welcome bonus” can include no deposit bonuses, free spins, and anything else an operator deems attractive.
This is a great way to start your experience on a site because it gives you an instant bankroll boost.
Casino Promotions: More Bang for Your Buck!
Promotions are what you can get as a registered customer.
If the welcome bonus sets you off on a journey of added value, promotions keep you ticking over.
The main concept you need to grasp is that they’ll change on a regular basis and you’ll have to complete a task (make a deposit or opt-in) to get them.
Different times of the year might incite casinos to release special promotions, like in the case of Christmas.

New/Latest Casino Bonuses
New casinos usually offer bigger welcome bonuses and better promotions!
Even when you might not be able to get the latest casino bonus for new customers if you are not one, you will be able to pick up new promotions every month.
Casino Bonuses: Did You Know?
More and more casinos are now offering wager-free bonuses these days, which means you can withdraw your rewards without hitting any playthrough targets.
Don’t want to choose a bonus? No problem, that’s also a smart move!
Going without a bonus is an entirely valid option, particularly when wagering requirements are extremely high (anything above 35x).
In this case, it’s smarter to go ahead without picking a bonus as otherwise, this means that you’ll have to use whatever winnings to place more bets and, therefore, risk losing it all.
In this case, no bonus is the smarter move.
Picked the Bonus You Want? Here’s How to Open an Account
A short recap of how you open an account with a UK casino site will always come in handy.
Regardless of whether you are already familiar with them, it’s worth remembering these simple steps:
- Check the Casino Requirements
- Visit their Registration page
- Make Sure You Opt-In
- Submit Your Contact Details
- Read the Verification Email or SMS
- Confirm Your Account Details
What is a No-Account Casino?
A “no account” casino doesn’t require you to register before making a deposit.
Instead, the operator takes details from payment processors to verify your identity. This means that you can find a “no account” casino, make a deposit and start playing immediately.
Such sites aren’t usually licenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). However, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) does regulate a number of “no account” casinos in countries such as Germany, Finland, and Sweden.
Topping Up: How to Make a Deposit
To make a deposit all you have to do is follow some simple steps.
- Complete Registration
- Log in to your Casino Account
- Choose ‘Deposit’ from the Menu (this is typically found on the top right of the screen, or under the ‘Banking’ menu’)
- Specify the amount you’d like to deposit.
- Choose your preferred payment method.
Payment methods: What is the Best Option for You?
There are plenty of perfectly safe and secure casino payment options at casino sites.
The one you choose will depend on your preference but there are some relative strengths and weaknesses you can use to guide your decisions.
- If you travel abroad and play at casino sites from time to time, make sure that the payment method you prefer use is available on your selected casino site.
- Make sure to use the same method when you deposit and withdraw funds, to avoid any inconveniences.
- Have a look at the possible fees you might get charged when using a specific payment method.
- Check if the bonus offered at the casino site where you are playing isn’t tied to a particular payment method.
- Consider creating a payment account specifically dedicated to playing.
- Check if the casino uses the proper security protection when proceeding to make a transaction.
Most Popular Payment Methods in the UK
- VISA Debit: One of the most popular gambling payment methods for British players
The VISA card is still the most popular payment option in the UK today. Despite the credit card ban, most British players use their VISA debit card to make casino deposits and withdrawals.
Payment Method | Type | Withdrawal Transaction Fees | Average Withdrawal Time |
---|---|---|---|
Visa Debit | Debit Card | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Mastercard Debit | Debit Card | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Maestro | Debit Card | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Paysafecard | Prepaid card | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
PayPal | Payment System | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Trustly | Payment System | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Neteller | Payment System | 2 % | 3-5 Days |
Skrill | eWallet | 2 % | 1-2 Days |
Debit Cards
Debit cards are the most popular payment methods when it comes to paying online.
Almost all casinos accept Visa and MasterCard, including all the big names like LeoVegas, Unibet Casino, Ladbrokes, Genting Casino Online and others.
What’s more, it’s easier to claim a casino bonus if you deposit with a debit card, since most online casino sites exclude e-wallets from their bonus offers!
E-wallets
If you’re looking for a fast processing time and secure payments, PayPal, Skrill and other e-Wallets should be your go-to methods.
Most casinos offer a range of e-Wallet payment options, including Mr Green Casino, Spinyoo Casino and Parimatch Casino.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and others offer a decentralised way to pay.
The appeal of crypto casino payments is the fact they’re not tied to one region and are largely anonymous.
Accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method in the UK is not illegal.
However, the restrictions imposed by the UKGC make it almost impossible for UK-licensed casinos to accept this form of payment at this time.
Mobile Apps
This is a novel deposit method that allows you to make deposits using your phone bill/credit.
The main benefit is that you don’t need to make deposits directly from your bank account.
Whether you choose Boku, Payforit or another Pay by Phone method, there will always be a casino that accepts these methods, like SpinzWin and Monster Casino.
Casino Payment Methods: Did You Know?
Did you know that the average processing time for online casino withdrawals is 24 hours? However, some sites process payments in less than five hours. Check out our Instant Withdrawal Casino Guide here.
Casino Games in the UK: Which Games Best Suit You?
Casino games come in all shapes and sizes. However, before you can make an informed choice, you need to know what your options are.
So, without further ado, here are the hot options:
- Online Slots
- Online Blackjack
- Online Roulette
- Online Baccarat
- Game Shows
- Live Dealer or RNG
- Online Casino Tournaments
Online Casino Slots: the most beloved casino game in the UK!
Slots are the simplest and entertaining casino games online. This may be one of the reasons why they are the most popular among British players.
In fact, according to Industry Statistics published by the UKCG, slots contributed to 69.7% of remote gambling GGY between April 2019 and March 2020.

Slots: When You Just Want to Jump into the Action
Slots are the slickest and quickest games at any UK casino site.
Join any licenced casino and there will be hundreds of online slot machines.
Thanks to their multiple paylines, slot games offer a good chance of winning small sums regularly.
With their varying volatility levels, slots can entertain different playing styles.
Would you like a shot at that huge payout? Play a high volatility slot such as Great Rhino Megaways!
Or would you rather pick small wins regularly? Choose a low volatility title – such as Starburst.
And if you get bored of the same old slots, there are always new online slots to try out every month!
What are Online Slots?
Online casino slots are games of chance where the only move you have to make is press the spin button.
Once you’ve set your bet, you hit the spin button and a set of reels will spin.
These reels are filled with symbols and, if you can match three or more across an active payline, you’ll win a prize.
Extra features like wilds, respins and free spins will help you land mins more often once you hit them!
Why Play Slots Online?
Well, the average spin time is around three seconds.
This means you can complete hundreds of rounds per hour if you wish.
The other major benefit of slots is that you can potentially win a lot from a small stake.
Many of the most popular slots allow you to play from as little as £0.01 and win more than £100,000!
Not impressed?
With progressive slots, the wins can reach millions!
The Mega Moolah progressive jackpot currently stands at over £3.28 million.
The same title is also responsible for paying out the biggest ever win on an online slot machine – £13,209,300!
Which Type of Slot is the Best for You?
We’ve outlined what slots are and why they’re popular.
But, what’s available out there?
Below is a list of slot types, and each of them is linked to a whole new page about the specifics of a listed game.
- 3-Reel Slots – keeping things simple!
- 5-Reel Video Slots – dozens of differently-themed games to choose from
- Fruit Slots – the modern descendants of physical slot machines?
- Progressive Jackpot Slots – if you dare to dream big!
- Megaways Slots – discover a thrilling game engine!
- Hold & Win Slots – play the top slot games with the newest feature!
Highest RTP Slot Games
Game | RTP | Features |
---|---|---|
Mega Joker (NetEnt) | 99% | A x2000 max win and an exciting bonus round make this title a must-try if you like classic slots. |
Ooh Aah Dracula (Barcrest) | 99% | A rare combination between Medium Volatility and a very high RTP. |
Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) | 98.86% | Old school theme combined with a x6000 max win. |
1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick) | 98.60% | A 41.2% hit frequency and an expanding wild feature. |
Blackjack: The Game Where the Odds Can Be in Your Favour
Slots are the most popular casino game in the world but Blackjack is the connoisseur’s choice.
What is online Blackjack?
Online blackjack is a straight battle between you and the dealer.
You both start with two cards and the aim is to get as close to a total of 21 without going over.
However, what’s unique about blackjack is that it allows you to improve that edge with the right moves at the right time.
Why play Blackjack?
Playing Blackjack can be both a fun and rewarding experience!
Which Type of Blackjack is the Best for You?
There are various types of blackjack.
Some follow a traditional format; others add something extra to the mix.
A few of the top options online are:
- Live Dealer Blackjack (various tables available)
- Live Common Draw Blackjack
- Classic Blackjack
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Blackjack Party
Find out more about Blackjack on our Blackjack page.
Blackjack variants with the highest RTP:
Game | RTP | Pros |
---|---|---|
Blackjack Charlie 7 | 99.84% | You win even if you draw 7 cards without busting the 21 limit |
Single Deck Blackjack | 99.75% | Less 10 value cards to hit |
Atlantic City Blackjack | 99.65% | Late surrender is allowed in this game |
Blackjack Surrender | 99.62% | You can return your cards to the dealer in exchange for new ones |
Roulette: High Risks, High Rewards
Roulette is a simple prediction game.
What is Online Roulette?
A wheel with numbered pockets is spun and it’s your job to predict where the ball will land.
As well as betting on individual numbers (0-36), you can bet on categories such as 1-18 or red/black.
For example, betting on red means you cover every number with a red background (that’s a total of 18 numbers).
If you want to play for bigger rewards, you can be more specific and bet on single numbers.
Why Play Roulette?
Roulette has many different variants and it’s all about finding the one that is best for you. Either way, playing Roulette can be as fun as it is rewarding.
Roulette variants
Some of the most popular online Roulette types in the UK are:
- European Roulette
- American Roulette
- French Roulette
- Speed Roulette
- Lightning Roulette
- Double Ball Roulette
Roulette games with the highest RTP:
Game | RTP | Pros |
---|---|---|
No Zero Roulette | 100% | There are no Zeros in this game and no house edge |
French Roulette | 98.65% | This variant has one Zero and two rules that lower the house edge |
European Roulette | 98.37% | Similar to French Roulette, but without the additional rules |
Multi-Wheel Roulette | 97.30% | You can place a safe bet on different wheels at the same time |
Lightning Roulette | 97.30% | Randomly-generated “Lucky numbers” will give you a 50x to 500x multiplier |
Double Ball Roulette | 97.30% | You can play with 2 balls instead of just one |
Baccarat: The James Bond Experience
Baccarat is a casino game that novices often avoid because it looks complicated.
However, when you peel back the layers, it’s actually a simple and entertaining table game.
The aim in Baccarat is to predict which hand will hit a total closest to nine (or nine exactly).
At the start of the round, you can choose to bet on the “player” or the “banker”.
The beauty of baccarat online is that the house edge is low.
It’s not quite as low as blackjack but, if you know the stats, it’s actually possible to reduce the casino’s advantage.
Baccarat Games to Play Online
The most popular Baccarat games include:
- Speed Baccarat
- Baccarat Control Squeeze
- Dragon Tiger Baccarat
- No Commission Baccarat
Baccarat games with the highest RTP:
Game | RTP | Pros |
---|---|---|
Speed Baccarat | 98.94% | A fast-paced game where each game round is completed in a suspense-packed 27 seconds. |
Baccarat Control Squeeze | 98.94% | Keeps the action flowing while delivering maximum suspense and authenticity. |
Live Baccarat Macao | 98.94% | Fantastic range of in-game features, allowing players to make a more informed decisions |
Casino Game Shows: Are They Really Worth the Hype?
Live game shows have become all the rage in recent years.
Taking the technology used to bring live dealer games to life, these games put you in the hot seat.
What are Live Casino Game Shows?
Live game shows are a combination of entertainment, betting and uncertain outcomes.
Some of the most popular titles today are: Crazy Time, Deal Or No Deal Live and Monopoly Live!
In essence, they’re hybrids that take the best of TV game shows and casino games.
This is what makes them so popular – you can have some fun regardless of how skilled or experienced you are.
Live Dealer Casino or RNG Games?
By combining webcams, RFID sensors and some slick digital software, game studios such as Evolution Gaming have taken things to a new level.
What’s more, because you can see the action play out in real-time, there’s no need for random number generators (RNG) in most live casino games.
Live Dealer tables | RNG tables | |
---|---|---|
Action plays out in real-time | ✓ | ✗ |
Games are more immersive | ✓ | ✗ |
Social element / live chat | ✓ | ✗ |
Faster rounds | ✗ | ✓ |
More affordable betting limits | ✗ | ✓ |
Can be played for free | ✗ | ✓ |
Best Live Casino Games
Every leading UK online casino will offer a selection of live casino games.
Some of the most popular are:
Online Casino with Live Roulette
Live Roulette ticks over a healthy pace as you’ll often have around 60 seconds to make a bet.
In addition to European tables, you can play Immersive Roulette, which uses multiple camera angles, Speed Auto Roulette and Lightning Roulette, where bonus wins can top 500 times your bet.
Live Baccarat
All of your favourite Baccarat variants will be available in a live setting.
As well as Classic Baccarat, Dragon Tiger and Speed Baccarat, you can now play Lightning Live Baccarat and win prizes worth up to 512 times your bet.
Live Blackjack
Live Blackjack tables are the most diverse.
Standard formats such as Vegas rules are joined by modern offerings such as Blackjack Party, Infinite Blackjack, and Power Blackjack.
Feeling Competitive? Take Part in Online Casino Tournaments!
For a gaming experience that goes beyond the norm, online casino tournaments are a fantastic choice.
Available at most of the top-rated UK casino sites, tournaments pit you against other players in a race to earn points.
Slots are most commonly used for this type of thing and the aim is to play for a certain amount of time and earn points based on the number of wins you hit.
At the end of the competition, the players with the most points share some prize money.
Slots & Casino Games: Did You Know?
The World Record Win in Online Slots happened in January 2013, when a Finnish man won €17,861,800 by betting only 25 cents on Mega Fortune Slot.
How to Withdraw Your Winnings from Casino Sites
When all the hard work is done and it’s time to reap the rewards, the withdrawal button is your friend.
As we’ve noted, online casino legislation in the UK dictates that your funds are held in secure, segregated accounts.
Also, all wins are guaranteed.
So, if there’s £1,000 in your account, the operator is obliged to honour that amount at any time.
Finally, cashouts must be done via a safe payment processor and in a timely manner.
To facilitate this, you need to be aware of the following:
1. Wagering Requirements
If you have an active bonus, you may not be able to make a withdrawal.
If you choose to forgo the bonus and ignore the wagering requirements, you can make a withdrawal but you will lose your bonus.
That is happening because every bonus comes with a price.
For example, if you get a £10 bonus with wagering requirements of 10x, it means that you have to spend 10 times £10, (£100), if you want to withdraw your winnings.
This is also the reason why in some cases playing without a bonus can be a smart move.
2. Withdrawal Limits
All legit casino sites will have minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.
The average minimum for UK licenced casino sites is £10.
At the top, you should be able to withdraw upwards of £20,000 with a single transaction.
There are ways to withdraw more on request.
3. Time Limits
Online casino deposits are processed instantly but withdrawals aren’t because of financial money laundering rules.
All requests have to be screened by a security team/software.
This usually takes 24-48 hours.
Once the request has been cleared, the processing time depends on the method you’ve used.
e-Wallets take a few hours while bank transfers can take a couple of days.
4. Account Limits
To help control your spending, all licenced UK casino sites offer the possibility of setting account limits.
These can be applied to deposits, withdrawals and bet amounts.
5. Security Checks
Before your first withdrawal request is processed, casinos will ask you to confirm your identity.
You’ll do this by submitting an official form of ID for review, and sometimes even a photo of a credit card (with some digits and the CVV code hidden from view)
Problems? What to do if you encounter issues at an Online Casino
There may be times when you need help and support.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you may have some questions.
For all of the issues you need to address, a strong customer support network is necessary.
Most popular means for contacting a casino’s customer support:
Method | Pros | Avg. Answer Time |
---|---|---|
Free, ideal for issues where you don’t need to reply instantly You can usually attach files or images Good for inquiries that need an ampler reply | 24-48h | |
Phone | Talk to a real human being Whenever you can’t type, Perfect when you’re on the go | 15 min |
Live Chat | Write to a real human being Most efficient way to get a problem fixed Free of fees | 1-10 min |
If you still can’t get the answer, try the following methods:
FAQ
There are common issues that crop up time and time again.
The largest UK casino sites know this, which is why they compile FAQ databases complete with step-by-step guides.
Social Media
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have become particularly useful in recent years.
The best casinos online now have dedicated social media teams that not only post the latest offers but answer questions both in public and via direct messages.
Send a Letter
If you’re a bit old fashioned, you can send a letter.
If the casino doesn’t list its address, you can get its details via the UKGC’s database.
Forums
People power is another great way to get help online.
There are plenty of casino forums out there filled with experts.
Tapping into the knowledge of others is a great way to get help and learn how to be a better player in general.
What if customer support can’t help with my request?
Although rare, this is a possibility. So what’s left for you to do?
In case you cannot solve the problem you came across while playing and customer support is nowhere to be found, you can always turn to authorities.
All Gambling Authorities in UK have their pages ready for players’ complaints:
- UK Gambling Commission – here
- Malta Gaming Authority – here
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission – here
As always, a healthy start in avoiding any unpleasant situations is to pay attention to the “Support” casino score on our reviews.
It’s the easiest way to identify the most helpful casinos!
Can You Improve Your Chances at Online Casino Games?
Even if you control as many variables as possible, there are always going to be things out of your control.
However, that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind.
Small Tips: Big Improvements
If you focus on getting the basics right, you’ll give yourself a better shot when it comes time to play:
1. Collect the Best Bonuses … or don’t
Online casino bonuses are good if you just started but they shouldn’t be used as a safety net.
They’re ideal for trying out a new casino or a new game or for testing a new Roulette strategy.
Will they completely cancel out your losses?
No. However, you can use them to get a head start or get familiar with what a casino offers.
2. Pick the Right Games
Some people do better with slots, others will thrive at blackjack.
Online casino gaming is all about finding what works best for you.
Which game/s do you enjoy the most?
Which type of decisions are you best at making?
Which games have the best payout rates?
You need to consider things like this before choosing a game.
3. Read Our Reviews
Knowledge is power.
Our online casino site reviews give you all the information you need to make informed decisions.
As well as reading them in isolation, use them to compare UK casino sites.
4. Practice with Free Games
Demo games can be a great way to hone your skills and have some fun for free.
Due to UK gambling regulations, you have to be registered with a UK casino site before you can try demo games.
After that, you can play all slot games and most table games for free and for as long as you’d like to, with the exception of live dealer tables.
5. Watch out for the RTP at Gambling Sites
Another way you can improve your potential win rate is to look at a game’s return to player (RTP).
This is the percentage return of investment from your original stake that you may receive over an infinite number of trials.
It’s important to note that RTP scores are theoretical and anything can happen in the short-term.
However, games with high RTP scores should, in theory, offer better long-term potential versus games with a lower RTP score.
Casino Games with the Highest RTP:
Game | Avg RTP | Pros |
---|---|---|
Blackjack | 99% | If you master blackjack strategy, you can reduce the house edge downup to1 99% in some variants in some casinos. |
Baccarat | 98% | European Baccarat has an RTP of 98.99% |
Roulette | 95% | Different roulette variants offer a diverse range of RTPs |
Slots | 90-98% | Slot games can have additional cumulative jackpots, boosting RTP |
Watch the Volatility
Volatility refers to the frequency and size of payouts!
RTP will always be whatever it’s designed to be.
If two games have an RTP of 96% but one is high volatility and the other is low, the results will always converge at the same point.
However, in the high volatility game, you’ll typically wait longer between wins but each one will be more lucrative.
Low volatility casino games tend to pay out smaller prizes more frequently.
Be aware of the House Edge at Gambling Sites
House edge is the very opposite of RTP.
It refers to the advantage a casino has in a particular scenario.
For example, if the house edge is 2%, it means the casino will win 52% of the time, and you’ll win 48% of the time (in theory).
Like RTP, the house edge is calculated over an infinite number of rounds.
So, you could win more or less often in the short-term.
Advanced Game Strategies: Ready for the Next Level?
Online casino game guides can give you a better understanding of the concepts we’ve outlined and, more importantly, how you can apply them in specific situations.
The UK Casinos That Made Millionaires
We know that RTPs, volatility and house edge all exist.
We should also point out that, while there are no set rules for what these scores should be, the UKGC expects licenced casinos to offer fair odds.
Assuming they do this, you’ve always got a chance of winning big.
In fact, since the early 2000s, there have been some mega winners online.
The biggest of all was an anonymous player from Belgium who won a colossal €19.4 million on Microgaming title Absolootly Mad™ Mega Moolah in 2021.
RTP, House Edge, and Volatility: Did You Know?
There are certain bets in craps that have a house edge of zero. When you make “odds” side bet, the house edge is 0%, which means the casino doesn’t have an advantage.
Game Providers: Who Makes Your Favourite Games?
Behind every great online casino is an equally great network of developers.
By using third-party software providers, casinos are able to offer more games and more variety.
Most popular game providers in the UK
There are dozens of game studios and providers out there, but some are more popular among UK players than others. These include:
- Microgaming – the provider behind Mega Moolah, and hundreds of other slots!
- Play N Go – the developer who created Book of Dead, Reactoonz and other slot favourites
- Playtech – the provider behind the Age of the Gods jackpot series
- NetEnt – the creator of the ever-popular Starburst, Blood Suckers and Divine Fortune
Game Providers based in the UK
There are a couple of game studios that are based right in the UK, and whose games have gained considerable popularity over the years. Two providers to keep an eye on are:
Blueprint Gaming – a very creative game studio whose offices are located in Newark. This is the provider behind the popular Fishin Frenzy and Temple of Treasures Megaways.
SG Gaming – this provider is located in Oldham, UK, and offers both game terminals for land-based casinos as well as online slot games. Some of its most loved slots include the Rainbow Riches series of slots, which are developed by Barcrest, a brand that was acquired by SG Gaming in 2011.
Who Provides the Best Online Slots?
Some of the best online slot providers in the business are:
NetEnt
NetEnt owns a progressive jackpot network that has paid out tens of millions in prizes since it started.
And up until this day, this provider continues to release new online slots every month.
Some top NetEnt slots include Bloodsuckers, Jack Hammer and Twin Spin.
Microgaming
One of the first online slot makers, Microgaming is behind mega-hits such as Immortal Romance and the progressive jackpot game Mega Moolah.
Playtech
Another long-serving slot game developer, Playtech is known for creating games that form part of an ongoing series such as the Age of the Gods jackpot series.
Yggdrasil
Perhaps the most creative online slots company out there, Yggdrasil pushes the boundaries of innovation with the likes of Vikings Go to Hell and Jackpot Raiders.
Big Time Gaming
The company behind Megaways, Big Time Gaming has revolutionised online slots with its dynamic payline system that offers up to 117,649 ways to win.
Red Tiger
If you like Asian-themed slot games, Red Tiger hits such as Path of Destiny and Dragon’s Luck are perfect. This provider has also come up with thrilling Must-Drop Jackpot games that are guaranteed to pay out by a certain time!
The Stars behind Popular Live Casino Games
We know the best of the best when it comes to live casino, but who makes the industry’s most unique gems?
Best Providers for Baccarat
Evolution provides some of the best online baccarat options via its live tables, such as the original Dragon Tiger, a cool baccarat variant played between the ‘Dragon’ and the ‘Tiger’!
Who’s Behind the Best Live Roulette tables?
Evolution, Playtech and NetEnt produce some of the best online roulette games, including Lightning Roulette, Double Ball Roulette and Quantum Roulette.
The Names Behind the Best Live Blackjack Tables
NetEnt’s live blackjack tables are great.
As well as traditional games, variants such as Live Common Draw Blackjack and Blitz Blackjack bring something new to the table.
Who Makes the Best Game Shows?
Evolution Gaming is the leading live casino developer.
Alongside the standard game, this company has pioneered game shows and exotic options such as Dream Catcher, Mega Ball and Crazy Time.
Game Providers: Did You Know?
The rise in popularity of Live Casino games can also be reflected in the stock price of the biggest providers. Evolution, the biggest of them all, saw a 49% improvement in sales compared to the last 12 months and is now forecasting revenues of €728.8m in 2022.
Online Casinos Should Be Fun: Play Responsibly
Casino gaming is meant to be fun.
When you strip away the bets, the potential prizes and everything else, the thing you’re left with is entertainment.
If you’re not enjoying yourself, you shouldn’t play.
If you do decide to play, play responsibly.
Are You Gambling Too Much?
Everyone has their own limits but ask yourself one simple question: am I thinking more about gambling than anything else?
If you’re putting other things on hold to play casino games, you’re playing too much.
Some of the common signs of gambling addiction are:
- Spending more time and money than you can afford
- Not knowing when to stop/not being able to stop
- Losing or straining relationships
- Anxiety about playing or not playing
- Hiding things from your family and friends
- Needing to gamble more/larger amounts to get that “buzz”
What Help Can You Get?
There is plenty of help available if you feel like gambling has become a problem.
All regulated UK casinos have onsite help.
Additionally, you can set account limits and self-exclude from a site temporarily or permanently.
Finally, you can get help from independent organisations, including:
What’s next? Discover the best online casino for you!
Now that you have all the means and resources to thrive, UK casinos are ready for you!
By reading our casino reviews, assessing all the offers on the table and following the advice in this guide, you should be equipped to play responsibly and get the most from your time online!