Your Trusted Choice for Online Casinos
Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, CasinoHawks is here to guide you to the best online casinos in the UK. With honest reviews and transparent information, we ensure you have everything you need to make informed choices about where to play. Learn how to spot elite UK casinos from unregulated sites with our expert guidance and support.
Responsible Gambling: Essential Tools and Resources
It’s important to take responsible gambling seriously and approach gambling with responsibility and awareness. Play within your limits, and remember that gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you ever feel that your gaming is becoming problematic or you’re losing control, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Set Limits Before Playing
Before you start, consider setting these gambling limits:
- Deposit limits: Restrict how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits: Set maximum loss thresholds to avoid overspending.
- Session limits: Limit the amount of time you spend gambling to prevent extended sessions.
Gambling Addiction Warning Signs
Recognising the early signs of gambling addiction is important. Some key gambling addiction warning signs according to GamCare include:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover money lost in previous bets.
- Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gambling, even outside of playing time.
- Escape: Using gambling as a way to avoid emotions or life stress.
- Withdrawal: Withdrawing from activities or social events you once enjoyed.
- Lying: Concealing the time and money spent on gambling.
Need Gambling Support? Get Help Now
If you’re struggling, there are charities and resources available to help:
- GamCare: Contact GamCare’s 24/7 helpline on 0808 8020 133.
- Gambling Therapy: Gambling Therapy offers free online support worldwide.
- GamStop: Visit GamStop for a free UK self-exclusion service.
- GambleAware: GambleAware provides tools and resources to support gambling addiction.
Remember, help is always available if you need it—play responsibly.
UK-Licensed Online Casinos: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Casino Sites
Our carefully selected UK online casinos all hold active licenses from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring they meet strict regulatory standards for player protection and fair gaming. Through extensive testing and verification, our team of gambling industry experts has evaluated each operator across multiple criteria, including security measures, responsible gambling tools, and transparent business practices.
The UKGC license (reference numbers verified for each operator) guarantees these platforms comply with the Gambling Act 2005, requiring robust age verification, secure payment processing, and fair game testing by independent bodies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs. Each recommended casino provides clear terms and conditions, comprehensive privacy policies, and essential responsible gambling features including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.
Note: Gambling involves risk. Always play responsibly and only with funds you can afford to lose. If you need support with gambling-related issues, contact GambleAware at 0808 8020 133.
1. LeoVegas
LeoVegas is a legitimate casino that’s home to a mobile-first website design, allowing UK players to easily access a wide selection of games from slots, table games, to live dealer games. LeoVegas also supports trusted payment options like Skrill and PayPal and bank cards.
UKGC Licence: LeoVegas Gaming PLC – Licence No. 39198
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing (average of 24 hours in our tests)
- ✔️ Average wagering requirement of 35x
- ✔️ 24/7 live chat support with response times within 5 seconds
- ✔️ Responsible gambling support and tools
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Limited selection of payment methods
- ✖️ Unclear terms in loyalty program for UK players
- ✖️ Game filtering feature for easy navigation
- ✖️ No telephone support available
2. Bet365
UKGC Licence: Hillside (Technology) Limited – Licence No. 38721
Bet365 is one of the UK’s trusted casino and sports betting brands with more than 2,000 games. Sports bettors can enjoy in-play betting and live streaming capabilities for seamless gaming experience. Here, bettors can enjoy premium slots, interactive poker rooms for Texas Hold’em or enjoy its exclusive titles.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Extensive selection of casino games and sports events
- ✔️ Live streaming features
- ✔️ User-friendly website
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing for e-wallets (average of 24 hours in our tests)
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Longer account verification process
- ✖️ Slower withdrawal processing for bank transfers
- ✖️ More structured VIP program
- ✖️ Better live chat response times
3. Coral
UKGC Licence: LC International Limited – Licence No. 54743
This casino boasts a variety of games, from slots, jackpots, live roulette, and Slingo. Coral also boasts a bingo and poker section, with regular live poker events. UK players can participate in the casino’s Coin Store, offering free spins, cash bonuses, and free bets. There’s a decent welcome bonus too, with players getting £30 when they deposit at least £10.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Accepts payments via e-wallets, cards, and bank transfers
- ✔️ Minimum deposit and withdrawal of £5
- ✔️ Transparent and clear T&Cs
- ✔️ Uses RNGs and 128-bit SSL encryption technology
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Slower withdrawal processing for VISA and MasterCard (up to 5 business days)
- ✖️ Lower maximum withdrawal amount (up to £5,000 only)
4. BetMGM
UKGC Licence: LeoVegas Gaming PLC – Licence No. 39198
BetMGM offers exciting games to UK players, including classic to modern slots, and live dealer games. Regular bettors can also earn loyalty points convertible to cash funds as part of its M Life Rewards loyalty program. Bet MGM also supports reliable payment options, including VISA, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing (average of 24 hours in our tests for e-wallets)
- ✔️ Safe and secure with encryption technology
- ✔️ More than 10 responsible gambling tools
- ✔️ High-quality games for casino and live dealer
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Slower response times for live chat service
- ✖️ Some bonuses restricted to limited games
5. William Hill
UKGC Licence: WHG (International) Limited – Licence No. 39225
At William Hill, new players can get 200 free spins for a minimum deposit of £10. William Hill offers Vegas-style casino gaming, from slots, poker, live dealer, to exclusives. Enjoy seamless casino experience with its downloadable app available on PlayStore or App Store.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Covers top-notch games from Netent and Evolution Gaming
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing (average of 24 hours in our tests)
- ✔️ Multiple contact channels, including live chat, phone, and email
- ✔️ Supports responsible gambling through partnership with GambleAware, GamStop
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Higher-than-average wagering requirements (40x to 50x versus industry standard of 35x)
- ✖️ Fewer promotions for casino games
- ✖️ Limited number of live dealer games
6. Casumo
UKGC Licence: Recro Limited – Licence No. 61549
Casumo Casino boasts more than 3,500 casino games from top-notch providers like Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play. New players at Casumo can enjoy welcome offers up to £100 and 50 free spins. The casino also supports secure payment options, including PayPal, VISA, Trustly, and Skrill.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Easy to navigate website
- ✔️ Fast withdrawals (average of 1 hour for e-wallets in our tests)
- ✔️ No withdrawal fees
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Higher-than-average wagering requirements (40x versus industry standard of 35x)
- ✖️ Slower response via live chat during peak hours
- ✖️ Limited selection of live casino game titles
7. Unibet
UKGC Licence: Platinum Gaming Limited – Licence No. 45322
Unibet delivers top-tier casino games, bingo and poker, and sports betting opportunities to UK players. New players can get different bonuses for sports and casino sections. Players can also enjoy these games from the comfort of their homes with its downloadable app for Android or iOS.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing (average of 12 hours in our tests)
- ✔️ User-friendly website interface
- ✔️ Low minimum deposit of £10
- ✔️ No-fee withdrawals
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Live chat support is slower than expected
- ✖️ Lacks game filter or search tools
- ✖️ Limited selection of live dealer games
- ✖️ Limited promotion and offers for live casino and pokers
8. Duelz
UKGC Licence: SuprPlay Limited Licence No. 48695
New players at Duelz get to enjoy a 100% welcome bonus of up to £100, with a minimum deposit of £20. You can choose from more than 2,000 casino games from popular providers, like Play’n GO, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. It also supports trusted payment options, including Trustly, PayPal, Rapid, Skrill, and Neteller.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ User-friendly interface
- ✔️ Gamification system through its Duel system
- ✔️ Lower wagering requirements of 30x
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Limited selection of payment methods
- ✖️ Slower response times for its live chat
- ✖️ Limited tools for responsible gambling
9. Betfred
UKGC Licence: Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited – Licence No. 39544
Betfred boasts high-quality games from reliable providers, including Microgaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. It offers exciting promotions, especially its 200 free spins offered to new UK players. You can also earn comp points the more you play real-money casino games.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Reliable and prompt payment processing
- ✔️ 24/7 live chat with response times under 1 minute
- ✔️ Generous welcome bonus of up to 200 free spins, £10 minimum deposit
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Slower withdrawal processing (average of 48 hours in our tests)
- ✖️ Limited number of live casino games
- ✖️ Higher-than-average wagering requirements (40x versus industry standard of 35x)
- ✖️ Limited banking options
10. Genting Casino
UKGC Licence: Genting Casinos UK Limited – Licence No. 537
As a leading UK casino brand, Genting Casino takes pride in its excellent game portfolio, which covers slot, table, and live casino variants. Renowned suppliers like Microgaming and Evolution Gaming back this casino. Genting Casino also supports quick payment options like Paysafecard, Trustly, Skrill, and Neteller.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Multiple contact channels (live chat, phone, and email)
- ✔️ Safe and secure payment options
- ✔️ Fast withdrawal processing (average of 24 hours in our tests)
❌ Cons
- ✖️ Higher-than-average wagering requirements (40x versus industry standard of 35x)
- ✖️ Limited number of game providers
- ✖️ Slower withdrawal processing for bank transfers (up to 48 hours)
Conclusion: Choosing a Safe UK Online Casino
Our gambling industry experts strongly recommend selecting casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. These licenses ensure crucial player protections that safeguard your personal and financial information.
Through our systematic evaluation process, we’ve identified significant risks with unlicensed operators: inadequate security measures, unverified game fairness, absence of dispute resolution, and predatory terms particularly regarding withdrawals. Based on documented player experiences and our direct testing, we’ve excluded numerous operators exhibiting these deficiencies.
Licensed operators must implement comprehensive responsible gambling tools, including mandatory age verification, self-exclusion options, and deposit limits backed by organisations like GamCare. We recommend selecting from our verified list of UK-licensed casinos, each having passed our 100-point assessment including real-money testing of the complete player journey.
Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling-related problems, free confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.
Use Our Free Tools to Navigate Swiftly Among UK Operators
CasinoHawks provides you with the tools and knowledge to help you choose casinos that guarantee fair, safe and exciting gaming experiences.
Filter through top UK casinos with confidence
There’s no need to browse endless casino sites. Get straight to the essentials with our casino reviews, tools, and guides.
Unbiased & transparent information
You can trust that all our information is spot-on and reliable. If you’re after honest and accurate details about the top online casinos, you’ve come to the right place.
Our slot reviews collection
Check out the crème de la crème of online slots, boasting striking graphics, riveting gameplay, and compelling storylines at the best online casinos. We’ve reviewed them for you.
Videos and guides
If you want to brush up on your slot skills at the best online casinos, check out our top videos and online playing guides for both pros and newbies, as well as our popular YouTube Channel.
Learn About More Casinos via Our Videos!
If you want to brush up on your slot skills at the best online casinos, check out our top videos and playing guides for both pros and newbies
Your Trusted Casino Experts
Since 2012, we’ve been proudly flying the flag for British casino players, giving you the inside scoop on all things casino. Owned by Game Lounge, we’re independent, unbiased, and committed to keeping you in the loop about the most trusted, UKGC-licensed casinos out there.
Our team of online casino experts brings decades of casino experience to the table. As a result, we can identify what makes the best online casinos stand out. We know that not all sites have equal services, bonuses, and gaming options. Every review you find here is fact-checked, thoroughly researched, and honestly rated by our skilled writers and reviewers.
From our writers to our content managers, every member of our team shares a passion for casinos and is dedicated to delivering the ultimate gaming experience.
You’ll find plenty of tempting features from casino brands, like exciting new games and enticing bonuses. But if you’re after a second opinion before diving in, our honest and transparent expert online reviewers are here to help.
| In 2023, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) stated that 2,343 gambling operators existed in the British market. |
Legality of Online Casinos in the UK
A quick way to recognise a legal UK gambling site is to check for its UKGC licence. With this verification, the best online casinos can offer real money bets and must protect your payments and personal data. Explore the ins and outs of UK casino legalities below.
- Regulations: The UKGC regulates all UK casinos to keep playing standards high and to prevent gambling issues or misuse.
- Gambling licences recognised in the UK: Under the Gambling Act (2005) all legal online betting sites must have a valid UKGC licence.
- Organisations: Reputable and authoritative UK gambling organisations include the UKGC and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
Things that make online casinos safe:
1. Safety of funds: Players will have many secure payment methods with minimum and maximum payments.
2. Security of personal information: By law, online casinos must keep your personal data safe.
3. Fairness of games: The best brands have a range of casino games from slots to poker.
- Unregulated and blacklisted casinos: Not every casino site is good and some are unsafe. If you are undecided about a betting site, avoid it.
- Responsible Gambling: Betting sites have safer gambling tools, like timeouts and reality checks, to prevent gambling addiction.
Why Should You Play Casinos Online?
| Online Casino | Land Based Casino | |
| Bonus available | Yes | No |
| Play anywhere | Yes | No |
| Play anytime | Yes | No |
| Wide game selection | Yes | Yes |
| Safety | Yes | Yes |
| DID YOU KNOW? | |
| Nearly 500,000 UK players used unlicensed sites in 2022. The amount staked at such platforms rose to billions of pounds between 2020 and 2022. |
Pick the best casino bonus
Whether you’re a new player or a returning customer, you can snag bonuses from the top online casinos. To make things easier, use our casino comparison tool to filter out the best casino bonuses that match your needs. Trying to get your head around wagering? We have even got a fantastic wagering calculator tool to make things crystal clear!
| Bonus | Advantages | How and Where to Get It |
| Free Spins | Get free spins on slots. | Free spins page |
| Welcome Bonuses | A reward for joining a site. | Welcome bonuses page |
| No Deposit Bonuses | A bonus that doesn’t require a deposit. | No deposit page |
| Promotional Offers | Limited-time promotions for big events. | Promotions page |
| New Casino Bonuses | Offers to attract new customers to a newly launched site. | New casinos page |
Don’t always rely on the bonus
Hold your horses! Not every UK casino bonus will suit your gaming preferences, especially if you have a particular betting strategy in mind. Sometimes it pays to do your research before diving straight in, so make sure to check the wagering requirements and bonus terms before opting in.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Manage Your Online Casino Account Properly
Once you’ve set up an account with a casino, just remember to keep your details current and give them a shout if you want to close your account. It’s all part of keeping your information secure and staying on top with the best casino sites.
Opening an account
Want to join one of the new or well-known UK casino sites? Follow these simple steps to get started.
- Check the T&Cs and ensure the site is right for you.
- Head to the provider’s homepage.
- Complete the registration form and any bonus code (if necessary).
- Next, verify your account and provide Know Your Customer (KYC) documents.
- Confirm your details and log in.
Are there No Account Casinos?
No account casinos are illegal in the UK. All licensed casino sites must follow the UKGC’s verification rules.
Deposit with the right casino payment method
Are you an e-wallet user or a debit card fan? The top online casinos offer many online casino payment options for UK players including the following.
| Popular Payments in the UK | Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time |
| PayPal | E-Wallet | Instant | Instant |
| Apple Pay | E-Wallet | Instant | Instant |
| Bank Transfer | Banking | Instant | 1-8 hours |
| Visa | Debit card | Instant | 1-8 hours |
| Neteller | E-Wallet | Instant | Instant |
Withdrawing your winnings in online casinos
Once you’ve got some dosh in your online casino account, you can easily withdraw your winnings by following these steps.
- Choose the withdrawal option: Login to your account. Then select your preferred method.
- Input amount: Enter the amount you want to withdraw. Make sure you meet the minimum or maximum amount.
- Confirm: Check your details are correct. Complete the transaction by confirming.
Choose Casino Games to Fit Your Style
Overall, you’ll find that the top online casinos offer a vast selection of games, including the latest slots, up-to-date table games, and even super creative gameshows.
Popular online casino games in the UK
New and experienced UK punters have grown to love online casino games in recent years. Following rapid growth in the online casino market, UK casino sites now offer many variations of the following games.
- Online slots
- Blackjack online
- Online roulette
- Poker online
- Online dice games
- Online baccarat
- Game shows
- Live dealer games
Casino game providers: Whose games should you play?
Some iGaming games providers carefully craft the top online casino gaming options for UK players. These industry leaders are pioneers and pave the way for the newest gameplay and graphics. Global bigwigs include Pragmatic Play, known for its extensive portfolio of slots, and Evolution, known for its top-tier live dealer games.
Most important terms in online casino games
Before you commit to slots, video poker, blackjack, or other games at the best casino sites, check out the following game functions.
- RTP (Return to Player): The number of times a game will return wins to a player, per 100 spins (e.g. 96% will, on average, return a win for every 96 bets out of 100).
- RNG (Random Number Generator): A random system of numbers that decides when a slot machine will pay out.
- Volatility: How frequently a game pays out to the player. The volatility levels are low, medium, and high.
- House edge: The percentage of profit the casino (or house) makes over a period. This is the leftover from the RTP, so a 96% RTP game means the house takes 4% profit.
What to Do If You Encounter Any Problems in Online Casino
Having ways to get in touch with a UK casino is crucial. Whether you run into issues with the site, your account, or bonuses, it’s essential to have reliable contact options. So, take a look at the contact methods and make sure you can reach the company swiftly before you sign up.
Most used methods of contacting customer support:
| Method | Pros | General Answer Time |
| Easy to use. Suitable for desktops. | 1 hour to 24 hours | |
| Phone | In-person contact. Fast responses. | Instant |
| Live Chat | Accessible on mobile. Quick response. | Instant |
| DID YOU KNOW? | |
| UKGC guidance has a three-step system for UK casino sites to follow when interacting with customers. The steps follow the Identify, Act and Evaluate process. |
The Wonderful World of the Best Online Casinos
You have learned the ins and outs of the best online casinos and, like our dedicated team, can now spot the good, the bad, and the ugly. When selecting a brand, use this guide and your own betting experiences.
With these two handy tools, you’ll be able to make a savvy choice about which betting site suits you best. And don’t forget to check out all the info about UK casinos before you decide. This way, you’ll be well-informed and make a well-rounded choice for your next betting adventure.