Licensing & Regulations in the UK
All the casinos operating in the United Kingdom have to own a licence issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. This applies to both land-based gambling halls and online casino sites.
UKGC is one of the strictest casino licensing authorities and guarantees both players’ safety and casino fairness.
Tip!
When possible, opt for a gambling site that owns more than one licence, as it had to undergo multiple verifications to obtain them!
To obtain a UKGC licence, operators have to meet important criteria such as:
- Have a clear ownership structure
- Be competent and have integrity
- Have no links with crime
- Keep the players’ funds separated from the casino’s
- Have enough finances to pay out players’ winnings
In addition to these and a variety of other rules and requirements to meet, operators also have to pay high application and annual fees.
UK Gambling Laws and Regulations
The Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 allowed for the first casino to open in the United Kingdom in the following year. This Act’s strict rules were revised and changed in 2005, making it fully legal for UK residents to gamble in land-based and online casinos.
Here are the regulations operators and gamblers need to follow:
- The minimum age required to gamble legally in the United Kingdom is 18.
- The minimum age for football pools, lotteries, and some scratch cards is 16.
- Players pay no tax on their winnings, but all operators pay 15% tax on all their profits obtained from services offered to UK residents.
- To operate legally, casinos must own a UKGC licence and comply with advertising standards imposed by ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) and the UKGC.
Why It’s Important to Play at Licensed UK Casinos
Joining a fully-licensed online casino in the United Kingdom provides you with the highest safety for your personal information and funds. In addition, it offers you the certainty that the casino, its rules and requirements, terms and conditions, and games are all fair.
To further understand the importance of only gambling on licensed casino sites, let’s take a look at how they compare to unlicensed casinos!
Licensed casinos vs. unlicensed casinos
Licensed casinos | Unlicensed casinos |
Operator is unable to control the games’ outcome or your likelihood of winning during a gambling session. | The RNG of the games can be illegally influenced by the operator. |
Their activity and games are periodically verified by 3rd party auditors The casinos’ inspections results can be verified on their websites and/or the regulator’s. | The games may function without being audited by a 3rd party. This means that there is no guarantee that the games have not been tampered with in any way. |
They cannot present you with false offers, but your options may be limited. Promotions may come with lower funds and spins in this case. | You may have more options when it comes to promotions or be able to claim bigger bonuses. However, in some cases, promotions may turn out to be false or advertised even after their expiry date. |
The licensing authority will help you with problems you may have with being paid your winnings. You can report the casino for investigation if you have solid proof of being treated unfairly or proof of them not following the rules and regulations they operate under. | If you have any problems with withdrawing funds, there is no authority to complain to or ask for help. The only action you may take in such a case is to reach out to their customer support. |
Features like Autoplay, quick spin (reels spinning faster than 2.5 seconds), and reverse withdrawals are banned by the UKGC. | They provide you with the Autoplay feature, which automatically spins the reels of slots based on parameters set by you. UKGC-licensed casinos do not offer this feature, as it is believed you no longer gamble consciously and responsibly when using it. |
They collaborate closely with gambling addiction programs and services and also have implemented responsible gambling tools to help players at risk. | In many cases, there is no adequate support or protection provided by these sites to problem gamblers |
These are the main differences between these two types of gaming sites, both good and bad. Of course, it always comes down to your own preferences and desires when you make your choices.
Be aware!
Not all unlicensed casinos are unreliable! However, we strongly recommend all players to navigate towards licensed sites for their personal information and funds’ safety.
Five Ways the UKGC Protects Players
Here are the most important five ways in which the UKGC protects you when gambling on a licensed casino:
- Terms and Conditions transparency
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The casino’s terms have to be written in clear and simple English so they can be easily understood even by inexperienced players. They also have to contain all information that can impact your experience on the site. From how to use the site and its features and offers, to how they protect you, your account, funds and data, it must all be explained in the T&C. |
- You get to play fair games
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All licensed online casinos UK are required to have 3rd party auditors verify their games and give their approval. They check the Random Number Generator to make sure everything is as fair as possible. |
- Prevents underage gambling
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Users are verified upon sign-up to make sure they are of legal age to gamble in this jurisdiction. During the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, users also have to show proof of identity, among others. |
- Your funds are safe
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The UKGC offers you a guarantee that you will get your money in case the casino does not want to pay you or in case they go out of business. This is possible because they are required to keep the players’ funds separated from the casino’s operating costs. |
- High security levels
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The security on these websites is a lot higher than on unlicensed ones. This applies to the banking options, data encryption, and even your casino account. |
Best UK Casinos
The best online casinos in the United Kingdom are here for you. You may go through our list of licensed and regulated gambling platforms and pick the one tailored to your needs.
For the best experience, here is what we recommend you keep an eye out for.
Game variety
Whether you are just starting or already have plenty of experience, having enough games to choose from is very important, and the best casino sites in the UK offer it.
Make sure the platform you pick comes with all types of casino table games, slot machines, and Live Casino. This way, you will not get bored and will always have new titles to try.
Banking options
Take a close look at the payment options page and make sure the platform offers the payment method you use or prefer.
Also, you should always check if the same method is available for cashouts. If it is not, you have to go through their withdrawal methods and pick the one you want;
Cashout speed and limits
The time it takes from when you request a cashout to the moment you actually have the money in your account may vary depending on the casino and the payment method used.
If you pick an e-wallet, for example, the transaction is processed faster than in the case of a Wire Transfer. Casinos also have their processing time, which may range from a few hours to a few days.
We recommend you steer towards the casinos with shorter cashout times and higher maximum cashout limits.
Promotions
Promotions are the main tool online casino sites in the UK use to attract new players and convert them into loyal customers. Therefore, they compete in offering better ones, so there is a variety of options on the market.
The type of casino promotions you should look for depends on your play style and experience. If you are just starting out, you may look for deposit bonuses or welcome packages you can get for a very small deposit. Most platforms ask for a 10 Pounds minimum deposit, but you can also find plenty of online casinos with low minimum deposit.
If you are a high roller, you may look for a promotion that brings more funds but which is also credited for a higher deposit.
Important!
Always read the Bonus Terms ( or Promotional Terms) as well as the Terms and Conditions of a UK online casino before claiming and using a promotion. These are the places where you will find all the information you need on both the casino and the promotion you are about to claim.
Customer support
Helpful and prompt customer service is important especially if we are talking about the best UK online casinos. Look for 24/7 support, in multiple languages if needed, and available through multiple communication channels.
Probably the easiest way to reach out to customer service is via Live Chat, but it is always good to also have other options such as phone and email.
How Casinos are Rated on Our Website
Here, we offer you a list of fully licensed UK online casinos, rated by our players. We are unbiased and do not rate or review the gambling platforms. Instead, we give players their own voice to share their experience and give the rating they deem fit.
What we do is make sure they come with a licence, SSL Encryption, and are independently regulated by well-known authorities such as eCOGRA.
We also have a medal system based on our users’ ratings. Here is how it works:
- The best UK online casino sites receive a Gold Medal;
- Average gambling platforms get a Silver Medal;
- Casinos that are below average are marked with a Bronze Medal;
- Casinos that you should avoid have a Black Medal.
Tip
Read player reviews and check out the rating of an online casino before signing up and making payments! This can save you from an unpleasant experience and help you quickly find the best casino sites for UK players.
Finding the Best British Casino Promotions
To find the best UK bonus casinos, simply follow these steps:
- Decide which type of promotion you want
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You can opt for a first deposit bonus, which is only credited to you on the first payment you make on that website. Alternatively, you can choose a Welcome Package, which is a set of at least two separate promotions credited on your first consecutive payments. Also, keep in mind that some promotions are created exclusively for slots, table games, Live Casino games, or even available on a single specific game. |
- Read the Bonus Rules
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See what the promotion’s requirements are and also what rules it comes with! Here is where you find out how it works and how to properly use it so you can have fun and not risk having it cancelled. |
- Look for a deal with a low minimum deposit
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A casino’s general minimum deposit may differ from the minimum deposit required to claim a promotion. That is why it is important to check this aspect before attempting to redeem an offer. A good way to start your gambling journey is by claiming offers with low funds. £10 minimum deposit offers are very common, but you may also find some that require less or even no payment at all such as Bonus Spins. |
- Check the casino
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If you’ve found a promotion that seems perfect, it is a good idea to also make sure the gambling site meets your requirements. Check everything that is important to you, starting from the game variety to safety aspects and even their promotions variety. |
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Now that you are well informed about the deal and the casino, if you wish to proceed and claim the deal, simply follow the instructions in the offer’s Terms. You may have to use a certain code when registering or when making your deposit in order to receive the promotion. Pay attention to all the details in the rules and you will have no problem claiming and enjoying the bonus! |
UK No Deposit Bonus Casinos
UK no deposit bonus casinos are very popular among British players, as they offer promotions newcomers can claim only by registering. Here is what you can enjoy:
- Bonus Rounds - these offers only work on slot machines, a series of slots, or a specific title. Bonus Spins allow you to spin the reels of the game for a set number of times using credited funds. These have their own set value, which means you cannot modify the wager.
- Extra Funds - these deals bring you a certain amount of funds to use on any games you prefer. They can be slots or table games. These also come with a maximum bet you can make using bonus funds.
- Live Casino Chips - specifically designed to be used in Live Casino games, you can get a number of chips worth a predefined amount of funds. Most times, you may use them on any Live game in the casino’s collection, but they may also come attached to a specific one.
No deposit bonus casinos in the United Kingdom come with the same features the others have. However, these sign-up deals have certain particularities which include:
- Lower bonus funds and spins compared to deposit promotions;
- Higher wagering requirements;
- Lower maximum cashout from funds obtained using the promotion.
Tip
Find a UK no deposit online casino that offers a sign-up bonus in a welcome package with other promotions. This should allow you to have a lot of fun as a new customer of the gaming site.
The Best Online Slots for UK Players
Some of the British players’ favourite slot machines are:
- Mega Joker
- Jackpot 6000
- Goblins Cave
Mega Joker
A classic fruit slot like no other, Mega Joker was created by Novomatic. It comes with a simple and vintage look but with 45 flexible paylines and a 2000 credits maximum bet. The game caters to both new and experienced players and is very popular among UK gamers.
![mega joker slot machine]()
Jackpot 6000
British players enjoy classic slots, which is why our next in line, Jackpot 6000, is from the same category. It was created by the famous NetEnt and launched in 2014 and you may often find it in the best payout UK casino sites.
Even if the years have passed, its popularity remained high even if the game is as simple as it can be, with no special symbols or features. It comes with 5 paylines and a fun gameplay.
![jackpot 6000 slot machine]()
Goblins Cave
Created by Playtech, Goblins Cave comes with 3 fixed paylines and a maximum wager of 5 coins per line. Once again, we are looking at a classic slot, in spite of its fantastic Goblins theme.
Its RTP is 96%, which contributes to its popularity, along with the special symbols it comes with such as Wild and Scatter.
Important
You may play these games for real money in online casinos or choose to play online slots for free in demo mode without having to register.
![goblins cave slot machine]()
UK Top Casino Software Providers
# | Software Provider | Number of Games | Game Types |
1 | IGT | 30+ | Slots, Table Games |
2 | NetEnt | 200 | Slots |
3 | Evolution Gaming | N/A | Live Casino Games |
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IGT
This is a skilled software provider based in the UK and popular all around the world, holding over 450 global gaming licenses. With many famous titles such as Cleopatra, White Orchid, Megabucks, and Golden Goddess, it kept players entertained and happy. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and it employs over 10,000 people worldwide.
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NetEnt
NetEnt has been offering top-quality services to both casino players and casino operators since 1996. During this time, they have created 200 games and they now work with over 200 online casino operators from all over the world. Their systems were used for over 58 billion transactions in 2019. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Their most famous products include Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
In 2020, the company was acquired by Evolution Gaming which we also have in this list, and under which it continues to offer products and services of the highest quality.
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Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is the most well-known casino software provider when it comes to Live Casino games. Millions of players around the world enjoy their Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, as well as other games all live-streamed and conducted by professional croupiers.
Founded in 2006, this software developer saw a quick rise in popularity, opening its 100th live table in 2013 and becoming the largest single-site casino operation in Europe.
Since then, they open more studios in different countries and acquire a variety of other software providers. For example, in 2020 it acquired the equally famous NetEnt.
Live British Casinos
If you like the real-life casino atmosphere, Live British Casinos are the way to go. They have live-streamed table games conducted by real live dealers. You can interact with them and the other players at the table and enjoy the closest thing to a real gambling hall.
![live casino games uk]()
UK Live Dealer Casino Games
The games you can play in Live Dealer casinos are various but most often include popular types such as:
- Live Roulette
- Live Baccarat
- Live Blackjack
- Live Poker
Aside from these, top online casinos with Live Games also come with Keno, Bingo, and even some inspired by famous game shows.
Fact
One of the most famous and prolific Live Casino games software developers is Evolution Gaming. You can find it in top casino sites in UK.
UK’s Most Popular Payment Methods
Payment method | Method Type | Typical Withdrawal Time |
Paysafecard | Prepaid | N/A |
Boku | Mobile payments | N/A |
PayPal | E-Wallet | 24-48 hours |
Debit Cards | Bank card | 2-5 business days |
EntroPay | Prepaid credit card | N/A |
Skrill | E-Wallet | 24-48 hours |
Neteller | E-Wallet | 24-48 hours |
These are the most popular casino payment methods for British players. As you can see, they include both E-Wallets and classic payment options such as debit card.
Be aware
Gambling using a credit card was banned in 2020 in the United Kingdom.
As a rule of thumb, E-Wallets are faster at processing transactions and this is especially important when talking about cashout. However, even if UK casino sites allow deposits with a certain E-Wallet, they may not offer the possibility to also withdraw funds using it.
Make sure to check this on the Banking page of the casino or the cashier section!
Important
In many cases, UK casino bonuses cannot be claimed using Skrill or Neteller. While these options are still available for deposit at the casino, making your payment with them will deem you ineligible to receive the promotion. Check the Bonus Terms to find this information for any offer you may want to claim!
Problem Gambling in the United Kingdom
The overall participation in gambling activities in 2021 in the UK stands at 43%, according to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
13% of the United Kingdom population were facing some level of harm from gambling activities, shows a study conducted by YouGov in 2020. Six in ten problem gamblers have stated that they used advice, support, and even some sort of treatment to help cut down on their gambling.
There are many ways in which gambling can harm you, and an analysis by the UK Government shows these are the most common:
- Health harm - 23%
- Financial harm - 15%
- Criminal activities - 5%
- Relationship harm - 3%
- Impact on work or study performance - 2%
- Cultural harm (shame and isolation) - 1%
Problem gambling can be treated and the treatment is especially effective when introduced early on before it turns into gambling addiction.
While gambling addiction can also be treated, it is a much longer and more difficult process, which is why it is important to quickly know how to identify gambling addiction.
Therefore, you should be mindful of these gambling problem signs:
- Trying to get back the money you have lost by gambling more or higher amounts of money;
- Being constantly preoccupied with gambling or thinking about when you will be able to gamble again;
- Choosing gambling over your hobbies, friends, family, and even work or studies;
- Hiding your gambling habits from friends and family;
- Borrowing money or selling your own belongings to get more money to gamble;
- Trying to quit gambling multiple times without success;
- Feeling irritable or restless when unable to gamble.
Recommendation
As soon as you notice even a couple of these signs in your behaviour, consider looking for support!
GamCare offers all British players support, free information and counselling to identify and start working on their gambling problems. You can reach out to them using the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
Other helpful services are:
Final Words
Now that you know all about the UK gambling environment and you have a full list of licensed online casinos in the United Kingdom, the world is your oyster! Choose the one that best suits you after checking out their ratings and reviews from players and taking a look yourself at what they have to offer!
Enjoy your favourite games from a variety of software providers on your desktop or mobile devices and have more fun than ever while gambling responsibly!