Online Casinos in the UK
Online casinos are a very popular form of entertainment in the UK. You could easily name five big brands even if you’re not someone who plays regularly, if at all.
In this guide, we are going to explain what online casinos offer and how they’re regulated in the UK so you can enjoy your favourite games at a safe and legit site.
What Are UK Online Casinos?
UK online casinos are websites and apps that allow players in the UK to gamble online for real money.
The game options at most of the biggest online casinos are seemingly endless. They normally offer slots, table games including blackjack and roulette, live dealer games like poker, Slingo, bingo, and jackpot games.
Instead of offering you a free drink, online casinos welcome you with a bonus that you can use to play for fun.
How Casinos Are Regulated
The online casino industry is heavily regulated in the UK.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), eCOGRA, and the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) play a key part in making sure you can enjoy safe and fair entertainment.
These agencies and commissions ensure that casinos:
- Don’t allow money laundering or irresponsible gameplay through KYC regulations and responsible gambling tools
- Offer fair games and services through game certification and transparent terms
- Advertise appropriately without using misleading claims, imagery or language
How To Check a Casino’s License
A UKGC-licensed casino will display their licence number clearly in the footer of their website.
You can check the licence number yourself against the register by visiting the Gambling Commission’s website.
Games You Can Play
Most online casinos in the UK offer the same game categories but the difference will come in the titles they have, often determined by the game providers that they have partnered with.
Let’s go over some of the top categories and game developers that provide the most popular titles.
In addition to the below, many online casinos also offer other games like bingo, keno, scratch cards, crash games, and dice games (craps).
Slots
Slot games are the most numerous games you’ll find at casino sites. From classic 3-reel machines to Megaways slots, it’s likely that you’ll have hundreds to choose from.
NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Novomatic are three of the big-name providers offering fan favorites such as Gonzo’s Quest, Big Bass Bonanza, and Book of Ra.
Table Games
Table games are RNG-powered games that you play solo against the computer. They’re great for practicing strategies or learning the rules.
Pragmatic Play and NetEnt also provide different versions of Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and more.
Live Casino Games
Live dealer games offer a more immersive experience by streaming live video of real dealers who manage and run the game in real time.
Evolution Gaming is the biggest name in live casino games, with Lightning Roulette and Live Football Studio being two of their most famous inventions.
Choosing Between Online Casinos
When comparing one site to another and choosing which one to register with, follow these tips to find a worthy casino:
- Licensing and Regulation: Always ensure the online casino you choose is licensed by the UKGC. This information is usually displayed on the casino’s website.
- Responsible Gambling: UKGC-licensed casinos are required to promote responsible gambling. Look for tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support organisations.
- Payment Methods: A highly-rated site should offer various deposit and withdrawal methods, including debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Check the available options and any associated fees.
- Game Selection: Browse the casino’s game library to make sure it offers the games you enjoy.
- Customer Support: Check the availability and responsiveness of customer support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone. You can read other player reviews on the App Store or Trustpilot to get a feeling for their customer service.
Responsible Gambling at UK Online Casinos
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute gambling advice.
Gambling should be enjoyed responsibly.
If you are struggling with gambling addiction, please seek help from organisations like GamCare or GambleAware.