If we asked you to find a casino site, you could probably do it with your hands tied behind your back. When it comes to picking out the best ones though, that's easier said than done. Sure you can go by looks. Oozing with energy, colour as well as some hefty casino bonuses; it's easy to get lured in. Looking the part is only half of the story. That's where our online casino reviews step in, together with our team of experts, we'll say it as it is. We're brutally honest, you've been warned!
What's our secret? Read on as we take you through the nitty-gritty of our reviewing process. First things first though, here's a list of some of the best online casinos we've looked into.
Top 7 Trusted Online Casinos in the UK
£88 in Free Play credited upon sign-up
- This is a No Deposit Bonus with unique mechanics.
- New customers are given £88 Free Play funds. Upon wagering, players can get up to £15 in No Deposit Bonus Money.
- The offer must be claimed withi 48 hours from receiving the email, and it expires after 14 days.
- Jackpot wins are not subject to the maximum winnings limit.
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Welcome Bonus of 100% up to £100
- The minimum qualifying deposit is £20.
- Players must wager the bonus amount 30 times within 90 days.
- Wagering requirements vary by game. Deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time.
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Welcome Bonus Up to £40.
- Players must deposit a minimum of £10.
- Players must wager the bonus amount 35 times.
- The wagering requirements must be completed within 30 days.
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Up to £200 and 100 FS Welcome Bonus
- New players only
- Min 1st deposit: £10
- Min 2nd and 3rd deposit: £20
- Wagering requirements: 35x bonus
- Free spins wagering requirements: 50x
- Wagering deadline: 21 days
- Bonus expiry period: 7 days
- Free spins expiry period: 1 day
- Max winnings of free spins: £100
- Max bet: £4, £2.5 per line or 15% of the bonus amount
- Full T&Cs apply
Welcome Bonus of £30 + 100 Free Spins, when you deposit £10.
- The minimum qualifying deposit is £10.
- Deposits made with e-wallets to do qualify for the bonus offer.
- The maximum cash out limit is £500.
- The bonus offer is subject to 35 the bonus amount wagering requirements.
- The free spins are released 50 per day after you've redeemed or lost your initial bonus.
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Welcome Bonus of 100% up to £200 + 50 Free Spins -Bonus Code: RB200
- The minimum qualifying deposit is £10
- 50 Free Spins to be used on Berry Burst Slot Game
- Free Spin Value: £0.10.
- Wagering Requirement: 30 x deposit + bonus; Free Spin Winnings x 60. WR to be completed within 30 days.
- Max. Bet: 10% of free spin winnings and bonus amount, or £5, whichever is lower (min. £0.10)
- Players have 30 days to redeem their bonus funds and free spin winnings
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Casino at bet365 - Up to £100 New Player Bonus!
- New Casino customers only.
- Deposit min. £10. Applies to first deposit to Casino only. Max. bonus £100. 20x wagering (game weighting applies) on deposit and bonus to make the bonus balance withdrawable. 18+, Time limits and T&Cs apply.
#ad
Welcome Bonus of 100% up to £300 and 50 Free Spins
- The minimum qualifying deposit is £10.
- The offer is subject to 40 times the bonus amount wagering requirements.
- The maximum cash out limit of the bonus money is £4,000.
- The maximum cash out limit of the free spins winnings is £1,000.
- The bonus expires after 7 days.
- Stake contributions, player, country, currency, game restrictions and terms apply.
- 18+, New Customers Only - www.begambleaware.org
Welcome Bonuses Evaluated
Technically, our header isn't entirely correct. We start our online casino review with a list of the main features; think of it as the gambling site, in a nutshell. The facts should be enough to get you wondering whether you should read on. The chances are that you will scroll down and if you do, that's where you'll get to the welcome bonus or package, rather (some are always that bit better). We're targetting new players after all, of course, you're going to want to know if there are any offers ready to snap up.
We don't just stop there though, as good as any new player bonus gets, you will eventually use it to its full potential. Of course, you're bound to want more which is why we have a separate section for all other online casino offers. From weekly deals to real money tournaments, if the online casino is offering it, we'll point it out. Then there's VIP programs and loyalty rewards; they warrant a section of their own. Truth be told not all online casinos offer them; others keep them secret. Luckily, that's where you have us to fall back on.
What to Look Out for in a Casino Bonus?
It's called an online casino review; we aren't just going to point out what's on offer. The gambling site does that, after all. We're here to help you understand what to look for in the best online casino bonuses. In case you hadn't noticed, promotions tend to come in all shapes and sizes.
Welcome offers for instance range from simple match deposit bonus to free spins, to a mix of both. Then there's those multi-tiered welcome packages, spread across several deposits. The same applies for ongoing promotions, with cashback and reload bonuses being thrown into the mix here to. As for VIP programs, they too can vary. For what it's worth, we always prefer online casinos that make the details fully transparent. Having clear targets to aim for always adds that extra incentive.
Which should you opt for? To a certain extent, that can be somewhat subjective. High rollers, for instance, may want something more thrilling than a simple first deposit bonus. On the other side of the spectrum, free spins bonuses tend to go down well with casual players looking to try out new online slot. Then again, it all boils down to the bonus policy.
Don't Forget the Bonus Terms!
Does the casino bonus sound too good to be true? Well, maybe that's because it is. It's easy to get caught out, particularly when it comes to those fancy welcome bonuses.
The fine print matters, we cannot stress this enough! Luckily there is none with us. The most important part of our bonus section in online casino reviews is our approach to the terms. We don't just point them out, which with some online gambling sites is already somewhat of a challenge. We analyse the details and, wait for it, provide our unbiased opinion. Wagering requirements, casino game contributions, minimum deposit, cash out limits; we give you the full monty.
You know what they say about judging a book by its cover? Well, you can definitely judge a bonus by its terms, or a casino for that matter. The promotions policy says a lot about the gambling site too!
How do No Deposit Bonuses Work?
This section wouldn't be complete without mentioning online casino no deposit bonuses. For a while, they were all over the internet. Today, they're becoming much harder to come by. To a certain extent, this has been down to the UK Gambling Commission tightening the rules. In the past, the bonus terms were somewhat misleading.
Sure there are still some UK online casinos that offer no deposit bonuses, but in most cases, the offer is minimal. These bonuses also tend to come with higher wagering requirements and low cash out limits. Plus, you'll usually have to make a deposit anyway before cashing out any winnings.
Still, set on picking up those sign-up spins or free play bonus? Just be sure to check back to the terms, or our online casino review for that matter. If it's worth snapping up, we won't leave you hanging.
Safety First Above All Else
That welcome bonus may seem tempting, but you'd better hold on a little longer before signing up. Security at online gambling sites is just as essential, and several boxes need ticking. In many ways, this is probably the most important section in our online casino reviews. This is particularly so when it comes to a new online casino. Here's what you should look for.
Online Casino Licenses - Your First Go-to
Is the gambling site safe? A UKGC license logo in the footer section is your first stop. Most casino sites will link out to the certificates too. We aren't saying that it's the only factor to go by but if we can't see that Gambling Commission logo, it's an automatic deal-breaker. Play at licensed casinos only, you've been warned!
Other Seals of Approval to Keep an Eye Out for
A license is a necessity, but it's not the only accreditation to go by. Most gambling sites will bear seals of approval from other entities. Take independent organisations like eCogra or iTech Labs. Finding their logos on homepages can already tell us a lot about the casino's approach to fair gaming. The better ones will link out to up-to-date audit certificates. Transparency is something we go by in our casino reviews.
Casinos like to blow their own trumpet; if they've won any awards, chances are they'll display them. It's not essential, but when you're trying to be the best casino online, every little helps. Then there's the standard 18+ logo as well as the likes of BeGambleAware and GamCare. Responsible Gambling is a massive part of all UK casinos, which brings us to the next section.
Responsible Gambling - A UKGC Must-Have!
All casinos in the UK are advocates of Responsible Gambling, at least though looking to hold onto their license. Still, some go above and beyond to protect vulnerable players to the full. This is something we look into in our casino reviews. We aren't just talking about linking out to the previously mentioned support organisations. Or having a dedicated section for that matter, with helpful tools such as the option to self-exclude. Both are standard requirements. We're looking for casino sites that take it to the next level. Let's just say that some have state-of-the-art websites dedicated entirely to this topic. Basically, anything to help improve the gaming experience.
Payment Methods and Policy
Gambling and money go hand in hand, or so we hope; you know the drill. Put simply, if you're looking to win real money, then you're going to need to make a deposit first. You'd think that casino sites would make this as simple as possible. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case which is why our casino reviews should come in handy.
So many online gambling sites fail to make the information readily available. Some hide it in the terms; others will ask you to register first before giving away the details. The best ones will have a banking page available for unregistered and registered users alike. Remember what we said about transparency? It says a lot about the casino. Even when they aren't clear though, you're in safe hands with our reviews.
PayPal Paves the Way at UK Online Casinos
Having PayPal on the menu isn't the be-all and end-all, but it does go down exceptionally well with UK casino players. Let's just say that most of the ones with a good reputation will offer the e-wallet. We're starting to see other country-specific banking options grow in popularity too. Boku, for instance, is a favourite amongst mobile gamblers in the United Kingdom. It's no coincidence that UK PayPal casinos are so popular, with the deposit by phone casinos, like Boku asinos, being also on the rise.
Of course, we expect to see the regular suspects too such as Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, Visa and Trustly. Then again, we aren't after a massive payment portfolio. We do however need casinos to offer enough of a range to cater for e-wallets, debit cards, prepaid vouchers and bank transfers. Players need to be allowed some sort of choice.
Transaction Limits - Ones to Watch
Whether they make it clear or not, all internet gambling sites have some sort of limits in place. This is something we always make clear in our reviews. While deposit limits are usually standard, withdrawals can vary a lot, in terms of payment methods but also in terms of casino sites.
Take bank transfers; for instance, they have a habit of bearing higher minimum and maximum withdrawal limits. This isn't something that concerns us, though when there is enough of a choice. The more significant issue comes down to the gambling sites. Each has their own policy when it comes to daily, weekly and monthly limits. Let's not forget about excluding jackpots from these parameters — the more user-friendly, the better.
Payment Options that Offer the Fastest Online Casino Payouts
Deposits are instant, but all UK-licensed casino are subject to KYC checks on withdrawals. This can take some time and again it's at the discretion of each individual gambling sites. We've seen anything from hours to days, a week at most. The quicker, the better which is why it's something we look to make clear in our casino reviews. Stick to any of our recommended UK casinos, and you're on to a winner. Just remember to have all the right documents in check beforehand. That's on you!
Does the Casino Game Offer Matter?
No successful casino ever made it without having enough of the right casino games to back it. Note that the term 'right' makes all of the difference here. All online gambling sites feature casino games after-all, but some still do it way better than others. This is why we review this section, after all.
One of the key points here is choice. Slot sites are well and good but even they offer a selection of table games. We aren't saying that focusing on online slots is a bad thing though, but variety tends to be a better approach. Baccarat, blackjack, roulette and even video poker, they're also popular online. Then again, slots will always call the shots at most casinos online.
It All Comes Down to Casino Software Providers
Game selection is only the tip of the iceberg. We're also looking for a high-quality lobby. This is where software providers step in. NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play'n Go; these are some of the top guns in the iGaming industry. We're always on the lookout for their games. Take a classic like Starburst; it's an online slot that players look for, of course, we're going to point it out in our reviews. Then there are jackpot slots like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune; they're becoming somewhat of a must-have.
Collaborating with the best casino game providers is already enough in our books. The better gambling sites will look to offer even more of a variety. Just imagine the likes of old-time favourites like Novomatic, merged with newer brands like Blueprint Gaming. Truth be told, there is no 'one size fits all solution' so the best alternative is offering a wide choice.
Live Casino Games - One Step Closer to the Real Thing
No virtual casino experience is truly complete without a fully-fledged live casino to go with it. Ever since it's launch, real-time play has bridged the gap between the online world and brick and mortar casinos. Is it as good as the real thing? Companies like Evolution Gaming are definitely doing their best to ensure the gaming experience of a lifetime. Needless to say, it's a name we look for when writing our casino reviews. Then again, we're open to casinos that offer a mix of different providers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic play. They all have a good reputation in the gambling industry.
Software providers are only one side of the story; this is where we go back to game selection. We look for a wide range of live dealer games for starters. More importantly, though are the bet limits. The best online casinos will offer a mix of high and low stakes options to cater to all player niches. Combine that with UK specific live dealer games and the casino is bound to score well in this section.
User Interface and Game Filters
A casino can have the best games on the planet, but if they aren't easy to find, then they may as well have none. Usability plays a huge role in our casino reviews. Yes we look at aesthetics too, we like a gambling site that talks the talk; but does it walk the walk too? This is where we take a look at functionality.
Online Casino Games & Filters - A Match Made in Heaven
No one likes scrolling through endless lists. This is perhaps why game filters first came about at casinos. With online gambling, ever-growing and lobbies getting bigger, ease of navigation is becoming crucial. Needless to say, some casinos are taking filters to new heights. Having separate sections for each game type is already a start, but it's hardly enough. Take online slots; for instance, there are several different types with jackpots in high demand. They can also be broken down according to feature. Here's some of the best examples of filters we have seen in online gambling.
- New
- Popular
- Featured
- Game Type
- Software Provider
- Return to Player (Payout Rates)
- Volatility
- Jackpots
- Theme
- Features
- Paylines (for slots)
Then there's the live casino; this has caused some issues in online gambling. Many a time we see these games merged into the virtual lobby. Quite frankly, it can all get a bit confusing. The best casinos are those that offer a separate live dealer section with its very own filters in place.
It's also worth pointing out that the manual search bar can also come in handy. We aren't just talking about players on a clear mission for a pre-determined title. Some casino sites have toned things up a notch by coming up with predictive searches. This is what we consider the next level in online gambling.
Mobile Casinos - There to Stay
With the recent boom in mobile phones, it was only a matter of time before the online gambling world caught on. When they did, they went in with all guns blazing; we're now seeing the launch of a whole new strain of mobile-first casinos. It goes without saying, all casino sites are mobile-friendly, some more than others. Luckily you have our casino review to go-by.
Here's where we take another look at functionality. It may work on a desktop but is the mobile casino just as good? The games lobby is always something we look into here, namely the filters. These are even more of a necessity on smaller screens. Choice is also important but most games today are available on mobile. Software providers have had to do their homework too, you see!
Instant-Play Vs. Native Apps
Here's where we've seen a bit of a divide in mobile gambling. All online casino sites are available to play instantly. Some have looked to gain an edge by offering casino apps for iOS and Android users. This is something we also take time to review. Although it can earn casinos some brownie points, having a native app doesn't matter too much to us. We're looking for a user-friendly interface; if that's via an instant play web-app, that's completely fine by us.
Customer Service Test
At the heart of every top-rated casino, is an equally impressive customer support team to back it. Queries always come up, no matter how good the user experience is. This is where we use the help section as a first go-to. FAQs are sometimes blown off, but we take time to review them. The best gambling sites also incorporate some sort of filtering feature. Casinos like Betfair have a separate website just for customer support; now that's something to write home about!
If FAQs don't answer your question, then your only other option is to reach out to the casino site. In some cases, that's easier said than done. Luckily, we have yet to come across many UK online casinos that hide their contact details. As for the quality, though, gambling sites are oceans apart.
Round the Clock Support - A Necessity
In a world that never sleeps, 24/7 availability is a must-have. The last thing you want is to have issues and have to wait till the morning to resolve them. UK online casinos are slowly starting to realise this, and we are seeing more of them offer round the clock support. Be it in the form of email, live chat or even phone support; it's something that we put a lot of weight on.
Live Chat at Online Casinos
More often than not, you'll find that live chat is one of the customer support options. Some casino sites only make this available to registered users, though. Considering that potential new customers are more likely to have queries, we'd almost expect it to be the other way round. Needless to say that restricting live chat for unregistered users is considered a no-go in our books. There are still a few online casinos that omit the feature entirely. If you want our honest opinion, though, unless they're new and intend to look into it, they're asking for trouble.
Phone Support - Still Catching On
At one end of the spectrum, we have those that offer email support only, and then we have those who make themselves fully contactable across all channels. We have seen all types in our years of writing casino reviews. Phone support was almost unheard of several years ago, but it is starting to catch on. We aren't just talking about the industry's pioneers, but also new casinos are giving out a contact number. Some players just prefer to get in touch with a human being and considering the hours they spend online; we don't blame them.
Online Casino Reviews - There to Count On!
We aren't saying that you should take our word for it. Then again, our casino reviews will bring you a lot closer to understanding what to look for in the better ones out there. If they've slipped up, here's where you'll hear it first. Of course, you can also do your homework and have a look at the gambling site yourself. That's where this page should come in handy. At the end of the day, we're looking to help make your gaming experience as secure as possible. Have some fun but also gamble safely!