UK Casino Sites
Online casinos provide a way for UK players to play a huge variety of casino games without the need to visit a land-based establishment. As online casino technology has become more sophisticated, so have online casino sites. From new and inventive takes on traditional games to online casino promotions and loyalty programs, players of the UK are inundated with options when looking to play games online.
Online casinos rose to prominence in the early 2000s when many gambling businesses took the leap online. This saw established brands such as Ladbrokes, Betfred and other gambling powerhouses launch online gambling services, opening their gambling products up to a new digital casino community. Now, more than 70% of casino games played in the UK are played online.
UK casino operators are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Any casino site licensed by the UKGC will need to follow a set of strict, safe gambling guidelines. Ensuring the casino sites you are considering joining have the stamp of approval from the UKCG is essential.
Popular Online Casino Games
The list of casino games featured on an online casino site will differ from one operator to the next. This is why comparing casino sites is advised, especially if you have a particular game in mind that you wish to play. The most popular casino games are:
- Slots: Slot games or 'Slots' are simply online versions of traditional fruit machines. Like any casino game category, Slots come in all shapes and sizes. However, the premise of a slot is always the same; uncover the right symbols on the spinning reels to claim prizes. While the number of paylines, reels, symbols and bonuses will vary, if lady luck is on your side, you could win a sizable amount from playing Slots. Slots are often grouped into various categories. The most common are Video Slots, Progressive Slots, Jackpot Slots and High-roller Slots. Some casino sites will categorise Slots based on the theme in which they hone in on. For instance, Superhero Slots, Movie Slots and Irish Slots are popular choices. Due to the large winnings up for grabs, Slot promotions are incredibly sought after. For this reason, most UK casino sites will offer free spins as part of their welcome bonus deal or as a standalone promotion for existing players.
- Blackjack: Blackjack is a game that requires elements of both luck and strategy. The card game, which was first played in French casinos in the 1700s, is now one of the most regularly played online casino games. Over the years, online casinos have launched unique and alternative versions of this age-old game. Versions range from Lightning Blackjack to VIP Blackjack and so on.
- Roulette: Roulette is another casino classic that increased in popularity as online casino activities become more frequent. Now, more than 90% of casino sites feature an online Roulette option of some description. Like with most traditional games, online casino sites have created new and inventive versions, ensuring Roulette players always have something unique to play should they want to veer away from the conventional. Many UK casino sites will now provide players with ways to play Classic Roulette, Lightning Roulette, 100/1 Roulette as well as American Roulette and other variations.
- Baccarat: Baccarat is another table game that can be found on almost all casino sites. Played between the player and the banker, the game is intense and famously favoured by James Bond. Bond plays the game in many of Ian Flemming's novels, most famously in Casino Royale. Speed Baccarat, Red Tiger and Lightning Baccarat are just a few popular online variations of the game.
- Game Shows: As well as traditional card games, UK casino sites also feature unique games based on various forms of entertainment. In recent years, games based on game shows have become increasingly popular. Options well-known to UK casino players include Deal or No Deal, Monopoly Live and Dream Catcher. These titles are renowned for being immersive and hugely entertaining.
- Scratchcards: Online scratchcards are instant-play casino games that are thrilling and renowned for their adrenaline-pinching qualities. Being easy to play and quick to complete, these games are highly desired. Top online casino sites, including Ladbrokes Casino, William Hill Casino and Bet365 Casino all feature online scratchcards on their platforms, being a casino games category that is growing in popularity. What's so great about online scratchcards is that they vary hugely from one online casino to the next, meaning players are never short of unique options to explore.
The Best Online Casino Promotions
Although high-quality casino games are what most casino players are seeking, online casino promotions are equally as important. This is because casino deals can minimise risk and spend on online casino sites. Below, we talk through the most advantageous and commonly-offered online casino promotions.
- Welcome Offers: Most online casino sites will use welcome offers to attract new players. These can come in various formats. Where the majority of casino sites will provide deposit bonuses and no deposit bonuses, others may be offering free casino games or free spins. For this reason, casino players must compare new player promos to understand which best suits their playing style and budget.
- No Deposit Bonus: No deposit casino bonuses are the ultimate type of offer casino players are looking for. Unlike many casino bonuses, they do not require the player to deposit any of their own money in order to unlock the bonuses available.
- Matched Casino Bonuses: A matched deposit bonus is when a casino site matches the value of a player's deposit with a bonus. These can range from £10 to £1,000. Matched casino bonuses are often made available at the stage of registration as well as to established players.
- Refer a Friend Casino Bonus: Referral promotions are one tactic online casino operators use to encourage new players to register. These are bonuses awarded to players that refer their casino site to new players. When claiming these bonuses, you will be asked to send a link to the signup page to your 'friends'. If this results in them signing up and depositing, you will be awarded free bonuses. These can range from £5 to £100.
- Free Spins: Online Slots are one of the most popular types of casino games on UK casino sites. For this reason, free spins on Slot games are highly in demand. These give slot players a way to play slot games without having to pay.
- Casino Loyalty Programmes: The majority of UK casino sites now offer players the option to enrol in loyalty programs. These reward players for regularly playing games on their site. Prizes can vary from free bonuses to free spins and free games. What's so great about these programs is that the more games played, the more players will benefit.
How to Choose an Online Casino Site
Whether you are new to playing online casino games or have been partaking in casino sessions for years, choosing the right casino site is important. Where all casino sites will claim to be the best option for you, only by conducting research will you know which will truly meet your requirements.
Here are a few factors to consider when comparing UK casino sites:
- Welcome Casino Bonus: A welcome casino bonus allows players to explore the games available without having to part with money from their own pocket. This essentially limits the risk of losing money and allows players to get to grips with the casino games available. Welcome casino bonuses can fluctuate greatly from one casino website to the next. Where the majority of welcome casino bonuses are between £10 and £100, some casino bonuses can reach as high as £2,000. Only the best online casinos will offer sizable welcome bonuses. Welcome casino bonuses can be presented in many different ways. These include no deposit bonuses and matched deposit bonuses.
- Casino Bonuses for Existing Customers: Although large welcome bonuses are what many focus on when comparing online casino options, ongoing bonuses and promotions are just as important. A casino site that continues to reward its players long past the registration stage is one to consider. When choosing an online casino site, be sure to look at the variety of casino deals displayed. The bigger the mix, the better!
- Rewards Programme: Many online casino operators will use rewards programs to encourage loyalty to their casino site. These are usually managed via a points-based system. The more points a player is issued, the bigger and more advantageous the rewards become. Points are issued to players simply for spending time on the casino site and playing the games that they enjoy. If you are looking for a casino site for the long haul, finding a provider that values loyal players should be a priority.
- Range of Casino Games: Whether you are a die-hard Blackjack player or prefer spinning the reels of Slot games, finding a provider that can cater to your needs is a must. When searching for a place to play casino games, pay close attention to the range of games on offer. Most casino sites in the UK will feature a long list of casino games sourced from a variety of providers. Only the best casino sites will have an inventory of Slots, Table Games, Poker, Bingo and Scratchcard options.
- Customer Support Services: Online casinos that offer a variety of customer support features are great options. This is because should you experience a technical issue or have a query about a game's rules, you will be confident that you can access the help you need. The best casino sites will offer support via live chat, email, phone and social media.
New Online Casinos UK
Are you wondering whether to register with new online casinos? If so, you may be concerned about whether you will be able to access the best games, promotions and the level of customer service you expect. With new casino sites not having a track record, it can be hard to register with confidence. Below, we rank some of the best new casino sites in the UK.
All British Casino
All British Casino is a new casino site with plenty to offer all types of players. From online gambling novices to high-roller players, All British Casino can cater to all. Concerned about the quality of games you can expect? Well, you really don't have to be. When playing casino games on All British Casino, you can gain access to the best titles in the country. All British Casino sources its games from developers such as Play'n go, Microgaming, Thunderkick, WMS, IGT, Elk Studios, Pragmatic Play, amongst others.
Skol Casino
Skol Casino is fast becoming a leading UK casino site. While only launching in 2021, the last few months have seen many players move over to Skol Casino from more established brands. This has been mainly due to the sizable bonuses and unique features the website showcases. As well as a great assortment of casino bonuses and loyalty rewards, Skol Casino also features a tremendous library of games. The games found on Skol Casino are hugely diverse in their prize value, themes, rules and price to play. The casino site is, however, a hot destination for slot casino games, with titles such as Mega Moolah and Immortal Romance featured.
Happy Tiger Casino
Happy Tiger Casino is a top-of-the-range online casino site with hundreds of games on display. Founded in 2021, this is an online operator with the latest tech and the freshest ideas. From its innovative marketing campaigns to the generous casino offers, Happy Tiger is unmatched on many levels. The site is split into two distinct sections. Happy Tiger Casino, which offers a wide array of slot games from top publishers and Happy Tiger Bingo which has exclusive Bingo Games along with a specific welcome offer.
Mobile Casino Sites
If you are looking for an online casino where you can play games using a mobile device, then you will not be short of choices. Nowadays, the majority of UK casino sites are 'responsive', meaning they can be accessed and viewed seamlessly on screens of all shapes and sizes. This rise in mobile casino sites has seen many online operators launch casino apps. Online casino apps offer a more mobile-focused online casino experience, making games and casino promotions accessible with the tap of a screen.
Online casinos credited for their mobile-friendly nature include:
- Ladbrokes Casino
- Paddy Power Casino
- Mr Play Casino
- Grosvenor Casino
- 32 Red Casino
- Gala Spins
- 888 Casino
- Unibet Casino
Customer Service on Casino Sites
How well a casino operator treats its players is incredibly important. When comparing casino sites, customer support services should be right at the top of your list of features to look out for. The general rule is that the more services offered, the better. Where the majority of players like to have their queries answered on Live Chat, having the option to call a representative of the casino site has its advantages. It's also an idea to look out for casino sites that have won awards for their customer support. These include William Hill Casino, Grosvenor Casino and 32Red Casino.
Tips for Responsible Gambling on Casino Sites
Staying safe when playing online casino games is essential. The best way to ensure you are not forging an unhealthy relationship with online gambling is to educate yourself on the best safe gambling tactics and resources available to you. In this section, we provide tips on how to gamble responsibly when playing on UK casino sites.
- Limit Your Gambling Time: The amount of time you spend on casino sites should be limited. It is important that gambling activities take place during your spare time and do not get in the way of your work, home or social life. By limiting the amount of time you spend playing online casino games, you will naturally reduce your chances of becoming addicted to gambling. If you struggle to keep a hold on your gambling time, you have the option to activate a time limit via your chosen casino site. This means when you meet the limit you have selected, you will not be able to access gambling services on that website.
- Set an Online Gambling Budget: Overspending on gambling is dangerous, with the financial implications of a gambling addiction often being dyer. This is why putting an online gambling budget in place is always a wise move. On most casino sites, you will be given the option to set a spending limit. This will ensure that once you have reached your limit, you will not be able to use your account.
- Read All Terms and Conditions: Having the full picture of what you do and do not qualify for on a casino site is a must. By reading all terms and conditions regarding the site, games and promotions, you can make more informed, wise online gambling decisions.
- Take a Break: Spending too much time on online casino sites can impair your judgment. This is why many utilise the 'Time Out' tool. This provides players with a way to lock themselves out of their accounts for a predetermined amount of time. Options include removing access to your gambling account for 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days or 30 days.
- Self-exclusion: If you are in a position where you want to remove your ability to play casino games completely, you can enrol on the Self-exclusion Program. This is a tool whereby a player can completely exclude themselves from all online gambling sites at once. Players can activate self-exclusion via their casino site or by visiting GAMSTOP.