Following the online casino boom we have witnessed in the past two decades, UK’s gambling market grew to become one of the largest on the global scale but continues steadily towards further expansion. In fact, interactive gambling is a very popular form of recreation in the country, which may be ascribed to the fact UK players enjoy a well-regulated market and can gamble online legally.
The majority of Brits place bets for recreation and many prefer to do so at one of the numerous UK-licensed online casinos where they get to pick from different types of games, which range from high-end video slots to casino mainstays like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The vast majority of UK-licensed casino operators have also embraced the latest trend, mobile gaming, and run websites that are highly compatible with a range of hand-held devices.
There are hundreds of online casinos to accept registrations from Brits, which is why finding the one that suits you the most can sometimes be a real struggle. If you reside in the UK and are yet to make your first steps towards interactive gambling, this page is where you should start. We introduce you to all you need to know about online casinos that welcome players from the United Kingdom.
Regulations and Licensing
The legal status of gambling in the UK has gone through great changes over the centuries, with periods of interdictions and legality alternating. Today, both landbased and interactive gambling activities are fully legal and well-regulated in the country.
It would be fair to say Brits enjoy some of the most adequate gambling laws in the world. The country has introduced regulations for all possible forms of online gambling, including casino games with fixed odds, sports betting, online poker, and online bingo.
Key Facts about Online Gambling in the UK
Statutes That Govern Gambling in the UK
Who Regulates the Gambling Industry in the UK?
Players’ Security at UK Online Casinos
Both the landbased and online sectors of the UK gambling industry are properly regulated and fall under the provisions of the three statutes listed below:
- The Gambling Act was passed in 2005 and was initially designed as a point-of-supply regulatory regime. It covered only landbased gambling halls in the UK as well as remote gambling businesses whose servers were located on British soil. At the time, remote gambling businesses were allowed to legally operate in the country as long as they held a valid license granted by a whitelisted licensing jurisdiction like Gibraltar, Alderney or the Isle of Man.
- The Gambling Licensing and Advertising Bill was introduced in 2014. In effect, it converted the UK’s regulatory regime into a point-of-consumption system. The government’s previous attempts to force local ISPs into blocking the websites operating without UK licenses had failed. Offshore remote gambling operations can conduct business in the country as long as they have been approved for a local license from the UK’s official regulatory entity (the UKGC). These amendments allowed for a better-regulated and more controlled online gambling environment.
- The financial aspect of the gambling industry is regulated under the UK Finance Acts. Here, it is also important to specify the taxation regime in the UK is relatively benign, especially when compared to that in some of the other regulated European markets. UK-licensed online casinos’ profits are taxed at a rate of 15%. Players themselves are not taxed on their winnings.
Adequate regulations work to the merit of British players as there is actually an authority to defend their interests in cases of disputes or frauds. For example, if a given remote online casino does not pay a UK player’s winnings, the affected person can always turn to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and request assistance in solving the issue.
NB! As of May 7th, 2019, the UK regulators changed the rules pertaining to the verification process players have to undergo at locally licensed online casinos. Previously, the age verification was performed after players requested their first withdrawal from the gambling sites they have registered with.
Under the new set of rules, UK-licensed gambling operators are required to verify their customers’ age and identity within 72 hours counting from the time of registration and deposit. Unverified accounts will be suspended by the operators. The new rules were introduced as a means of protecting minors and vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of compulsive gambling.
View more...Unlike some jurisdictions like the US, where there are individual statutes and regulatory bodies in the different states, the UK boasts a unified regulatory system overseen by one main entity. Only the regulations concerning gambling advertisements are subject to the oversight of a separate regulator.
- All forms of landbased and online gambling in the country fall under the close watch of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC was established after the Gambling Act of 2005 was enforced. This entity issues licenses to online gambling operators and protects the integrity of the British gaming industry. Also among its responsibilities are protecting minors and vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of gambling, ensuring fair play and transparency, and preventing gambling-related crimes.
- The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is tasked with the oversight of gambling-related ads in the UK. This ensures gambling advertising is conducted in a socially responsible way and does not target children and vulnerable persons. The latest set of rules prohibits gambling operators from displaying ads in computer games and on websites that are popular with minors.
NB! Brits can gamble online as long as they have reached the legal gambling age of 18 years old. This is applicable to most forms of gambling including casino games, bingo, poker, sports and race betting. An exception is made only for soccer pools and lotteries which are allowed to individuals who are at least 16 years old. Underage persons who participate in gambling are committing a criminal offense.
View more...British players who prefer to place their bets at online casinos with the stamp of approval of the local regulatory body have nothing to worry about as far as security is concerned. The UK Gambling Commission does an excellent job at regulating the local iGaming market and hands out licenses only to operators of good standing which are well-known for their fair and ethical practices.
Under the regulations, UK-licensed gambling operators are expected to safeguard their customers by implementing:
- Data encryptions protect all sensitive information players share to keep it out of the reach of con artists and hackers. Most UK-licensed gambling sites use either 128-bit or 256-bit SSL encryptions. The information is jumbled up into an unbreakable code that is impossible to decipher. In fact, these encryptions are the same as those banking institutions worldwide utilize. One way to tell whether a given gambling site uses SSL is by looking at your browser’s toolbar. Encryption is in place if the website’s address is preceded by “https” and a padlock icon.
- Random Number Generators, abbreviated as RNG, are used to ensure fair outcomes in all online casino games that do not involve a live dealer. The RNG must be tested by third-party auditors like eCOGRA, Technical Systems Testing (TST), and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). UK-licensed gambling operators display the certificates of their auditors in their websites’ footers.
- Age and identity verification is necessary to ensure only individuals of legal gambling age register and play on UK-licensed gaming sites. Under the new set of rules, players are prompted to send their documents for verification within 72 hours after registering and depositing at the casinos.
- The privacy policies of online casinos inform the players how the operators intend to use their information. This is normally located toward the bottom of the website and it tells you whether a casino plans on selling or renting your information (such as your email address or mobile number) to other companies.
Popular Software Providers at UK Casinos
Players residing in the United Kingdom have the opportunity to gamble at online casinos, operating on the best software platforms in the industry. We are talking about big names like Microgaming, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Yggdrasil, among others. Some of these software developers have decades of experience in the iGaming industry and have set the standards of quality and playability exceptionally high for new companies to follow.
Customers of UK-licensed casinos are usually presented with several options when opening their real-money accounts. They can download the casinos’ software clients which normally ensures access to the entire suite of games available and guarantees seamless gameplay.
The second option is suitable for those who intend to switch between devices as it involves instant play, directly in one’s Internet browser. Most UK gambling operators also support gaming on the go, with players being able to either download native iOS and Android apps or load the games directly in the browsers of their smartphones or tablets.
Microgaming
Microgaming hails from the Isle of Man and was the first company to launch online casino software in 1994. The company has developed a downloadable casino client but instant play in one’s browser is also possible at casinos using this software. Microgaming boasts a rich portfolio that comprises hundreds of slots, table games, video poker variations, and specialties. The studio’s live dealer software is utilized by more than 100 online gambling brands.
Playtech
Playtech is one of the oldest software suppliers in the iGaming industry. It supplies a variety of games including video slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer tables. The company runs one of the biggest progressive jackpot networks in the industry, with prize pools escalating to seven-figure amounts.
NetEnt
NetEnt is highly regarded by players thanks to its cutting-edge live dealer platform, among its many other achievements. The games are broadcast in real time directly from the developer’s professional studios, based in Malta, and are hosted by trained and friendly live dealers. More importantly, NetEnt has revolutionized live casino games by optimizing its live dealer offering for mobile play, allowing UK players to join the action whenever they like.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil leads the way in the development of the latest generation of 3D slots. These games surpass standard video slots in graphics presentation and visual depth – they usually feature animations which one might mistake for those in animated Pixar flicks. Popular slots released by the studio include Holmes and the Stolen Stones, Vikings Go Berserk, and Dr Fortuno.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is a multi-award-winning software studio that is licensed in 20 jurisdictions, including the UK. The company has a strong focus on the provision of mobile games. Pragmatic Play is popular for innovative slots such as Wolf Gold, Great Rhino, and Madame Destiny. The software is available in 31 languages and supports a variety of currencies.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is a strong contender in the field of live games provision. The company operates live studios in all major markets like the UK, Canada, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. It provides live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino hold’em, and Caribbean Stud.
Popular Payment Methods for UK Players
The majority of UK online operators would normally process deposits at no charge, with the funds being immediately available in Brits’ casino accounts.
Take note that withdrawals would require some time to reach you. The timeframe is several business days tops but may vary depending on the method you use. This delay is caused by the verification procedures UK casinos are required to stick to due to regulatory reasons.
Fees may apply on withdrawals depending on the method used. While most casinos would process cashouts for free, some UK-based banking institutions may choose to impose fees on such transactions.
Unlike online casino players from the US who often suffer from a limited number of payment solutions, Brits get to select from a variety of widely used banking options, including the methods we have listed below.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the safest methods for funding your account at a UK-licensed online casino. In essence, PayPal provides an e-wallet service you must register for in order to deposit and withdraw from your casino balance. The method is available in over 200 countries worldwide and works with 25 currencies, including GBP.
Skrill
Skrill is another popular e-wallet that UK players can use at their locally licensed online casinos. The method is supported for deposits and withdrawals in GBP. It is worthwhile noting some gambling operators prefer to exclude this e-wallet from deposit-related bonuses.
Neteller
Neteller operates an e-wallet service as part of its parent company, the Paysafe Group, which also stands behind some of our other recommended UK payment methods, Paysafecard and Skrill. Neteller accounts can be set up in 26 currencies and can be funded via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and mobile billing services like the UK-friendly Boku. Similarly to Skrill, Neteller is excluded from bonus redemption at some UK casinos.
Credit and debit cards
Credit and debit cards by Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard are easily one of the most convenient ways to transfer money to your UK casino account. Payments by card are time-efficient, cost-effective, and exceptionally secure.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard offers a high level of security and enables players to pay for gambling-related activities completely anonymously. This is a prepaid card you can purchase across hundreds of landbased outlets in the UK. In GBP, Paysafecard is available in several denominations – £10, £25, £50, £75, and £100.
ecoPayz
ecoPayz is a great solution for UK players who insist on safe deposits and withdrawals. This is another convenient e-wallet service that is hugely popular on the UK gambling market. The payment company is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
UK Online Casino Bonuses
UK-licensed casinos offer no shortage of promotions British players can participate in. Bonuses are indeed a great way to build a bankroll but before you opt in, you most definitely must take the time to read your preferred casino’s terms and conditions.
In line with the requirements of UK regulators, each licensed casino must outline its bonus conditions in a comprehensible, clear, and unambiguous manner. Bonuses typically come with wagering requirements, game weightings, max bets, and game restrictions.
At some online casinos, you will be unable to redeem deposit-related bonuses with e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller or ecoPayz. Below are the main bonus types you can expect to find at UK-licensed casinos.
Bonus Types for UK Players
Sign-up bonuses
Welcome bonuses
Free spins
Reload bonuses
Cashbacks
Loyalty programs
Referral bonuses
Sign-up bonuses are the most suitable alternative for Brits who have never gambled online as they give players the opportunity to try the available games without risk and see what interactive gaming is all about. These bonuses are granted after registration without a deposit. Winnings must be wagered a given number of times before a withdrawal and usually are restricted to £100 or so.
View more...Welcome bonuses can be redeemed with a deposit (typically £10 or £20 is the minimum). Qualifying players receive a certain percentage of the deposited sum in the form of free credits, usually 100% but sometimes higher bonus matches are offered as an additional incentive to move funds to one’s casino account. Some operators offer entire welcome packages with bonuses on first, second, third, fourth, and even fifth deposits.
View more...Free spins are offered to both new and returning players. These are free rounds on the hottest online slots the casino has to offer. The value of the spins may be restricted to a specific amount, which, if exceeded, leads to the confiscation of the resulting winnings of the player.
View more...Monthly, weekly or daily reload bonuses are usually offered to existing customers on their subsequent deposits. These can be either in the form of free spins, a deposit match or a combination of the two.
View more...Cashbacks are sometimes available to UK players who opt in with a deposit and lose the full deposited amount. The cashback is granted in the form of a percentage of the lost amount. For example, if you deposit £100 and opt in for a 20% cashback, the casino will refund you with £20.
View more...Loyalty programs are widely available across most UK-licensed online casinos. Players collect points on each real-money bet they make. Similarly to the established practice in landbased gambling venues, these comp points can be used to purchase more free casino credits to play with. Depending on the casino, it may be possible to convert the points into withdrawable cash.
View more...Referral bonuses are awarded to players who bring in new customers to the casino. Typically, the referred players must register an account and fund it before a bonus is granted to the referring person.
View more...
Top Online Casinos for Players from the UK
Since the UK has one of the largest online gambling markets in the world, players from this jurisdiction are often dumbfounded by the vast choice they are facing and find it next to impossible to pick one casino out of hundreds. Spare yourself the troubles when making a pick and go through the brief reviews below – all ten casinos are reliable, fair and welcome members from the United Kingdom.
Eurogrand
Eurogrand has become something of a safe haven for players from the United Kingdom, which is hardly a surprise considering it is owned and managed by one of the largest UK betting companies, the giant William Hill. The trusted online casino offers a comprehensive selection of world-class games from first-rate software provider Playtech.
The games range from card and table classics to video poker and the latest video slots, so there is an option for all styles of play and experience levels. A live dealer section is also on offer if you decide to diversify your session by playing against something other than the Random Number Generator.
Apart from the extensive range of games, Eurogrand offers other perks like great-value bonuses, two downloadable mobile apps, multi-lingual support via 24/7 live chat, quick withdrawals, and lots of safe payment solutions to choose from. Those who open an account at Eurogrand are in for a nice balance boost thanks to the munificent 100% first deposit bonus match plus 25 free spins on the slots. High rollers are treated to a mind-blowing offer of £1,000 plus 25 free spins.
All British Casino
All British Casino is designed exclusively to cater to the needs of players from the UK. The casino’s website utilizes the colors of the British flag and allows for hassle-free navigation as all games are organized into separate categories according to type. The casino is powered by two big names on the iGaming scene, NetEnt, and Microgaming, which guarantees a fun-filled, smooth betting experience.
The website is home to an extraordinary diversity of premier slots, table games, video poker variations, and a nice selection of live dealer offerings, including Casino Hold’em, British Roulette, Common Draw Blackjack, and Baccarat. The tables’ betting ranges are extremely flexible, with the majority of live dealer games being available in three different formats – low, regular and high limit.
Players who register at All British Casino are provided with the highest level of security for their financial transactions and sensitive personal information. The casino insists on keeping it fair and honest as becomes evident by the fact it publishes the payout percentages for its live dealer games. The virtual casino games run on an RNG certified as bias-free by the UK Gambling Commission. After you boost your account’s balance with one of the many dependable payment solutions, you can claim a fantastic 100% welcome bonus of up to £100 plus 100 free spins.
YakoCasino
YakoCasino was established back in 2015 with one goal in mind – to deliver a fun-filled, fair gaming experience to players in a brightly colored and secure environment. Despite being a newcomer in the industry, YakoCasino has already cemented its reputation for integrity, reliability and timely payments, which causes more and more UK players to choose it as their preferred gambling operator.
The virtual casino houses a nice range of quality options developed by software providers NetEnt, Amatic, and Microgaming. There are plenty of slots, table games and video poker to play, but a live casino with over 15 tables is also offered for those who are not afraid to test their luck against the experienced dealers.
The casino is more than happy to welcome customers from the UK but it also strives to meet the needs of its international player base by offering a website in several different languages, including German and Swedish. Players can add extra value to their sessions by partaking in one of the numerous promotions, available at YakoCasino. Should you need information or help, you can contact the casino representatives via live chat – the support agents are always glad to be of assistance.
Videoslots
Videoslots has become the preferred destination of millions of reel enthusiasts around the world and British players are not an exception. But do not be mislead by the brand’s name – this reputable online casino has plenty to offer other than slots. Its table games selection is unlike anything you have seen before, as there are tens of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variations. The number of software developers to contribute to Videoslots’ collection is beyond impressive, which is why we would settle for listing some of the most popular names like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, Betsoft, IGT, Felt, iSoftbet, and Cryptologic.
Videoslots has established a practice of rewarding both new and existing members with lucrative bonuses. The operator also supports a variety of widespread currencies including EUR, USD, CAD, and SEK, while British members will be able to deposit in GBP. Support is available round the clock via live chat, phone, and email in order to solve urgent player issues. All the available games are certified as fair but it is also possible to check and compare the payout percentages of different titles at the website.
Thrills
The name of Thrills Casino pretty much speaks for what UK players can expect from this online gambling operator – lots of action, excitement, and profitable promotions. The casino was created by a group of gaming enthusiasts back in 2013 and has gained an excellent reputation for dependability, safety and fairness over the course of the last four years.
Thrills’ great repute is well deserved as the operator offers a versatile selection of games by some of the best software companies in the industry, including frontrunners Microgaming and NetEnt. The slot collection will blow your mind, not to mention some of the titles like Mega Moolah and Arabian Nights have huge progressive jackpots. Table games and video poker are also available in abundance. The casino supports a variety of languages and trusted payment solutions.
The security of players’ personal and banking information is guaranteed thanks to the cutting-edge SSL encryption. The live chat facility ensures players can get in touch with a support agent whenever they need to make a query or ask for help.
bet365
Players with permanent residence in the UK are probably well aware bet365 is one of the largest gambling operators in the country. The company runs a variety of betting products and offerings, including a bespoke sportsbook, a virtual casino, live dealer games, bingo and poker platforms. The online casino itself is a popular gambling destination as it comprises a broad range of slots, video poker, table and card games for all preferences and bankrolls. Big names like Playtech, Play’n GO and Microgaming have contributed to the collection and you all know what this means – an unprecedented level of audio and visual quality.
Those who own hand-held devices running on iOS or Android will be able to enjoy their favorite games on the go since the casino’s website is mobile responsive. Additionally, bet365 is home to a fantastic multi-tier VIP scheme and the more you climb up the ladder, the better rewards you can expect. Comp points are also given to those who play for real cash – if you happen to deplete your balance, you can always exchange your points for more casino credits to play with.
Luxury Casino
Luxury Casino attracts players with the promise of fast cash-outs, high payout return percentages, gaming diversity, and lots of lucrative promotional offers. Indeed, the casino is home to over 500 premier games and there is a suitable option for everyone, regardless of what they prefer to play. The casino strives to provide the best possible service to all customers who register, which is why a support agent is always around to help you when you are in need.
The games on offer are courtesy of respected software developer Microgaming and this can only mean one thing – sharp graphics, seamless gameplay, and easy navigation. Luxury Casino demonstrates a great level of transparency as the payout percentages of all available games are listed for everyone to see. A mobile version of the website is also available so you get to bet on your favorite games from all places, at all times. The casino also offers a nice welcome package with bonuses on players’ first five deposits – the maximum amount of free credits you can collect totals £1,000.
Mr Green
Mr Green is an award-winning online gambling operator which is well-known in the industry for its credibility, great selection of world-class games, and transparency. The website was launched in 2008 and has attracted a massive player community in the past nine years. UK players are more than welcome to join the action but the best part of all is they can deposit in their own currency and use a variety of suitable, efficient, and trusted banking methods they are familiar with.
The gaming collection of Mr Green is exceptionally versatile, with contributions from industry leaders Microgaming, IGT and NetEnt. A variety of traditional blackjack and roulette games are on offer but there is also the option to play in the live dealer casino that is powered by Evolution Gaming. The gaming portfolio is available for instant play but if you wish, you can access the lobby from your portable devices as well since the casino allows for mobile gaming.
If you have any question regarding your account, the promotions or their wagering requirements, you can always expect to receive friendly and quick answers from the representatives of Mr Green’s live chat support. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week as is becoming to one of the largest online gambling operators on the UK market.
32Red
32Red is among the premier online casinos in the UK and as such, has received numerous accolades and awards since it went online in 2003. Of course, these awards can only speak for the casino’s reliability and integrity. The operator is entirely dedicated to its players’ satisfaction and ensures all payments are processed in a quick, professional and secure fashion.
Players who register at 32Red Casino will be floored by the wealth of gaming options they are facing. The casino lobby features over 500 first-rate games by industry innovator Microgaming. The said titles are available in instant play and download formats but mobile play is also supported. The options are indeed versatile as they range from live dealer offerings, a stunning number of slots, video poker variations and plenty of table games to keep even the most demanding players’ appetites satiated.
The casino is committed to ensuring all players, regardless of their nationality, enjoy a hassle-free gambling session. The website supports 11 different languages and accepts various widespread banking options in some of the most commonly used currencies – GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, and SEK, among others. You can test the games for free by claiming the no deposit bonus.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
Why am I not allowed to use my credit card as a payment method at UK online casinos?
While credit cards used to be a widely accepted payment solution at most UK online casinos, following the 2020 credit card gambling ban imposed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), licensed UK casinos are not allowed to accept deposits or withdrawals processed via credit cards. That said, you can still find many virtual casinos for UK players, which will allow you to resort to your debit card for your casino deposits and withdrawals. The ban was introduced as a measure to protect vulnerable players and avoid problem gambling patterns that are often linked to the overuse of credit cards for gambling purposes. Keep in mind that the ban expands even to e-wallets, which have been charged with credit cards, so you will need to use another option to upload money into your e-wallet if you plan on using it for online gambling at a licensed UK online casino.
Why can't I find the Autoplay function on any online slot I see at online casinos?
In 2021, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced a series of player protection measures, which banned four main features of online slots. The Autoplay function was one of the banned features, as it was deduced that it can be misleading, as it may help players lose track of their gameplay. That way, they can end up spending more than what they have previously decided to wager on a slot. Other key slot features that were banned include any functions that speed up the gameplay or give the illusion of having control over the outcome of the spin, slot spins that are faster than 2.5 seconds, and sound and visual effects that give the illusion of a major win when the actual return is equal or even lower than the original stake. Due to the ban, players in UK online casinos are not presented with the Autoplay option on any slot variations.