Review of the best online casino in the UK 2024

We provide in-depth UK online casino reviews, gambling tips, gambling guides and more to help you have the best and safest online gambling experience.

Our carefully selected list of the best online casinos in the UK has exactly what you're looking for! Visit the most popular online casinos in the UK for the latest and greatest versions of roulette, slot machines and blackjack. We've selected the best online slots providers so you can play safely and win real money.

What are Online Casinos?

An online casino is essentially the same thing as traditional, land-based casinos. They offer all the same games, including:

  • Slots
  • Video poker
  • Live dealer games
  • Table games

And more!

The only major difference between land-based and online casinos is that online casino games can be played virtually. But don’t think for a moment that this means the quality of online casino games is inferior to live games.

In fact, many online casinos in the UK provide live tables and webcam gaming options to satisfy players who enjoy chatting with their dealers or reading the poker faces of their opponents.

With online casinos, you can enjoy your favourite casino games all from the comfort of your home.

UK gambling licenses and legislation

Gambling Commission is the only authority that regulates and licenses gambling providers in Great Britain. This includes national lottery, bookmakers, brick-and-mortar casinos, and, of course, online casinos.

The UK gambling commission was set up in 2005, under the Gambling Act of 2005, to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain. Then, there has been the Gambling Act of 2014, which requires any operator wishing to interact with consumers in Great Britain to have a license from the Gambling Commission. This means that all online casinos which want to offer their services to players from the UK need to have a Gambling Commission license.

Gambling Commission aims to make sure that:

  • gambling is conducted in a fair way,
  • gambling isn’t a source of crime or disorder, associated with it, or used to support it,
  • vulnerable people and children are protected from harm or exploitation.

It’s clear from these objectives that player protection really is a priority for the Gambling Commission, which is why players from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) should always play in casinos that have a license issued by it. What’s more, casinos without a Gambling Commission license operate in Great Britain illegally and should be avoided.

Apart from the Gambling Commission, there are other regulatory authorities which might be of interest for players from the UK. The strict rules related to the Gambling Commission apply just to Great Britain. Gambling in Northern Ireland is regulated under the Betting, Gambling, Lotteries & Amusements (NI) Order 1985, which is quite old and doesn’t account for online gambling very well.

Additionally, prior to the Gambling Act 2014, subjects without a Gambling Commission license were allowed to operate in Great Britain. Licensed operators from so-called "whitelisted countries" (EEA countries, Alderney, Antigua and Barbuda, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Tasmania) could provide their services to English, Scottish, and Welsh citizens, but this was revoked in 2014 and is no longer true.

How to Play at the Top UK Online Casinos

If you’re interested in playing at any of the UK online casinos, here’s what you need to know to get started.

The first step after choosing the best online casino for you is to register. To complete this step, you will have to provide some personal information, including:

  • Full name
  • ID, passport, or driving licence 
  • Email/contact information
  • Billing address
  • Payment details, such as your debit card information
  • Transaction history (possible)

After registering, the casino will likely do a background check on you before verifying your account. This may take up to a couple of days, but once verified, you are free to start indulging in everything the casino has to offer!

How We Help You Choose the Best Casino Sites

Security and Fairness

UK players can rest assured there are no fly-by-night gambling businesses on our shortlist. We carefully vet each casino before we recommend it to ensure it meets the highest standards of ethics, fairness, and player protection. To earn our approval, a gambling site must use state-of-the-art encryptions, follow strict social responsibility policies, and undergo regular audits by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA.

Software and Game Diversity

We believe a good online casino must provide a versatile selection of slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live dealer games. What is more, the gaming library should be supplied by multiple software studios rather than by a couple of providers only. Progressive jackpots are also a must and sites that lack them are unlikely to earn a recommendation from us.

Banking and Payout Speed

Casino Guardian recognises the fact that having quick access to winnings is of utmost importance for most players. We look up the range of accepted banking solutions, the minimum and maximum limits on payments, and any potential fees. Our reviewers play for real money and request withdrawals to evaluate the payout speed of each gambling operator. We prioritise casinos with speedy payout processing and no extra charges.

Mobile Compatibility

If you are keen on casino games as much as we are, mobile compatibility is almost certainly one key criterion you consider when deciding where to play. The Casino Guardian reviewers give each gambling site a test drive on different smartphones and tablets to check how it performs on portable devices. A casino passes the test if it adapts well enough to smaller screens. We also pay attention to aspects like the availability of downloadable apps, loading speeds, user interface, and mobile game selection.

Customer Support

At Casino Guardian, we hunt out UK-facing online casinos that give a high priority to customer satisfaction. The top-rated gambling sites recommended here all provide speedy, proactive, and highly professional customer service. The support agents are typically accessible via a range of channels, including email, telephone, and live chat.

Regulatory Authorities for UK Best Online Casinos

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission, abbreviated as the UKGC or the GBGC, is the official UK government agency tasked with licensing and regulating all land-based and online businesses providing gambling services to legal-age people in Great Britain. The UKGC is also responsible for overseeing the National Lottery.

The UKGC was established under an act of Parliament – The Gambling Act 2005 – and is the overarching authority responsible for the issuance of licenses to commercial gambling operations in the UK.

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is the sole government agency that regulates commercial gambling activity in the UK. The UKGC has broad powers that include gambling-related advertising in Britain.

While the Department sponsored this department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), it functions as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) in Great Britain. The UKGC is tasked with the following important objectives with regard to UK online casinos:

  • Issuance of gambling licenses
  • Maintaining the integrity of gambling activity
  • Ensuring fairness and transparency in gambling
  • Compliance & enforcement of gambling legislation
  • The protection of minors and vulnerable people from gambling companies

While the UKGC has broad authority, it is not involved in the resolution of complaints, nor does it offer legal advice to players.

The UKGC has full authority over regulating remote gambling activity in the UK as well. The only online casinos UK recommended by andgames.net are fully licensed by the UKGC. This is easily verified at the online casino and cross-referenced at the TheGamblingCommission.gov.uk website.

It is against this backdrop of a comprehensive gambling framework that andgames.net conducts an in-depth analysis of the best UK online casinos. Our reviews tackle all the hard issues, all the behind-the-scenes issues, and the legal frameworks that underscore the online casino scene in the UK.

Payment options used at the best online casinos in the UK

Andgames.net has identified various popular payment options used at online casinos UK.

These include the following: 

  • VISA Electron and VISA Debit– available at major high street banks across the country. VISA Electron requires all funds to be available in the account, with no overdraft facilities available.
  • MasterCard– available at all major UK high street banks, including the Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, NatWest, Halifax, and Barclays.
  • PayPal– a popular option for UK online casino players. Although it is free to transfer between UK-based accounts, there are high fees when using credit cards and PayPal together.
  • Skrill (Formerly Moneybookers)– the Paysafe Group acquired this e-wallet in 2015. It is a tiered money service, and it is free to receive money, but there is a charge to send money.
  • PaySafeCard– available in vouchers with 16-digit PINs, with easy payments to online casinos.

Making an Online Casino Deposit

Once you’ve picked the best online casino for you and registered your account, there’s one more step before you can play and win real money: making a deposit.

The good news is, making a deposit at the top UK online casino sites is quick, safe, and easy! Typically, you can make a deposit in just 5 straightforward steps:

  1. Go to the casino’s “Cashier” page and select “Deposit”.
  2. Select your preferred payment option: PayPal, e-wallets, debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, or other.
  3. Carefully follow the on-screen instructions and fill in the necessary information.
  4. Determine how much money you want to deposit and enter your deposit amount.
  5. Review your transaction for any mistakes and confirm it.

As a general rule, only use well-known and reliable payment methods to avoid putting your money and personal information at risk.

Most of the best online casinos in the UK have instant deposits. However, sometimes the deposit transfer time can depend on the payment method you choose.

And, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the casino’s customer support—the best online casinos in the UK offer 24/7 customer support for a reason!

Making an Online Casino Withdrawal

Withdrawing your winnings from the top casino sites in the UK is as easy as making a deposit. Here’s exactly what you need to do to cash out your winnings:

  1. Go to the casino’s “Cashier” page and select “Withdrawal”.
  2. Choose your preferred payment option.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions and fill in all the required fields.
  4. Enter your desired withdrawal amount.
  5. Review your transaction, confirm it, and wait for the funds to drop into your account!

Now, when it comes to withdrawals, there are some things you should keep in mind:

  • Before transferring your funds, online casinos need to process your transaction, which can take up to 48 hours.
  • Most top online casinos in the UK require you to use the same payment method for depositing and withdrawing your funds.
  • Some online casinos have minimum and maximum payout limits.
  • Most online casino sites don’t allow you to withdraw funds into prepaid cards and gift cards.

Customer Support

Andgames.net has identified online casinos UK with exceptional customer support. These operators offer players multiple avenues to get in touch with customer service representatives. In the United Kingdom, online casinos tend to have a player-centric focus, meaning that their actions are geared towards player satisfaction, conflict resolution, and a seamless gaming experience. Customer support and service is typically available 24/7 through a variety of channels, notably:

  • 24/7 Email Assistance
  • Online Contact Forms
  • Live Chat Functionality
  • Comprehensive FAQ Sections
  • Dedicated Social Media Pages for Help
  • Land-based Address for Regular Mail Queries
  • Multi-Language Capacity to Accommodate All Players
  • Telephone Support for UK Players (During Business Hours)

The objective in all instances is the rapid turnaround regarding queries, complaints, or comments. The quicker and more professional customer support responds to players, the better.

Types of Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Our aim is to list the best online casino welcome bonus deals, and so this includes all of the different types of online casino promotion bonus offers you can expect to find at the sites we recommend, as well as ongoing deals and promotions for regular players after you’ve signed up and started playing at any of our listed online casinos.

Casino Welcome Bonus

At the majority of the sign up bonus casino sites that we recommend, new players receive a match on their first deposit(s) as part of the deal. This match is usually worth 100%, but can be more, and this is the best casino welcome bonus to go for if you’re looking to increase your bankroll substantially from the outset.

Online Casino No Deposit Bonus

With this variety of casino free bonus, you’re given free spins or cash to play with when you register for a new player account. These free spins can be used either on a specific game, or in some cases on any of the site’s casino games with bonuses. However, it’s important to remember that with any online casino no deposit bonus there will be conditions attached, the most common of which is that you need to make a deposit before you can continue playing with any of your winnings from your free spins.

Free Spin Bonus

More and more of the casino online sites that we recommend offer players generous free spin bonuses, either as part of a welcome casino bonus or as incentive for regular players. Most free spins are part of an online casino real money no deposit signup offer, where you can play a specific game before you add any money to your account, or they can also be part of a casino sign up bonus in addition to a match on your initial deposit(s). You also get the chance to win free spins when new slots are released, or as part of a holiday or big sporting event.

Refer-a-Friend Bonus

Once you’ve signed up for an account, another top online casino bonus you can enjoy is the Refer-a-Friend bonus, where if you recommend someone to the online casino (usually by email), and they then sign up and make a first deposit, you both receive a casino bonus, usually cash or free spins, and this can be worth in the region of £50.

Reload Bonus

One of the best casino bonuses slots players can enjoy is the reload bonus, where on a given day (usually either once a week or once a month), any deposit you make on that day will receive a match bonus, generally worth between 10% – 25%. It’s often the case that if you play on a particular game once you’ve reloaded, you get awarded additional free spins as well.

High Roller and VIP Bonuses

Online casinos work hard at keeping your loyalty once you’ve signed up, and so regular players can also benefit from high roller and VIP bonuses. Most of the casino bonuses UK players enjoy come from these sort of incentive schemes, many of which are invitation only, and the benefits can include free spins, deposit match bonuses, faster withdrawal times and higher limits.

Daily and Weekly Special Bonuses

Once you’ve signed up for a welcome casino bonus, the offers don’t stop there as the sites we recommend like to incentivise players with plenty of daily and weekly casino bonus offers as well. These will usually be emailed to you, or sent via SMS, so keep an eye on your in-box to take advantage of the latest top online casino bonus deals.

Mobile Casino Bonuses

At most of the sites that we recommend, new players can benefit from the same sign up bonus casino deals if they register via the desktop or mobile casino sites, although with some casino apps there are extra incentives and casino welcome bonus deals for those who sign up initially via the mobile casino.

Best Casino Games

If you're a fan of gambling, you've likely already tried your luck at a traditional brick-and-mortar casino. However, with the rise of the internet, online casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players the opportunity to enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their own homes.

Online casinos offer a wide range of games, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to slot machines and even live dealer games. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. We'll take a look at the different types of games available, the benefits of playing online, and give you some tips on how to choose the right online casino for you.

The following are some of the best online casino games;

Roulette

"Roulette" is a French word referring to "little wheel." Roulette has been around since the 17th century and is loved by many players for its mystery, excitement, and glamour. It's relatively easy for novice players to understand, yet it allows more experienced players to enjoy more in-depth. A player can opt to bet on the colour red or black, a single number, whether the number is even or odd, a grouping of numbers, or if the numbers are low (1 to 18) or if the numbers are high (19 to 36).

To establish the winning number, a dealer spins the wheel in one direction and then the ball in the opposing direction on a tilted circular track on the wheel's outer edge. The ball ultimately loses momentum, goes through some deflectors, and drops into one of the 37 numbered and coloured pockets on the where. Winnings are awarded to anyone who places the correct bet.

BlackJack

Also known as pontoon and twenty-one, blackjack is a gambling card game. Although its origin isn't clear, this online casino game is related to some French and Italian games. This gambling game can be played using a deck of 52 cards, but the version of the game, which employs 312 cards (six decks), is the most popular. Players don't compete amongst themselves but rather against the dealer.

Each player strives to get as close as possible to the total card value of 21 without exceeding 21. For card values and scoring, aces have a value of 1 or 11, and face cards have 10. The value of all other cards is their index value. Once the players have placed their bets, the dealer distributes one card to each in a clockwise rotation, and they pick one card face up for themselves. If the total value of a player's first two cards is 21 (an ace and ten-card), this is referred to as a natural or blackjack.

Baccarat

This casino card game is typically played between two hands, the "banker" and the "player," using two to three cards. It's purely a game of chance, with each player's moves being forced by the cards they have been dealt. No strategy is involved. Customarily, baccarat is a high-roller game. However, it was tweaked recently to allow players with lower stakes to enjoy it.

You can bet for the player, the banker, and even a tie in baccarat. A tie bet is never recommended. The scoring for each hand runs between a total of 0 and 9. If your card's total is 10+, you ignore the one and use the second number as the total. The hand with the high card score wins.

Video Poker

Video poker refers to a fixed-odds poker casino game inspired by five-card draw poker. The game is played on an interface that looks like a slot machine, which is why it's also called poker slots. However, unlike conventional slots, there is an element of skill required to play video poker successfully. You need to play the hand you are dealt optimally.

The player is always dealt a five-card hand and given a chance to retain the cards they prefer and drop the ones they don't want. They will receive new cards for the discarded ones, and the combination becomes their new hand. A player wins if their final hand matches the winning combinations on the play table.

Slots

Slots is a gambling game of chance typically played on slot machines, also known as one-armed bandits. The player deposits money into the slot machine, pulls on a lever, or pushes a button to start the game. The player wins the slot game if all three slots on the screen show a similar image.

Slot machines in online casinos are designed to function similarly to their physical counterparts. However, they have new symbols, such as scatters and wilds, to make the game more exciting and engaging. The wild symbol allows players to create a winning line by substituting it for a symbol they are missing.

Scratch Cards

Also known as "scratchers," this game of chance allows a player to win cash rewards, including a massive jackpot. It's generally a variation of the conventional scratch card lottery. The game is gaining popularity fast among players for its quick gameplay, high odds, and zero skill requirement.

Random number generators determine the outcome of games. The player collects winnings if the number on their scratch card matches the number provided by the random number generator.

The Top-Rated Casino Software Developers

There are a plethora of online casino software developers. Many of the more well-known names will be familiar to you. At any top online casino, UK players will see plenty of slot content from NetEnt, with roulette and blackjack normally provided by Playtech. Evolution is the market leader in live casino games.

It is also worth considering content from some up-and-coming games studios. The slot games from NoLimit City are excellent from this small studio while others to consider are Wazdan, Habanero and Northern Lights Gaming. Here are the top rated online casinos software developers for UK players:

  1. Evolution
  2. Playtech
  3. Microgaming
  4. NetEnt
  5. Play’n GO

 Top Live Casino Sites in the UK

Live casino play brings the excitement of the casino floor direct to your mobile or desktop. You can connect with live dealers in land-based casinos or dedicated filming studios, interact with them and play games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette and poker. 

Many United Kingdom players prefer live dealer games to virtual table games, as they find it more authentic than playing against a Random Number Generator. The social aspect of a live casino is also important for many players, because it recreates the atmosphere and the experience of the brick and mortar casino. 

Some top casinos have really embraced the live dealer revolution. They provide dozens of exciting variations of blackjack, baccarat, roulette and poker, along with game show style offerings, such as Deal or No Deal, Dream Catcher and Monopoly. The software works seamlessly on all devices, there are no lag times and the overall experience is pleasurable. Other British casino sites remain behind the curve, with a limited selection of games and connection issues. Our reviewers have identified the best live casinos in the UK and tested them thoroughly to help you maximise your casino experience!

Mobile Casinos In The UK

Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular, and as the internet continues to thrive and grow, so does mobile gaming. So, what has changed over the years? What we can tell you that has impacted online casinos in the UK are modern casinos. The reason for this is, modern online casinos in the UK are built and developed using HTML5 technology. You see, prior to the introduction of HTML5 software, casino players would have been required to download and install casino applications in order to access the games, their accounts, or promotions. Many players in the UK would be reluctant to do so for fear of malware or file corruption from unsafe sites. Therefore, online casinos in the UK have been taking on an innovative approach to online gaming and have been designing or upgrading their sites to accommodate iOS, Android, and Windows users.

In conclusion, with more players accessing casinos from mobile devices, it only seems fair that modern UK casinos also take advantage of modern mobile technology, and grant their players access to the games and more from their mobile devices. We can already see the spike in the number of mobile casino players in the UK, and soon it will be only a matter of survival of the fittest UK casinos. Should they fall behind and lack the knowledge of implementing mobile-friendly technology, there is a very good chance of failure.

NEW ONLINE CASINOS IN THE UK

The UK is one of the fastest up-and-coming countries in the world to generate reliable online casinos. It is also one of the countries with the best regulatory bodies to issue licenses to new online casinos with strict laws governing the maintenance of these new releases. Andgames.net stays up to trend by investigating all new casino unveilings, and carefully hand-selects only the best new online casinos in the UK. However, our team likes to maintain strong relationships with more-established brands as we grow new affiliations with current casino launches.

High Paying Casino Sites

Some of the top UK online casinos will disclose their overall payout rates. This level of transparency is an admirable quality, and we will highlight this information in our reviews when it is available. The best UK online casinos will provide an overall RTP (return to player) of more than 96.5%. Casiplay, DreamVegas, 888 Casino and PlayZee are all high-paying casino sites that disclose payout rates.

The best online casinos should also provide details of the RTP on each game. Stick to games with a high RTP if you want to maximise your chances of securing a profit. Blackjack has an RTP of 99.4% to 99.8%, depending on the variant you choose. Several slots have an RTP greater than 99%, including Goblin’s Cave, Ocean Princess and Ugga Bugga. Alternatively, you can go for a progressive jackpot game, which offers a lower RTP but provides you with the opportunity to win a pile of cash.

Bear in mind that the overall payout rates are the average of all games offered on site, either divided into categories like slots, table games, and so on, or collectively. You better look for the specific RTP of the game or games that you play or intend to play. It must also be noted that this percentage is theoretical and doesn't mean that you will be able to predict the outcome of your gaming session.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the online casino industry has exploded in recent years, with a wide range of options available to players all around the world. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which online casino is the best. However, by taking into account factors such as the variety of games available, the level of customer service, and the security of the site, players can find the online casino that best meets their needs. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of an online casino site or a newcomer to the world of online gambling, there is an online casino out there for you.

Even with the countless benefits of the best online casinos, it's important for players to choose a reputable and trustworthy online casino. There are many rogue online casinos that may not be fair or secure. It's important to do your research and choose an online casino that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority.

If you're in the market for the best online casinos, feel free to choose any of the ones we have highlighted in this comprehensive online casino review. Some of the notable gambling sites that we didn't feature in this online casino site review include Leo Vegas Casino, and Red Dog Casino, Ignition Casino, Mansion Casino and Cafe Casino.

FAQ about the Best Online Casinos in the UK 

How can I be sure that live casino games are fair at UK online casinos?

Every game category at a licensed UK online casino, including card games, table games, slot games, instant games, and live casino games is guaranteed fair. The software providers are licensed, the dealers are licensed, and the online casinos are licensed.

Do I Need to Register an Account to Play Casino Games?

Yes, UK-based players are required to sign up for a user account if they want to play games in an online casino. Since May 2019, when new age and identity verification rules took effect, players must provide proof that they are of legal age to take part in gambling activities. The new age restrictions also apply to free-to-play gambling products.

Can I Play Online Casino Games in the UK on Mobile?

Online casino games on mobile are extremely popular in the UK and more often than not, an app is not required. Logging into your favourite UK casino is as simple as launching the website via the browser on your device. Use your desktop username and password to gain access to your casino account to start playing slots, live casino games and even progressive jackpot slots.

Can I Play at Online Casinos in the UK for Free?

Yes! There are many online casinos in the UK welcoming free play, and this means being able to trial games without having to spend a penny. Known as free play demos, the games operate in the same way as they would when playing with real money, the only difference is you dont get to keep what you win in demo mode. Dont forget to switch back to real play mode to keep all of your winnings.

What casino game has the best chance of winning?

Out of all online casino games, you have the biggest chance of winning at blackjack.

Besides a low house edge, blackjack also has a high RTP in some of the best online casinos, it is over 99%.

Not to mention, blackjack is one of the rare online casino games that isnt based on pure luck;with skill and experience, you can increase your winnings and lower the house edge!