Best Online Casinos in the UK in 2025
With so much competition, knowing which online casino to sign up to can be a daunting task. Each site has its own bonuses, games and features, and will suit a different sort of online casino player. However, we are confident that our list of the best online casino sites in the UK – which have been tried and tested by our experienced team of reviewers, who rank each site according to a strict set of criteria – will have something to offer every player. Read More
On this page we will not only provide reviews of our top picks for the best online casinos in the UK, but also run you through all of the most important aspects of the online casino experience, including bonus terms, types of games, payment methods and how to sign up. Of course, we’ll also go through our ranking criteria to reassure you of our selections.
Hopefully, once you’ve read all that we have to say about UK casino sites, you’ll be able to sign up to your ideal casino and start playing.
Our Top UK Casinos
Top Online Casinos UK - A Deeper Look
Now that we’ve run you through how we rank the best online casinos, below is a closer look at each of our top ten ranked UK casino sites, including an online casino review for our ten favourite brands!
- BetMGM Casino - Best All-Round Casino
- Sky Vegas - Best Free Spins Bonus
- Betano - Best Casino Mixed With Sportsbook
- BetGoodwin - Best Cashback Offer
- 888Casino - Best Matched Deposit Offer
- Paddy Power - Best Existing Customer Promotions
- Pub Casino - Best New Casino
- LeoVegas - Best Live Casino
1. BetMGM Casino – Best All-Round Casino in the UK
Despite being one of the US’s biggest sportsbook and casino brands, BetMGM is a relative newcomer to the UK scene, launching in August 2023, so I was particularly excited to check out everything this online casino had to offer.
When I clicked through to the site, I was greeted with a choice between two equally generous sign up bonuses: a sports offer and a casino offer and I found it difficult to choose between them – a nice problem to have. The “Sports” offer grants new players £40 worth of free bets whilst the Casino bonus offer gives a 100% matched deposit up to £100.
BetMGM is a strong contender for the best casino in the UK; they have fantastic offers, a wide range of games and an amazing live casino option. On top of this, BetMGM also has a sportsbook for those who like to bet on both casinos and sports.
2. Sky Vegas – Best Free Spins Bonus
There are lots of things that I like about Sky Vegas, which we will cover in this short review, but I must start with the welcome bonus. A no wagering requirements sign up offer is like a four-leaf clover in the world of online casinos, and is something I’m always on the lookout for. Besides, if I find I don’t like the site after exhausting all 250 of my free spins, I can just withdraw my winnings and move on, while only spending a total of £5.
However, there was never a question of doing this at Sky Vegas, who are committed to keeping their existing players stocked up on plentiful bonuses beyond the sign up offer.
Outside of the slots, Sky Vegas has an excellent live dealer and table games sections, and even offers a bunch of exclusive titles, including their own video poker game. As you would expect from a brand of this calibre, there is great customer support should anything go wrong – I was connected to an extremely helpful advisor in under a minute when I’d uploaded the wrong verification documents – and support for a range of different payment methods.
3. Betano – Best for Casino and Sports
If you’re anything like me, you would have only been aware of Betano as a sports betting brand, largely thanks to their sponsorship of Euro 2024.
However, I was delighted to find that Betano also offers an extremely impressive online casino that starts you off with a generous ‘Bet £10, Get £30’ casino welcome bonus. This type of offer is usually reserved for sports betting sites, with casino bonuses tending to come in the form of matched deposits. Essentially, this means you get more bang for your buck at Betano, and £30 in bonuses gave me plenty of funds to explore the site with.
I found the Betano site – and their mobile app, which is one of the best I’ve used – to be well-designed and easily navigable, with plenty of options for slots and live casino fans such as myself. The Betano online casino seems to feature an unusual amount of jackpot games and tournaments, such as Drops & Wins, £150k Kick Off and The Wildes Tournament, which will no doubt excite the more adventurous players. You can filter through the library with those progressive jackpot categories, which is a nice feature. Those who know exactly what kinds of games they like should have no trouble finding them at Betano.
Of course, if you also enjoy the occasional sports bet, that option is always available to you and Betano is one of the UK’s best new bookies.
4. BetGoodwin – Best Cashback Offer
BetGoodwin is another site I was more familiar with as a UK bookmaker, so I was excited to try out their online casino.
Right off the bat, I noticed that the BetGoodwin does things a little differently. £50 in bonus funds is up for grabs, but only as cashback on 50% of your first day losses. This means that to claim the maximum amount, I would have had to lose £100 on my first day. Luckily, I only lost £20, but this means I could claim just £10 out of a maximum of £50 in bonus funds. However, it was still a nice little compensatory boost after a relatively unsuccessful start at the casino.
For a site that is certainly more sports-oriented, I was very impressed by the BetGoodwin online casino, particularly when it comes to slots and live dealers. The expansive slots library is filterable by some very useful categories, such as ‘Megaways’ and ‘New Releases’, and you can also filter by software provider to find your favourite developers.
In the dedicated live casino section, which is packed full of all of Evolution Gaming’s best titles, you can again filter by all the different genres of live dealer games.
My experience with the customer support team was also very positive. I had a response from one of the team’s advisors within a couple minutes, and my query was dealt with in a prompt and friendly manner. If I had one small request, it would be that BetGoodwin adds some more payment methods, as debit cards are the only option currently. Although I must say my first withdrawal was particularly fast, arriving in my bank account in a few hours.
5. 888casino - Best Matched Deposit Offer
888casino stands out in the UK online gaming scene, particularly due to its exceptional welcome bonus. New players are greeted with a 200% matched deposit offer, allowing you to triple your initial deposit up to £200. This means a £100 deposit gives you a total of £300 to play with, providing a substantial boost to explore the extensive range of games available.
Beyond the generous welcome bonus, 888casino ensures a rewarding experience for its players. The platform offers a diverse selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options, catering to various gaming preferences. Their commitment to an enjoyable player experience is evident through ongoing promotions and a user-friendly interface. Should you need assistance, 888casino provides responsive customer support and supports a variety of payment methods, making both deposits and withdrawals straightforward.
6. Paddy Power - Best Existing Customer Promotions
Paddy Power might be best known for its sports betting platform, but its casino offering is just as impressive for UK players. New customers can kick off their experience with a welcome offer that includes £40 in casino bonuses and 100 free spins, giving plenty of opportunities to explore their wide range of games. Whether you're a fan of slots, table games, or live dealer options, Paddy Power Casino has something for everyone.
What truly sets Paddy Power apart, though, is how often they reward existing players. Throughout the year, they roll out a variety of promotions that keep things exciting. From free spins on popular slot games to bonus bets for blackjack, there’s always something to look forward to. Their generosity isn’t limited to the casino either, with free bets often offered for major events like horse racing or big football matches. It’s this dedication to keeping players engaged that makes Paddy Power a standout choice for online casino fans.
7. Pub Casino - Best New Casino
Pub Casino, launched in 2023, has quickly become a top choice for UK players seeking a fresh online gaming experience. The theme of Pub Casino is unique, with the design being inspired by a traditional British pub. New players are greeted with a generous 100% matched deposit bonus of up to £100, doubling their initial deposit and providing a great boost to explore the extensive game library.
Pub Casino boasts a diverse selection of over 1,600 games from at least 19 providers, including popular slots, table games, and live dealer options. This extensive collection ensures that players of all preferences can find something to enjoy.
Pub Casino also offers a user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and responsive customer support, making it an enjoyable platform for both new and seasoned players in the UK.
9. Leo Vegas - Best Live Casino
For players who prefer live casinos to slots, Leo Vegas is absolutely perfect. LeoVegas is widely recognised as the best live casino in the UK, offering a top-tier experience for players who love real-time gaming. With an impressive selection of live dealer games, you can enjoy the thrill of a real casino hosted by professional dealers from the comfort of your home.
New players can kick off their LeoVegas experience with an exciting sign-up offer of 50 free spins when you bet £10. This gives you the perfect opportunity to explore their vast selection of games and discover why LeoVegas is such a popular choice for UK players. Alongside their live casino, LeoVegas also excels in usability, with a mobile-friendly platform, 24/7 customer support, and fast, secure payment methods. For live casino fans, LeoVegas delivers an unmatched experience in the UK.
Top UK Online Casinos Compared
Still haven't decided on which casino suits you best? Take a look at the table below to see a quick rundown of our favourite sites.
Casino | Welcome Bonus | Top Feature | Payment Options | Withdrawal Time | Rating |
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BetMGM | 100% up to £100 | User Friendly Site | Debit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay | Instant-3 days | 5/5 |
Voodoo Dreams | 100% up to £100 + 100 free spins | Rewards Program | Debit Card, Trustly, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller | Instant-4 days | 4/5 |
Sky Vegas | Play £5 Get 250 free spins | Customer Support | Debit Card, Apple Pay | 2-5 days | 4/5 |
Betano | Bet £10 Get £30 in bonuses | The mix of Sports + Casino Betting | Debit Card, Apple Pay, Skrill Neteller, Bank Transfer | Up to 24 hours | 4/5 |
BetGoodwin | 50% cashback on first-day losses | Wide Range of Table Games | Debit Card, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
888casino | 200% up to £200 | A huge amount of payment methods | Debit Card, Apple Pay, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer, | 2-3 days | 4/5 |
Paddy Power | Bet £10 Get £40 + 100 free spins | Instant Withdrawals | Debit Card, Apply Pay, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer | Instant | 5/5 |
Duelz | 100% up to £100 + 100 free spins | Amazing Variety of Slot Games | Debit Card, Trustly, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller | Instant-4 days | 4/5 |
Pub Casino | 100% up to £100 | Unique and Engaging Design | Debit Card, Trustly, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller | Instant | 4/5 |
Leo Vegas | Bet £10 Get 50 free spins | Fantastic Live Casino | Debit Card, Apple Pay, Skrill, PayPal, Paysafecard | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
The Promotions and Bonuses Available at Online Casinos
Bonuses and promotions are key features of online casinos, giving both new and existing players rewards like free spins, matched deposits, and cashback on losses. Let’s explore the most common types of online casino bonuses.
Matched Deposit Offers
Matched deposit bonuses are one of the most popular welcome offers at the best online casinos in the UK. These bonuses match your first deposit as bonus funds. For instance, a casino might offer a 100% match up to £50. If you deposit £50, you’ll receive £50 in bonus funds, totalling £100 to play with. Keep in mind that bonus funds aren’t withdrawable right away—you’ll need to meet wagering requirements to turn them into real money.
Free Spins
Free spins are another top choice for new players and are often included as part of a welcome package. These bonuses give you a set number of spins—typically for specific slot games—in exchange for a deposit of £5, £10, or £20.
Even better, some casinos offer no deposit free spins, like Sky Vegas’s 50 free spins offer. These don’t require any deposit at all. Free spins often have lower wagering requirements compared to matched deposits, and some even come with no wagering at all, making them a fantastic option for beginners and casual players alike.
Reload Bonus
Reload bonuses are promotions for existing players, often in the form of matched deposits or free spins. Some casinos spread these bonuses across your first few deposits, effectively turning them into reload offers. These deals are great for staying engaged with trusted casinos offering regular rewards.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses return a percentage of your losses over a set period, providing extra value and cushioning your bankroll. For example, All British Casino offers 10% cashback on losses within 24 hours. If you lose £10 in that time, you can claim £1 back—simple and straightforward.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs reward regular players with exclusive deals as they climb the ranks. These programs often use points-based systems, where your rewards improve as you play more. Perks can include free spins, bonus funds, faster withdrawals, or even real cash prizes. High rollers and loyal UK players especially benefit from these programs, which focus on player safety, fair play, and exceptional user experience.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs reward existing players for continuing to play at a single betting site. These are often tiered or points-based systems in which players are granted access to more premium rewards and benefits as they accumulate points or progress through the ranks. Each loyalty program will differ slightly, and the bonuses can range from anywhere between free spins and bonus funds to faster withdrawals and real cash prizes.
Things to Look Out for When Selecting a Casino Bonus
Unfortunately, with most UK gambling sites bonuses, there is more to them than meets the eye. When a casino has an offer that looks too good to be true, there is usually a pretty heavy catch. From wagering requirements to expiry dates, here are the main things to look out for when selecting a UK casino bonus.
Bonus Type
Understand the type of bonus you’re claiming. Are you looking for free spins, a matched deposit, or cashback on losses? Each bonus offers different advantages depending on your play style. Beginners might prefer free spins for exploring slot games, while high rollers might lean towards substantial matched deposit offers.
Game Eligibility
Not all bonuses apply to every game. Some are tailored to specific game developers, while others might include popular games like blackjack, roulette, or live dealer options. If you enjoy variety or live dealer games, check that the bonus supports your favorite categories.
Maximum Bonus Value
Pay close attention to the maximum bonus value. While a bonus might advertise a 100% match, the cap on the offer—whether it’s £50 or £500—determines how much extra you’ll actually receive. Players with larger bankrolls should look for bonuses with higher limits.
Bonus Expiry
Bonuses don’t last forever. Many promotions come with time limits, often ranging from a few days to a month. Make sure you can use the bonus before it expires to avoid losing your funds or free spins.
Deposit Methods
Some bonuses are only available when using specific payment methods. For example, secure payment options like Trustly or PayPal might qualify, but others may not. Always confirm your preferred method is eligible when claiming a bonus.
Transparency and Terms
Look for bonuses with clear, transparent terms. Trusted online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will provide all the details upfront, including eligible games, maximum payouts, and any restrictions. Avoid offers with overly complex or vague conditions.
Exclusive Deals
Some online casinos offer exclusive deals that are only available to new players or through certain promotions. These can include slot tournaments, no deposit bonuses, or free spins with no wagering requirements. Keep an eye out for these standout offers.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements stipulate how many times the value of a bonus must be wagered before it can be converted into withdrawable cash, and are the bane of any online casino bonus offer. For example, if you received £50 in matched deposit bonus funds with wagering requirements of 30x, you would have to wager £1500 before you could withdraw any winnings from your bonus.
With that in mind, to help reduce the amount that you spend clearing wagering requirements, here are a few factors or tips to consider, which all require that you check all the bonus T&Cs when claiming:
- Choose low or no wagering offers – Some bonus offers will come with very low wagering requirements, or none at all, and these are the best offers on the market.
- Check time limits – All bonuses expire after a specified period of time. The shorter the time limit, the more you will have to spend in a short period of time. Pick a bonus with a decent time limit to give yourself the best chance of clearing your wagering requirements without stretching your budget.
- Game contribution – Different games will contribute different amounts to clearing your wagering requirements. Slots, for example, will usually contribute 100%, which makes them the best option when trying to clear your playthrough.
- Payment method restrictions – Certain deposit methods – usually e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller – might be excluded from your bonus. To be on the safe side, always make your qualifying deposit with a debit card.
- Don’t stretch your budget – If the wagering requirements are too big, do not break the bank trying to clear them. Bonuses are still valuable as a way to get used to a new betting site without having to spend too much of your own cash.
By considering these factors, UK players can find bonuses that not only match their preferences but also enhance their enjoyment with real money games and fast payout from a secure gambling site in the UK.
Types of Games Available at UK Casino Sites
Types of Games at UK Online Casinos
UK online casinos offer a wide range of games to suit all kinds of players. From exciting slots to classic table games and live dealer experiences, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s a closer look at the most popular options.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games, and for a good reason. They’re simple to play—just spin the reels and hope for matching symbols on paylines. Many slots also include bonus features like free spins or multipliers, which can boost your winnings.
There are hundreds of slot games to choose from, including classic fruit machines and modern video slots with stunning graphics. Each slot game has a different level of volatility.
Video Poker
Video poker combines the luck of slots with the strategy of poker. The goal is to make the best possible hand from five cards. You can hold or swap cards to improve your chances, with payouts based on the strength of your hand.
If you’re new to video poker, Sky Vegas has an exclusive version that’s worth checking out.
Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game played on a wheel with numbered red and black pockets. Players bet on where the ball will land, choosing options like single numbers, groups of numbers, or categories like red/black or odd/even.
Inside bets (like betting on a single number) have higher payouts but lower odds, while outside bets (like red or black) are safer but pay less. BetMGM offers a fantastic selection of roulette games for players of all levels.
Blackjack
Blackjack is another popular table game. The aim is simple: get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You play against the dealer and can choose to hit (take another card), stay (stick with your current cards), double down, or split pairs. Blackjack is a popular game among casinos due to the lower house edge percentage.
Other Table Games
In addition to blackjack and roulette, you’ll find games like poker, baccarat, craps, and sic bo at UK casinos. These games often come in multiple versions, so take a moment to check the rules before playing.
Party Casino stands out for its wide variety of table games, offering something for everyone.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games bring the thrill of a real casino to your screen. You can play blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more with professional dealers in real time. It’s a great way to enjoy the social aspect of casino gaming without leaving home.
Top UK casinos offer high-quality live dealer games that work perfectly on desktop or mobile.
Mobile Casino Apps
These days the vast majority of online gambling is done on mobile phones, and as a result, the best online casinos in the UK will also offer a downloadable app for iOS and Android devices. These native apps provide a fully optimised mobile experience, and allow you to play all your favourite online casino games whilst on the go. Previously, it was difficult for the top casino sites to migrate their entire libraries onto their mobile apps, but nowadays you should be able to access all of the same games that are available on desktop, with a few exceptions from time to time.
Among some other benefits of using mobile casino apps is that you can enable push notifications that can alert you to a new, and often exclusive, bonus or promotion, and depositing via a mobile app is often a quicker process thanks to mobile wallets.
Popular Payment Providers at UK Online Casinos
There are several different ways to fund your account at online casinos, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important feature of any online casino payment provider is the ability to facilitate fast withdrawals without any fees, but convenience and accessibility are also worth considering. Below is a list of all the most common payment methods at online casinos, with some details on the features mentioned above.
Debit Cards
The option to both deposit and withdraw using a Visa or Mastercard debit will be available at every single online casino listed on this site. This widespread accessibility is one of the main advantages of paying with a debit card, as it means you will never have to look for an alternative. As mentioned previously, another major plus is the fact that a debit card deposit will always qualify you for a bonus, which is not the case for some of the other payment methods we will discuss in this section. The only potential downside to debit cards is that withdrawals can take more than two days to appear in your bank account, but this is increasingly rare thanks to the introduction of Visa Fast Funds, which enables withdrawals in less than 30 minutes and is available at lots of the best online casinos.
e-Wallets
e-Wallets are the best payment methods at online casinos in the UK, largely due to their speed and convenience. Listed below are the three most popular e-wallets found at UK casino sites.
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PayPal – PayPal is one of the most popular e-wallets in the UK, facilitating fast deposits and withdrawals at UK online casinos. Withdrawals are often instant, but otherwise should appear back in your PayPal wallet within a couple of hours. One of the major upsides of PayPal is that it comes without any fees, and has its own fraud detection and protection technology. PayPal may, however, be ineligible for sign up bonuses.
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Skrill – Skrill is an e-wallet that forms part of the Paysafe Group, alongside Neteller and Paysafecard. Like PayPal, it facilitates instant deposits and fast withdrawals, although there are some moderate fees when depositing and withdrawing into or out of your Skrill account. These fees seldom exceed 5%, however, and you won’t be charged when topping up your casino account with Skrill.
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Neteller – Neteller’s e-wallet service is more or less indistinguishable from Skrill. It comes with the same advantages and drawbacks, and like Skrill offers an excellent e-wallet app where you can manage your funds and currencies.
Google Pay and Apple Pay
According to a recent Paysafe study, mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay are quickly becoming the most popular way to deposit at UK online casinos. These payment methods allow you to make instant deposits from your mobile or laptop device without having to enter any login details or banking information. Often, all it takes to deposit is a digit passcode, Touch ID or Face ID.
What’s more, Google and Apple Pay are far more likely to be included as eligible deposit methods for sign up bonuses than the aforementioned e-wallets, making them an excellent choice when starting out at a new site. Unfortunately, Google Pay and Apple Pay cannot be used for withdrawals, but as they are connected to your debit card, you can simply withdraw as usual back to your Visa or Mastercard debit.
Prepaid Cards
As their name suggests, prepaid cards allow you to top up virtual prepaid cards and then use those cards to deposit at online casinos. Typically, prepaid cards can only be used for deposits, but most of today’s prepaid card services also operate as e-wallets, giving users the option to withdraw as well. Two such services – which are the most popular prepaid card providers at UK casino sites – are Paysafecard and AstroPay, although not every casino site will let you withdraw using these methods. Prepaid cards are popular due to their anonymity, as you don’t need to share any sensitive data with the casino, and because they are an effective way of managing or limiting your spending at online casinos.
Pay by Phone Bill
Paying by phone bill is a slightly old-fashioned means of funding your online casino balance, whereby your spending is either added to your monthly phone bill, or deducted from your Pay-As-You-Go balance. All you need to use these sorts of services – which include Pay by Mobile, Pay by Phone Bill and PayviaPhone – is a UK phone number, which again means users enjoy an increased level of privacy and security. However, Pay by Mobile services can only be used for deposits, and often come with fees and deposit limits.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are the slowest of all online casino payment methods, but remain the most direct and traditional way of making transactions. The payment does not go through any third parties, which means it is a highly secure way of depositing and withdrawing, but you may have to wait up to 7 days for a bank transfer to be processed.
Trustly
Trustly is a unique payment service that does not really fall into any of the categories mentioned above, but it is certainly worth a mention when considering the best casino online payment methods. Trustly acts as an intermediary between your bank account and the online casino, essentially enabling you to make faster payments to and from your online bank account. All you will need to deposit and withdraw with Trustly are your online banking login credentials, and Trustly will do the rest.
So, What IS the Best UK Online Casino?
We couldn’t possibly say which is objectively the best online casino in the UK, as each player will have their own personal preferences. However, we can suggest the best casino online in different categories, which we’ve listed below.
Best Casino by | Join Casino here |
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Best welcome bonus | 888casino |
Best free spins | Sky Vegas |
Best loyalty program | Voodoo Dreams |
Best bonus terms | Sky Vegas |
Best live casino | LeoVegas |
Best for both sport and casino | Betano |
Best fast withdrawal casino | Paddy Power Games |
Best slot site | Duelz |
Best for roulette | Play Frank |
Best for blackjack | Jackpot City |
Best for video poker | Sky Vegas |
Best app | BetMGM |
Best PayPal casino | Voodoo Dreams |
Best Apple Pay casino | Bet365 Casino |
Best Skrill casino | BetGoodwin |
How to Sign Up to UK casinos
The signing up process is more or less the same at any online casino, and is very simple. Below is a step-by-step of how to sign up, using BetMGM as an example, but you can apply these steps to any site.
How to Deposit at a UK Casino
Depositing at online casinos is simple, simply follow the steps below and you shouldn’t have any trouble:
- Head to the cashier – This can usually be found in the top-right corner of the page. Make sure you’ve completed your account verification before you go to deposit;
- Choose your payment method – You will be greeted by a range of different payment methods, from debit cards and e-wallets to prepaid cards and Apple Pay. Some methods have different deposit limits, which is something to look out for, and some sites stipulate that you must withdraw using the same method you used to deposit, which is also worth considering;
- Enter the amount and deposit – All that’s left to do is enter the amount you want to spend and click the ‘Deposit’ button. This button may also read ‘Pay’ or ‘Continue’. Your payment should be processed instantly, but could take a couple minutes.
How to Withdraw at Online Casinos
Withdrawing is just as simple as depositing, and can be done by following these steps:
- Head to the cashier – Once again, you can typically find this in the top right corner;
- Choose your withdrawal method – At some sites, you will need to use the same method that you used to deposit, but you’re usually free to choose any method. Again, consider that some methods will have different withdrawal limits;
- Enter your desired amount and hit ‘Withdraw’ – As with depositing, you will need to enter the amount you want to withdraw, and click ‘Withdraw’ or ‘Continue’ to make your request. Depending on the payment method used, this withdrawal might be instant, or processed in a few days.
Our Checklist for Choosing Between Casinos Online
As we mentioned before, there are a number of factors that make up the ideal online casino experience, and we make sure we take all of these into account when ranking and reviewing casino sites. Listed below are our main areas of focus when testing different online casinos, and each site must perform well in each of these categories in order to be included in our rankings.
- Licensing and safety: The first and most important step in ranking an online casino is checking to see if it is licensed by the UKGC – the UK Gambling Commission. Such a licence ensures that the operator in question is compliant with strict regulatory standards of game fairness and player security. If a UK online casino is not UKGC-licensed, then it cannot feature in our rankings.
- Value-packed bonus offers and promotions: A generous sign up offer – preferably with player-friendly terms and conditions – is an essential requirement at any top online casino. That said, we also check to see what sorts of promotions and loyalty programs are available for existing players, as each site should endeavour to keep their players stocked up on free spins and bonus funds.
- Quick and easy sign up process: Signing up to a new online casino should be a smooth and intuitive process, with quick verification processes and responsive customer support should any issues arise.
- Efficient sign design and functionality: We review the design features of each site to ensure they are convenient and easy to use, This includes testing a site’s navigability, and making sure players are able to filter through the games library based on a range of categories and preferences.
- Varied games library: It’s vital that each casino site features a wide range of different casino games. These include slots, table games, live dealers and more. Whatever your preferences, our top-ranked casino sites should have you covered.
- World-leading casino software: As well as checking to see what types of casino games are covered, we also look out for the industry’s best and most innovative software providers to ensure you’re getting quality as well as variety.
- Mobile experience: Every top online casino should be accessible on mobile, whether via a dedicated app for iOS and Android, or a fully mobile-optimised web page. We expect the mobile experience to be just as smooth and varied as it is on desktop, with intuitive navigation and a full library of high-performing games.
- Range and speed of payment options: Not only do we expect the best online casinos to offer a variety of different payment options – such as debit, e-wallets and prepaid cards – but we also test the processing times when depositing and withdrawing.
- Efficient, round-the-clock customer service: We conduct a thorough review of the various customer support services on offer at each casino site, looking for a helpful and responsive team who are available throughout the day. Ideally, a live chat service will be on offer 24/7, but failing that we expect an email address, phone number, social media account and a detailed list of FAQs.
- Positive user reviews and reputation: Though we provide an honest review of each site, everyone’s experience is different, so we take other users’ reviews into account when assessing each site. If we discover something that we’ve missed, we will investigate the issue ourselves before ranking the online casino in question.
Why Are Online Casino Security and Licensing Important in the UK?
Security and licensing are essential to keep players safe when using online casinos in the UK. Licensed UK casinos by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must follow strict rules to protect players and ensure games are fair. This means you can trust that your personal details and payments are secure, and the games aren’t rigged.
A proper license also shows that a casino is transparent and responsible. UKGC-approved sites offer tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion to help players stay in control. Picking licensed casinos is the best way to enjoy online casinos with real money games safely.
Responsible Gambling at the Best Online UK Casinos
We take responsible gambling very seriously at BettingOdds.com, and want to ensure that our readers have access to all the help and resources they need in case things get out of control. This is one of the reasons that we only recommend licensed online casinos, as this means they are compliant with UKGC regulation on providing support to those who are affected by problem gambling and addiction. To help keep on top of your own gambling habits, here are a few tips you should bear in mind when playing at online casinos:
- Set budgets – You can do this yourself, or make use of on-site deposit limiters that will be offered when you sign up. Be honest with yourself and what you can afford to ensure your gambling remains some light-hearted fun.
- Set time limits – Similarly, you can limit the time you spend on betting sites. Again, this can be done on-site, or make use of self-exclusion schemes like GAMSTOP.
- Don’t bet what you cannot afford to lose – This is similar to the last point, and should go without saying. If you cannot afford to lose a bet, do not place it.
- Don’t chase losses – If you’re on a losing streak, continuing to play will only land you in further trouble. The best course of action is always to walk away.
- Don’t chase bonus terms – Terms like wagering requirements and time limits are, unfortunately, designed to encourage high spending in a short period of time. Don’t stretch your budget to clear unreasonable wagering requirements, it’s seldom worth it.
- Only play games you’re familiar with – There’s no use joining a poker tournament if you have no idea how the game works, so stick to what you know.
- Only gamble when of sound mind – If you’re feeling frustrated, inebriated or fatigued, gambling is never a good idea.
- Seek help and advice – If you do find yourself in trouble, or think that someone close to you may be suffering from problem gambling, contact the following organisations: GambleAware; GamCare; GAMSTOP; UKGC; NHS. Help is always available.
UK Online Casinos Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos safe?
Although most online casinos in the UK are safe and legit, it is important to make sure they are licensed by the UKGC - the UK Gambling Commission before signing up and depositing any of your money. Here at BettingOdds, we will only ever post about safe and legit casinos that are fully licensed by the UKGC.
Are online casinos legal?
Yes, licensed online casinos are legal in the UK, but you should avoid playing at an offshore site that doesn’t hold a UKGC licence, as their legality is harder to determine. All of our recommended sites are UKGC-licensed.
Which is the best mobile casino app?
The majority of our recommended casino sites offer an app on both iOS and Android, and we couldn’t possibly decide between them as they will each suit different player preferences. However, BetMGM’s iOS app has the highest user rating, at 4.8.
Which site has the fastest withdrawal times?
Withdrawal speed is dependent on a variety of factors, including the payment method used and when the withdrawal request was made. To maximise your fast withdrawals, use e-wallets such as PayPal and make your requests during standard office hours. Paddy Power games have multiple instant withdrawal payment options on their site.
Can I win real money from my welcome bonus?
Most of the time, yes, but this all depends on which bonus you’ve selected and what your budget is. Some welcome bonuses, like Sky Vegas’s 50 no deposit, no wagering free spins bonus, will payout real money without you having to pay anything. However, most other bonuses come with wagering requirements, and these can make it difficult to convert your bonus into real money.
Can I play online casino games for free?
Some sites will let you try out games for free, but the only time you can freely play for real money is through no deposit free spins and bonus funds.
What is the payout rate on slot games?
Payout rate, also known as the Return to Player (RTP) rate, varies with each slot game, but usually sits between 92-98%. Remember, this does not mean you will always get 92-98% of your stake back – this figure is calculated over millions of spins and has no bearing on your own game.
Can I wager on sports at online casinos?
Yes, most of the sites we recommend also offer an online sportsbook, which usually comes with its own distinct section and bonuses. Some notable casinos that also have an online sportsbook are Paddy Power, Betano and Bet365
Can I use credit cards to deposit at online casinos?
No, credit cards were banned from online casinos in April 2020.
Are online casino games fair?
Online casino games are constantly being vetted for fairness by both the UKGC and independent games testing agencies like eCOGRA. Games developers make use of technology known as RNGs (Random Number Generators) which ensure every card that is dealt is truly random.