Online Casino UK 2024 – Best picks from our experts

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    You don’t have to go to a casino…because you can bring one right into your home! Thanks to super-fast internet and online casinos, you can enjoy a game of poker or spin some slots anytime and anywhere.

    In the UK, gambling sites are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which adds another layer of safety. So the main question here is – how to find a casino that is right for you?

    Well, in this guide, we will be talking about what to look for in a Online Casino UK, how Platin Casino UK reviews casinos, and some top recommendations from experts. 

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    What are online casinos?

    First things first – what are online casinos?

    Well, think of online casinos as the digital iterations of land-based casinos. Picture this – loads of slot machines, table games, and dice games all packed and streamed right onto your computer or even mobile screen. 

    In fact, online casinos go a step beyond and incorporate other types of games like instant win games, instant lotteries, and even crash games. Further, online casinos also incorporate additional gamification elements like a loyalty program.

    Online casinos vs land-based casinos

    When it comes to online casinos in uk, one of the important questions is which one is better – online casinos or land-based casinos?

    To conclude that argument in short, we have summed it up in a table –

    Online casinosLand-based casinos
    You can access it anytime, anywhere. Plus, you can play in your pyjamas at home.You have to physically visit the facility, which means you have to follow a dress code and travel to the casino
    Online casinos offer bonuses and other promotionsLand-based casinos may or may not offer promotions
    You get a wider variety of games with multiple variationsThere is a limited variety of games
    You can play games for free in demo modeYou cannot play games for free
    You can set deposit limits to gamble responsiblyYou have to control yourself to gamble responsibly

    So, the bottom line is – online casinos are convenient and can be accessed anytime and anywhere. However, land-based casinos can deliver a more engaging and add some social elements. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference – so choose what you find the most enjoyable.

    Types of online casinos in UK

    Now, there are quite some variants of online casinos out there in the UK. While the core function is the same, each casino has a unique feature that you may find useful. 

    To make it easier, we have gone through each type of casino and explained it in brief –

    Mobile casinosThese casinos are optimised for mobile devices and tablets, which means you can play anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Some casinos also offer an app with exclusive bonuses.
    Live casinosLive casinos bring the atmosphere of a real casino to your screen with live dealers, real-time gameplay, and interactive features.
    Slots-focused casinosOnline casinos that specialise in slots offerings feature a vast library of slots – fruit machines, classics, progressive jackpots, hold & win, cascading reels, and much more.
    New casinosBy “new casinos”, we mean casinos that have opened up in the last 12 months. These casinos offer a modern user experience, possibly newer technology, and generous bonuses.
    No registration casinosMuch like the name suggests, these casinos allow you to start playing immediately without creating an account. You simply deposit funds using a trusted payment option and get started.
    Crypto casinosThere are quite a few casinos in the UK that accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin – and there are some crypto-only casinos, too. These casinos offer more anonymity and privacy compared to regular casinos.
    All-in-one casinosIn addition to casino games, some casinos also offer sports betting, allowing you to bet on your favourite sports. This is great news for people who enjoy both – sports betting and casino games.

    The fun part is that you will find these casino types overlapping, so you will definitely find something for you!

    Our recommendations for top online casinos in the UK

    To save you some time and effort on research, our team at Platin Casino UK has done the homework and picked out some award-winning best casino sites UK – 

    Online Casino of the YearLeoVegas
    Rising Star of the YearMr Vegas
    Best Mobile Casino ProductPlayOJO
    Customer Service Casino of the YearCasumo

    Of course, we have reviewed a lot more casino sites UK than the ones listed above. You can check out all the reviews and pick a casino that suits you the best.

    How do online casinos work?

    Now that we know what online casinos are and the different types of casinos, let’s have a look at how the casinos work. 

    Picture this: you’re at home in your pyjamas and ready for some casino fun. You log onto “Casino ABC,” a top UK online casino regulated by the UKGC. 

    Here’s what goes on behind the scenes:

    • Casino ABC has partnered with several software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and more to deliver casino games to you. 
    • To ensure every game outcome is random and unbiased, Casino ABC uses RNGs. These sophisticated algorithms generate millions of random numbers per second, determining the results of spins, card draws, and dice rolls. This ensures that every player has an equal chance of winning.
    • Casino ABC offers various payment methods for depositing and withdrawing funds. You can use debit or credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, bank transfers, and even mobile payment options. The casino processes these transactions securely and efficiently.
    • To attract new players and keep the existing ones coming back, Casino ABC offers bonuses and promotions like casino tournaments and leaderboards.
    • To help players from logging in to cashing out, Casino ABC offers customer support via several channels like live chat and 

    But how do online casinos make money?

    Online casinos, like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, are businesses designed to make a profit. Here’s how online casinos generate revenue –

    • House edge

    You might have heard the term “house edge” but might not know what it means. It is the statistical advantage the online casino has in every game. To put it simply, the odds are slightly tilted in favour of the casino. This doesn’t mean you can’t win, but over time, the casino is likely to make a profit.

    • Bonus conditions

    As we know, casinos offer bonuses to new as well as existing players. These bonuses certainly benefit the players – and the house as well. The bonuses come with wagering requirements, which are the conditions you need to meet before you can withdraw any winnings from a bonus. For example, you might need to wager the bonus amount 35x before cashing out.

    • Variety of games

    Most online casinos offer a wide variety of games, which serves two purposes – players get a variety of choose from and these games have varying house edges. Some games like slots often have a higher house edge than games like blackjack.

    • Player retention

    Online casinos offer loyalty programs, VIP schemes, and personalised promotions to encourage players to stay and play more.

    • Entry fee

    In some cases, online casinos might charge a small fee for certain events. For instance, online casinos might charge a fee for an online bingo room or take some rake from poker games.

    Please note that while online casinos are designed to make a profit, they also offer players the chance to win. Responsible gambling and understanding the odds can give you a safe and enjoyable experience.

    How we rate and review online casinos?

    Now, as mentioned, at Platin Casino UK, we don’t recommend what we don’t review. Our in-house experts have an elaborate review process, which we follow rigorously to ensure that we bring you the best UK gambling sites.

    Who is Platincasino UK? Cartoon people holding trophy

    While we cannot explain the entire process, we have given a general outline here –

    ✅ Valid license by the UKGC

    ✅ Fairness audits

    ✅ Online reputation (complaints on forums, reviews, and general opinion)

    ✅ Payment options

    Pending time and withdrawal limits

    ✅ Variety of games and software providers

    ✅ Bonuses and promotions

    ✅ Customer support (with live chat option) and dispute resolution

    ✅ Mobile compatibility

    ✅ Overall user experience (loading speed of the website, design, and more)

    All in all, we take the time to review the casinos to give you as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision. 

    What to look for in an online casino?

    Now, we have already covered what to look for in a casino site. So here, in this section, we will look at some of the terms and conditions to look out for before you sign up – 

    Account rulesIt’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the casino’s policies on fair play, prohibited activities, and account closure. Ensure you meet the casino’s requirements regarding age, location, and identity verification.
    Verification processMost casinos require you to complete a KYC procedure. Understand the casino’s requirements for verifying your identity before processing withdrawals.
    Account safetyUnderstand your responsibilities in keeping your account secure, such as choosing a strong password and protecting your login details.
    Deposits & WithdrawalsEnsure that the casino offers multiple payment options. Check if there are any restrictions on withdrawal amounts, frequency, associated fees, or processing times.
    Data PrivacyAlong with the T&Cs, also read the privacy policy. Check how the casino collects, uses, and protects your personal information.
    Dispute resolutionRun a quick check on the casino’s process for handling complaints or disputes. Also, see how responsive the casino’s customer support channels are and if they’re helpful.
    Responsible gamblingSee if the casino offers tools for responsible gambling. Learn how to use the casino’s self-exclusion tools if you need to take a break from gambling.
    💡 Pro Tip: If the T&Cs are not clear to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the casino’s customer service.

    How to sign up at online casinos

    Once you have found the right casino, it’s time to sign up. Now, remember that the signup process varies from one casino to another, so we’ll be giving you a general rundown here.

    • Head over to the official casino website
    • Click on the ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Register’ button 
    • Fill out the details – name, address, and other details
    • You might be asked to verify your email or phone
    • Set a username and a strong password
    • Once the account is set up, you can claim bonuses, deposit funds, and get started on your favourite games.

    Most online casinos make the sign up process quick and easy, so it’d only take a minute or two to get started.

    What payment methods are accepted at online casinos in the UK?

    After you have signed up at an online casino, you’d have to deposit funds into your account. To deposit money, here’s what you’ll have to do –

    • Log in to your casino account
    • Head over to the ‘payments’ or ‘banking’ page
    • Choose your preferred payment option
    • Enter the amount (make a note of minimum and maximum deposits)
    • Complete the transaction
    • The funds will be reflected in your casino account
    payment favicon with orange background

    Here are some of the payment methods that the UK gambling sites accept –

    VisaPaysafecardNettler
    MasterCardRapid TransferSkrill
    PayPalTrustlyGoogle Pay
    Pay By PhonePayzCryptocurrency
    💡 Pro Tip: Before you choose any payment option, make sure to check if there are any fees associated with it. Also, check if the payment method is not excluded from any bonuses you want to claim.

    Some tips from our Platin Casino UK team

    We don’t gatekeep knowledge from our readers. We believe in sharing our knowledge to help you have the best possible online casino experience.

    Here are some top tips from our experts –

    • Play games with low house edge: Games like blackjack and video poker generally have a lower house edge than slots, giving you a better chance of winning rewards. Plus, you can up your chances even more by mastering the game.
    • Take advantage of casino bonuses: Make the most of welcome bonuses, free spins, and other promotions to boost your playing funds. However, not all bonuses are meant to be claimed – so compare and evaluate bonuses before claiming.
    • Play free demos: While exploring new games, you should try out the free demo versions. If you like the game, then you can bet real money on them!

    Remember that online casinos are primarily for entertainment. Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.

    How Does the UK Gambling Commission Protect Players?

    By now, you know that the iGaming industry in the UK is regulated by the UKGC. But what does the commission exactly do to protect players?

    Legal documents on laptop

    Here’s how the UKGC makes sure online casinos play by the rules so you get a safe and fun experience –

    • Fairness guaranteed: The UKGC makes sure all games on licensed UK casinos are fair and square. They regularly check up on these casinos and require them to use something called Random Number Generators (RNGs). These clever bits of tech guarantee that game results are totally random, like rolling a dice, so you know you’ve got a fair chance of winning.
    • Data protection: The UKGC makes sure online casinos follow strict data protection rules, keeping your information under lock and key. That means your name, address, and card details are encrypted and protected from prying eyes.
    • Responsible Gambling and prevention of crime: They make sure licensed casinos provide help and support to players who might be struggling with their gambling. They also have strict rules to prevent underage gambling and keep online casinos free from dodgy dealings like money laundering.
    • Customer complaints: Had a problem with an online casino? The UKGC has your back. They have a system where you can make a complaint, and they’ll investigate it properly. If a casino is found breaking the rules, they can face big fines or even lose their license.

    Responsible Gambling

    While the vast majority of online casinos are safe and reputable, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential risks. Here are some tips for staying safe while gambling online:

    • Always play at online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that the casino operates legally and adheres to strict standards of fairness and security.
    • Create strong, unique passwords for your online casino accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites, and consider using a password manager to keep track of your login details.
    • Many online casinos offer two-factor authentication (2FA) as an additional layer of security. This requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email each time you log in, making it much harder for anyone to access your account without your permission.
    • Set limits on your deposits, losses, and time spent playing, and stick to them. If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, take advantage of the responsible gambling tools offered by your casino.

    Conclusion

    To sum up, yes, you can gamble safely online in the UK. The UK Gambling Commission regulates the industry, and there are several licensed casino sites from which you can choose. You can pick casinos based on payment options, game selection, and other features. If you want to skip the research, you can check out any of the casinos reviewed here at Platin Casino UK.

    FAQs

    Are online casino UK sites legal to play at?

    Online casinos are completely legal in the UK as long as they hold a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Like we mentioned earlier, always check for the UKGC logo at the bottom of the casino website to confirm it’s legal.

    Are UK casino sites safe to play at?

    Yes, UK casino sites are generally very safe. The UKGC has strict regulations in place to protect players. You can go a step further and choose reputable casinos with positive reviews and a strong track record. For recommendations, check our casino reviews.

    Can I play casino games on my mobile at UK casino sites?

    Yes, most online casino sites are optimised for mobile use, and some even offer mobile apps. You can play slots, table games, and even live dealer games from your smartphone or tablet anytime and anywhere.

    What are some of the best gambling sites UK?

    The “best” casino sites UK for you would depend on your preferences. However, some of the highly-rated casinos that we have reviewed include LeoVegas, Heyspin, Mr Vegas, PlayOJO, and more.