Top Online Gambling Sites in the UK 🔥

Best Online Gambling Sites in the UK

Gambling has been a popular form of recreation in the UK for hundreds and hundreds of years. The earliest recorded horse race on which people placed wagers in the UK took place in 1539. Now there are gambling options everywhere you go, up and down the country. Whether that’s scratch cards in the supermarket, bingo halls on the high street, gambling machines in the pub or sports betting online, gambling is everywhere.

Online Gambling in the UK

At the dawn of the internet age, gambling in the UK was bound to spread online. The online sports betting market alone is estimated to be worth over a billion pounds. There are also thought to be over 2-3,000 gambling sites that are legal and accessible to UK customers.

Gambling Options in the UK

In the United Kingdom, gambling is heavily regulated. This is partly due to its popularity and the predatory behaviour of large bookmakers operating in the UK. There are no types of gambling that are illegal, but there are gambling-related offences. These usually pertain to operators and include things like providing gambling facilities without a licence or permit or failure to follow advertising guidelines. Due to the heavy regulation, you can be fairly confident that any gambling sites accessible in the UK are safe and legal to use. Look out for certificates and licence information, which is usually displayed at the very bottom of betting sites.

Casino Games

When choosing the best site for online gambling, you should always consider personal preference, and games should be an important part of that. Casino games is a large umbrella term that includes the famous table games, which require croupiers at a physical casino, along with slot machines, and, when online, live dealer games. You should consider how many games they have on offer, what variety of games there are, and from which providers they come.

Sports Betting

If you want to enjoy sports betting with online gambling websites, then check out their sportsbook before joining. The best gambling sites have an extensive sportsbook with a wide range of sports with plenty of competitions, matches, and/or races on offer, but then within those sports, you will want to see a great choice of markets. Due to its popularity within the country, gambling sites in the UK are likely to have a huge football selection, and so this is a good area to test their range. Ensure that they offer markets that allow you to bet on all aspects of the game and not just a simple offering of home win, draw, or away win.

Fantasy Sports Teams with Cash Prizes

Fantasy sports is a game where players act as managers or owners of a fantasy team. It can apply to a variety of sports, but using football as an example: You start by picking a team of eleven players from a particular league, and points are earned based on the performance of the actual player in real life. Creating fantasy teams can be a lot of fun, and the Fantasy Premier League has truly taken off in recent years. Chances are you probably know someone who takes part. The top UK gambling sites should offer their own version of fantasy sports where you can win real money. Taking part in fantasy leagues can take up a lot of mind space and be very time-consuming, so a top online gambling site should offer tournaments with high-value prizes.

Online Bingo

Bingo is a hugely popular form of gambling in the UK. Bingo and bingo-style games can be found up and down the country every single day. It is even played in some care homes. Bingo halls could be found in almost every town in the UK until the dawn of online gambling saw their decline. There are dedicated bingo websites, but reputable online gambling sites should now be used to having bingo options on offer. The best UK online gambling sites will have bingo with top bonuses, the chance to play for free, and great loyalty awards.

Playing Poker Online

There is a case to be made that the early noughties surge in the popularity of online poker ushered in the proliferation of wider gambling online. Online casino gambling sites have to offer poker options. It is probably the most well-known casino game around. The best gambling sites in the UK offer a wide range of tables and also virtual poker options.

Lotteries

Gamblers in the UK are probably familiar with the national lottery, which is probably one of the only forms of gambling that pays back to society. However, this is not the only lottery available. UK gambling sites now offer a range of lotto options. This is a much more convenient option, leaving you with no need to wait in line or keep hold of a physical ticket.

What Should I Consider When Choosing an Online Gambling Site?

Choosing from top gambling sites is a decision that should be influenced mostly by personal preference. There are a plethora of things that you should consider before committing to a gambling site. Let’s take a look at some of those here:

Available Games

When it comes to choosing between gambling sites, you will want to consider the games that are on offer. The best way to do this is by exploring their game library for yourself. They are likely to have favourites like blackjack and online poker but think about other versions of these games like quantum blackjack or Cincinnati poker. Check out their collection of online slot machines and whether or not they offer live dealer games. You should also look at the providers that they work with. You may already have a favourite, so look out for them on the gambling site you’re considering.

Options for Deposit & Withdrawal

In modern society, people’s money doesn’t tend to be in just one centralised location like a bank. Instead, our money is spread everywhere. That’s why the best online gambling sites offer as many different types of payment options as possible. Beyond the options that they offer, look at the upper limits that have been placed on deposits and withdrawals. Gambling sites often shamelessly restrict withdrawals more than they make deposits. We are of the strong belief that the best gambling sites offer the same deposit and withdrawal limits.

Time Taken to Withdrawal

You will probably want to access your winnings as soon as possible, so examine the withdrawal time frame of their various payment options, especially the ones you intend to use to gamble online most.

Bonus Offers and Promos

The top gambling sites don’t tend to have the best bonus offers as they already have a good reputation. Smaller up-and-coming gambling sites need to draw your attention more and, as such, often offer better welcome offers than the top UK gambling sites. Before you settle on a gambling site, look at their ongoing offers as well. Establish that they reward loyalty and regular gaming before committing. These could include free bets every week or free bets for your favourite sports betting. Wager requirements are also important when considering online casinos. Look for gambling sites with offers that include little to no wagering requirements.

Legislation & Licensing

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has done a lot to help UK players avoid scams and ensure they enjoy fair gaming. They enforce and help to decide on all online gambling laws. To ensure that you can gamble safely, only use regulated gambling sites to gamble online. Check the very bottom of any webpage of gambling sites to ensure they have displayed their licence information.

Reviews and Ratings

There is no better way to gauge whether something is right for you personally than by reading through testimonials. Look at aggregator websites like TrustPilot; they use impartial reviews from people with actual experience of the gambling sites you are considering. You could also speak directly to peers who like to use the best online gaming sites for their recommendations. With this method, you are also talking with someone who knows you.

Customer Support

The best gambling sites online are also bolstered by the support of great customer service. It may not be number one on your list, but if you encounter any problems, you’ll want to be working with a casino offering good customer support. Look out for those offering services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Security

Before you can start playing on UK gaming sites with real money, you tend to share personal and financial information. As a result, you will want to ensure that the gambling site you play with uses good security protocols and the latest technology to protect your data. You should also consider how they use your data too. You may want to rule out the possibility of them selling your data, so examine how they handle your data. GDPR guidelines are currently still a part of UK laws, so gambling sites need your permission before they can share your data.

How to Join a Gambling Site

The method used to sign up to online betting sites varies from one website to the next. Despite this, here are some steps that can serve as a general rule of thumb when it comes to signing up for the best online gambling sites.

1. It appears you are already on the first step of choosing an online casino.
2. Once you have found a gambling site, find the login section, which is normally located in one of the top corners of the webpage, and click register.
3. You will need to complete a registration form, which includes providing personal information and choosing a username or email, and a password to sign up with.
4. This is normally when you might have to input a code to redeem any welcome bonus you’re hoping to use. Be aware of this opportunity throughout the process.
5. Now that you are registered and have signed in, you should authorise a payment method so that nothing is left when you are ready to play.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods for Online Gambling Sites in the UK

The various payment options provided should be an important consideration when choosing the best gambling site for you. The UK is one of the more economically developed countries, and so has a huge selection of online payment options. The best sites for online gambling will allow for card payments, bank transfers, and the use of e-Wallets or third-party payment services.

• Visa: Visa payments are ubiquitous, and UK players are likely accustomed to using them for both online and offline payments. Every single gambling site in the UK should offer this payment option.
• Mastercard: On April 14, 2020, the use of credit cards for gambling sites was outlawed in the UK. This was an initiative introduced to stop players from using money they don’t have for online gambling.
• Maestro: These are prepayment cards that are powered by Mastercard. These are permitted because they do not use credit as they are paid for in advance.
• Bank transfer: This option allows you to avoid the use of third parties. It involves simply transferring straight from your bank to the gambling site. However, this method can involve a lengthy authorisation period, sometimes longer than a working day.
• PayPal: This is an online payment company with a lot of experience. They can be used for withdrawals and deposits and do not charge fees for personal use. It also keeps your financial information separate from the casino as you only need to input your login information to authorise.
• Skrill: This is a very popular e-wallet service for use with gambling websites. It typically involves more fees than PayPal, though.
• ecoPayz: This is an e-wallet that can be used alongside a debit card or simply as a sole payment method.
• Cryptocurrency: This is not a method you will find anywhere, but the top-rated gambling sites should start offering this option more and more. If you have money, including cryptocurrencies, consider this when choosing a website.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Best UK Gambling Sites

There are plenty of reasons for and against using gaming sites in the UK for gambling online. Take a look at some of the things we consider important.

Pros

• The gambling industry in the UK is one of the most heavily regulated in the world. This helps to ensure that UK gambling sites are the safest and most trustworthy in the world.
• The regulation of the online gambling industry in the UK helps to promote responsible gambling online.
• Using gambling sites is convenient and allows players to enjoy sports betting and gambling from the comfort of their homes.
• The best gambling sites offer a wide choice of betting and gaming options, all collected in one place.

Cons

• Using gambling sites online almost completely removes the social aspect of gambling online.
• There is more chance of encountering transaction fees when gambling online as opposed to using cash at brick and mortar sites.
• Unfortunately, convenience also leaves people more susceptible to irresponsible gambling. We encourage you all to please gamble responsibly.

How to Verify Gambling Sites

We have referenced checking the bottom of any webpage for any gambling site that you intend to use to gamble online. But what exactly should you be looking for? Read on to find out.

UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was set up to administer gambling licences. You can check whether a gambling site has a licence because they are required to display a reference to or their full licence number on their website. You can also check the UKGC’s website to see if the gambling site is on their list of all licences issued. To make sure that a gambling site is licenced by the UKGC, look out for a British Gambling Commission Licence and the status of said licence. Also, check that they are transparent about their address, website domain name, and current trading names and that these match their licence. The licence number should look a little bit like this: 000-012345-N-987654-001. They are also responsible for promoting and ensuring that bookmakers promote responsible gambling. They are the reason every radio and television advert ends with the phrase: “Please gamble responsibly.”

Malta Gaming Authority

You might wonder why on Earth, the gaming authority of a popular sunny holiday destination is relevant to UK gambling sites. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) was a pioneering regulatory body, being one of the earliest iGaming regulators in the world. As a result, it provides reputable licenses to betting sites that they believe can be trusted. In order to acquire a licence from the MGA, gambling sites need:

• A police background check from their relevant authority that is no older than three months.
• A banking reference no older than three months.
• To pass a proper and fit test.
• A business plan.
• A software and compliance audit.

Check the bottom of gambling sites to find out if they have been given the seal of approval from the MGA.

Government of Gibraltar

Gibraltar has been labelled a tax haven for many, many years. Some would argue this is the sole reason for its existence. This makes it a very attractive residence for remote gambling. So much so that a large part of Gibraltar’s economy is now made up of money from remote gambling companies. As a result of this, Gibraltar had to act on gambling licensing much earlier than most, and so it is another jurisdiction in the online gambling industry that is held in high regard. It is recommended that you check the licence and regulation of any gambling site you plan to do business with, and these are the three main regulators you should look out for. If a gambling site is approved by one or more, but ideally two or more, then you are likely in safe hands.

Responsible Gambling Charities

For the most part, gambling is a fun recreational activity that a lot of people in the UK enjoy, with around 50% of all residents enjoying some form of gambling in April 2022. When people find it difficult to manage their behaviour in relation to gambling, it can become a problem. There are several organisations in the UK that aim to help people who struggle to gamble responsibly.

GamCare

GamCare was founded in 1997, long before online gambling truly took off. This has provided them with years of experience, and they are now a leading provider of information, along with advice and support for anyone who is harmed by gambling. They can provide treatment advice, and they attempt to create awareness. They have a helpline, online forums and chat services that can help, along with a website with plenty of information and toolkits to start stopping now.

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP offers free self-exclusion tools. They require you to sign-up and provide personal information that they use to help you exclude yourself from gambling sites. They can exclude you for six months, one year, or five years depending on your choice. Gambling safely is something we would like to encourage here at OnlineSlotsX.com, and so we ask you to please gamble responsibly.

The Best Casino Bonuses in the UK

The online gambling world is a very crowded field in the UK; there are thousands and thousands of gambling sites online. Promotions and bonuses give them a chance to try and stand out from the pack. Bonuses from UK casinos tend to be lower than in other countries due to the relatively strict nature of the UKGC.

First Deposit Bonuses

This type of bonus sees a casino pledge to match your first deposit with bonus funds. This type of bonus usually has a minimum and maximum amount that will be matched. They also tend to come with lengthy wagering requirements. Sometimes the funds can only be used in small amounts, essentially making them a collection of free bets. These promotions are normally the most prominently advertised bonuses as they serve as welcome bonuses and are often the most lucrative. Check out our page on first deposit bonuses for information on how to calculate the value of a deposit bonus. You might be surprised at how much wagering requirements can devalue a bonus.

No Deposit Bonuses

These are extremely rare, especially under the heavily regulated conditions in the UK gambling industry. These bonuses could come in the form of free bets, bonus funds, or even bonus spins. They are more common as sports betting offers and, for example, might come as a free bet when you bet so much on a match.

Free Spins

There are a variety of ways that customers might be afforded bonuses or free spins. They are often included in bonus features of slot games but can be found elsewhere, such as part of a welcome offer. They tend to be worth around GBP 0.10 to GBP 0.25, which is similar to the minimum stake of a lot of slot games. They are often restricted to one particular game or only games from one provider.

Reload Bonuses

This is an incentive that encourages customers to make further deposits after their first one. These are often bundled in with welcome bonuses that pledge to match your second, third, or otherwise ongoing deposits.

Cashback Bonuses

These types of bonuses usually offer refunds for failed bets. It is highly unusual for gambling sites to straight up give you your money back, so expect it in the form of free bets. A cashback bonus can also come as part of a VIP service. This is when a casino offers a percentage of the cash you deposited and played with back to you at the end of the month.

High-Roller Bonuses

These are bonuses for regular players who tend to put a lot of money through their online gambling accounts. They will come in the shape of one of the bonuses mentioned above.

General and Specific Terms & Conditions of UK Gambling Sites

It is important to always read the fine print of any bonus you intend to take advantage of. There are often general terms and conditions that apply to the casino at large, but also ones that are specific to each bonus.

Wagering Requirements

Bonus funds or funds acquired from promotions tend to be subject to wagering requirements. This means that the funds and/or any winnings acquired through the bonus funds need to be used before a specified deadline or an allotted amount of time has run out. The funds will not be made available unless the conditions are met in the timeframe provided.

Time-Related Limit

There is often a time limit on bonuses and promotions. This limit could apply to when they have to be used but also might apply to wagering requirements. This would mean players have a certain amount of time to use their funds or meet the wagering requirements.

Games Restrictions

This tends to apply to free bets or bonus spins. This restriction means that the bonuses can only be used on a certain game or all games from one provider. It could also be the case that the use of different games contributes toward wagering requirements more or less than others do.

Max Bet limit

You might have GBP 100 of bonus funds or 50 free spins, but the amount you can use at one time is limited. This is often the case with free spins, and they tend to be valued at around GBP 0.10. They are trying to avoid huge payouts from little to no real cash stakes.

Winning Cap and Maximum Withdrawal

There is sometimes a limit on how much you can win when betting with bonus funds or using free spins. This stops players from winning huge jackpots when they aren’t using real cash bets.