Our years of experience reviewing UK online casinos give us a unique insight into the British market and give us confidence in the quality of our reviews.
All of our content and reviews are written by gambling experts from the UK and abroad who understand exactly what British players want in terms of online casinos.
We dedicate ourselves to providing you with up-to-date news, interviews, and in-depth pieces which accurately reflect the current state of affairs of this fast-paced, changeable gaming industry.
Everything you need to know about each and every online casino operating in the UK.
The latest on casino bonuses, including how you can claim thousands in bonus cash.
Reviews of games found at British online casinos, from sleek video slots to classic table games.
The UK online casino market is continuing to expand at an incredible pace as more and more people head online to place and bets and play casino games. According to government figures from gamblingcommision.gov.uk, the online gambling industry grossed £3.6bn in 2015, accounting for nearly one-third of all gambling revenue in the United Kingdom.
One of the main reasons Brits gamble is to have fun, so the best UK online casinos offer loads of games of all different types, ranging from cutting-edge 3D video slots to classics like blackjack and roulette. Flexibility is also important, the majority of online players are under 40 and want the freedom to play from their mobile device, even while commuting. That being said, 83% of people play because they want to win money as the main interest among others and 78% just like to have fun; therefore, massive bonus offers and promotions, payout rates, high security, and fairness without taking out of the casino gamey appeal to players are all the things people (and us) look for in the top UK online casinos.
It is impossible to tell how good a casino is until you actually play there, so our VegasMaster reviewers test and play at each and every online casino we review. That way, we are confident that our reviews are fair, unbiased, and accurately communicate its strengths and weaknesses to allow you to choose the right online casino for you. We take into account the software, atmosphere, game selection, banking options, customer support, bonuses and promotions and give each casino a score based on our guideline, with the very exquisite or unique UK online casinos earning special badges for excellence.
Meant for casinos who provide a good range of games from leading software developers.
This casino meets the severe requirements of the UK gambling committee.
Nothing is more attractive then a casino that provides huge jackpots with great updates.
The mobile casino industry is becoming the standard for online gambling – currently half of all British online gambling is taking place on UK mobile casino sites and apps. This roving casinos also need to meet new standards in compatibility when being tested by our staff.
Online casinos are embracing the mobile gaming trend with dozens of UK mobile casinos aiming to be outstanding. It's now rare being to find a mobile version not being offered by all of the biggest names in the industry.
Our mobile devices travel with us, and Brits play mobile casino games just about everywhere – almost half play in the bedroom, one-third of people play casino games while commuting, and nearly one out of four people play in the toilet!
Not only can you win loads of money playing at online casinos, but every major UK casino offers bonus cash to both new players and long-term loyal customers. We track down the best online casino bonuses in the UK so that you have the opportunity to cash in on these deals and come away with thousands of pounds in bonus money or just spins the reels with no charge.
As a form of advertising, online casinos offer new customers enormous bonuses just for signing up and making a deposit at their casino. These bonuses typically include match bonuses, where casinos match your first deposits – often 100%, 200%, or more! Some of the UK welcome bonus casino bonuses offer thousands of pounds in possible cash and are absolutely not to be missed.
At some UK online casinos, you can get free bonus cash just for signing up, and need to make a deposit of your own. These UK no deposit casino bonuses are relatively small amounts which allow players to test out the casino, risk-free, to see if they like it. The truly lucky can sometimes even turn these small bonuses into gigantic payoffs!
Online casino bonuses aren't only available for new players, sometimes you can find a UK free money casino bonus where the casino simply gives away money to its players, absolutely free! These free money bonuses often take the form of cash payments to loyal players through its VIP program, though occasionally you can even find free money bonuses as part of a welcome package.
While getting bonus cash from a casino is wonderful, winning a jackpot while playing with the casino's money is even better. When you get a UK free spins casino bonus, either as part of a welcome package or through a VIP program, you get the chance to play a certain number of spins on a featured slot – free. And if you manage to hit a winner, you keep the money.
Top online casinos offer a variety of payment methods which allow you to quickly and securely deposit money in your account, and perhaps more importantly, withdraw your winnings after a big payday. Casinos work very hard to ensure that all the banking options they support allow their players to carry out simple, safe, secure, and speedy transactions. Some of the most used and widely accepted UK casino payment methods include credit and debit cards; e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, Skrill and Ukash.
These aren't your grandparent's casino games. The days of lining up three cherries on a one-armed bandit slot are long gone. Gaming technology has made enormous leaps in the past few years with UK casino games getting 21st century updates specifically designed for British players.
Modern online slots from renowned developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech offer 3D graphics, full video capability, thrilling bonus games, and generous payouts which keep players entertained for hours. While classic slot themes like ancient Egypt are still around, many slots are now themed around popular franchises, such as Superheroes, Movies or other themes.
You almost certainly know the bookmaker and online casino BetVictor, but do you know the man behind the name? Learn more about the incredible life of one of Britain's most famous gambling icons, Victor Chandler, known as the 'Gentleman Bookmaker'.
William Hill is perhaps the most recognizable name in all of gambling, but the namesake of this bookmaking empire had far more humble beginnings. Follow Hill's journey from teenage solider to one of the most successful men in the UK.
Everyone loves a good story, and there are no better stories than those from the world of gambling. Check out these amazing tales of British gamblers who have won millions, lost millions, and ultimately became the stuff worldwide legends are made from.
Whether you like it or not, Brexit is coming, and the withdrawal of the United Kingdom is going to have a severe impact on the gambling industry and online casinos. Learn more about the potential consequences of Brexit and what the future might hold.
Although online casinos in the UK have revolutionized the market, people have been gambling in the United Kingdom since long before the internet came along. While gambling itself has been around since the beginning of time, organized casinos in Britain began to appear in the 17th century. Originally, these casinos were found in gentleman’s clubs with casino gambling confined to the upper classes while the lower classes turned to betting on sports or gambling illegally among friends.
Today's UK land based casinos retain an air of their blue-blooded heritage as many casinos are smaller, intimate operations with dress codes, membership plans, and fine food and drink. This may be changing, however, as two new American-style casinos have opened in recent years, with more in development.
For most people, engaging in some sort of gambling like betting on sports, playing casino games, or playing bingo, is an exciting activity they take part in from time to time. In fact, nearly three quarters of British adults gamble at least once a year, and almost all of them do it responsibly – which means only wagering what they can afford.
Although people do sometimes hit the jackpot and professional gamblers can make a living off the horses or the poker tables, for most people gambling is simply a form of entertainment. Just as you have a certain budget to spend when you go to the cinema or a football match, you should keep a strict budget when gambling, as well. Betting more than you can afford to lose or allowing gambling to impact other areas of your life can be harmful, but if you are careful, gambling will remain entertaining.
Playing at an online casino can be exciting and fun, but you want to do everything you can to win whether you’re playing for money or for fun. When you choose to play at an online casino it’s important to have all the information you need to make the most of your time there. Here’s everything you need to know to get ahead in the game.
First, make sure you’ve downloaded the appropriate software for the casino. Check the website where you plan to gamble and see which software they require for players to download. The website will also provide instructions on how to install the software. The entire process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time.
Second, you should know that you have the option to play for free until you feel comfortable playing for money. Once you run the software you’ve downloaded, you should see a prompt that gives you the option to practice or play for real. When you gamble in practice mode, you will be playing without risking the loss of your money. The great thing about this is that you can use practice money to build your skills in any of the games available in the play for real mode. The only games you will not be able to practice on are the progressive games. As soon as you feel comfortable with your skills, you can simply switch modes and begin playing for money.
Before you begin playing with real money, you must make an initial deposit on your account. Pretty much every online casino out there will give you a welcome bonus when you sign up, so check these bonus amounts before you choose a casino to deposit your money in. Casinos also offer a range of payment methods, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose a casino where you can pay with the method you desire.
As you play, be sure to maintain a constant surveillance of your history. By keeping a constant track of your wins and losses you can be sure that your dealings and outcomes are valid. Simply find the menu option for game and financial history and check it often.
You may also be asked to submit authorization forms. Though these seem like a hassle, they are put in place to protect you and the casino from fraud. You’ll need the following information on hand in order to fill out these forms completely:
Online casinos never release any of the information on these authorization forms. Your personal details will be stored securely under strict confidence.
All forms of gambling in the United Kingdom are regulated by the Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act of 2005. This act brought significant updates to the gambling laws in the UK, including the Internet gaming sector. This was the first time that the Internet gaming sector was addressed for regulation within British Parliament.
Remote gambling in the United Kingdom is defined as a form of gambling in which players participate though a form of remote communication. Remote communication includes radio, telephone, television, the internet and any other electronic device or technological equipment that facilitates communication.
The Gambling Commission has licensed all forms of gambling online, meaning that online casinos can be provided legally in the UK as long as they are under the Commission’s license. The operator of a casino must obtain the remote operating license relevant to their business in order to run any type of gambling service by way of remote communication. If any part of the operator’s equipment for remote gambling is based in Great Britain or if the operator even advertises to consumers or transacts with consumers who live in Great Britain, the operator must obtain the appropriate permissions from the Gambling Commission.
You can generally rest assured that any casino offering their services to players in the United Kingdom has already obtained the proper permissions and license to be operating in the UK. If you’re concerned about whether a casino is breaching the law, simply check their website or contact the company directly to inquire whether they have a license from the Gambling Commission that allows them to operate in the United Kingdom.
The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling within the United Kingdom, and they do an excellent job at keeping everything safe, valid and under control. The Gambling Act of 2005 was the first time that the Internet gaming sector was addressed in the British Parliament. The Act updated the gambling laws in the UK significantly, putting the Gambling Commission in charge of regulations and adding additional requirements for the Internet gaming sector.
Under the Gambling Commission and the Gambling Act of 2005, any operator that offers a gambling service by way of remote communication is required to obtain the necessary permissions and license from the Gambling Commission. All forms of gambling in the United Kingdom are licensed by the Gambling Commission. Therefore, as long as an online casino operator has obtained permission and a license to operate in the United Kingdom, it means that they have been deemed valid by the Gambling Commission and are most likely not fraudulent.
Most online casinos will require you to fill out an authorization form upon registration at their website. This authorization form is used to protect both yourself and the casino from fraudulent activity. If the casino you’re looking to play with is legally allowed to operate in the UK and they’re asking for an authorization form, you can rest assured that you will be safe playing there.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding gambling laws in the UK and whether a particular online casino is safe, you can contact the Gambling Commission by using the following information:
Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Email: info@gamblingcommission.gov.uk
Phone: +44 121 230 6666
Fax: +44 121 230 6720
Address:
Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham
B2 4BP
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in any form of gambling in the United Kingdom, whether you’re playing for money or for free. If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to participate in gambling at any online casino, including betting sites and poker or bingo sites.
Any online casino or gambling site that is allowed to offer its services to residents living in the United Kingdom operates under a license obtained by the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission regulates all forms of gambling in the UK, including online casinos. Any online casino operator with a license from the Gambling Commission is under strict requirements to have a secure and robust system in place to ensure age verification.
If you attempt to register with an online casino and are under the age of 18, there are good chances that you will be caught quickly. In the case you have been playing against the regulations in place and are caught, any winnings you may have accrued will be voided and your account will get shut down immediately.
Online casinos usually require authorization forms to be filled out when you register to play on their sites. These authorization forms request copies of valid identification, credit card information and address verification by way of a utility bill or a piece of official mail. If you cannot provide this information, you will not be allowed to play. If you are under the age of 18, you will not be able to provide this information.
Taxation laws on gambling winnings vary throughout the world. Where the UK is concerned, there’s good news for players. As a player, you will not be taxed on any money you receive from gambling in the UK. Betting duty was abolished by Gordon Brown, the ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, through his budget of 2001. It doesn’t matter how much money you win from gambling online – you will never have to pay any taxes on those winnings. This includes sports betting, bingo, poker, and casino games. Even if you’re a professional gambler who makes a living off of his winnings, you will not be taxed on them.
The fact that players aren’t taxed on their winnings does mean that the entire gambling industry is tax-free. There is a UK Point of Consumption Tax that applies to operators and bookmakers. According to this tax, casino operators, bookmakers and any gambling provider is required to pay a 15% tax on their gross profits.
Up until 2014, the UK Point of Consumption Tax only applied to operators that were physically based in the United Kingdom. As the popularity of remote gaming has increased, this rule has been re-evaluated. In 2014, the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act was passed. Combined with the introduction of Remote Gaming Duty, the law now states that regardless of where an operator, bookmaker or gambling provider is located in the world, if they provide any gambling services to residents of the United Kingdom, they must also pay the 15% UK Point of Consumption Tax.
For more topics and answers regarding online casino play - Visit our complete casino FAQ section.