Online Gambling Guide – Top Casino, Betting, Poker, Bingo & Lotto Sites
If you enjoy gambling online, this page is just what you need. We have tested and compared the most popular real money games sites for UK players. We have covered all available products, to bring you a complete guide to gambling at sports betting online bookmakers, casino, bingo, poker, and lottery websites. Let’s start with the best gambling sites UK has to offer:
Top Gambling Sites & Offers for UK Players
Gambling Site | Welcome Offer | Website Approved by | Payout Time | Rating | Registration Link | Terms |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.🥇 Ladbrokes | Deposit £10, Get £30 | GLI, GamCare, Responsible Gambling Trust | 0-2 Days |
5.00 ★ out of 5
|
ladbrokes.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New Casino players only. Deposit required. Play £10+ on qualifying games. 40x wager reqs (Bonus only) on selected games. Accept Bonus within 14 days. Bonus valid for 30 days. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions apply. . GambleAware.org |
2.🥈 Coral | Bet £10 Get £50 On Selected Games | GambleAware, GamCare, Norton by Symantec | 0-4 Days |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
coral.co.uk | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. Min spend £10 on qualifying games. Certain deposit types excluded. £50 Bonus on selected games subject to 40x wager req. Must accept within 14 days, valid for 30 days. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply. |
3.🥉 Duelz | 100% up to £100 + 100 Spins | Gambling Commission, GambleAware, GamStop | 1-5 days |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
duelz.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ new players only. Min deposit: £20. Max £100 bonus. Max bet with active bonus: £2. Wagering required 100% match bonus: 30x deposit + bonus. Max win from welcome bonus: £500. 100 Free Spins are given out 20 per day on Book of Dead for 5 days in a row. Max Free Spins winnings: £100. Free Spins winnings credited as bonus money with 45x wagering & 3 days expiry. Deposit bonus & Free Spins wins are forfeited 30 days after bonus is credited if the wagering is not met. Game weighting and restrictions apply. Play Responsibly www.gambleaware.org. |
4.🏅 Griffon | Up to 200 Bonus Spins | GambleAware, GamStop, GamCare | 2-5 Days |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
griffoncasino.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Welcome bonus: new UK depositing players only. 200 spins require 3 deposits of min. £20 each and are issued as follows: 50 on 1st deposit, 50 on 2nd deposit and 100 on 3rd deposit. Spins are issued on selected games. Winnings from spins are bonus with wagering requirements 35x. Spins expire after 24 hours. Bonus expires after 21 days. Play responsibly, GambleAware.org |
5.🏅 Karamba | Up to £50 + 100 Spins | GambleAware, GamCare, iTech Labs | 3-6 Days |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
casino.karamba.com | Full Terms and Conditions apply. New players only. 18+. Min deposit £10. Wagering requirement apply 35x. Offer valid for 72hr. 100 spins include 3 deposit. See full terms here. |
6.🏅 Grosvenor | Deposit £20 Play with £50 Welcome Bonus | Gambling Commission, GamStop, GamCare | 1-3 Days |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
grosvenorcasinos.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN DEPOSIT £20 (EXC PAYPAL). MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. 30X WAGERING FOR £30 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. MAX WIN £2,000.*T&CS APPLY |
7.🏅 Monopoly Casino | Spend £10, Get 30 Free Spins On Monopoly Paradise Mansion | GambleAware, GamCare, GamStop | 0-5 Days |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
monopolycasino.com | Full T&Cs Apply. #AD. New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit.18+. Free Spins: on MONOPOLY Paradise Mansion. 1p coin size, max lines. Bingo: Advertised ticket value based on £1 tickets. Game availability & restrictions apply. GambleAware.org |
8.🏅 William Hill | 400% up to £40 on Big Bass Bonanza | GambleAware, GamblersAnonymous, Responsible Gambling Trust | 3-5 Days |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
williamhill.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. GambleAware.org #Ad |
9.🏅 Bwin | Up to 100 Free Spins on Starburst | Gambling Therapy, GambleAware, GamStop | 2-5 Days |
4.75 ★ out of 5
|
bwin.com | T&Cs apply. 18+. New depositors & UK residents only. Min dep. £10. 10x wag. on winnings. Spins valid only on Starburst slot & valued at £0.10 each. Spins expire in 7 days. Excludes deposits made via Skrill, Entropay, PayPal & Neteller. GambleAware.org |
10.🏅 The Grand Ivy | 100% up to £300 + 25 Bonus Spins | Gambling Commission, GamStop, GambleAware | 1-2 Days |
4.70 ★ out of 5
|
grandivy.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements. Terms apply. |
Gamble Responsibly
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set spending limits and stick to them.
- Avoid gambling when emotional or under the influence.
- Only bet on familiar gambling games after you learn their rules.
- Contact problem gambling organizations if concerned about gambling habits.
The top 10 gambling sites listed above are licensed in the UK. In fact, every single operator you will find on this page is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. When you gamble with real money on roulette, it is vital that you only play at legit sites. An online gambling UK licence guarantees that a site is not a scam and adheres to the highest standards of security and player protection. As such, you can play at any of our recommended gambling websites and be confident that they are safe, reliable, and can be trusted.
Our team of experts have put many real-money gaming sites to the test, and you can find the overall best betting sites in the table above. Yet if there is something specific you are looking for, rest assured you will find it on this page. We have delved into all the different gambling products to find the top sites for every type of gambling activity.
We will show you the best betting sites UK has to offer, as well as the top-recommended online casino, poker, bingo, and lotto sites. We have also created a guide on how to pick a real money betting site, with even more recommendations for you to choose from. We’ll also explain how to cover first bet loses, how to pick first bet offers with favourable wagering requirements and choose the best free bet offers available.
The Best Gambling Sites for UK Players by Category
🥇 #1 Best UK Gambling Site | Ladbrokes |
---|---|
📱 Best Mobile Gambling Site | PlayOJO |
🎁 Best Gambling Bonus | The Grand Ivy |
🏆 Best Casino Site | The Grand Ivy |
⚽ Best Betting Site | Ladbrokes |
🃏 Best Poker Site | 888casino |
🔟 Best Bingo Site | Wink |
🕹️ Best Lotto Site | The Lotter |
As you can see, there are a lot of gambling products available at the best gambling websites. However, which one should you choose? The sign up process is easy at all of our top suggestions, but there are some fundamentals which need to be addressed. While some of the top gambling websites we’ve included rely on games of chance, others require more knowledge for your first bet experience.
Sports gambling sites, for instance, unofficially require players to be aware of the market they would be betting on, as this way any negative outcome will be prevented. Furthermore, they also have various free bet offers that can potentially cover first bet loses. However, bear in mind that regardless of the product, wagering conditions will always be attached to all sorts of bonus offers. That’s why it is important not only to be careful with your first bet but with the welcome deal you choose as well.
When it comes to online casino sites, bear in mind that the free bet offers there can also come with wagering requirements even stricter than the ones found at sports betting first bet promotions. In case of emergency, you should be aware that customer support is always a click away. Whether it would be contacting them via live chat or any other channel, a customer service representative will always be there at most gambling websites.
Generally speaking, there’s a little bit of everything. Bingo, poker, and lotto sites are considered as the most fun to play, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the other products. Whether you’re looking for the highest minimum odds or great promotions to cover any first bet loses, we’ve got you covered with the best online casino reviews in the UK. Now, let’s start with some more product details.
Comparison of the Top 10 UK Gambling Sites
Gambling Website | Casino | Live Casino | Sports Betting | Poker | Bingo | Lotto |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ladbrokes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Coral | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Duelz Casino | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Griffon Casino | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Karamba Casino | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Grosvenor Casino | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Monopoly Casino | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
William Hill | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
bwin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Grand Ivy | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Highlights of Our Recommended Gambling Sites
- Ladbrokes (Best Casino Site for UK Players)
- Coral (Top-Rated All-Around Gambling Operator)
- Duelz Casino (Reliable Casino with a Great Welcome Bonus)
- Griffon Casino (Excellent Mobile Gaming for UK Players)
- Karamba Casino (Top Live Dealer Casino Site in the UK)
- Grosvenor (Great Gambling Site for Multiple Games)
- Monopoly Casino (Most Trusted Free Spins Casino)
- William Hill (Experienced Operator with New Games)
- bwin (Recommended Betting Site for Low Wagers)
- The Grand Ivy (Reputable UK Operator with Many Offers)
Licence Check of the Top Gambling Sites
Gambling Site | Licence | Rating |
---|---|---|
Ladbrokes | 1611 | 5.00 |
Coral | 39071 | 4.95 |
Duelz | 48695 | 4.90 |
Griffon Casino | 39483 | 4.90 |
Karamba Casino | 39483 | 4.85 |
Grosvenor Casinos | 38750 | 4.85 |
Monopoly Casino | 38905 | 4.80 |
William Hill | 39225 | 4.80 |
bwin | 54743 | 4.75 |
The Grand Ivy | 52894 | 4.75 |
UK Gambling Sites by Product
There are many different gambling products available online. Some sites offer a diverse and all-inclusive range, giving you the chance to place a qualifying bet on sports, play real money casino games, and buy lottery tickets, as well as various other betting options. There are some sites that specialise in a particular product. And there are gambling sites which are better for one type of product than the others. As such, finding the number one site for you depends on your preferred type of gambling product.
Gambling Site | Online Since | Gambling Products | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1. Grand Ivy | 2016 | Casino, Live, | 5 out of 5 |
2. Play OJO | 2005 | Casino, Live, | 4.95 out of 5 |
3. 888 Casino | 2002 | Casino, Sports, Bingo, Live, Poker | 4.90 out of 5 |
4. Genesis | 2018 | Casino, Live, | 4.90 out of 5 |
5. Grosvenor | 2007 | Casino, Sports, Live, Poker | 4.85 out of 5 |
6. Yako Casino | 2015 | Casino, Live, Lotto | 4.85 out of 5 |
7. NetBet | 2001 | Casino, Sports, Live, Poker, Lotto | 4.80 out of 5 |
Not all gambling sites feature all products. As such, you need to do a little research to find online betting sites that best cater to your preferences. For the overall top-ranked best betting sites, you can check our top 10. However, if there is a certain type of gambling you are interested in, you should check the following sections. We have listed top online betting sites for each gambling product. Read on to find the best gambling sites for casino, sports, poker, bingo, and lotto.
The Best Casino Gambing Sites in the UK
If you enjoy playing casino games online, you will be pleased to know that there are hundreds of gaming websites that cater to casino players. We have, of course, listed the best here and we also suggest these top gambling websites in the UK. There are a few criteria to take into consideration to identify the best ones. One of the most important factors is the game selection. The top casino gambling sites feature rich game portfolios, with a diverse selection of slots and table games. Roulette online bonus deals are also always a plus.
The best online betting sites feature games from leading software developers, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech, who are all renowned for their first-class games. Here you can find the UK’s best online casino sites:
Best Casino | Casino Bonus | Games | Mobile | Live | Casino Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.GrandIvy | £300 + 25 Spins |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
www.grandivy.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. One bonus offer per player. Minimum deposit £20. Max bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days otherwise any unused bonus shall be removed. Bonus funds are 100% match up to £300 on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds contribute towards any wagering requirements. Terms apply. | |||
2.PlayOJO | 80 Free Spinson your First Deposit |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
www.playojo.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ .This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your first deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. The Prize Twister awards a random prize of either cash or free spins. For Free Spins the general free spins terms apply. No min withdrawal. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies. Play Responisbly. GambleAware.org | |||
3.Grosvenor | Deposit £20, Play with:£50 On First Deposit |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
www.grosvenorcasinos.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN DEPOSIT £20 (EXC PAYPAL). MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. 30X WAGERING FOR £30 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. MAX WIN £2,000.*T&CS APPLY | |||
4.Coral | Bet £10, Get £50 On Selected Games |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
coral.co.uk | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. Min spend £10 on qualifying games. Certain deposit types excluded. £50 Bonus on selected games subject to 40x wager req. Must accept within 14 days, valid for 30 days. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply. |
Aside from games, there are other factors to look for in an online casino site. You can find generous welcome bonuses up for grabs, as well and promotions and loyalty rewards for existing players. The top bonus offers give you a good boost to your bankroll and come with fair conditions. Good online casino bonus sites support a wide range of payment methods for making secure and convenient deposits and withdrawals. They should also feature a wide range of betting sites’ limits to suit both beginners and experienced high rollers alike. You can find out more about identifying top operators and discover more of the best online casino betting sites in our guide to the best online casino sites in the UK.
Sports Best Online Betting Sites
Online sports betting sites are among the best online betting sites in the UK, and there is no shortage of online bookmakers where you can have a punt on your favourite sport. To find the best online sports betting sites, you should check the available markets and if there are any types of free bets you can place. The best online betting sites should offer many different markets to place a qualifying bet on with high minimum odds.
From popular UK sports sports betting games such as football, cricket, and horse racing, to international competitions and events, you should look for diverse markets offered by interesting online betting sites. Here you can find our recommended online sports betting sites UK players can enjoy with high minimum odds:
Sports Betting Site | Welcome Offer | Website Approved by | Rating | Registration Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. 888Sports | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets with code: 30F | GamStop, eCogra, Go Daddy SSL |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
www.888sport.com | Full T&C’s apply. 18+ Minimum deposit of £10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days • Wagering req. vary by game • Withdrawal restrictions apply. |
2. Grosvenor | Double the Odds with £10 Stake | GamCare, Alderney, VeriSign |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
www.grosvenorcasinos.com | Full T&Cs Apply.18+. NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN DEPOSIT £20 (EXC PAYPAL). MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. 30X WAGERING FOR £30 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. MAX WIN £2,000.*T&CS APPLY |
There are other things to look for in sports betting sites online to find the top betting sites. A quality online betting site is essential. It should be stable, intuitively designed, and easy to navigate. Mobile compatibility is also an important factor. Just like when you play at a live casino Android app, there are sports betting sites that are optimised for Android, for example. An online sports betting site must have a top-notch mobile app to be worthy of your consideration. And a major factor in deciding which sports betting site to place a qualifying bet on is the bonus opportunities that are available, alongside their wagering requirements. Big bonuses with favourable conditions really make an operator stand out from the crowd, but don’t underestimate odds boosters which require to make bets on events with particular minimum odds!
Recommended Poker Sites
Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Min Deposit | Max Deposit | Payout Time | Poker Site Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. 888Casino | £20 Free | £10 | £10,000 | Up to 8 Days |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
www.888poker.com | Full T&Cs apply. New players only • £20 free bonus: includes $1 immediate bonus & $31 in tournament tickets • Bonus will be granted gradually throughout 7 days after claiming • Each part of the bonus expires after 24 hrs • Immediate bonus may be withdrawn after a player has accumulated 2.5 bonus points for every $1 of the received bonus amount •This offer may not be combined with any other offer • Wagering requirements vary by game • Withdrawal restrictions apply. |
2.William Hill | Deposit & Get: £100 + Twister Pack | £10 | £100,000 | 3-10 Working Days |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
poker.williamhill.com | Full Terms Apply. Opt-in required. X1 per customer. New customers only, min first deposit/transfer £10 to poker account. Game restrictions and Terms Apply. Twister Discovery Pack: 1X tournament tickets total value of €6. 3x €1 Age of the Gods Twister, 3X €1 Twister. £100 Bonus Money: WHPoints to redeem Bonus (two stage redemption rate), expires in 45 days. Bonus Spins: x40 wagering. expires in 14 days, Max redemption £20. |
3. Ladbrokes | Bet £10, Get £30 | £5 | £99,999 | 1-3 Days |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
poker.ladbrokes.com | T&Cs apply. 18+. New real money customers only. First deposit only. Paid as tickets and pending bonus. Bonus funds released with point accumulation. 90 days to accumulate points. Freeroll tickets valid for 2 months. Twister tickets valid for 1 month. Tourn tickets valid for 2 months. Cash table ticket valid for 30 days. |
Online poker provides the most convenient way to play the game. You can compete against players from around the world, without even having to leave home. Yet to get the best playing experience, you have to know how to pick the best sites. You should opt for a safe and reputable operator with a secure platform. You cannot deny the appeal of welcome bonuses and special promos that you can take advantage of when you play poker online. Keep your eyes peeled for the ones that will boost your bankroll and come with convenient wagering requirements.
Online Bingo Sites
Bingo Sites | Bingo Bonus | Min Deposit | Max Deposit | Payout Time | Bingo Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Wink | £55 with code BEST | £10 | £5,000 | 3-7 business days |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
www.winkbingo.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. Deposit £10 with promo code BEST and get £30 bingo bonus+ a £25 games bonus. Prior to real funds withdrawal, wager 2 times the total amount of the initial deposit plus the bingo bonus funds received from initial deposit. Bonus wins are capped at £100, exc. jp win. To withdraw games bonus funds & connected winnings, wager 50 times the bonus amount. The games each contribute different wagering requirements. Deposits can be withdrawn at any time. This offer may not be combined with any other offer |
2. 888Ladies | £50 with code WIN70 | £10 | £5,000 | 3-7 business days |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
www.888ladies.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. Dep. min £10 to get £20 bingo bonus + £40 games bonus (total max bonus £60). Valid once. Bonus wins capped at £100, exc. jp wins. To withdraw wins related to bingo bonus, wager 2x the deposit + bonus funds. To withdraw games bonus & related wins, wager 50x the amount of the bonus; wagering req. vary by game. Deposits can be withdrawn at any time. Withdrawal restrictions & Further T&Cs apply |
3. Buzz | £30 in Bonuses + 10 Spins | £5 | £10,000 | 2-5 working days |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
www.buzzbingo.com | Full T&Cs apply. New players only. Deposit & Stake £10 on Bingo (not inc. Bingo Millions) Get £30 Bingo Bonus (with x4 wagering) £20 Rainbow Riches slot bonus (x20 wagering) & £10 Club vouchers (after qualification). GambleAware.org |
4. Mr. Q | Spend £10, Get 30 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza | £10 | £10,000 | 3-5 working days |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
www.mrq.com | Full T&Cs apply. First deposit only. Min deposit & spend £10. Max 30 spins on Bigger Bass Bonanza at 12p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £10. 18+ Full T&Cs apply. |
If you want to know how to pick a gambling site to play bingo, you should check the game selection. Top sites offer a wide range of bingo variants, with ticket prices to suit every budget. You will also find some highly rewarding bonuses up for grabs. Given that many bingo sites feature online casino games, you can also claim combined bonuses that will enable you to play both bingo and slots. You should also look out for online bingo sites with quality mobile apps so that you can indulge in a game whenever you feel like it.
Online Lotto Sites
Lotto Site | Lotto Bonus | Min Deposit | Max Deposit | Payout Time | Lotto Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Ladbrokes | No bonus | £5 | £99,999 | 1-3 Banking Days |
5.00 ★ out of 5
|
lottos.ladbrokes.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New Casino players only. Deposit required. Play £10+ on qualifying games. 40x wager reqs (Bonus only) on selected games. Accept Bonus within 14 days. Bonus valid for 30 days. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions apply. . GambleAware.org |
2. BetVictor | No bonus | £5 | £30,000 | 1-3 Banking Days |
5.00 ★ out of 5
|
betvictor.com | Full T&Cs apply. Opt in and wager £10 on selected games within 7 days of registration. Get 3 x £10 bonuses for selected games with up to 40x wagering plus 100 Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Max redeemable from bonuses is £750. Card payments only. T&C's Apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly |
Safety and security are the top priorities when choosing a lotto site. Given the staggering amounts of money that can be won, you do not want to risk any chance that you will not get your hands on your winnings if you have the lucky ticket. Opting for licensed sites is a must. After that, you should check for a site with a diverse selection of lottery draws available. Top sites will give you the chance to play in the biggest American, European and other popular jackpot draws from all around the world.
Online Gambling Guide – How to Pick a Gambling Site
With so many gambling sites to choose from, deciding which one to play at can be a little overwhelming. How do you know which are trustworthy betting sites and which to avoid? Are the minimum odds at your desired sportsbook rigged? The good news is that there are certain traits that all good gambling sites share. Furthermore, you can use these elements as criteria to compare and rank gambling sites. In this section, we will delve into each of those factors. We will provide you with an indispensable guide to how to pick the right gambling site for you.
It goes without saying that you should only ever play at safe gambling sites, and we will show you exactly how to be certain that a site is legit. As for the other criteria we have listed above, each will have a different level of importance for each gambler. For some people, bonuses are the main consideration in deciding where to play.
Others are looking for websites that accept a certain payment method. Whilst some gamblers are looking for sites where they can place a qualifying bet with the biggest stakes. Whatever your own priority in choosing a site, we have plenty of suggestions for top gambling sites that will meet your needs.
1. Play at Secure Gambling Sites
If you want to gamble online for real money, your main priority when choosing a site should always be your safety. it is relatively simple and straightforward to check that a site is above board. You should check that the site holds a UK licence. This confirms that the operator is subject to strict regulation from the Gambling Commission.
It verifies that their games are fair, that they operate responsibly, and that your private data is secure.Reliable gambling sites will proudly display their safety and security credentials. As well as listing their UK licence number from the UK Gambling Commission, you will also see various security seals and certificates that testify to the site’s trustworthiness. These include independently produced payout reports, SSL certificates, and links to responsible gambling organisations.
Secure Gambling Site | UKGC Licence | Payout Report | Responsible Gambling | Certificates | Awards | Approved Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Coral | eCOGRA | GamCare | 2015 EGR Operator of the Year | |||
2. William Hill | TST | GamStop | IGA Sports Betting Operator 2019 | |||
3. 888casino | eCOGRA | GamCare | Casino Operator of the Year 2013 – EGR Awards |
There are many trusted and legit betting sites available online. Yet, there are some rogue sites that will scam you if you are not careful. Such sites may have sub-standard technical security, so your sensitive data could be intercepted by third parties, leaving you vulnerable to fraud. Some dodgy betting sites may feature fixed games that do not give you a fair chance of winning.
And if you do actually win, illegal betting sites may withhold your withdrawals for arbitrary reasons. The simple fact is that it is not worth taking any risks with your money and personal data. Playing at sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission ensures that you will be protected when you gamble online.
2. Online Gambling Games & Products
To find the best gambling sites to cater to your needs, you should consider what you want to gamble on. There is a wide range of online gambling products available. Some sites feature many different products, giving you plenty of diversity of choice. Others specialise in a certain gambling product. If you want to gamble on sports, you should look for websites that offer many different sports.
If online casino bonus games are more your thing, then a site with a rich and varied choice of slots and table games will be vital. And if you do not want to limit yourself, then you should seek out the gambling sites that offer many gambling products all under one roof. Here you can see some of the games and products you can gamble on from the UK:
- Football
- E-Sports
- Tennis
- Rugby
- Horse Racing
- Golf
- Basketball
- Greyhound Racing
- Snooker
- Boxing
- Bingo
- Lottery
- Poker
- Slots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Live Casino Games
- Scratch Cards
- Keno
- Craps
You will find nowadays that most gambling sites offer numerous products for you to choose from. Chances are when you choose an online sports betting site, it will also offer online casino bonus games, and possibly other options such as the lottery. If you want to play bingo or lottery online, you will usually find the operator also features slots and possibly other online casino games too. The same is true for poker. So, if you were to try to describe what you can gamble on at a standard gambling online site, the answer is that online casino bonus games are most likely going to be available to you, regardless of what product is the main feature.
3. Betting Site Limits
Gambling Site | Casino Limits | Sports Limits | Poker Limits | Bingo Limits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Ivy | £0.01 – £75,000 | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
Play OJO | £0.01 – £75,000 | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
888 Casino | £0.01 – £200,000 | £0.01 – £10,000 | £0.01 – Unlimited | £0.01 – Unlimited |
Genesis | £0.01 – £100,000 | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
Grosvenor | £0.01 – £100,000 | £0.01 – Unlimited | £0.10 – £20,000 | Not offered |
Yako Casino | £0.01 – £100,000 | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered/td> |
NetBet | £0.01 – £15,000 | £0.01 – Unlimited | £0.01 – Unlimited | £0.50 – Unlimited |
As the table above illustrates, the best gambling sites offer a wide range of online betting site limits that are suitable for all types of players, regardless of budget. For those who want to gamble with the lowest stakes, you can a qualifying bet as little as a penny across most products. At the other end of the spectrum, you can bet over £20k per hand on many online casino games. And if that were not high enough, some of the best online betting sites do not even limit the maximum amount you can bet. This makes them ideal for the serious gamblers who love high rolling.
3.1 High Stakes Gambling Websites
If you are a high roller, you will be interested in finding top gambling websites where you can gamble with the highest stakes. There are some gambling sites that are much better suited to your needs than others. Betting sites that impose relatively low maximum betting site limits will not cut it for you. Whether you prefer to play online casino bonus games, poker, or free bet on sports, there are sites that allow you to bet thousands of pounds at a time.
For a gambling site to cater to high rollers, they should also apply high maximum deposit limits, so you can conveniently fund your account with enough money to match the stakes you want to play with. If you want to free bet with big money, check out the best high stakes gambling sites and their offers:
High Stakes Gambling Site | Welcome Bonus | Max Casino Bet | Max Sports Bet | Max Poker Bet | High Roller Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Griffon | Up to 200 Spins | £20,000 | £10,000 | £10,000 |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
griffoncasino.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Welcome bonus: new UK depositing players only. 200 spins require 3 deposits of min. £20 each and are issued as follows: 50 on 1st deposit, 50 on 2nd deposit and 100 on 3rd deposit. Spins are issued on selected games. Winnings from spins are bonus with wagering requirements 35x. Spins expire after 24 hours. Bonus expires after 21 days. Play responsibly, GambleAware.org |
2.888Casino | 100% up to £100 + 88 Free Spins | £200,000 | £10,000 | Unlimited |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
www.888casino.com | Full T&Cs apply.No Deposit Offer: New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: FS voucher winnings is uncapped, bonus wins & max redeemable amount for non-funded players capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Deposit Offer: 1st time depositor at 888casino only • £20 min deposit • Claim in 48 hrs • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 30x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply • Withdrawal terms, No Deposit Offer terms & Deposit Bonus Offer terms apply. |
3. Ladbrokes | Bet £10, Get £30 | £20,000 | £10,000 | £10,000 |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
www.ladbrokes.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New Casino players only. Deposit required. Play £10+ on qualifying games. 40x wager reqs (Bonus only) on selected games. Accept Bonus within 14 days. Bonus valid for 30 days. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions apply. . GambleAware.org |
There are many advantages of playing with high stakes. It is arguably the most thrilling and exciting way to bet. After all, by playing with big bets, you stand the chance of winning or losing huge sums of money. It gets the adrenalin pumping and engages you in the experience in a way that just does not happen when you gamble with pennies.That’s why we encourage you to always look of offers with free bet possibilities and favoring terms and conditions.
When you make a big deposit to gamble with high stakes on your first bet, you can take full advantage of matched deposit bonuses, that give you an even larger bankroll to play with. High table limits are also ideal if you want to use a betting system, such as playing roulette with the Martingale strategy. For such systems to work, high stakes online roulette games are vital.
3.2 Low Stakes Online Gambling
If you enjoy gambling but do not want to break the bank doing so, then low stakes online gambling offers the perfect solution. Many betting sites feature stakes that are suitable for beginners and low rollers.Apart from that, you can also come across free bet offers. When you free bet with small amounts, you can stretch out your bankroll.
So, it is possible to get plenty of gambling entertainment without spending a huge amount of money. We have researched the minimum online betting sites’ limits available to find those which are suitable for low rollers. Here you can find the best low stakes gambling sites alongside some free bet offers:
Low Stakes Gambling Site | Welcome Bonus | Min Casino Bet | Min Sports Bet | Min Poker Bet | Low Roller Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. William Hill | 400% up to £40 on Big Bass Bonanza | £0.10 | £0.01 | £0.01 |
4.95 ★ out of 5
|
casino.williamhill.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. GambleAware.org #Ad |
2.NetBet | Up to 500 Spins On First Deposit | £0.01 | £0.01 | £0.01 |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
casino.netbet.co.uk | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Free Spins, 40x wagering on Free Spins winnings, £5 max bonus stake. Terms apply. GambleAware. GambleAware.org |
3. 32Red | 150% up to £150 Welcome Bonus! | £0.10 | £0.01 | £0.05 |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
www.32red.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New accounts only. Min. £10 deposit, debit card only. Up to 50x wagering, game contributions vary, max. stake applies, 7 day expiry. |
New betting site operators want to appeal to all types of players, and as such, most will feature at least some games that can be played with very small stakes or with live play betting. Whilst penny games can be hard to find, there are some gambling sites that offer them, including the recommended operators listed above. When it comes to online casino games, slots tend to come with the lowest minimum betting limits. If you want to play table games, many casino bonus sites impose higher minimum betting limits.
Yet there are some low limit roulette sites which are worth a try if you want to play the game with the lowest stakes. Another factor to keep in mind when looking for a low stakes new betting site is the minimum deposit that is accepted. £5 deposit casinos are an ideal option for low stakes gamblers who want to minimise first bet loses, if any.
4. The Best Gambling Bonus Offers
Online gambling sites feature bonuses to entice you to join. It is one of the key advantages of choosing to gamble online. The types of offers vary depending on the product and site. At online bookmakers, you will commonly find matched deposit bonuses and free bet options. Casino bonus sites feature first deposit bonuses and package deals, with many including free bets.
Bingo sites often feature combined bonuses that reward you with both bingo and games bonuses. The key to finding the most convenient free bet offers is to check the terms and conditions as well as wagering requirements. Search for the free bet offers that give you a good match for your money with convenient wagering requirements. Here you can see the best gambling bonuses currently available for UK players:
Gambling Site | Gambling Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Validity | Bonus Rating | Link to Offer | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Coral | Bet £10, Get £50 On Selected Games | 30 days |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
coral.co.uk | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New customers only. Min spend £10 on qualifying games. Certain deposit types excluded. £50 Bonus on selected games subject to 40x wager req. Must accept within 14 days, valid for 30 days. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply. | |
2. NetBet | Up to500 Spins On First Deposit | 7 days |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
casino.netbet.co.uk | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Free Spins, 40x wagering on Free Spins winnings, £5 max bonus stake. Terms apply. GambleAware. GambleAware.org |
The most suitable casino bonus for you will depend on the type of player you are and the types of games you want to play. In general, you can only take advantage of one welcome offer at a gambling site. So, where different free bet offers are available for sports, casinos, and other products, consider which will be the most beneficial for you. Also, keep in mind that there may be terms and conditions to the types of games you can play with a bonus. You can use our guide on thebest casino bonus UK offers if you want to pick the most suitable promotion for your gambling style.
For example, free bet casino bonuses tend to exclude or limit table games. Still, free bet offers are varied and there are some to be found for every preference. So, whether you are looking for the best roulette bonuses, free bet offers for blackjack, or promos for slots, there are plenty of deals to be had. Plus, take a look at the £10 deposit casinos that we reviewed. Some of them have outstanding free bet bonuses, backed up with quite a wide range of games!
5. Accepted Payment Methods
You will need to make a deposit if you want to enjoy online gambling for real money. As such, accepted payment methods is an important factor to consider when choosing a site, be it among the aray of online bookmakers or not. At the best online gambling sites, UK players have a wide range of secure payment methods to choose from. Pretty much all real money games sites accept Mastercard and Visa. Yet there are various alternatives that have their own benefits.If you want to use an e-wallet, you can find Neteller casinos online as well as sites that accept Skrill and PayPal payment methods.
As more people are gambling on their mobile nowadays, websites with Boku and other pay by phone bill methods, such as Zimpler and Payforit are becoming more widely available. Bitcoin gambling sites likewise are emerging as a popular choice with some players. In the table below, we have created an overview of the accepted payment methods at our top 10 sites:
Gambling Site | Mastercard | Visa | PayPal | Boku | Instadebit | Paysafecard | Payforit | Skrill | Zimpler | Bitcoin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Ivy | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Play OJO | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
888 Casino | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Genesis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Grosvenor | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Yako Casino | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
NetBet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
If you are unsure which are the most convenient payment methods to use when gambling online, let us run through some of the terms and conditions which differ between the various methods. Debit cards are widely accepted, so you can take your pick of all gambling sites when using a bank card. Yet for those who want to keep their online gambling deposits separate from their bank accounts, e-wallets provide a great alternative. You never have to divulge your bank details, providing extra security and anonymity. Paysafecard likewise is a good option for gambling online without a bank card.
Pay by Phone online casinos are particularly convenient in this regard. Yet you will find relatively low deposit limits available. As for gambling with Bitcoin, there are few trusted sites that accept the cryptocurrency currently. Yet its high levels of anonymity make it the preferred option for some. Of all the options available to UK players, we recommend e-wallets, thanks to the extra security and quick, easy transactions.
5.1 PayPal Gambling Sites
PayPal is our top recommended payment method for gambling online. When you deposit at a reputable, licensed gambling site, all payments are encrypted with SSL, ensuring deposits are processed securely. Yet depositing at gambling sites with PayPal adds an extra layer of security. This is because you only need to enter your PayPal username and password to make a payment. As such, you never have to share your bank card information with the operator. Furthermore, this makes depositing much quicker and simpler. Here you can see a list of the top UK gambling sites that accept PayPal:
PayPal Gambling Site | Welcome Bonus | Min. Deposit | Max. Deposit | Max Withdrawal | Website Rating | Sign Up Link | Terms: |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.888Casino | 100% up to £100 + 88 Free Spins | £10 | £10,000 | No Limit |
4.90 ★ out of 5
|
www.888casino.com | Full T&Cs apply.No Deposit Offer: New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: FS voucher winnings is uncapped, bonus wins & max redeemable amount for non-funded players capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Deposit Offer: 1st time depositor at 888casino only • £20 min deposit • Claim in 48 hrs • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 30x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply • Withdrawal terms, No Deposit Offer terms & Deposit Bonus Offer terms apply. |
2. William Hill | 400% up to £40 on Big Bass Bonanza | £10 | £100,000 | No Limit |
4.85 ★ out of 5
|
casino.williamhill.com | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. GambleAware.org #Ad |
3. BetVictor | Wager £10 Get £30 + 100 Free Spins | £5 | £50,000 | No Limit |
4.80 ★ out of 5
|
www.betvictor.com | Full T&Cs apply. Opt in and wager £10 on selected games within 7 days of registration. Get 3 x £10 bonuses for selected games with up to 40x wagering plus 100 Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Max redeemable from bonuses is £750. Card payments only. T&C's Apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly |
A further advantage of the e-wallet terms and conditions is that deposits are processed instantly, and no fees are charged. Further benefits can be found when it comes to cashing out. Withdrawals with PayPal are the fastest of all payment methods. Once your withdrawal request has been authorised by a PayPal live casino, for example, your money can reach your e-wallet account within just a few hours.
It is also worth noting that as a reputable financial institution, PayPal will only authorise licensed and reputable operators to use their services. As such, gambling sites that take PayPal are among the safest and most trustworthy websites where you can gamble responsibly. If you want to gamble with this reliable e-wallet, be sure to check our guide to the best UK casinos that accept PayPal where valuable payment terms and conditions are included.
6. Gambling Websites with Live Gaming
Gambling online can be great fun and extremely entertaining. Yet the excitement reaches its highest levels when it comes to live gambling. There are a couple of types of live gambling you can participate in on the internet. The best live casino sites allow you to play with actual dealers in real-time, with all the action streamed directly from specialised gaming studios. Whilst live online sports betting enables you to sometimes free bet on sporting events as they happen, allowing you to watch the event and make informed new betting site decisions based on how the game action is playing out.
6.1 Live Casino Gaming
Live casino gaming is hugely popular with players, and with good reason. It combines the buzz of a real casino atmosphere with the convenience of playing from the comfort of your home. Whilst RNG games at licensed casino sites are independently tested to verify their fairness, many players find added reassurance that games are not fixed by watching the action play out in real-time. Live games feature exceptional graphical quality, with HD quality streaming capturing the gameplay. You also have the opportunity to interact with the real dealers, creating a much more immersive and sociable real casino playing user experience. Learning how to play roulette under such circumstances is nothing short of brilliant.
- Live Roulette
- Live Blackjack
- Live Baccarat
You can play a wide range of table games with real dealers at live casino sites. The best live roulette sites in the UK offer many variants of the popular game. You can play French, European and American roulette with real dealers, as well as some interesting and innovative variations. Real dealer blackjack is also widely available at top live gaming sites, along with baccarat. You can also play poker variants, other card games, and money wheel games. With such a diverse selection of live casino games, there is something to suit every player’s taste.
6.2 Live Online Sports Betting Sites UK
Live betting, also referred to as in-play betting, is one of the most popular ways to gamble responsibly on sports. Live play betting sites UK give you the opportunity to place wagers on a sporting event as it happens. When you watch a football match or a horse racing event, for instance, you may have an inkling of what is going to happen.
In such cases, you can use a bonus to sometimes free bet on your hunch and stand to pocket some decent returns if your gut instinct was right. With live betting available in football, horse racing, boxing, and many other sports, it is a great way to make your sport of choice even more enjoyable to watch. Want to play at live online sports betting sites for yourself? Then check out the best live betting offer:
- Very High Betting Minimum Odds
- Superb Sports Betting Offers
- Huge Selection of Payment Methods
Live betting is arguably the most entertaining form of sports gambling. All top UK betting sites feature in-play betting across a diverse range of sporting events and competitions. Of course, to free bet in real-time, you need to be able to watch the sporting event and have a proper fre bets bonus. The best live gambling sites feature video streams of the events on which you can bet. This is a great feature that means you never have to miss an opportunity to free bet on a game as it happens.
7. Mobile Gambling
Gambling App | Bonus | Terms Apply | Casino App | Betting App | Bingo App | Poker App |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
888Casino | £100 + 88 Free Spins | Full T&Cs apply.No Deposit Offer: New players with valid mobile number only • Claim in 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • Valid for selected games • Pre-1st deposit only: FS voucher winnings is uncapped, bonus wins & max redeemable amount for non-funded players capped at £100, excl. JP wins • Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Deposit Offer: 1st time depositor at 888casino only • £20 min deposit • Claim in 48 hrs • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 30x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days • Payment method & country restrictions apply • Withdrawal terms, No Deposit Offer terms & Deposit Bonus Offer terms apply. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
William Hill | 400% up to £40 on Big Bass Bonanza | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. GambleAware.org #Ad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NetBet | Up to 500 Spins | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Free Spins, 40x wagering on Free Spins winnings, £5 max bonus stake. Terms apply. GambleAware. GambleAware.org | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Given the popularity of mobile gambling, operators must pull out all the stops to ensure that their gambling apps are just as good as their desktop counterparts. As such, most apps are intuitively designed, fully functional, and feature a smooth and flawless gambling user experience. You can grab your smartphone or tablet and enjoy sports betting online bookmakers, play bingo, buy lottery tickets, or whatever other gambling activity takes your fancy. Casino players can enjoy hundreds of slots. You can also enjoy real money table games with the best roulette apps for UK players.
8. Gambling Software and Popular Providers
Gambling Product | Popular Software Providers |
---|---|
Casino | Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Play’n Go, Yggdrasill, Red Rake, Red Tiger, Blueprint, Barcrest, Novomatic, IGT, Quickspin, Thunderkick, Pragmatic Play, 1x2Gaming, Amatic, Bally, BetDigital, Habanero, Push Gaming, Realistic, Relax Gaming, Wazdan, WMS, Merkur, BTG, ELK, Fuga, Gamevy, Gamomat, NXT, NextGen, iSoftbet, Triple Edge, JFTW, SG Digital, Skill On Net, Leander |
Sports Betting | BetRadar, BetSys, BetConstruct, Playtech, BetInvest, Delasport, Digitain, FSB, Metric, OPTIMA, SBTech, Singular, Sporting Solutions |
Bingo | Dragonfish, Playtech, JumpMan Gaming, Cozy Games, Microgaming, Gamesys, B-Live Gaming, Daub, Parlay Games, Relax Gaming, Bede Gaming, Tombola |
Poker | EvenBet Gaming, Wazdan, Microgaming, WorldMatch, Replay Poker, Connective Games, Hive Poker Network, SoftGamings |
Software providers usually specialise in one or two products, such as casino and sports betting online bookmakers. Very rarely do providers operate across all gambling products. And when you look at casino software providers, there are even further specialities to be found. Whilst the biggest and best-known developers, such as Microgaming and Playtech boast a diverse and all-encompassing suite of casino games, not all casino providers develop all types of games.
Some specialise in a particular niche, such as slot machines, or live casino games. As such, the software is an important consideration when choosing where to play. For instance, if roulette is your game of choice, you should seek out casinos powered by the best roulette software providers. Our exclusive roulette online game guide could also come in handy.
Gambling Laws in the UK
The UK is home to one of the safest and best regulated gambling markets in the world. The government introduced new betting gambling laws in 2005, which made all forms of gambling legal within the UK. It was the first time that online gambling had been specifically addressed and authorised. Under the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission was established.
The executive non-departmental public body of the government is responsible for enforcing gambling legislation and regulating the gambling industry within the UK. The country has clear and concise gambling legislation, with a regulatory framework intended to prevent crime and provide protection to UK gamblers.
The Gambling Commission not only licenses, regulates and supervises the gambling industry in Great Britain. It also advises the government on various gambling-related issues. The Commission has a pivotal role in ensuring that the industry operates in a transparent way and that responsible gambling is promoted by all gambling operators within the UK. The UK Gambling Commission has the power to issue significant fines to any operators that fall short of the required standards. They can also revoke a gambling licence preventing betting sites from providing their customer services within the UK.
Gambling Act 2005 and Amendments
The Gambling Act 2005 was created to control all forms of gambling within the UK. Under the legislation, all forms of gambling became legal within the UK. The Gambling Commission was established to uphold the objectives within the legislation and to supervise the gambling industry within the country. Remote gambling became regulated for the first time under the Act.
All gambling companies based in the country are required to gain a licence from the UK Gambling Commission to operate legally. The law also allows gambling operators to advertise on TV and radio. The bill allowed for a Las Vegas-style Super Casino to be built, although the plans never came into fruition. The Gambling Act lists clear licensing objectives. Here are the objectives set out within the legislation:
- Gambling must not be associated with crime or used to support crime in any way
- Gambling must be conducted fairly and in an open way
- Children and other vulnerable people must be protected from gambling-related harm
A significant amendment to the Gambling Act 2005 came in the form of the Gambling (Licensing & Advertising) Act 2014. The most significant change to the law included a requirement for all off-shore gambling brands to apply for a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. Furthermore, gambling tax changed to a point of consumption (POC) tax. This meant that any operators providing gambling customer services to UK players, regardless of where the company was based, would pay a 15% tax on gross profits generated by UK customers.
The Gambling Commission maintains a clear focus on player protection and regulates operators to ensure they adhere to licence conditions and codes of practice. They recently introduced a requirement for all operators to verify a customer’s age and identity before allowing a player to make a minimum deposit or access free-play games. With their constant focus on providing better protection for players, amendments to gambling laws may be introduced where the Commission identifies further opportunities for player protection measures.
Gambling Taxation in the UK
UK players do not have to pay any tax on their winnings. UK gamblers used to pay a 6.75% betting duty on winnings. However, in 2001, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that betting duty would be abolished. Instead, taxes would be levied at a rate of 15% of operators’ gross profits. As already mentioned, the way gambling tax is calculated was changed in December 2014, with the introduction of new betting legislation.
As tax changed from a point of supply basis to point of consumption, offshore online gambling operators are also required to pay Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) on their profits. General Betting Duty (GBD) and Pool Betting Duty (PBD) is currently charged at 15%. Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) increased from 15% to 21% from 1st April 2019. All tax on gambling operators’ profits is paid to HM Revenue and Customs. In the fiscal year 2018/2019, the HRMC received almost £3 billion from betting and gaming tax.
Minimum Gambling Age for British Players
Protecting children from being harmed by gambling is one of the key objectives of UK gambling laws. As such, minimum ages are applied to all gambling products to ensure that minors are not permitted to gamble. To gamble responsibly in the UK, players must be 18 years or above. This applies to playing casino games, betting on sports and playing poker, both online and in land-based venues.
Operators must carry out age verification checks to ensure that they do not permit any underage players to gamble. The only exception applies to playing the National Lottery and lottery scratch cards, which come with a minimum age limit of 16. That being said, a government consultation is underway on whether to increase the age limit of National Lottery games to 18, in a bid to protect young people from potential risks of gambling-related harm.
Responsible Gambling Laws
Licensees are also required to make financial contributions each year to organisations that research into the prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm and provide help and customer support to anyone harmed by gambling. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware are funded partly by contributions from gambling operators. You will see contact details for these organisations and others that support players advertised on the websites of responsible gambling operators. Gambling laws also require operators to provide self-help tools to players, as well as responsible gambling customer support. These include betting options to set minimum deposit limits, time limits and to self-exclude from gambling activities altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make this online gambling UK guide as detailed and thorough as possible, we searched the internet to find out what people want to know about the topic. There were some questions that were frequently asked, so we decided to include them here for you. In the following section, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about gambling online.
Final Thoughts
UK gamblers have some great opportunities to gamble online. You can play exciting casino games at the best roulette sites in the UK. You can also try your luck at sports betting online bookmakers, lottery, bingo and more. The best gambling sites feature a diverse range of gambling products and real money games. You can also grab some generous offers and check which are the best live casino bonus offers that can get you started with your best foot forward. And thanks to strict licencing and regulation rules, you can be confident that gambling at all UK-licensed sites offer a safe and secure experience, complemented by great customer support options, an easy to follow sign up process, and trustworthy products!