Cheers! Welcome to GamblingLounge.co.uk! This is where you’ll discover everything that you need to know about finding and playing at the best online casinos in the UK.
We’re a group of casino experts and aficionados who love to play at the best UK real money online casinos. Our team is made up of individuals who have experience within the iGaming industry and who have been testing, reviewing and playing at online casinos for years.
We review only the most trusted casinos available to UK players, meaning that the brands we talk about here are 100% legal, responsible, reliable, fair and safe.
Ready to get started with the cream of the crop?
We created GamblingLounge.co.uk so that we could share our knowledge and our first-hand experiences at top casino sites with our fellow Brits who want to play at the most trusted UK casinos like we do.
We provide honest details about everything the casinos we review have to offer, including details about games, software providers, bonuses/promotions, mobile experience/apps, support, payments and more.
More specifically, the following is a breakdown of the type of criteria we consider when reviewing a site:
✔️Trustworthiness – Trust is important to us. We want to know how reliable, transparent and true to their word a casino is when it comes to their terms and conditions and polices.
We’ll fill you in on the details and also let you know what other players have said about their experiences at the online casino sites we review to provide you with the most unbiased opinion.
✔️Security – We ensure that all the UK online casinos that we review and recommend on this site are fully secure, legal and regulated for British players. We’ll let you know about the license(s) the casino holds and about the type of security they use (such as industry standard SSL encryption protocols) to protect your funds and sensitive information, as well as how they protect against fraud.
We’ll also inform you if their RNG software systems have been certified fair and reliable by an industry-approved, independent, third party gaming testing company, such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, etc.
✔️Casino Games – No two players are the same, so it’s important for a casino to have excellent game variety. This not only requires a large selection of popular entertainment, but also games from a wide range of software providers (e.g. NetEnt, Microgmaing, IGT, Play’n GO, etc.) to keep content fresh, diverse and interesting to all types of players.
We investigate both the software providers and the various types of games (including the most popular) available, like slots, jackpots, table and card games (e.g. roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, video poker), live casino games and others like keno, bingo, scratch cards, etc.
✔️Bonuses & Promotions – Most real money online casinos in the UK offer players bonuses and promotions. Among these include welcome offers for new players, ongoing and special time-limited promotions for existing players, as well as VIP and Loyalty schemes for loyal players and high rollers who are seeking a rewards-rich experience.
We’ll let you know what types of promotions are available, how easy they are to claim, if there are wagering requirements, maximum win payout caps, and how reasonable and transparent the terms and conditions (T&Cs) are.
✔️Deposit & Withdrawal Methods – Knowing what type of payment methods are offered at a casino and how quickly you can make deposits and withdrawals is important.
We check to see what deposit and withdrawal methods are available, which are the most popular, if there are any fees and the amount of time you can expect to wait for funds to be deposited into your account or withdrawn from it. We’ll also provide you with any information we find regarding KYC checks (identification verification) that have been put into place.
✔️Mobile Friendliness – Today, more UK players – us included – enjoy their online casino fun on the go or simply prefer to use their phone or tablet as their primary playing platform due to the convenience and ease of using a handheld device.
We try all the mobile options that are made available by the casino, including the mobile web version and the mobile apps (and we’ll let you know where the apps can be downloaded). We’re looking for an easy-to-use interface and user-friendly experience complete with smooth navigation and fast access to everything that the desktop version of the casino has to offer.
✔️Customer Support – The type of customer care provided at an online casino can tell you a lot about how efficiently and responsibly a casino operation is run.
We provide details about the customer service hours of operation and will test out all the communication options available (e.g. email, live chat, phone, etc.). We want to see how quickly the support staff responds as well as the quality of their responses. We expect to speak with friendly, professional and knowledgeable individuals who can help provide us with answers in a timely manner.
Online Slots –Slots are a favourite of many UK players. Just like the slots you’ll find on the floors of brick-and-mortar casinos, online slots are designed with various themes and can be equipped with many features. The most popular in the UK are Video Slots. These are the games that typically have 5 or more reels, multiple paylines, and special features such as wild symbols, scatter symbols, expanding symbols, free spins, bonus mini games, and more. Other types of slots games include Classic Fruit Machines, 3D Slots, Vegas Slots and Progressive Jackpot Slots.
In addition to the big-name reputable casino brands in the industry, there are many new online casinos that launch every year in the UK. While not all will survive or are worthy of your time, if trying new casino sites is something that you want to do, here are a few pros and cons to consider:
✔️Competitive promotions – Since they’re new to the industry, new casinos are more likely to have bigger welcome offers, unique ongoing promotions, and sometimes even lower wagering requirements.
✔️Mobile first platform – New casinos are usually built to deliver an impeccable mobile experience, with everything offered via the desktop platform made available through mobile.
✔️Cryptocurrencies – New casinos are more likely to offer cryptocurrency options, such as Bitcoin.
❌Unknown reputation – There are not as many player reviews to give you a well-rounded idea of what to expect: good or bad.
❌Less game variety – Sometimes new casinos do not have an extensive game portfolio.
If you want to play at brand new UK casinos, remember to make sure that the site you choose holds a gambling license for the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has reliable support, clear terms and conditions, your preferred payment options and the types of games that you want to play. Since we review both established brands and newcomers to the industry, we make it easy for you to get all the important facts you want to know about a casino, regardless of how long it has existed.
One of the top benefits of playing at real money casinos are the different types of online casino bonuses and promotions that are on offer. If you’re the type of Brit who likes to add extra perks to their playing experience, the following is a look at the different types of promotions you may find at the UK casinos we review.*
💰Welcome Bonuses – This is a type of bonus that is for new players only and is often claimable with your very first deposit. Usually, it is a matched deposit bonus (the casino matches your deposit up to a certain amount), free spins (a certain number of real money spins for a specific game) or both. A prime example of a matched deposit welcome bonus is a 100% bonus up to £100. In other words, if you deposit £50 you will receive £50 from the casino for a bankroll total of £100. And, if you deposit £100 or more, you will receive the maximum £100 bonus.
💰Free Spins – Although some of the best casino welcome bonuses include free spins, the good news is that free spins promotions are frequently offered to existing players and VIPs, too. The term Free Spins typically refers to promotions related to slot machines. The way it works is a player is given a predetermined number of spins (e.g. 20) with their qualifying deposit to play on a select game(s). Each of these spins has a set monetary bet value (e.g. £0.05 per spin). Beyond deposit offers, Free Spins can also be awarded as prizes for tournaments and as loyalty rewards.
💰Reload Bonus – Existing active players (those who have previously made a deposit) are often given the opportunity to claim a reload bonus. This is a common ongoing promotion where players simply need to deposit to claim all or a certain percentage of the bonus offered. The size of the bonus available usually depends on the level of the player. For instance, casinos tend to offer bigger bonus funds to high rollers (the big spenders). Sometimes, a reload offer will also include free spins as well as the chance to qualify for other promotions.
💰High Roller Bonuses – These are bonuses that are reserved exclusively for players who are typically premium members of an online casino’s VIP club or Loyalty system. High rollers are also players who often play higher stakes games like Roulette, Baccarat, Poker and Blackjack. High Roller Bonuses tend to include exceptionally large bonus amounts, such as a 50% up to £1,000 bonus or higher. Additionally, the bonus funds may apply to a wider range of games, including card and table games (both virtual and live) instead of only to certain types of games, such as slots and video poker, which is standard for many casino bonuses.
💰Cashback Bonuses – Casino cashback bonuses are a type of bonus in which the casino refunds a percentage of your net losses over a certain period of time. Cashback bonuses may be available daily, weekly or monthly, while some may be valid on only specific days and only on specific games. It all depends on the type of promotional system the casino has in place. For the most part, casino cashback promotions are commonly a perk of being a VIP or Loyalty club member.
💰No Deposit Bonus – The name of this bonus says it all. In order to claim the bonus funds the casino is offering, you do not need to make a deposit. Usually, the only action that is required is to create an account (for new players) or for a player to log in to their existing account. No deposit bonuses are generally small (e.g. £10) and typically apply to only certain types of games. Sometimes, casinos will also offer no deposit free spins. Whatever the case may be, a no deposit promotion is an excellent way to try out games for real money without having to risk any of your own.
💰VIP & Loyalty Bonuses –These types of bonuses are specifically for players who participate in a UK online casino’s VIP or Loyalty Rewards program. Sometimes, access to these programs is by invitation only, while others are free to join. In either case, it is quite common for these systems to have different levels. Each level often has different promotions available, with the perks increasing in number and value the higher the level. Common types of VIP and Loyalty Bonuses include birthday bonuses, reload bonuses, high roller bonuses, free spins, cashback, etc.
*Bear in mind that all casino promotions have terms and conditions, which may include – and may not be limited to – wagering requirements and/or maxim win payout caps. Additionally, some promotions require you to have special bonus codes to claim them. We’ll always provide you with any necessary applicable codes in our reviews.
Most UK mobile casinos you’ll come across today are not only mobile compatible, they also have dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. When looking for the top applications, it’s important to download the appropriate app from the most trusted site. In the case of iPhone and iPad this would be the App Store, and for Android smartphones and tablets, it would be Google Play.
Beyond being available for download on Google Play and the App Store, the best casino app for android and iOS devices will have certain key qualities. Here’s what to look for:
Not sure if you should download the app or stick to the mobile web version? The following are some of the benefits of using an app compared to accessing the casino via your mobile web browser:
⭐Optimal display – An app is designed to specifically support the operating system of your mobile device, giving you the best screen real estate and operation
⭐Quick access – You can instantly load the casino by launching the app
⭐Special promotions – Some online casinos offer special promos to players who use their app
Just as there are many UK online casinos, there are also many software providers of casino games. Reputable casinos offer an array of games from the top and most respected companies in the industry. Here’s a look at some of the best casino software providers you’ll find at the best UK casinos online.
Choosing safe online casinos is an absolute must if your intention is to gamble for real money online at the best UK casinos. You need to be sure that where you play will protect your funds, your privacy and allow you to make hassle-free withdrawals.
With that in mind, the most trusted online casinos will have the following:
✔️A valid remote gambling license from the UKGC
✔️An SSL certificate, which ensures your funds are safeguarded at all times
✔️A variety of trusted banking options, such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Paysafecard, etc.
✔️Fast deposits and timely withdrawals as well as ID verification checks to protect against fraud
✔️A strict privacy policy that ensures your information is not shared or sold to third parties
✔️Responsible gambling tools (setting limits and self-excluding) and resources
✔️Transparent terms and conditions
✔️Promotions with reasonable wagering requirements
✔️An RNG software system that is tested regularly for fairness by an independent, industry-recognised testing specialist, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs.
✔️Games from only trusted software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, etc.
✔️Reliable and responsive customer support that operates 24/7, or for most of the day and night, seven days a week
Unfortunately, simply because an online casino exists, this does not mean that it is safe. There are certain online casino scams that can con players out of their money.
The most common of these include:
The best way to protect yourself and avoid this trouble is to choose trusted online casinos that are licensed by the UKGC, hold SSL certificates, follow a responsible gambling code of conduct and adhere to fair business practices.
Always check to make sure that where you want to play is reputable. This is where reading our reviews can be a big help, because we will never recommend a blacklisted casino to you. We only play at and review online casinos in the UK where we personally feel safe and comfortable making real money deposits.
Yes. Online gambling, also known as remote gambling, is 100% legal in the United Kingdom and has been for years. That being said, it is only legal when all the appropriate rules and protocols are followed by both businesses and players. These rules and protocols are put into place and are overseen by the country’s industry regulator, the UK Gambling Commission, which came into effect under the Gambling Act 2005.
For players, legal gambling means being 18 years of age or older and playing at a site that holds a legitimate online gambling UKGC license.
For UKGC licensees, legal gambling means that they must adhere to the strict rules and guidelines that have been put into place by the Gambling Commission, which is dedicated to protecting UK players by providing them with a safe and responsible online gambling environment. Online gambling operators in the UK are required to run a fair and transparent operation and must put safeguards in place to protect minors and vulnerable gamblers.
UK licensed online gambling businesses that fail to act according to the regulations put forth by the Gambling Commission can face massive fines or other legal action.
With so many different new and existing real money online casinos to choose from, we know it’s not the easiest task to find online casino sites that are safe, reliable and that can offer you the type of gambling experience you want.
Our detailed reviews offer you the convenience of quickly checking to see what the most trusted online casinos in the UK have to offer desktop and mobile players. From licensing, security, deposit/withdrawal methods and customer support to mobile apps, games, promotions and more, we cover it all.
Eager to find the UK online casino that’s the right fit for you? Start your search today!
Yes. Online casinos are legal for players who reside in the UK. To engage in legal online gambling activities in the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older and place your bet at a site that holds a legitimate remote gambling license from the UKGC.
There are some bad apples out there, but as long as you play at online casinos that are legitimately licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, they are not rigged. Reputable casinos in the UK regularly have their RNG software independently tested by industry-recognised and trusted third-party organisations like iTech Labs and eCOGRA. They offer games from respected and trusted software providers like Playtech, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, etc. They also offer fair gaming in a responsible and safe environment and have reliable customer support and timely payouts.
There are many safe online casino payment methods. In fact, you can trust any of the payment methods offered at licensed, secure and reputable brands. That being said, among the safest methods preferred by UK players are: Visa(credit/debit), Mastercard(credit/debit), Neteller (eWallet), Skrill(eWallet), PayPal(eWallet), EcoCard(prepaid card), and Paysafecard (prepaid card). That said, keep in mind that whenever possible, it’s best to avoid using a credit card. Never gamble with money you do not have or cannot afford to lose. Always be in control of your funds and have deposit limits.
Online slots are the most popular real money casino games as they are fast to play, have the highest jackpots and tend to be linked with the most bonuses and promotions. However, roulette, blackjack and baccarat are also very popular.
First and foremost, we can’t stress enough that the best online casinos for UK players are those that are licensed and regulated by the UKGC. Beyond that, what makes a casino the best varies from player to player. It all depends on the experience you want and the games you like. This is where reading our reviews can be very helpful as they are a convenient way for you to quickly check what the best casinos in the UK can and cannot offer you.
Yes. Most UK online casinos, including the ones that we review, have dedicated mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps are almost always available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.