To enjoy an iGaming experience in the United Kingdom with peace of mind, it is imperative to play at the nation’s most trusted online casinos. But how do you find the safest online casino brands? There are certain tell-tale factors that separate the good sites from the bad. Here, we’ll explore these important factors to help you make informed decisions when choosing among the many gambling destinations available online. We play at and recommend only the industry’s safest online casinos.
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The most trusted online casino sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. They guarantee a secure, fair, transparent, responsible and reliable digital gambling environment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long. More specifically, trusted online casinos will meet all the following requirements.
✔️Legitimate License – The safest online casinos in the UK have a legitimate license from the nation’s gambling regulatory body, the Gambling Commission (UKGC). Holding this license means that the casino is consistently watched by the regulator and must adhere to the UKGC’s strict laws, which are designed to ensure secure, fair and transparent operation as well as protect players from gambling-related harm. Casinos that do not follow these laws can face severe penalties and/or have their license revoked.
✔️24/7 Website Security – 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption is industry-standard security and is a must to ensure the safe transferring of monetary funds and other sensitive data around the clock. The best way to spot an SSL certified casino is to look for the “https” in the website address. Additionally, trusted casinos have separate accounts for player funds to keep this money safe in the event the casino goes bankrupt, so you don’t lose your money.
✔️Secure Deposits & Withdrawals – Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), eWallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz), prepaid cards (Paysafecard), and bank transfers (Trustly) are among the widely known and recognized trusted and secure payment methods in the UK gambling industry. The shorter a casino’s withdrawal pending time (the length of time before the casino processes your withdrawal request), or not having one, also speaks to its trustworthiness.
✔️Guaranteed Game Fairness – The safest online casino brands are partnered with reputable game software suppliers, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Scientific Games, and Nextgen Gaming to name a few. Additionally, random RNG (Random Number Generator) testing should be regularly carried out by independent and industry recognized third-party testing organizations, such as iTech Lab, eCOGRA, etc. These testing agencies ensure that the games at casinos are functioning as intended by the supplier, including an optimally operating RNG and an accurate RTP (Return to Player).
✔️Required KYC Checks – UKGC certified casinos must verify the identity of their players as part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. This includes requiring new customers to send proof of ID and address documents (e.g. driving license, passport, utility bill etc.), and sometimes payment information, to verify they are who they claim to be. These ID verification checks help to prevent underage gambling and fraud.
✔️Commitment to Responsible Gambling – The most trusted online casinos provide players with tools and resources to help them stay in control of their real money play and protect them from gambling-related harm. Responsible gambling can include enabling players to set limits (deposit limits, betting limits, time limits), reality checks, self-exclusion, the ability to opt-in and out of advertising, self-assessment tests, etc. Trusted UK casinos also participate in GAMSTOP and often provide resources for organizations that can help with problem gambling (e.g. GamCare).
✔️Solid Reputation – Several years of existence; being operated by a reputable company; a recipient of industry awards or other accolades; having certifications from trusted organizations; fast responding and reliable support; and multiple positive reviews from customers, affiliates and unbiased respected review portals, are all indications of a trustworthy online casino. New or established, a casino with a good reputation is one that is recognized for its legitimate practices, dependable customer support, speedy payouts and transparent promotions and T&Cs.
These are our top picks for the safest online casino brands in the UK:
Established in 1998, 888casino is a true iGaming pioneer and is easily among the most trusted online casino brands in the UK and the world. A recipient of several industry awards, 888 provides players with a generous welcome offer, several ongoing promotions, and a huge range of games from trusted providers like NetEnt and Playtech, as well as exclusive titles and a live casino. 888 is licensed by the UKGC, the Malta Gaming Authority and Gibraltar and employs the latest SSL technology.
➡️Read full 888 Casino review here >>
With more than ten years of experience in the industry, Casino.com knows what it takes to provide UK players with a secure, fair and gratifying online casino experience. With the latest games from trusted software suppliers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, Red Tiger and Playtech, players can test their luck at slots, table & card games and a live casino. Casino.com is licensed by the Gambling Commission and Gibraltar, is SSL certified, and offers dependable 24/7 customer support.
➡️Read full Casino.com review here >>
Since the early 2000s Mansion Casino has delivered a world-class online gambling experience, complete with exciting player promotions, a VIP program, an extensive range of games and a live casino. Although there are several factors that make it one of the most reputable online casinos in the UK, one of the areas where it really shines is its customer service. Support is available 24/7/365 and includes live chat, telephone, and email support as well as a detail FAQ.
➡️Read full Mansion Casino review here >>
Offering a seamless omni-channel casino experience Coral is one of the safe and secure online casinos operated by LC International Limited. A trusted brand among UK players, Coral provides an exciting experience that includes a welcome offer, and an array of games, including one of the best live casino offerings powered by Playtech and Evolution Gaming, giving you the chance to experience premium live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker and live games shows at home or on the go.
➡️Read full Coral Casino review here >>
Paddy Power casino delights players with over 1,000 games to play from top providers like Playtech, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming and Evolution. This UKGC licensed brand uses SSL/TLS technology to safeguard your transactions. It also has 24/7 customer support and speedy withdrawals. On top of that, what makes Paddy Power truly impressive is that it offers more than one welcome offer for new players and there are no wagering requirements.
➡️Read full Paddy Power Casino review here >>
Easily one of the most popular and trusted online casinos among UK players, Ladbrokes welcomes new players with an exciting offer and delivers a diverse selection of games from slots, jackpots and table games to live casino entertainment. Its reliable 24/7 customer support, game fairness and security protocols help to provide a safe experience, while it’s wide range of popular UK payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, Bank Transfer and Apple Pay offer players a variety of trusted deposit and withdrawal options.
➡️Read full Ladbrokes Casino review here >>
Since 2000, William Hill has been one of the best safe online casinos for British players. Its long history and solid reputation make it trusted and reliable, with 24/7 live chat support, 128-bit SSL encryption technology, fraud protection and UKGG and MGA licenses. It is also dedicated to game fairness, not only by having its software regularly tested, but also by offering hundreds of games from 18+ top-rated providers like Playtech, Gamesyes, NetEnt, Microgaming, Ash Gaming, Red Tiger and more.
➡️Read full William Hill Casino review here >>
Offering more than just one of the best poker experiences online, PokerStars’ casino offering is truly spectacular. Take your pick of over 600 games including slots, jackpots, video poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and a live casino. You can play via desktop, mobile or mobile app in a secure environment backed by 24/7 support, SSL encryption and a UKGC license. PokerStars also has an excellent wager-free welcome offer, ongoing promotions and a unique loyalty programmed called Star Rewards where you can win rewarding perks.
➡️Read full PokerStars Casino review here >>
Karmaba is an award-winning and trusted online casino that holds UKGC and MGA licenses. Offering hundreds of games from 20+ suppliers, its software is tested by iTech Labs to ensure optimal RNG function and accurate RTP rates. In addition to a welcome offer and a loyalty programme, for players who like regular offers, you can take advantage of the Daily Karamba, which are special offers that can be claimed every day to keep your experience interesting, engaging and gratifying.
➡️Read full Karamba Casino review here >>
Online gambling is a global industry. As it is legal in countries all over the world, laws and regulations can differ from one region to the next. However, for anyone residing in the United Kingdom who engages in online gambling activities with the possibility of winning a prize, the only remote gambling laws and regulations that matter, are those mandated by the UK Gambling Commission. In other words, the most reputable online casinos in the country will have a UKGC license.
The Gambling Commission is the governing regulatory body for online and land-based gambling in Great Britain. This official regulatory authority operates in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005. Preventing underage gambling (anyone under the age of 18) and protecting British players from being scammed by gambling companies, as well as from harm related to gambling (financial, social, emotional, etc.), is the primary purpose of the UKGC. Any casino operator who wants to legally market their services to British players must be licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission.
The UKGC is responsible for providing gambling licenses to the safest online casinos; operators who behave responsibly, fairly and ethically. Licenses are granted only to reputable companies that meet their stringent regulatory requirements. If a company is caught breaking the commision’s rules, their gambling license will be revoked (they will no longer be able to legally provide gambling services in the UK), and they may face serious fines and penalties as well.
The UKGC is known for having some of the strictest regulations in the gambling industry, and it is no easy feat for companies who wish to offer gambling services in the country to obtain a license from the regulator. The Gambling Commission meticulously investigates a business’ background before granting license approval. With that in mind, the following are the main UKGC regulatory requirements.
If the background investigation reveals financial instability, a criminal record or involvement in any type of shady activity, the applicant will be deemed unsuitable for a license.
Companies that cannot guarantee this protection with the proper risk management and security protocols will not be granted a license.
It is imperative for a company to hold player funds separately from its business account to ensure that player funds are always safe, and will not be lost if the company closes or goes bankrupt.
This includes requiring the operators to have RNGs (Random Number Generators) on all virtual games to guarantee truly random results every time that are not controlled by the online casino or software provider. They also must specify the RTP (Return-to-Player) percentage of all games.
Audits include random software testing by approved third-party testing agencies to ensure RNGs are working correctly and that game payouts are in line with specified RTP percentage rates. Additionally, other checks are included, such as checking to ensure funds are properly segregated.
Licensed companies are required to have a formal complaint procedure in place. Plus, to ensure operators behave in the most fair and responsible manner to their players, unhappy customers can also file a complaint directly with the UKGC, which will then investigate the complaint. Licensed operators are always held accountable to the Gambling Commission.
Although there are several gambling regulators around the world, not all can be trusted. Here’s a look at the safest regulators in the industry.
✔️United Kingdom Gambling Commission– As previously stated, the UKGC is the official gambling regulatory authority for the United Kingdom and the most trusted online casinos in Britain hold this license. This license is required by any gambling operator that wants to legally offer real money gambling services to UK players. Due to their stringent requirements and regulations, we highly recommend that you only play at online casinos with a valid UKGC license.
✔️Malta Gaming Authority – The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the Maltese governmental department responsible for regulating and licensing any gambling operators who wish to operate under their jurisdiction. The MGA is one of the oldest, most well-known and respected online gambling authorities in Europe with strict standards. The MGA issued its first remote gaming license in 2000.
✔️Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner – All gambling operations in Gibraltar must be licensed under the Gambling Act 2005. The single gambling license offered by the Gambling Commissioner covers all gambling activities for one year. Gibraltar maintains extremely strict requirements when issuing licenses and holds operators to a high standard of excellence. Gibraltar is also one of the few licensing authorities that has been whitelisted by the UKGC. This means any company with a Gibraltar license can advertise and offer services to UK citizens as it meets the UKGC’s regulation requirements in regard to openness, fairness and security.
✔️Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission – Another UKGC whitelisted regulator, the Isle of Man issued its first license in 2001 and brands that hold this license are considered to be among the safest online casinos because this regulator requires licensees to operate reputable businesses and be financially stable.
✔️Alderney Gambling Control Commission – Established in 2000, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) regulates eGambling on behalf of the States of Alderney. The AGCC ensures its approach to regulating and supervising remote gambling meet the highest international standards. The AGCC is another authority that has been whitelisted by the UK.
Not all gambling regulators require operators to follow strict rules, to be subject to random audits, or will hold these operators accountable when they engage in unethical practices or there are player disputes. With that said, whilst we can’t stress enough that Brits should play at safe and secure online casinos licensed by the UKGC, it’s particularly important to steer clear of sites that have only the following licenses.
❌Curacao – Although not every operator with a Curacao eGaming license is disreputable, due to how easy and cheap it is to procure this license, several casinos with this license have been blacklisted for suddenly going rogue, steeling money and disappearing. What’s more, Curacao does not intervene when there are disputes between players and operators. Overall, the most trusted online casino sites do not typically have only a curacao license.
❌Costa Rica – Costa Rica has no actual gambling license or permits and there is no official regulatory body governing online gambling in the country. Operators are free to run their gambling operations however they see fit in the nation, as long as they do not advertise or take online wagers from locals.
❌Panama – A small licensing jurisdiction, operators need to pass only a basic licensing process to receive a Panama gambling license. Beyond that, the government isn’t overly strict with how gambling businesses conduct their online operations, so there’s no guarantee for players that they’ll have a safe and fair experience.
How can you be sure you’re playing at the safest online casino? Check for the following before you play:
⭐UKGC License – Only play at casinos that are licensed by the Gambling Commission. UKGC licensed online casinos must follow commission guidelines. These include player protection, funds protection, fair gaming and operator accountability.
⭐Reputable software providers – Check for games from long established, award-winning and industry-respected software providers. Some of these include Microgaming, NetEnt, Scientific Games, Play’n GO, Playtech, IGT, NextGen, etc.
Specified RTP & fair gaming – An online casino’s virtual games should include RNGs and the RTP rates for each game should be available. Its software should also be randomly tested by UKGC-approved third-party testing agencies (e.g. eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI) to ensure optimal RNG functionality and accurate RTP rates.
⭐SSL Certificate – Look for the “https” in the sites web address and read the privacy policy to find out what other security protocols and risk management steps are taken to ensure the 24/7/365 protection of your personal and financial data.
⭐Responsible Gambling – The casino should be 100% committed to responsible gaming. You should be able to set limits, take self-assessment tests, activate reality checks, take breaks and self-exclude. Choose casinos that participate in GAMSTOP.
⭐Dependable Customer support – At the very least, live chat and email should be available if you need to get in touch with support. Human support should be quick to respond and available 7 days a week.
⭐Secure payment methods – If debit cards, eWallets, prepaid cards and bank transfers are all available, and include popular GBP banking options like Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, Maestro, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, etc., this is a good indication you’re playing in safe place.
⭐Transparent promotions and T&Cs – Any welcome offers, ongoing promotions, or VIP/loyalty schemes should be easy to understand with clear and fair rules. In other words, what you see is what you get. There should be no outrageous wagering requirements or confusing or questionable terms and conditions.
Casinos that engage in ethical and fair practices have a license from the UK Gambling Commission, SSL certificates, secure payment methods, reliable support, responsible gambling tools, fair gaming practices, strict privacy policies and transparent terms and conditions. Finding the safest online casino is easy when you know what to look for. We make it convenient for you to find the best of the bunch, because we only review the most trusted online casino sites in the UK. Ready to get started? We recommend checking out 888casino and Casino.com for a premium, safe and trustworthy iGaming experience.
Our Most Trusted Casino Pick for This Month:
Yes. Any online casino in the UK that holds a legitimate license from the UK Gambling Commission can be considered a safe place to play.
Yes. Although not all brands are reputable, the most trusted online casinos in Great Britain will be UKGC licensed, have an SSL certificate, have dependable customer service that quickly resolves any issues, engage in fair gaming practices, have transparent T&Cs, and offer trusted payment methods as well as withdrawals with short (or no) pending times.
The main red flags that may indicate a casino is a scam include: no license, no SSL certificate (https), confusing and or constantly changing T&Cs, no privacy policy, complex ID verification checks that take long to process or that have continual errors, unresponsive or no customer support, bad reviews from customers and from unbiased review portals, like ours.
Yes. In addition to the protection of SSL encryption, if you play at casinos licensed by the Gambling Commission, these operators are required by law to hold player funds in an account separate from their own business accounts. This ensures player funds are always safe and will not be lost if the company goes out of business. Companies are also required to ensure a player’s personal and financial data is securely stored and not misused.
Yes. Play at licensed casinos that offer games from trusted software suppliers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Scientific Games, Yggdrasil Gaming, etc. The safest online casinos will also have their software randomly tested by reputable third-party testing agencies to ensure optimal RNG and RTP performance. Look for certifications from iTech Labs, GLI, or eCOGRA.
Anyone can develop problem gambling habits. For this reason, it is always important to stay in control of your real money gambling activities by setting deposit limits, taking regular breaks and never gambling with money you cannot afford to lose (e.g. money for bills, food and other life necessities, etc.). Only play at casinos that are dedicated to upholding responsible gambling practices, including participating in GAMSTOP.