Best Gambling Sites in the UK 2024

Why trust us

At Platinplay, we have a team of experts who know the ins and outs of online casinos and are passionate about the games. Plus, we keep up with the ever-changing technology and the legal landscape in the sector. 

Here’s what the Platinplay team has to offer –

✅Unbiased, honest reviews: We eliminate the marketing jargon to give you the straight facts on online casinos, bonuses, and games.

✅Up-to-date information: The online casino landscape is constantly evolving, and we like to stay in the know. Our reviews and information are always fresh, so you can make informed decisions.

✅Insider tips: Want to get the most out of your online casino experience? Our team shares their knowledge and strategies to help you become a savvier player.

✅The best bonus offers: Can't resist a good bonus? We leverage our industry connections to bring you exclusive deals you won't find anywhere else.

✅Focus on player safety and security: We prioritize your well-being. We only recommend casinos with a strong reputation for fair play, secure transactions, and responsible gambling practices.

How we review

Our motto is simple – We don’t recommend what we don’t review. Each of the casinos mentioned in this list has been thoroughly examined by our team.

Here’s how we review online casinos – 

✅Licensing and Regulation: We only recommend casinos licensed by reputable gambling authorities, ensuring fair play and responsible practices.

✅Game Variety and Quality: Games are what make the casinos exciting – and there are countless high-quality to choose from. We browse the casino for a diverse, high-quality, and fair game library.

✅Bonuses and Promotions: We value a good bonus, but we also analyze the terms and conditions to ensure they're transparent and player-friendly.

✅Banking Options: Safe and convenient banking is crucial. We evaluate the variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, processing times, and any associated fees.

✅Customer Support: Getting help should be easy. We assess the casino's customer support options (live chat, email, phone) and responsiveness.

If you have any questions, want us to review a casino, or simply say hi, drop us a message using the contact form.

Is online gambling legal in the UK?

Yes, online gambling is legal and regulated in the UK.  In 2005, the Gambling Act established the Gambling Commission, which licenses and regulates all forms of online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, bingo, and lotteries. This ensures these activities are conducted fairly and responsibly.

However, it's important to only gamble with licensed operators. You can check the Gambling Commission's website to verify a casino's license status.  Unlicensed operators may not be subject to the same regulations and protections, putting your money and safety at risk.

UK Gambling Commission and Authorities

The UK Gambling Commission, also abbreviated as the UKGC, is the primary authority that regulates gambling activities in the UK. It was established under the Gambling Act of 2005. Since then, the commission has been responsible for – 

• Licensing and regulating gambling businesses, ensuring games are fair, payouts are accurate, and terms and conditions are transparent.
• Enforcing responsible gambling practices, including age verification, advertising regulations, and measures to prevent problem gambling. This includes providing information on self-exclusion schemes and identity verification.
• Keeping crime out of gambling by tackling money laundering and preventing gambling from being used to fund criminal activities.
• Collaborating with local licensing authorities who issue permits for specific gambling premises like casinos and bingo halls for comprehensive oversight of the gambling industry.

In addition to this, the UKGC also offers valuable resources for players including self-exclusion tools, information on problem gambling, and more.

What can you do?

As a player, you will be spending your hard-earned money at online casinos. And while we take utmost care to recommend only the most trustworthy casinos, there are also steps that you can take to ensure a secure and enjoyable online gambling experience:

• Choose Licensed Casinos: Only play at casinos licensed by reputable regulatory bodies. This ensures fair play, responsible practices, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Check the casino's website for licensing information or verify it directly with the licensing authority.
• Read T&Cs: Whether you’re about to sign up at a casino or claim a bonus, always read the T&Cs to understand what you’re getting into.
• Be Wary of Unrealistic Promises: If a casino seems to offer guaranteed wins or unrealistic odds, it's likely a scam. Trustworthy casinos rely on fair games and responsible practices.
• Strong Passwords and Secure Logins: Create strong, unique passwords for your casino accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
• Beware of Phishing Attacks: Don't click on suspicious links or attachments in emails, even if they appear to be from the casino. Legitimate casinos will never ask for your login details via email.
• Play Responsibly: Online gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you feel you're developing a gambling problem, seek help from organizations like GamCare or GambleAware.

By following these tips and playing at reputable casinos recommended by Platinplay, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safe gambling experience.

What to Play?

Now that you know how online casinos and their bonuses work, you’d want to know what you can bet on. Well, casinos have a LOT to offer. There are classic card games, slots with innovative mechanics, live casino games, and even casual arcade games. 

While we cannot list every single type of game available, we can certainly give you an overview of some popular types of games.

Online Casino Games

You can spin a slot, take a seat at a card game table, or even try out the crash games – because online casinos offer a vast array of games. 

Here, we have given you a quick overview of what’s there to play – 

Slots

Big Bass Bonanza

Blood Suckers 2

9 Pots of Gold

We’ll start with the obvious favourite – slots. Now, slots are easy to play fast-paced, and come in a mind-boggling variety of themes, features, and jackpots.

Hidden Egypt Doublemax ^

There are literally thousands of slot titles available, with themes ranging from ancient Egypt to your favorite movies and TV shows. You'll also find classic slots with simple features, or complex video slots with bonus rounds, free spins, and cascading reels.

For more information on slots, check out our dedicated slots page. 

Live Casino Games

For an immersive casino experience, look no further than Live Casino Games.  These games are streamed in real-time from a casino studio, featuring professional dealers who run the games and interact with players. Some of the popular live casino games are Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, and Roulette. 

Next up, we have Game Shows take everything that you love in Live Casino games and take it up a notch. These are a mix of TV game shows and live casino experiences. Popular game providers like Evolution offer titles like Dream Catcher and Deal or No Deal, which are based on TV shows.

Crash Games

If you don’t like the casino classics like Poker or slots, then you should try arcade-style crash games. 

The core gameplay of Crash Games is very simple. A multiplier starts at 1x and steadily increases over time. Your goal is to cash out your bet before the game abruptly “crashes” and the multiplier goes to zero.

Popular Crash Games include Aviator and JetX. These games feature visually appealing interfaces and social elements where you can see other players' bets and cash out points.

Dice Games

If you like using a bit of math skill along with luck, then dice games are perfect for you. The most popular dice games you’ll find at online casinos are Craps and SicBo.

• Craps: This fast-paced game involves rolling dice and betting on the outcome. Craps has a reputation for being complex, but many online casinos offer tutorials and simplified versions of the game to get you started. With a bit of strategy, Craps can be a rewarding game for those who enjoy a challenge.
• Sic Bo: Compared to Craps, Sic Bo is a little easier to understand and play. Three dice are rolled in a shaker or cup, and players bet on the outcome of the roll. Sic Bo offers quick rounds with each roll providing a new chance to win. It's a good choice for players who enjoy a fast-paced and straightforward game of chance.

Other Games

In addition to the types mentioned above, online casinos offer a variety of other games beyond the traditional casino fare. Here are a few examples:

• Scratch Cards: Just like the traditional scratch-off tickets, online scratch cards offer a chance to win instant prizes by revealing hidden symbols. They're a fun and easy way to play for potentially big payouts.
• Match 3 Games: These casual games involve lining up three or more matching symbols. While not typically associated with online casinos, some casinos offer match 3 games for a break from traditional casino games. They're a lighthearted way to pass the time and potentially win some extra cash.

Online Sports Betting 

You can feel closer to the action on the pitch, court, or racetrack by placing bets on reputable and safe online gambling sites in the UK. 

These sites feature a large collection of national and international sports with thousands of events and markets available throughout the year. These include: 

Online Poker

If you fancy yourself a good old game of poker, then you’d be spoilt for choice as soon as you start browsing online poker options. 

Of course, Texas Hold’em remains the topmost choice as the preferred poker variant, followed by Omaha, Stud, and other poker types. Whether you prefer the high-stakes thrill of no-limit games or the strategic depth of limit poker, there's a table waiting for you.

The best part is that online poker is not limited to cash games. Online poker platforms host a variety of tournaments, from fast-paced sit-and-gos to multi-day extravaganzas with life-changing prize pools.

Online Bingo

Bingo has always been a British classic, and online platforms have taken the beloved game to new heights. Enjoy the thrill of daubing numbers from the comfort of your home with a vast array of bingo rooms catering to every taste.

From traditional 90-ball and 75-ball formats to innovative variations like speed bingo and progressive jackpots, there's something for every bingo enthusiast. Immerse yourself in the excitement of chat rooms, where you can connect with fellow players while vying for the top prize.

Many online bingo sites offer a range of ticket prices, including penny games, making it accessible to players of all budgets. Experience the rush of calling out “Bingo!” as you match all the numbers on your card and potentially win big.

Whether you prefer the classic feel of manual daubing or the convenience of auto-daub, online bingo delivers a fun and engaging experience.

Online Lottery 

If you dream of winning a life-changing lottery, then you’d like the ease, convenience, and variety that online lotteries offer. Several online casinos as well as dedicated lottery sites offer international lotteries at your fingertips – so there’s no dearth of lotteries here.

Whether you prefer the classic number-picking formats or the excitement of instant-win scratch cards, you’re bound to find something that you like. Plus, casinos and lottery platforms in the UK offer standard and local payment options, making it all safe and quick for you.

Responsible Gambling

Last, but definitely not least, we’re dedicated to providing easy access to responsible gambling resources. We believe that every player deserves a safe gambling experience. If, at any point, you need to access the Responsible Gambling resources, here are some quick links –

• National Gambling Helpline: Operated by GamCare, This free and confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133. You can speak with an advisor for support and information on problem gambling.
• GamCare: GamCare is the leading provider of support for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. They offer various resources, including a helpline, web chat, online forums, and information on finding local support groups. Visit their website for more information.
• GambleAware: GambleAware is a national charity committed to minimizing gambling-related harm. The GambleAware website provides information and resources for individuals struggling with gambling problems. 
• NHS Services: The National Health Service (NHS) also offers support for gambling addiction. You can find information on their website about gambling addiction treatment services and how to self-refer for help.