Best UK Online Casinos July 2024
Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos
The million-dollar question here is – why should you be playing at online casinos when there are good old regular casinos?
Well, that’s because online casinos are open 24/7, available on-the-go, and you also get bonuses to boost your bankroll.
But that's not all. Online casinos boast a wider variety of games compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts. From classic slots and table games to live dealer experiences and progressive jackpots, there's something to suit every taste.
Moreover, online casinos are renowned for their generous loyalty programs. Earn points for every wager, climb up reward tiers, and unlock exclusive perks, bonuses, and even real-world prizes.
Here’s how we’d sum up the whole “online casinos vs land-based casinos” argument –
| Online Casinos | Land-Based Casinos | |
| Availability | 24/7 | Limited hours |
| Bonuses | Vast variety of bonuses | Few promotions |
| Games | Wide variety | Limited variety |
| Payment | Diverse options – e-wallets, cards, crypto, etc | Limited options |
| Loyalty programs | Tiered, point-based loyalty programs | May or may not have a loyalty program |
| Social interaction | Real, in-person interaction | Limited to chats and forums |
Are Online Casinos Legal in the UK?
The short answer to this question is – yes, gambling at online casinos is legal and it’s strictly regulated. The Gambling Act 2055 lays down the framework for all gambling activities in the UK.
Under this act, operators must obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission to operate legally. In addition to the regulations, the law emphasizes player protection and aims to prevent gambling addiction.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Throughout this guide and website, we’ve mentioned the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This is the authority that regulates all UK casino sites, no matter if they’re the best or not.
If a site is not regulated by this authority and does not have a UKGC-issued license, it’s not considered to be safe and you should avoid it.
The UKGC carries out checks on all UK gambling casinos. These checks include ensuring that sites adhere to industry best practices that are designed to keep players and funds secure.
To simplify it, the UKGC is responsible for –
- Regulating and licensing online casinos in Great Britain
- Protecting customers and preventing gambling-related harm
- Ensuring a fair and open gambling market
- Researching and providing education on gambling-related issues
Types of casinos
There are quite a few types of casinos – some let you play without registration, some let you play without making a deposit, and others offer lucrative bonuses.
In any case, if you’re new to the whole online casino scene, then it might be helpful to know the different types of casinos available.
| New Casinos | New casinos are the fresh faces of the online gambling industry. They often come packed with innovative features, modern designs, and enticing welcome bonuses to attract players. |
| Mobile Casinos | These casinos take a ‘mobile first’ approach and are optimized for smartphones and tablets, mobile casinos offer on-the-go gaming convenience. |
| Live Casinos | Live Casinos are online casinos that emphasize live dealer games and game shows. You’ll find a wide variety of live games here. |
| Best Payout Casinos | These casinos prioritize fair play and high return to player (RTP) percentages. They are known for their generous payouts and transparent gaming practices. |
| Fast Payout Casinos | Fast payout casinos are the ones that process withdrawal requests quickly, allowing you to enjoy your winnings without delay. |
| No Registration Casinos | For those seeking instant play, no registration casinos allow you to start gaming immediately without creating an account. However, these types of casinos are rare. |
Aside from these types of casinos, you can also find specialized sites for a particular type of game. For instance, you will find online poker rooms, bingo sites, or roulette sites.
Mobile Casinos
As mentioned earlier, mobile casinos are the casinos that take a ‘mobile-first’ approach or the casino sites are mobile-friendly. Some bigger brands also have a dedicated mobile app that players can use on their handheld devices.
Usually, most casinos sites today are responsive to screen sizes and are well-optimized for mobile phones. And while having your casino in your phone is a clear convenience, there are a few other advantages, too –
- On-the-go gaming – You can play anytime, anywhere
- 24/7 availability
- Quick and easy payments
- Good variety of games, as most games are playable on multiple devices
- Some casinos offer app-only bonuses
To give you some good examples of mobile casinos, we’d recommend checking out Mr.Q Casino, PlayOJO (also has an app), and Casumo. For more details, you should give our Mobile Casino guide a read.
What to Look for in an Online Casino?
For players in the UK, there are literally countless options to choose from when it comes to casinos. And most casinos have a vast variety of games and exciting bonuses to offer.
But we need to cut through their marketing efforts and ensure that you sign up at a casino that works the best for you.
Here’s what to look out for in a casino before you sign up –
| Licenses | The first thing you should be looking at is the license of the casino. Ensure the casino holds a valid UK Gambling Commission license, guaranteeing fair play and player protection. |
| Fairness Audits | Next, check whether the casino has been audited by entities like iTestLabs, eCOGRA, or other auditing firms. This ensures that the games are fair. |
| T&Cs | We’d advise you to go through the general Terms & Conditions of the casino to get an idea of what to expect. Pay attention to bonus T&Cs and payment policies. |
| Privacy Policy | To learn about how the casino plans on using the data you provide them with, check out their data usage, privacy, and data deletion policy. |
| Security | Strong encryption technology and data protection measures are vital to safeguard your personal and financial information. See if the casino website has a 128-bit SSL certificate and encryption. |
| Responsible Gambling | Look for responsible gambling resources. features like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to responsible gambling organizations. |
| Bonuses | Look beyond the welcome bonus. See if the casino offers regular bonuses like reloads, cashbacks, free spins, and more. |
| Promotions | Many casinos offer engaging promotions like lucrative loyalty programs and regular casino tournaments. If you’re a high roller or like some competition, look for such promotions. |
| Payment Options | For easy deposits and withdrawals, it is preferable to have multiple payment options – standard as well as domestic ones. |
| Variety of Games | From slots and arcade games to live casino and fantasy sports – online casinos have a lot to offer – so don’t settle for less. |
| Software providers | When a casino partners with reputable software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech it indicates that they offer high-quality, fair games. |
| Registration Process | Most casinos have a quick sign-up process – all you have to do is enter basic information, provide ID proof, and verify your credentials. |
| Customer Support | Reliable and responsive customer support is essential for addressing any issues or queries promptly. |
| Mobile Compatibility | Most casino websites are perfectly playable on handheld devices and some even offer apps. If you plan on gaming on-the-go, check this one out. |
| User Experience | A user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation can improve your overall gaming experience a lot. You don't have to |
Now that you know the different types of online casinos and what to look for, the next step is to read an expert review to get better insights about a casino.
How We Review Casinos at Platinplay?
As you might have noticed, our in-house team has put together a lot of online casino reviews. The creators at Platinplay are passionate about their card games as well as helping others have a fun and safe gambling experience.
To give you a better idea of how we review casinos, here’s a rundown of what we look for –
- Valid licenses and fairness audit reports
- Reputation and general user reviews on online forums
- Privacy and data usage policy
- Available payment options and
- Software providers and the variety of games
- Types of bonuses offered, their frequency, and clarity of T&Cs
- Customer support responsiveness and overall query resolution
- Support for responsible gambling
However, the more important question here is – how can these online casino reviews benefit you?
Our reviews can help you save time and money by providing unbiased information about different casinos. You can compare bonuses, game libraries, and other features to find the perfect platform for you.
Additionally, our reviews highlight important aspects like security and fairness, ensuring you play in a safe environment.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits you can get from using our casino reviews:
- Ensure a safe and fair gaming experience
- Find the right games at the right casinos
- Compare bonuses and promotions
- Read expert opinions and tips
If you see an online casino that you like on Platinplay, read the review before signing up 🙂
How to Sign Up at Online Casinos?
Once you find a casino that you like, it’s time to get registered on the website. Now the signup process is a little different for each casino. However, to give you a general idea, here’s a quick rundown –
Step 1: Visit the official casino website.
If you like a casino here on Platinplay, you can click on the link and it’ll take you straight to the casino!
Step 2: Click on ‘sign up’ or ‘register’
You will be redirected to a form that will ask for basic information like name, age, address, email, contact number, and more. You will have to fill in all the necessary fields for registration. Then, your credentials will be verified.
Step 3: Set a password
Next, you will be asked to set a username and password. We recommend that you set a strong password for your casino account.
Step 4: Fund your account
Now that you’re logged in, you will need to deposit some amount into your account to play games and win real prizes. You need to head to the banking or payments page and make a deposit.
Step 5: Get, set, and play!
Once you’re signed up and your account has sufficient funds, it’s time to play your favourite casino games. In case you’re confused about where to start, we have you covered in the section below.
What to Play at Online Casinos?
As mentioned, online casinos offer every kind of game imaginable. There are slots, arcade games, crash games, and even match-3 games if you want something casual. Or you can check our classics like baccarat, roulette, poker, and blackjack.
While we cannot list ALL the casino games, we have put together an overview of some of the most common games below –
Slots
Slots are undoubtedly the most popular casino game. They come in various themes, with different numbers of reels and paylines. Plus, providers get really creative with the features – so they can keep you hooked for hours.
Live Casino
For a more authentic casino experience, live casino games are the way to go. With real-time interaction with professional dealers, players can enjoy classic table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker in a live environment.
Bingo
Players in the UK are big on Bingo, so there’s no chance that casinos would miss out on this one. In the online iteration, players purchase bingo cards and compete to match numbers called out by a caller.
Crash Games
Recently, crash games have been quite a hype on the iGaming scene. Basically, players bet on a multiplier that increases continuously until it crashes. The goal is to cash out before the crash to win your bet multiplied by the multiplier at the time of cashout.
Dice Games
Dice games such as Craps and Sic Bo are also available at casinos. Evolution Gaming offers really engaging options for both these dice games,
Software Providers
Software providers, the makers and hosts of casino games, often don’t get enough credit. These are the brains behind the thrilling slots, the elegant table games, and the immersive live casino experiences. They create the games, ensure fair play, and often develop the platform that hosts the casino itself.
Some of the biggest names in the industry are –
| Provider | Best games to try |
| NetEnt | Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, Dead or Alive 2 |
| Evolution | Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, Lightning Roulette |
| Microgaming | Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II |
| Ezugi | Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Baccarat |
| Relax Gaming | Money Train, Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop |
| Hacksaw Gaming | Wanted Dead or a Wild, Chaos Crew, The Bow Witch |
| Yggdrasil | Vikings Go Berzerk, Jackpot Raiders, Jungle Books |
This list is just a small sample of the many talented software providers in the industry. Each offers its unique style and game features – so the more you play, the more you find out.
Casino Bonuses
Casino bonuses are an important part of the online casino experience. They serve as incentives to attract new players and retain existing ones. As a player, you can use them to your advantage and give your bankroll a boost.
There are various types of bonuses, each with its own terms and conditions. Below, we have outlined some of the main types of bonuses that you can find –
Welcome Bonus
This is the bonus that is offered to new players for signing up at the casino website. Typically, casinos offer bonus money, free spins, or a combination of both as a welcome bonus.
Usually, to unlock this bonus, you have to make an eligible deposit, play the eligible games, and cash out your winnings.
A good example of a welcome bonus would be MagicRed Casino’s offer. Here, you can get 100% up to £35 and 50 free spins when you deposit a minimum of £10.
To know more details about this, you can read our in-depth guide on casino welcome bonuses.
Free Spins Bonus
If you’re a slots fanatic, then free spins are like a treat for you. Much like the name suggests, you get free spins that can be used on selected slots. To get this bonus, you may be asked to make a deposit, fulfill wagering requirements, or some other conditions.
To give you an example, PlayOJO offers 80 no wager free spins when you make a minimum eligible deposit.
No Deposit Bonus
If you don’t want to risk your bankroll, then you might want to find some no deposit bonuses. These bonuses can be claimed without making a deposit. But, they do come with a lot of T&Cs attached to them along with potentially high wagering requirements,
Now, do note that the UKGC has been cracking down on no deposit bonuses for a while now. Plus, it is hard to find such genuine bonus. To learn more, we’d suggest reading our dedicated in-depth guide on no deposit bonus.
Reload Bonus
Think of the reload bonus as another smaller welcome bonus. Usually, reloads are offered on deposits made by existing players. So, to claim the reload bonus, you have to make an eligible deposit.
For instance, an online casino might offer up to 50% reload on a deposit of $100 on your second deposit.
Cashback Bonus
To cushion your losses a bit, online casinos offer a daily, weekly, or frequent cashback bonus. The goal here is to give you back a percentage of your losses during a period of time.
For example, a casino might offer a weekly cashback of 10% on your losses incurred during a week every Thursday.
Loyalty Program
Most online casinos have a loyalty program that players can be a part of. Usually, there’s a ‘points’ system, where players accumulate points for every wager made. These points can then be redeemed for extra bonuses or even cash.
Some casinos might even add ‘levels’ to these programs. For example, you might have to accumulate a certain number of points to reach a level. And with each level, you will unlock extra perks like better customer service, personal account manager, faster payouts, etc.
Casino Tournaments
Now, casino tournaments are not exactly a ‘bonus’, they’re more of a promotional campaign aimed at boosting player engagement.
Much like the name suggests, a casino tournament consists of a competition among players. You play specific games within a set timeframe, accumulating points based on your performance. The player (players) with the highest score at the end wins the tournament.
| Read the T&Cs associated with all and any casino bonuses carefully before you claim them. |
Payments
For convenience, it is preferable to have a variety of secure and efficient payment options available. This ensures players can easily deposit and withdraw funds without hassle.
When considering payment options, pay attention to the following:
- Processing times: How long does it take for deposits and withdrawals to clear?
- Fees: Are there any charges for deposits or withdrawals?
- Limits: What are the minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal amounts?
- Security: Ensure the casino uses encryption to protect your financial information.
- Availability: Check if your preferred payment method is accepted.
Some of the common payment options are –
| Visa | MasterCard | PayPal | Neteller |
| Skrill | AstroPay | Apple Pay | AMEX |
| MuchBetter | Payz | Amazon Pay | Trustly |
To know whether an online casino accepts a certain payment method or not, visit the official site and confirm. You can also reach out to customer support for this.
Cashing Out
Ready to cash out your winnings? The process is generally straightforward, but it's essential to understand the specifics of your chosen casino.
However, here’s what the general process looks like –
- Check withdrawal options: As we mentioned, most casinos offer a variety of withdrawal methods, such as e-wallets, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. This is why we recommend going for casinos that have multiple withdrawal options.
- Verify your account: You might need to verify your identity by providing documents like a government-issued ID and proof of address. At most casinos, KYC is a necessary step.
- Initiate withdrawal: Navigate to the bank or payment section, select your preferred withdrawal method, and specify the amount you want to withdraw. Make sure to check the minimum and maximum amounts you can withdraw.
- Processing time: The time it takes for your funds to reach you depends on the withdrawal method chosen. E-wallets are usually the fastest, while bank transfers might take a few business days.
Regardless of the casino that you play at, here are a few things you should consider before you make withdrawals –
- Withdrawal Limits: Casinos often impose minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts.
- Fees: Some casinos charge fees for withdrawals, so check the terms and conditions.
- Pending Periods: There might be a pending period before your withdrawal is processed.
- Bonus Terms: If you've claimed a bonus, ensure you've met the wagering requirements before cashing out.
- Security: Always prioritize security by using reputable casinos and strong passwords.
We hope you have a smooth cash-out!
Best Online Casinos FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best online casinos in the UK.
Our UK online casino lists only feature safe, licensed, and trustworthy operators that are legally permitted to operate in the UK. These sites have undergone heavy reviewing by the PlatinPlay team of specialists.
The Gambling Act of 2005 streamlined the gambling process in the UK. Unlike the previous complex regulations, the Act allows individuals to easily participate in gambling activities either online or in physical casinos.
Casino games are designed with a built-in house edge, ensuring the casino’s long-term profitability. However, short-term outcomes can vary, and players occasionally experience lucky wins. Reputable online casinos acknowledge this and prioritize player satisfaction by offering swift withdrawal processing.
You can win real money at reputable online casinos such as RedMagic Casino, Mr.Q Casino, and other operators that have a license and a positive reputation.