Welcome to Casinopedia
Best Online Casino Sites
Your adventure with the best online casinos begins here, where you will find many expert reviews, guides, games and exclusive bonuses for all players.
We even have a dictionary to help you familiarise yourself with commonly used terms, down to the more obscure ones.
We even have a dictionary to help you familiarise yourself with commonly used terms, and we’ve also included obscure ones so all your bases are covered. Due to the sheer number of UK online casino sites available, there tends to be a labyrinth of clicks to navigate, and no one wants to spend time or money setting up an account, only to lose it out of inexperience with bad operators.
Our reviews team are a panel of experts who take the guesswork out of determining which real money sites rank the highest in reliability, along with exceptional bonuses and features. Only UK’s best online casinos that meet our strict requirements get the coveted Casinopedia ‘Seal of Approval’ badge. If a site displays this badge, it indicates that our experts have checked that it is credible, and your wagers will be safe on that site.
In our rating system, we score a site based on a range of criteria, not just one or two standout features. Key rating elements include:
- Which authority has issued the licences held by an online casino. In the UK, one must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to operate legally.
- Level of security, i.e. whether SSL data encryption and other security technology is being updated to protect personal information.
- The types of bonuses and promotions offered to players, how clearly they are explained and whether they are honoured according to wagering terms and other conditions.
- The number of big name game suppliers, like Microgaming and Netent, who are willing to licence their games to a casino.
- The variety of games, including table and live games, as well as mobile gaming options.
- Factors that affect overall gamer experiences, such as website interface, ease of withdrawals and good customer service.
Blackjack
The earliest known indicator of gambling activity
was found in the form of tiles used for a basic lottery-style game in 2300 BC China, as documented in the “Book of Songs”, a volume on ancient classical Chinese poetry. Blackjack, which is often thought of as an American game, was created circa 1600s. A lesser known fact about modern Blackjack is that it’s likely a direct descendant of the French game ‘vingt-et-un’ that made its way to the USA via French settlers. It is amazing to think that these old games are now made available inthe best online casinos in the UK.
Roulette
A very old french gambling game
that’s popular at casinos online is roulette, which means “little wheel”. The game’s signature red, black and green colours all blurring together as the ball rolls along the spinning wheel creates an exciting rush of anticipation for many, especially as it is mainly a game of 50-50 chance. It’s easy to play – you just have to make the call to stop the wheel. These are just some games that you will find at the top online casino websites listed here on Casinopedia, and the beauty is that you have all these land-based games literally at your fingertips, which can also be played live.
Slots
The biggest draw amongst new UK players
who sign up with the berst online casinos are slot games. There is little skill involved in playing slots, apart from picking your favourite theme(s) from a compendium of hundreds of titles. Many have great progressive jackpots, while others are loved by newbies and veterans alike due to their wild popularity. A great example is Starburst, a bejewelled slots game. Featuring uncluttered graphics, an easy to understand five-reel, ten-payline set-up and a chance at a 50,000 euros jackpot, with low to medium volatility, game developer Netent hit upon a winning formula with titles like these.
Free Slots Games
If you're looking to play the latest and greatest online slot games for free, this is the place to be. We've tried, tested and reviewed slots from the biggest providers and you can play freeplay versions here too.
Baccarat
Get up close and personal with the banker
in a game of baccarat, where each round has three outcomes: player, banker or tie. It comes in many variations, such as punto banco, baccarat chemin de fer and baccarat banque. The house edge is usually around 1 per cent. Although somewhat shrouded in mystery, some claim the game’s history dates to the 19th century, while others maintain that it was introduced into France from Italy at the end of the 15th century during the reign of Charles VIII.
Craps
The dice game which exploded in popularity during World War II,
craps developed in the US after being adapted from the European game of Hazard. It barely needs any equipment so is a good choice for those on the go and is also known as ‘street craps’ because it can be played casually. After betting on the outcome of a round, the shooter will roll the dice. The shooter will change on each round, and is always one of the players. The following rounds are focused on the score rolled in the first one, called the ‘Come-Out’ roll, and the goal is to roll the same amount again, then roll a 7.
Poker
Everyone’s heard of it - the famous household name
that is poker, a game developed in the US during the early 19th century. The basics are simple – you need to make ‘hands’ from five random cards dealt to you. Players bet on their hand being stronger than their opponents’ hands. At the start, a forced bet called a ‘blind’ or ‘ante’ is made, then players have to either call the last bet, go higher, or fold. If all but one player has folded, the remaining one wins. Nowadays, poker can be played in tournaments with multi million cash prizes.
Casino Bonuses & Promotions
A huge advantage to online casino sites are the bonus offers. Without the heavy costs of running a land-based establishment, internet casinos are able to run welcome rewards, bonus cash and free spins all the time. In order to stay ahead of competitors, bring in new players, and keep the interest of existing ones, casinos online offer a wide range of generous bonuses that you can take advantage of.
In addition to the sign-up bonus and first deposit bonus, there are several types of bonuses commonly offered by the operators. A match bonus is when a casino doubles the amount you deposit, giving you twice your value for money and twice the chance of winning. A reload bonus is for existing customers, where a certain value is credited when players reload their accounts.
The amounts are smaller, but the bonuses may occur more often. There is even a no-deposit bonus, where the most you need is to provide personal and credit card information to receive the credit.
VIPs & High Rollers in the Best Online Casinos
VIP Clubs
Players who want to go the extra mile can participate in the VIP Club of their chosen online casino. Being a VIP member can be hugely beneficial, with benefits such as faster withdrawal times, a personal account manager, private competitions and trips to exotic places.
Some VIP clubs will be invitation only, while others will allow automatic entry once a player has reached a certain point in the rewards system. Operating a system that allows players to be rewarded simply for playing the games on the site is a huge incentive for return customers.
How do I create a new online casino account?
You will need to provide your personal details when signing up for an online casino account. This includes standard information like your age, home address, email, etc.
A preferred method of payment is also to be expected, whether it’s an e-wallet, credit or prepaid card, Bitcoins or the newly introduced Trustly method. Once you have input a deposit method, you just have to clear one final thing: an identity check. The most credible and best casino sites are often subject to strict UK regulation and need to verify that the person signing up for an account is really who they claim to be.
A passport or driver’s licence scan are acceptable forms of verification for most trusted and best online casinos. However, given the additional verification steps needed to open a new account, you will want to pick just one or two to start with, instead of signing up only to find that the casino does not suit your needs. A couple of key things to check beforehand is whether they operate in your preferred currency, as well as payment methods. Some sites might also require a software download to play at their online casino, but luckily, others have an instant play function on certain games.
Sign Up
Deposit
Play
Mobile Casinos and Apps
Casinos are beginning to optimise their games for smaller mobile screens. They come in the form of mobile casinos and apps, which provide an easy-to-use experience and an impressive selection of slot games. Building stable programmes for various mobile platforms (iOS, Android, Blackberry etc) while designing an enjoyable gaming experience has not been an easy challenge for software developers to tackle, which is why currently, most mobile casino offerings consist of slot games.
Generally speaking, the optimised version of an online casino will provide the player with the same level of graphics and functionality, often with menus that are easier to navigate due to the smaller screen. Whether you have an iPhone, Android phone or tablet, there is bound to be a mobile game you can enjoy on your device.
Live Casinos
It’s a given that slot games are the mainstay of online casinos, but the appeal of table games — such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker — played live, in live casinos, translates easily on the Internet. Plus, there is an added advantage of players not needing to be present at a physical location in order to interact and play with fellow enthusiasts. Online casinos can create a live web gaming experience similar to traditional casinos, all thanks to several elements.
To recreate the in-house experience, multi-angle cameras broadcast real tables and roulette wheels that even have the casino’s branding, and are managed by live dealers. Inventive technology enables players to log on, place their bets, interact with the dealers and other players, and settle issues via customer service chats. For live games to be at all possible, there has to be a Game Control Unit, which digitises video to be broadcast to players, and there has to be Optical Character Recognition software, which scans text, numbers, symbols and images to translate them for online transmission.
I’ve Won! How do I make a withdrawal?
In 2015, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that a whopping £13.2m, the largest known online casino jackpot thus far, had been won by Jon Heywood, a British soldier who bet 25p on the Mega Moolah slot. Whether you happen to be lucky enough to strike it that rich or even win just a humble sum, you will certainly need to know how withdrawals can be made to access your winnings.
As long as you have set up your payment method properly during the account registration process, the best online casinos should enable you to make withdrawals with just a click of a button. Log into your account, find the withdrawal option, type in the amount you wish to withdraw and the money should typically appear within 3-5 business days. You will only encounter issues if: at registration, you entered incorrect personal information; you are using the card or payment account of someone other than yourself; or if you were playing a bonus and have yet to meet wagering requirements.
At times, winnings may take time to become available. In Heywood’s case, winnings that large would need to be examined and verified to ensure that no fraud occurred. In any case, good casinos have customer service support to help players with issues.
Customer Service Options
Players only see the finished, glitzy side of online casino websites, but in reality, there are quite a few components to piece together before an online casino website can provide a seamless and fully functional gaming experience. A casino operator needs the following: casino software that will support game variants you’d like to offer – such as slots, blackjack, video poker, scratch cards or live dealer games; a secure and reliable payment gateway system; support staff such as dealers, customer service, marketing and web security. Many casinos tend to use the same software and platforms, hence, they might bear a resemblance, even if they are totally separate entities.
The stability and reliability of casino software are important to the online real money casino experience because a platform that crashes too often will send players running to other sites – fast. That’s why casino operators will put up with having a similar look and feel to their competitors’ websites. For example, the one thing shared by UK-based casino giants Ladbrokes and Betfair is that their sites run on Microgaming software, but they are wholly owned by separate entities.
The best online casinos will either be web-based or download-based. With web-based online casinos, players can enjoy casino games without the need to download software to their device. When playing in a web browser, players will usually need to have Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Shockwave or Java enabled in order for the games to run properly. A sufficient internet connection is also required, as bandwidth is needed to deliver sounds, animations and graphics via the plugin. It’s worth noting that iPod, iPad and iPhone devices cannot play Flash games.
How does an Online Casino work?
Players only see the finished, glitzy side of online casino websites, but in reality, there are quite a few components to piece together before an online casino website can provide a seamless and fully functional gaming experience. A casino operator needs the following: casino software that will support game variants you’d like to offer – such as slots, blackjack, video poker, scratch cards or live dealer games; a secure and reliable payment gateway system; support staff such as dealers, customer service, marketing and web security. Many casinos tend to use the same software and platforms, hence, they might bear a resemblance, even if they are totally separate entities.
The stability and reliability of casino software are important to the online real money casino experience because a platform that crashes too often will send players running to other sites – fast. That’s why casino operators will put up with having a similar look and feel to their competitors’ websites. For example, the one thing shared by UK-based casino giants Ladbrokes and Betfair is that their sites run on Microgaming software, but they are wholly owned by separate entities.
Online casinos will either be web-based or download-based. With web-based online casinos, players can enjoy casino games without the need to download software to their device. When playing in a web browser, players will usually need to have Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Shockwave or Java enabled in order for the games to run properly. A sufficient internet connection is also required, as bandwidth is needed to deliver sounds, animations and graphics via the plugin. It’s worth noting that iPod, iPad and iPhone devices cannot play Flash games.
Download-based online casinos require the player to download software in order to play the games provided. They will generally run much faster than web-based casinos, as the graphics and sound will be cached, instead of needing to be loaded via the internet during gameplay. The downsides of this form of online casino are that installing such software can take significant time, and there will be a risk of accidentally downloading malware to your device.
Virtual casino games make use of a random number generator (RNG) to ensure the outcome of each game is random and fair. This will be used to determine factors such as what order the cards go in when players are on a card game, how the outcome of a dice throw will play out, and what results occur after the spin of a roulette wheel or slot machine. It’s important that customers trust this software hasn’t been rigged to increase the house edge, as users cannot see the inner workings of a random number generator. Fortunately, peace of mind can be gained by seeing proof that reputable casinos are externally audited by regulators to ensure high standards are met when it comes to factors such as win percentages matching the stated odds, randomness and fairness.
Live casino games will often be included as part of an online casinos’ offerings, and human dealers will be live streamed to players so they can experience a brick and mortar casino from the comfort of their own home. On top of this, most reliable casinos will have the capacity for mobile playing, either having a bespoke app or a specialised mobile browser version of their site, which will allow players to continue with their favourite games while on the move.
Online Casino Licences and the Regulation
In Britain, the UK Gambling Commission is leading efforts in regulation. The licence application process takes up to 16 weeks to obtain, and there is a 15% gambling tax and strict player protection to adhere to. But despite the industry having been in existence for at least two decades, most countries do not have regulation for online casinos, and they do not legally allow online casinos to operate within their jurisdiction.
Other well-known jurisdictions that do regulate the online casino industry include Malta, Alderney, Gibraltar and Isle of Man. Being licensed and operating from those jurisdictions allow online casinos to exist legally. However, with countries like the UK, Denmark, Italy and even individual states in America coming up with their own gambling legislation, the future of online casino licensing could become more and more country specific in time.
These are some of the top gaming authorities, commissions and boards:
- Malta Gaming Authority – This authority was established in 2001 and has membership in the EU. It has a high reputation in the iGaming industry and many companies benefit from its generous tax rates. Around 500 iGaming companies operate via Malta.
- United Kingdom Gaming Commission – Those in the UK were one of the first major players in the economy to license online and remote gaming companies. It has high tax rates compared to its competitors, so not as many companies register with them these days, comparatively speaking.
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission – Like Malta, the Isle of Man is a tax haven, meaning that a plethora of companies have decided to license and register through this commission. Casinos who cite the Isle of Man as their license provider are sure to have high security and quality guidelines to follow.
- Nevada Gaming Control Board – This board is one of the newest licensing bodies, as it was established in 2011. After state law concerning online gambling was changed, this authority saw a need to be founded, and US citizens living in Nevada will need to use online casinos licensed by this operation.
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement – Established back in 1977, this regulatory body initially served to control land based casinos in the gambling industry. However, to keep up with the times, it now regulates all online casinos licensed under their agreement. American citizens gambling in this state have to find online casinos licensed locally.
Do Online Casinos take Responsible Gambling seriously?
Gambling can become an addictive habit and online casino operators are well aware of this. Credible casino sites always include a section on responsible gaming, reminding players of support options as well as BeGambleAware. At the best casinos, you can control your budget by setting limits on your daily, weekly or monthly deposits. In addition, session reminders alert you to how long you’ve been playing, enabling you to set a daily time limit on online casino activities. Take a “cooling off” period, or in extreme cases, “self-exclusion”, where you can disable your account for six months or longer.
Self-exclusion is the term used to describe the most severe form of gambling addiction. Choosing to self-exclude from all online casino sites you’ve registered at is a good step, but some go further by installing Gamblock, software that blocks all online casino sites on your devices. Residents in the UK can also register with GAMSTOP, a service that helps you to easily self-exclude from all UK-licensed online casinos. Finally, seek counselling and support groups, where you can share your experience with others.
Online Casino Software Providers
Microgaming
This brand offers over 600 games for the best online casinos, and puts out around 4 new games each month. They developed online casino software with Gaming Club Casino in 1994 and mobile casino software in 2004. There are casino, poker, bingo, sportsbook, land-based and live dealer games available with this provider. Their progressive jackpot network is the biggest in the world and has paid out over a billion euros to lucky players.
Top Casino Games:
- Jurassic World Online Slot
- Jungle Jim El Dorado
- Immortal Romance
- Titans of the Sun Hyperion
- Hot as Hades Online Slot
- Terminator Online Slot
- Thunder Struck
Netent
A software veteran, Netent has been around since 1996 and offers a high payout of over 95% for players. They serve over 200 of the world’s most well known and best online casinos, and have created over 200 games. Their popularity is proven by the fact their gaming systems processed over 41 billion gaming transactions in 2017.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Strolling Staxx
- Golden Grimoire
- Lost Relics
- Dead or Alive Slot
- Warlords Slot
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Starburst
Ash Gaming
This company was established in 2000 and is dedicated to providing interactive betting and gambling games. They aim to give customers casino games, fixed odds games, pub slots, multi line slots and more.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Adventures Beyond Wonderland
- Adventures In Wonderland
- Batman And Mr Freeze Fortune
- Batman And The Batgirl Bonanza
- Batman And The Penguin Prize
- Batman And The Riddler Riches
- Batman And Catwoman Cash
- Batman And The Joker Jewels
PlayTech
Playtech started out as a concept and was turned into a massive gaming provider in the gambling industry. The company was founded by Israeli entrepreneur Teddy Sagi in 1999 and its first online casino product was launched in 2001. It provides top online casinos, poker rooms, bingo games, sports betting, scratch games and more.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Age of the Gods
- Buffalo Blitz
- Beach Life
- American Dad
- Superman II
- Green Lantern
- Gladiator
RealTime Gaming
Also known as RTG, this provider was formed in 1998 and is a familiar name on many online casino sites. Top games include Double Ya Luck, Diamond Dozen, Count Spectacular, Enchanted Garden, Derby Dollars, Spirit of the Inca and The Big Bopper.
Novomatic
Novomatic was founded in 1980 and has offices in over 50 countries. It provides slots games, electronic table games, linked jackpots, progressive jackpots and more. It has over 30,000 employees and 2100 gaming locations across the globe.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Almighty Reels: Realm of Poseidon
- Always Hot Cubes
- Asian Diamonds
- Attila
- Banana Splash
- Bananas Go Bahamas
- Book Of Ra
IGT
They were formerly known as WagerWorks but renamed themselves as International Game Technology, or IGT. They have been producing slot machines since 1981 and also provide online gaming software for some of the biggest casinos out there. Top games include Tokidoki Lucky Town, Wolf Run, Coyote Moon, Water Dragons, Treasures Of The Pyramids, She’s A Rich Girl and Fire Horse.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming works with top tier casinos such as 888 Casino, Betsson, LeoVegas Casino, Grosvenor Casino and more. They offer live casino games, studios in land-based casinos and more.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Live Roulette
- Live Blackjack
- Live Three Card Poker
- Live Caribbean Stud Poker
- Live Baccarat
- Live Casino Hold’Em
- Live Ultimate Texas Hold’Em
- Live Dream Catcher
Play ‘n’ Go
Play ‘n’ Go started out in the 1990s, and aims to provide high quality internet and mobile games to casinos. They have an expertise and passion for creating slots, and are constantly releasing new titles.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Queen’s Day Tilt
- Wild Falls
- Raging Rex
- Star Joker
- Battle Royal
Betsoft Gaming
Betsoft works with a range of casinos, such as Mr Green Casino, Eurobet, Rizk Casino, Casino Heros and more. You can play their games on over 500 casino sites worldwide, and they have been around since 2006.Top games include Faerie Spells, Dragon Kings, The Golden Owl Of Athena, Tigers Claw, Reels of Wealth, Ogre Empire and Legend Of The Nile.
Quickspin
Swedish game studio Quickspin provides video slots for free to play, social and online gambling. Casinos they work with include Casumo Casino, Ladbrokes, Bet365 Casino, PokerStars and Unibet Casino. They were founded in 2011 and their parent company is Playtech.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Ark of Mystery
- Big Bad Wolf
- Big Bot Crew
- Crystal Queen
- Divine Dreams
- Dragon Shrine
- Fairy Gate
- Firestorm
Yggdrasil Gaming
Yggdrasil was founded in 2013 and aims to provide high quality online gaming products for igaming operators. They received their first license in 2013 and moved from Flash to HTML the following year. They have won several awards, such as The International Gaming Awards 2018.
Top Online Casino Games:
- Cazino Cosmos
- Lucky Blackjack
- Trolls Bridge
- Sonya Blackjack Side Bets
- Baron Samedi
- Nitro Circus
- Dark Vortex
- Wolf Hunters
The Difference Between Land-Based & Online Casinos
- Larger game selection with online casinos – Due to the fact additional games would take up more space in land casinos, they are naturally restricted when it comes to the number of games they can offer. However, the sky’s the limit with the best online casinos, and many will offer extensive gaming libraries with thousands of games to choose from. This can make a virtual casino much more appealing to players, as they won’t be stuck with a limited choice and can switch between options much more easily.
- A more authentic gambling experience with land casinos – Whether it’s the buzz of chatter or the bright lights of the games, there is an experience that can’t be beaten or replicated when it comes to visiting land casinos. While playing at an online casino is convenient and quick, the overall experience of travelling to a casino and physically handling the chips – plus enjoying the alcohol – is a thrill many players refuse to substitute.
- No need to wait for a turn with online casinos – If your game of choice happens to be particularly popular in a land casino, you could find yourself waiting in line for a turn. This isn’t the case with the best online casinos, though, as all you need is a stable internet connection for the ability to play any game you like within seconds.
- Access to the latest new games with land casinos – When new games are released, they will sometimes make their debut in land casinos, so that punters who have travelled to a physical location can experience the new option ahead of the crowd. Unfortunately, those who exclusively play online will have to wait along with the rest of the internet for a hot new game to be released in digital form.
- Free trials and demos with online casinos – When you play at a land casino, it’s required to play with real money right away, as this is exchanged for chips to be used at a table game like blackjack or a spin on the roulette wheel. However, many online casino sites will allow players to trial games in demo mode, meaning they don’t have to part with their physical cash unless they’re convinced they want to play real money roulette or similar. What’s more, bonuses or welcome offers with online casinos will often allow players free spins on certain games, which are rarely seen in land casinos.
- More social options with land casinos – While you can opt for a live dealer game with an online casino, enabling the option to speak with a real dealer and other players, there isn’t anything that can compare to socialising with people in a land casino. Whether you’re sharing a drink with friends, meeting someone new or bonding over a game of roulette, physical proximity to others makes forming and strengthening connections much easier.
- Enhanced security with the best online casinos – Due to the multiple payment options and security features offered by online casinos, players are spoilt for choice when it comes to protecting their personal information. All licensed casinos are subject to meeting strict security requirements, which often includes measures such as SSL encryption and firewalls. Furthermore, payment methods will usually be plentiful, varying from traditional options like Visa and MasterCard to e wallets like Neteller, Skrill, PayPal and even Bitcoin in some cases.
Which are Better - Well-Established or New Online Casinos?
It’s easy to recognise the benefits of a well-established casino with a history of providing high quality gaming experiences – it has a good reputation, a loyal customer base and you can be confident the company itself is solid, as it’s lasted for a while and kept good business.
However, while a newer establishment may not have the reputation and history of an older one, they will likely be trying much harder to entice new players, so you can sign up and probably bag much better deals. A new online casino will also be making more of an effort to provide a unique offering, while an older one could be set in its routine and not feel the need to offer anything different, or switch up its promotions.
Regardless of whether you choose a well-known brand or a lesser-known, younger online casino, all reputable casinos must possess a gambling license from one of the jurisdictions that issues them, and be subject to regular audits and security checks from third party regulators.
Blackjack vs Roulette
There are several factors to consider when comparing blackjack vs roulette. The first is the odds. Roulette relies on fixed odds, as the game is based on the fact a ball will land on a number within the context of random chance. In blackjack, on the other hand, the house edge will increase as the number of decks used goes up. The odds of receiving certain cards will change as cards are dealt. Unlike in roulette, blackjack players can engage in advantage play, such as counting cards. While such a technique isn’t easy, it can be used to gain some knowledge about what future play will look like.
Another factor to consider is house edge – even at an eight deck table, the house edge for blackjack is much lower than that seen in roulette. The lowest house edge seen in roulette is 1.35%, and this is encountered with even-money bets at French roulette tables. However, this is still much higher than the house edge of 0.5% seen in blackjack.
Strategy is a third factor. Blackjack differs from roulette here in that the odds can be affected based on a player’s strategy and the number of decks which get used at the table. By using a strategy, a player can estimate the likelihood of a certain card being drawn next in the deck based on what has already been dealt out. Meanwhile, a knowledge of fixed odds is more beneficial for roulette, and getting the most out of every round is reliant upon luck and betting combinations that make the maximum use of your wagers.
Finally, payout is also an important consideration. While blackjack’s highest payout for each bet is 3/2, roulette is capable of awarding payouts of 1/1 to 35/1 in each bet of a round. While blackjack has a lower house edge, the payouts will be consistently low on every round. Roulette is different in that players can wager on multiple slots in the wheel layout, meaning that there is a much larger degree of flexibility in the amount that can be both wagered and won.
Roulette vs Slots
Both of these online casino games are easy to play and have a high house edge. But although they are similar, roulette offers a better chance of winning than slots. This is because there is only a small chance of altering your odds. Furthermore, playing at a European style roulette table means your chances will automatically be higher. When analysing factors such as probability, roulette and slots can only be compared according to individual table and machine type.
While playing roulette is easy, the random nature of the game makes it less predictable. Meanwhile, slots machines will often have 3 reels on them, but the number of symbols will also be important. A three reel slot machine could offer better paying odds than an American style roulette table.
Baccarat vs Blackjack
Both baccarat and blackjack offer enticing gameplay with many benefits. Both are famous games which draw different kinds of crowd at land based casinos. However, both are easily accessible online, which means a player must assess which game will be most beneficial for them.
Baccarat is associated with high rollers, as seen in James Bond where a favourite game is baccarat chemin de fer. This game has good odds and simple rules, but both baccarat and blackjack have some of the lowest house edges out there. Baccarat is easier, but some say it is less exciting than blackjack. Those who are skilled in strategy will benefit more from blackjack, which can be extremely profitable if played smartly.
While baccarat is more about chance, blackjack has more of a basis in strategy. Blackjack is seen as one of the most rewarding games available, with skilled strategy gamers able to reduce the house edge by 1 percent. In other words, baccarat is a good choice for those who don’t want to learn online casinos strategies and rules, while blackjack is good for players who don’t mind learning strategy and want the chance of winning big.
Craps vs Roulette
Players at both land-based and online casinos may find themselves needing to make a decision between craps and roulette. Both games are similar and different in many ways. For example, both use mathematical probabilities to calculate the likelihood of a player winning a game. While the odds differ between craps and roulette, the basic concept remains the same. In other words, each roll of the dice or spin of the roulette wheel is independent, as it is based on random chance. This means that further or previous spins will not influence the next one.
However, the main difference between craps and roulette is that craps still has a ‘human element’, in that a shooter will be controlling the toss of the dice, while it is much easier for a roulette wheel to be automated. The odds are also different – while American roulette offers a higher house advantage than the European version, the latter’s advantage is still well above the odds seen in craps.
Frequently asked questions
The answer to this question depends on the individual needs of the player in some respects, while there are some factors every gamer should look out for before registering at one of the best online casinos.
A player should weigh up whether they want to go with a larger brand or a smaller one, whether they want a focus on a particular game, such as slots, or multiple types of game, whether they want to download software or have access to instant play games, if mobile and live casino games are important to them, and more.
However, factors such as the casino possessing a license, having third party regulators and audits, high quality graphics and a range of customer support options should be considered by all prospective casino gamblers, as these indicate that an operator is safe, trustworthy and reputable.
This will depend on which casino online you pick! Generally speaking, you will be safe if your internet casino clearly displays its licensing information, details a privacy policy, discusses its security measures such as SSL encryption, and offers easy ways for a customer to get in touch. You may also prefer to use more anonymous methods of financial transaction, such as an e wallet if you don’t want your debit or credit card details shared with a casino site, or Bitcoin if you want even more privacy.
This will depend on which online casino you are at and which game you are playing. It’s worth doing some research beforehand – for example, it’s commonly agreed that the four games which pay the most are blackjack, baccarat, craps and roulette. Games will also be subject to table and wagering limits, so finding the one with the highest limits will mean you’re in with a chance of winning more – but also losing more if you’re on a losing streak. Finally, researching bonuses, competitions and progressive jackpots, then making the most of these, can result in big wins for you.
Progressive slots are the game of choice for those who want to be in with a chance of a life-changing jackpot. The payouts from games like blackjack or roulette simply don’t compare to those seen in such jackpots, where they can reach millions.
The difference between a fixed jackpot and a progressive jackpot is that the latter will increase as players continue to spin the wheels and insert coins in machine slots. A small percentage of each coin spent on a game will provide the jackpot with further funds.
There are three types of progressive jackpot: standalone progressives have a jackpot ticking over on the game, but only bets players place on that machine in particular will increase the funds on the jackpot. Local progressives came into existence after standalone progressives, and these involve jackpots within a specific casino that are linked together – from as few as a dozen machines to hundreds or more. Finally, some of the most popular casino games are wide area network progressives, where slot machines in multiple online casinos in a certain area are linked, allowing the jackpot to generate enormous sums of money, often totalling over 10 million.
There’s no specific way to win a progressive jackpot, as the chances are similar to those on a lottery, but the suspense of playing a game while knowing that the jackpot is ticking over and becoming larger by the minute is enough to entice players to keep spinning wheels and rolling dice.
Some of the most popular progressive jackpots are:
Wheel of Fortu
Progressive slots are the game of choice for those who want to be in with a chance of a life-changing jackpot. The payouts from games like blackjack or roulette simply don’t compare to those seen in such jackpots, where they can reach millions.
The difference between a fixed jackpot and a progressive jackpot is that the latter will increase as players continue to spin the wheels and insert coins in machine slots. A small percentage of each coin spent on a game will provide the jackpot with further funds.
There are three types of progressive jackpot: standalone progressives have a jackpot ticking over on the game, but only bets players place on that machine in particular will increase the funds on the jackpot. Local progressives came into existence after standalone progressives, and these involve jackpots within a specific casino that are linked together – from as few as a dozen machines to hundreds or more. Finally, some of the most popular casino games are wide area network progressives, where slot machines in the best online casinos in a certain area are linked, allowing the jackpot to generate enormous sums of money, often totalling over 10 million.
There’s no specific way to win a progressive jackpot, as the chances are similar to those on a lottery, but the suspense of playing a game while knowing that the jackpot is ticking over and becoming larger by the minute is enough to entice players to keep spinning wheels and rolling dice.
Some of the most popular progressive jackpots are:
Wheel of Fortune – usually won when it’s under £1 million, and has a starting jackpot of $£200,000.
Elvis – starts with a £100,000 jackpot, with each spin costing 25 cents. The maximum bet, which makes you eligible for the jackpot, is 3 coins, or 75 pence.
Mega Moolah – this is an online progressive jackpot powered by Microgaming. Some of the largest online jackpots are found here, with many reaching £1 million or more.
ne – usually won when it’s under £1 million, and has a starting jackpot of £200,000.
Elvis – starts with a £100,000 jackpot, with each spin costing 25 pence. The maximum bet, which makes you eligible for the jackpot, is 3 coins, or 75 pence.
Mega Moolah – this is an online progressive jackpot powered by Microgaming. Some of the largest online jackpots are found here, with many reaching £1 million or more.
The term table game distinguishes games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat from those played on a mechanical device such as a video slots machine. Table games are, as the name suggests, played on a table, and operated by a live dealer such as a croupier or poker dealer. Some jurisdictions only permit casinos to have slots, and no table games, which means that some casinos will have electronic table games, such as roulette, craps and blackjack.
Live casino games offer the player a chance to play their favourite table game from the comfort of their own home. A real life casino dealer will be available to deal cards, roll dice or spin a roulette wheel. They will also interact with you, and you can often also speak with other live players using a live chat function. It’s important to have a stable internet connection for such a game, so you don’t miss out on betting opportunities.
Some may prefer the automated and regulated electronic fairness of a Random Number Generator, while others will be drawn in by the chance to experience a live casino game that is as immersive as being in a land-based establishment.
It is somewhat rare for live games to be available on mobile, as this requires more complex technology. It’s also important for a player to have a stable internet connection, and this is less likely with a mobile gambler, as a mobile connection may differ in strength if a user is on the go and dipping in and out of connectivity. However, the best online casinos do offer a mobile edition of their site with some live games, so do your research before signing up to a casino if you would like this bonus functionality.
The minimum age for online gambling will generally be the same as that required for land-based gambling, and will differ according to country or state. For example, the minimum age for gambling in the UK is 18.
Many will say that a casino cannot be beaten, while others will argue that you can increase your odds of winning depending on which game you play. For example, while roulette is based completely on chance, blackjack can be worked on and strategies can be developed. Before playing a game or choosing a casino, look at the RTP and payout rate, as these will indicate in general how likely it is that the odds will be in your favour.
It should become easy to recognise a non-trustworthy online casino. A major red flag is a site that does not detail its license, security detail, privacy policy and third-party auditors. A small selection of games can be an issue, as can low quality graphics and a difficult-to-navigate site. Few payment methods can also cause issues, and considering the number of reviews available to browse online, if you see players complaining about various issues with your prospective site, this should also cinch a decision not to sign up with a certain online casino.
This depends on what kind of experience you prefer. While downloadable casino software can take time to acquire, initially, the quality of graphics and sound will generally be better due to the fact they will not need to be downloaded in real time as you play. However, the clue is in the name with instant play – you do not need to wait to play your favourite titles. The downside with this option, of course, is that games could lag or need to buffer if your internet connection is not stable. Ultimately, the kind of casino game a player goes for is down to their discretion.
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