Best Online Casino Sites listed since 2001.
Our experts are seasoned casino players who have reviewed hundreds of online casinos in their time. They aim to provide you with the latest news on the best places to play casino games by thoroughly testing each site. Only the best casino sites are listed on our website after passing all of our requirements to receive the Casinopedia seal of approval.
Choose one of the Top 10 Online Casinos that we have updated for July.
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 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 the 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.
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.
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
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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
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 & the Regulations
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.
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