What to look for in a UK casino
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If you dare to go online and search for UK casinos then good luck, because there are so many out there that it’s mind-boggling.
Some names you might recognise and others you most certainly won’t. You may be tempted to go for a big-name brand because they are safe right? Well, yes, but because that’s what so many people think, they also don’t have to work as hard as newer and smaller brands to impress you, so you might not get as much value for money.
However, it can be risky to try out a brand new casino that you don’t know just because it’s got a tempting welcome bonus… especially if you don’t know what you’re looking out for. Here are the things you need to look out for when choosing a UK online casino…
Licensing
This is the first thing to look for. Forget bonuses and games… important as they are, if a casino doesn’t have a licence, then the rest is just gravy. To operate legally in the UK, an online casino needs to be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This is considered by many to be the strictest and most respected governing body in the world.
Any online casino that has a UK licence will have had to undergo rigorous testing and have to work under the strictest guidelines to offer a fair, honest and transparent online gambling experience. They will ensure that the casino offers fair and honest games, sticks to strict marketing regulations, fully protects your money and ensures you have access to responsible gambling tools to help you stay safe.
Certifications and Safety
The best casinos are not only licensed, but they will also have certificates to indicate that their games and their RNGs are fair and true (look for eCOGRA and/or iTechLabs logos). The site will also be encrypted by high-end SSL encryption technology to ensure your data is stored safely (there will be a padlock icon on the URL bar). We don't recommend going anywhere near non-licensed casinos, for your own safety.
Bonuses
There are so many casinos available online that they will all be competing for your attention, which means bonuses. So, you should look for generous welcome bonuses. This means not only big numbers but fair terms and conditions. Ideally, they will have low wagering requirements (35x or lower) and will have a fair expiry date (30 days). The best UK casinos also offer lots of existing customer bonuses as well, so you get excellent value throughout your time there. This might include cashback, free spins, reload bonuses, loyalty and VIP programs etc. Remember though - always check the T&Cs first!
Games and Providers
The top UK casinos will offer their players the best games from the very best providers. We expect to see a wide variety of games, such as slot games, table games, jackpot games, classic games and more from providers such as NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming and more. If they offer live casino games from Evolution Gaming, even better!
User Experience
This can be broken down in so many ways, but here are the main things to look for…
? A website that is well designed, easy to navigate and works just as well on mobile as desktop… bonus marks for a mobile app!
? Lots of payment options. The more options the better. Ideally, it will have eWallets as well as bank cards. Even better if it has PayPal as that is quick, safe and only works with trustworthy casinos. Also, look for no withdrawal fees and high maximum deposits and withdrawals.
? Excellent Customer Support: Check out customer service to see if it is available 24/7 - preferably via live chat, phone and email
Conclusion: Only Play with the Best
So, hopefully, you know what to look for now. Ultimately, more than anything, you need to know that your casino is licensed and trustworthy. You need to know that if you deposit real money into an account - and win, then the casino won’t make off with it!
If you do think about finding a new casino, then before putting your money where your mouth is, check it carefully so you can have a fun and safe experience.
