The best casino sites give players the chance to try thousands of games from leading brands. Slots, live casino games, crash games, scratch cards, and more are all available 24/7.
But what else do casinos have to offer beyond their games? What attracts players to one site over another, and why do they continue to come back?
Below, we will explore some of the most popular features that give casinos a competitive edge.
Here are the best online casino sites for UK players.
Non-Game Features You Can Find at the Best Online Casinos
Welcome Bonus
Many UK online casinos offer new members a welcome bonus. These can take different forms from site to site. But they often include one or both of the following:
- A 100% match on your first deposit (e.g., deposit £10 and get £10 extra)
- Free spins on one or more slots
By awarding extra funds to use, casinos can make a player's bankroll stretch further. This may give them more time to explore the site and make sure they want to become a regular visitor.
However, most welcome bonuses have strict wagering requirements. You must meet these within a certain period of time (e.g., 30 days) before you can withdraw winnings. If you do not wager the required amount, you will be unable to claim any winnings associated with the bonus.
Reload Bonus
Reload bonuses at the best casino sites are similar to welcome deals. They award free spins or a deposit match when a player adds more funds to their account.
A reload bonus may only be available on certain days or when depositing a particular amount. In some cases, you need to enter a bonus code during the deposit process to qualify for the promotion.
Free Bets
UK online casinos featuring live games or sportsbooks may award free bets. These will apply to specific games or sports only, and have minimum deposit requirements. For example, you might need to deposit £20 to claim a free £10 bet on a particular roulette game.
Tournaments
Some of the best casino sites online run tournaments on slots and other games. Players can take part in these to win prizes, pick up bonuses, or gain a top spot on a scoreboard.
These promotions can help build a site's community and add a sociable element to gaming.
Free Spins
Free Spins
UK online casinos can award free spins as part of a welcome bonus, but they may be available as standalone deals, too. Players will receive a number of free spins for a specific slot after making a deposit.
Players may need to use a bonus code to activate the free spins during the deposit process. Each spin will have a fixed value (e.g., £0.10).
Loyalty Programmes
Loyalty programmes are common at the best casino sites in the UK. These can be simple schemes or more complex, with lots of perks on offer.
These often include:
- Cashback on losing bets
- Free spins
- Access to exclusive tournaments
- Reload bonuses
- Tickets to events, such as sports games or gigs
Many loyalty programmes use a levelling system. Members will achieve points for completing various steps, such as playing specific games. Collecting a certain number of points will open up the next level and bring new or better perks.
While loyalty programmes can give you a deeper gaming experience, always be responsible. Never wager more than you would usually to hit a target.
Sportsbooks
Online sports betting is the UK'smost popular gambling activity, and it is available at many sites. The best sportsbooks offer plenty of wagering options and include live-betting facilities. Instead of playing games, members can bet on a huge range of sports, from football to basketball.
Conclusion
The top online casinos offer players various features beyond games. From free spins to tournaments, casinos aim to give customers many reasons to stay active.
But do your research before using bonuses, entering tournaments, or betting on sports events. All bonuses at the best gaming sites in the UK have detailed terms and conditions. Read these with care, and only opt in if you feel a bonus is a good fit for you.
Looking for highly rated online casinos for UK players? Gambling Zone has you covered.
To help you find the right place to play, we provide detailed insights into licensed gaming sites. Discover the leading names in our guide to the best casino sites in the UK today.
