If you want to gamble at an online casino in the UK, you’re spoiled for choice. There are dozens upon dozens of sites to explore, with something for all gaming tastes. And that’s no surprise: the iGaming industry is thriving — online casino gamesgenerated £4.0 billion in gross gambling yield (GGY) from 2022 - 23 alone.
But picking one or two sites from such a massive selection can be difficult, as not all online casinos are created equal. Many are excellent, while some don’t come close.
What’s the difference? What makes a casino one of the best on the market?
To answer that question, we’ll look at eight things the best online casinos have in common below.
Wide Variety of Games
The best casino sites cater to a wide range of players. Common categories include:
- Slots
- Table games
- Live games
- Scratch cards
- Instant win games
- Sports betting
- Virtual sports betting
Strong games libraries include popular classics and the hottest new releases. Highly rated casinos also source games from reputable providers known for quality work, such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, Microgaming, and Playtech.
Solid Range of Bonuses and Promotions
A varied set of bonuses and promotions are a staple of high-quality casino sites. The welcome bonus is a must: these usually offer new members the chance to claim a match on their first deposit, free spins, or both.
For example, at the time of writing, Genting Casino’s welcome bonus awards a 100% deposit match (up to £150) with 50 spins for Big Bass Bonanza.
Other deals may include:
- Reload bonus
- Points (as part of a VIP/loyalty program)
- No deposit bonus
- Cashback bonus
- Refer-a-friend bonus
Solid bonuses and promotions can increase engagement and incentivise player loyalty. The leading casinos may not offer all of these, but they’ll still provide players with carefully chosen deals to hold their interest.
Diverse Payment Methods Accepted
The more payment options a casino accepts, the more players they can appeal to. The best casino sites process deposits and withdrawals via multiple methods: debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies (albeit rarely).
SpinGenie, for instance, accepts:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Paysafecard
- Trustly
- Skrill
- Sofort
- Apple Pay
- Payz
Check the payment options available at any casino before you sign up to make sure it’s right for you.
Secured Online Casino
Vigilant Security to Keep Players Safe
Reliable security measures are essential to protect players’ sensitive data and prevent fraudulent activity. The UK Gambling Commission’s ‘Remote gambling and software technical standards’ detail the security requirements that all remote gambling operators must meet. This includes a third-party annual security audit that covers:
- Customer data processing
- Random Number Generator (RNG) testing for fairness
- Customer gambling history safety
- Communication networks transmitting sensitive data
The best casino sites implement cutting-edge encryption to maintain user safety, and they must follow the UK Gambling Commission’s regulations to retain their licence.
Responsive Support
If you experience any issues at an online casino, you want to know that you can reach out for help at any time. Leading sites provide members with one or more reliable support methods, which may include:
- Live chat
- Phone
- Support chatbot
Support is either available 24 hours a day or at certain times only. However, chatbots and email may be active 24/7.
User Friendly Casino
User-Friendly Layout and UI
The best casino sites are easy, convenient, and pleasant to browse. They have a clean layout, readable text, and eye-catching images. Menus are simple to navigate, too, which helps you find the right page, game, or feature in seconds.
Without a user-friendly design, casinos can be confusing, frustrating, and likely to chase users away.
Mobile-Friendly Design
Players expect mobile compatibility, and the top online casinos are optimised to function smoothly across different devices. They may be available through mobile browsers only or a dedicated app. Lobbies, menus, games, cashier sections, and customer support should all operate on mobile.
Positive Online Reviews and Reputation
The best casino sites have earned a strong reputation among players based on their high-quality service and support. Check the reviews before you join a new online casino to gauge the general perception of a brand. It’s also worth browsing their industry accolades, including award wins and nominations.
Conclusion
Choosing the best online casinos is easier when you know what to look for. To avoid disappointment, research your options carefully before you sign up and make your first deposit.
Gambling Zone only recommends trusted, reputable casinos for UK players. Check out our guide to the Best Casino Sites UK for our pick of the top options.
