How to Choose an Online Casino

Online Casino Guide PhotoNowadays a great number of players would rather play in an online casino than go all the way to a brick and mortar casino for various reasons. The online casinos are convenient, secure and offer the same wide range of exciting games. Time and location are two factors that no longer limit you when it comes to gambling.

Thanks to the online casinos, it is possible to play whenever and wherever you like by using your computer, smartphone or tablet. Since most online casinos also offer a user-friendly mobile platform that is fully compatible with various mobile devices, it is even possible to play on the move. Gambling online can be a great experience as long as you play in only reputable online casinos. It is essential to manage to choose the best online casino as your gaming experience greatly depends on it.

Determining which online casino is trustworthy and professional and at the same time, offers games that suit your personal preferences is crucial. However, this task might not be as easy as you might have thought, taking into account the fact that you are spoilt for choice as currently there are hundreds of online casinos available on the Internet. You can register in various online casinos, but make sure that you open real-money accounts only in well-established ones. This way you will prevent yourself to a huge extent from dishonest gambling operators which have no intention of paying you your winnings.

UKGC Responsibilities and Regulatory Enforcement

UKGC Responsibilities and Regulatory Enforcement

Licensing is indisputably the first factor that should govern your decisions when choosing an online casino to play at for real money. Players based in the United Kingdom are recommended to look for gambling sites that have obtained the regulatory approval of the local watchdog, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). UKGC-regulated online casinos are easy to spot since they readily publish their licence numbers in the footer section of their websites.

A UKGC licence carries great weight as it translates into stringent oversight and adequate player protection policies. The Commission is one of the most respected regulators in the world and has been overseeing the local gaming industry since 2007. It was established under section 20 of the Gambling Act of 2005 which mandates it with the following responsibilities.

  • Granting operating licences to gambling companies that seek to legally transact with local customer
  • Observing for compliance with the local framework for gambling regulation
  • Preserving the integrity of the local gambling industry
  • Preventing gambling from being used for criminal activities like money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Ensuring licensed gambling companies operate in a fair and transparent manner
  • Safeguarding minors and vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm
  • Instigating reviews of the operating permits of companies that violate their licencing conditions and commit social responsibility failings
The UKGC takes the enforcement of gambling regulation very seriously and does not hesitate to penalise online casinos that trigger regulatory action on its behalf. The watchdog is not in the habit of launching criminal investigations into the operations of its licensees but rather strives to reach what it dubs ‘regulatory settlements’ with them. The most common penalties imposed on locally licenced operators include:
  • Divestment of revenue toward charity organisations that provide support to problem gamblers and their families. This is on top of the annual financial contributions licensees are required to direct toward the prevention, research, and treatment of gambling addiction.
  • Formal fines are imposed on operators for breaching the licensing conditions and codes of practice (LCCP). Depending on the severity and number of violations, these fines can reach seven or even eight-digit amounts. A number of high-profile remote gaming companies have fallen foul of the local watchdog over the years and have been hit with millions of pounds in fines.
  • Licence suspension is due whenever a licensee is found to be severely deficient in meeting the local regulatory requirements. The most common causes for suspension include social responsibility, safer gambling, and money laundering failures on behalf of the operators. This penalty prevents the companies from operating on the British market for a given period and can have a considerable impact on their revenue, especially when combined with hefty fines.
  • Licence revocation is the harshest penalty a non-compliant operator can possibly suffer. The UKGC resorts to this measure whenever it establishes a remote gaming business is no longer suitable to carry a licence due to repeated breaches and violations. Licences are sometimes revoked if the regulator is dissatisfied with a gambling company’s financial circumstances and fears it might go into liquidation without paying its customers or refunding their balances. Companies with revoked permits can no longer transact legally with local gamblers and have no other option but to withdraw from the UK market.

    Top 30 High-Profile Companies on the UKGC Remote Gambling Licensee Registry

    High-Profile Companies on the UKGC Remote Gambling Licensee Registry

    The official UKGC registry holds records of all gambling businesses authorised to operate on British soil. As many as 926 companies are licensed to provide remote betting services at the time of publication but the number changes over time as new operators enter the market or existing licensees have their permits revoked.

    We bring to your attention 30 high-profile online casino brands that are largely considered the crème de la crème of the remote gambling market in Great Britain. Feel free to read our comprehensive reviews of the operators featured in the table below before you choose an online casino.

    Company NameCasino BrandRegistered AddressRegulatory Actions
    #132Red Limited32Red Casino
    Read Review
    32Red Limited, 401 World Trade Centre, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA, GibraltarNone
    #2888 UK Limited888casino
    Read Review
    601-701 Europort, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar 1
    #3Casumo Services LimitedCasumo Casino
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    Unicorn Centre, Triq L-Uqija, Ibragg, Swieqi, SWQ 2335, Malta 1
    #4Apollo Entertainment LimitedUK Casino Club
    Read Review
    Luxury Casino
    Read Review
    Casino Action
    Read Review
    122, Andrea Debono street, Naxxar, NXR 4030, Malta None
    #5Videoslots LimitedVideoslots Casino
    Read Review
    The Space, Level 2/3, Alfred Craig Street, Pieta, PTA 1320, Malta None
    #6Skill on Net LimitedPlayOJO Casino
    Read Review
    Anapafseos1, Limassol, 3096, Cyprus None
    #7L & L Europe LimitedYako Casino
    Read Review
    All British Casino
    Read Review
    Northfields App 7, Vjal-Indipendenza Street, MOSTA, MST 9026, Malta None
    #8White Hat Gaming Limited Hello Casino
    Read Review
    Skol Casino
    Read Review
    Cornerstone Business Centre, MOSTA, MST 1180, Malta 1
    #9LeoVegas Gaming PlcLeoVegas
    Read Review
    Level 7, Plaza Commercial Center, Bisazza Street, Sliema, SLM 1640, Malta 1
    #10Zecure Gaming LimitedRizk Casino
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    Experience Centre, Ta’Xbiex Seafront, Ta’Xbiex, XBX 1027, Malta None
    #11AG Communications LimitedKaramba Casino
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    Mr.play Casino
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    High Street 135, SLIEMA, SLM 1548, Malta 1
    #12Dazzletag Entertainment LimitedCasushi Casino
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    122 Andrea Debono Street, Naxxar, NXR 4030, Malta None
    #13Grace Media (Gibraltar) LimitedPlayUK Casino
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    Suite 7, Hadfield House, Gibraltar, GX11 1AANone
    #14Hillside (UK) Gaming ENCbet365
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    Office1/2373 Level G, Quantum House, 75 Abate Rigord Street, Ta’Xbiex, XBX 1120, Malta None
    #15Betway LimitedBetway Casino
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    Hippodrome Casino
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    9 Empire Stadium Street, GZIRA, GZR 1300, Malta 2
    #16WHG (International) Limited William Hill
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    6/1 Waterport Place, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar None
    #17Mr Green LimitedMr Green
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    Level 7 Tagliaferro Business Centre, High Street, SLIEMA, SLM 1549, Malta 1
    #18SLTM LimitedSlotsMillion
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    NO 2 GERALDU FARRUGIA STREET, ZEBBUG, ZBG 4351, Malta None
    #19PPB Entertainment LimitedPaddy Power
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    Level 2, Spinola Park, Mikiel Ang. Borg Street, St. Julians, SPK 1000, Malta None
    #20Platinum Gaming LimitedUnibet
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    Kindred London Ltd, Kindred House, 17 Hartfield Road, LONDON, SW19 3SE, United Kingdom None
    #21BV Gaming LimitedBetVictor
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    BetVictor Suite 2.01, World Trade Center, Bayside Road, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar 1
    #22LC International LimitedLadbrokes
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    Gala Casino
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    Suite 6, Atlantic Suites, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar 1
    #23Rank Interactive (Gibraltar) LimitedGrosvenor Casino
    Read Review
    Rank Group, MAIDENHEAD, SL6 8BN, United Kingdom None
    #24TonybetTonyBet
    Read Review
    Parnu mnt 31-53, Tallinn, 10119, Estonia 1
    #25Grand Battery Holdings LimitedElectric Spins
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    Hospitality House, 16-20 Cumberland Street South, Dublin, D02Y097, Ireland None
    #26Lindar Media LimitedMrQ Casino
    Read Review
    Lindar Media, 8 Sandridge Park, St Albans, AL3 6PH, United Kingdom None
    #27Netbet Enterprises LimitedNetBet Casino
    Read Review
    Netbet Enterprises Limited, Ewropa Business Centre, Level 3, Suite 704, Office A, Dun Karm Street, Birkirkara, BKR9034, Malta1
    #28Petfre (Gibraltar) LimitedBetfred
    Read Review
    5.2 Waterport Place, 2 Europort Avenue, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar1
    #29Betable LimitedProspect Hall Casino
    Read Review
    Aston House, Cornwall Avenue, LONDON, N3 1LF, United KingdomNone
    #30VF2011 LimitedThe Sun Vegas
    Read Review
    Inchalla, Le Val, Alderney, GUERNSEY, GY9 3UL, United KingdomNone

    Important Things to Look for When Choosing an Online Casino

    When choosing an online casino, many players, especially inexperienced ones, check the available games the respective casino has and if they are in accordance with their personal preferences, they instantly open a real-money account. While it is true that the available game categories and variations are among the things that you should always take into account, there are other essential aspects that should be also considered.

    However, if you don’t know what to look for in advance, you won’t be able to evaluate the online casinos properly and the whole process can take ages. Therefore, let’s have a look at the rest of the crucial things that every online casino should possess.

    Available Promotions & Bonuses

    Undoubtedly, when it comes to evaluating a particular online casino, one of the things which you should consider beforehand is the available bonuses and promotions it offers and more importantly, their terms and conditions. Many online casinos offer various types of bonuses in an attempt to allure more players.

    However, not all of the available bonuses are beneficial for you. In order to determine whether the bonuses at a particular casino are worthwhile, you should simply look at their wagering requirements, also known as play through requirements.

    Also, make sure to check the terms and conditions of the respective bonus in order to find out any additional requirements that may apply. Some bonuses can be only used on particular games and sometimes they are only valid for a certain period of time. Also, bear in mind that not all games contribute to the wagering requirements in the same way. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a look at the games that offer you the highest play through rate. Another essential thing which you should pay special attention to when it comes to bonuses is the available types the respective casino offers. You should be able to take advantage of a welcome bonus, regular bonuses, no deposit bonuses and preferably, some exclusive ones.

    Online Casino Promotions and Bonuses

    Security & Credibility

    In order to manage to get a trouble-free online gambling experience, the casino of your choice should take great responsibility for protecting its customers’ data. Most reputable online casinos employ state-of-the-art security systems and technologies which assure a high level of protection for its players’ sensitive information.

    They use a 128-bit SSL Data Encryption technology thanks to which your personal details and financial information will be protected all the time. You should be able to find out this valuable information on the website of the respective casino.

    Another thing that you should check is whether the online casino has a license and whether it is valid. In the United Kingdom, the regulatory gaming body that is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the gambling market is the UK Gambling Commission.

    However, if a particular casino operator wants to provide gaming services to players who are located outside the UK, it is required to obtain a license that applies to the respective region. In this sense, other licenses that are considered trustworthy are issued by the jurisdictions of Malta, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Alderney, Costa Rica and Antigua. If you notice that the casino of your choice has a seal of approval of any of these authorities, you can rest assured that it has undergone a verification process successfully and that its games are fair.

    Deposit & Withdrawal Options

    It is also essential to check in advance the available payment methods and currency options you have. It should be noted that some modern casinos use a new crypto-currency that is known as BitCoin. You should be able to choose from various options when it comes to making a deposit or withdrawing money so that you can use a payment solution that you already trust. Furthermore, nowadays there are many payment methods which allow you to transfer funds quickly and securely.

    You can fund your casino account within a few minutes and start playing instantly. Bear in mind that the available payment solutions also depend to a great extent on the country you reside in. Some of the most popular payment methods that are used by many players are Neteller, Entropay, Credit and Debit Cards, Trustly, Instadebit, Wire Transfer and others.

    Software Provider

    Another thing which is highly advisable to consider is the software provider or providers the online casino partners with. If the online casino cooperates with a leading software supplier, the chances that the games it offers will be excellent in terms of quality and diversity are very high. You will be able to enjoy spectacular graphics and visual effects which will further contribute to the pleasant online gambling experience you will get from playing online. Most of the leading software developers also offer exclusive variations which you can find at the casinos that partner with them.

    You should be able to play various versions of blackjack, roulette, video poker, baccarat and other exciting games so that you can try new games and diversify your gambling experience whenever you wish. Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Extreme Live Gaming, Amaya are some of the most popular software providers in the current gambling industry. If you bump into a casino that uses any of these suppliers, you can expect smooth gameplay, excellent sound effects and crisp graphics.

    Casino Software Providers Photo

    Customer Support

    One thing that every online casino should offer is reliable customer support that is available 24/7. In the best-case scenario, you should be able to get in touch with a customer support representative in several ways – via phone, email and live chat. Also, the contact details should be displayed on the casino website in a visible area where you can locate them in no time in case of any urgent matters.

    Since gambling is an activity that involves money, the chances that any questions will arise at some point during the game are quite high. To figure out how reliable the customer support truly is, you can try it yourself beforehand. If you get an instant and satisfactory response, then you know that you can rely on this online casino for help. Receiving assistance in a timely manner is something which shouldn’t be underestimated in any case, especially when it comes to online casinos.

    Supported Devices

    Last but not least, you should check whether the online casino of your choice is compatible with your smartphone or tablet. Most of the online casinos have a user-friendly mobile platform which supports some of the most popular mobile devices, including Android and iOS devices, Mac, Blueberry and others. You should be able to play instantly on your smartphone by simply accessing the casino website via your most preferred browser. Depending on the casino, you might also be able to download an application thanks to which you can keep updated on the current promotions it offers.

    FAQ

    Why is it important to choose a reputable online casino?

    The reason why it is essential to be able to evaluate correctly all aspects of a particular online casino is that your online gambling experience is determined to a huge extent by the website of your choice. What is more, the security of your financial information and personal details is also dependable on it. Therefore, choosing an online casino which is both reliable and reputable is a must if you want to get a seamless gambling experience from playing a casino game online.

    Why opt for an online casino instead of a land-based one?

    According to statistics, the online gambling industry is growing at a fast pace and the demand for various types of online games is on the rise. The reason why more and more players from all over the world choose to spend their spare time gambling online is that online casinos have a number of advantages which most land-based casino cannot beat. For instance, all casino websites offer a high level of convenience as you have the freedom to decide when, where and how to play your favourite casino games.

    It is no longer necessary to travel all the way to a land-based gambling venue in order to win a life-changing jackpot. The vast diversity and number of available online games enable players to find the ones that are in accordance with their interests, budget and gaming style. Moreover, thanks to the innovative live dealer games, it is possible to get a very realistic gambling experience, almost as if you were at an actual land-based casino.

    What are “rogue” casinos and how to avoid them?

    In the online gambling world, some online casinos are referred to as rogue ones, meaning that they are considered crooked and dishonest. These online casinos are commonly notorious for having dodgy practices such as offering unfair games, rejecting payments or altering the terms and conditions in their favour when needed. Some casino websites intentionally prevent players from withdrawing their winnings even when they have met all of the set requirements.

    Thus, before you choose an online casino, it is always best to take into account its licences, security systems and even, software providers. It is also highly advisable to read a review about the online casino of your choice in order to get a general idea of it. As weird as it may sound, researching can save you a lot of troubles and time which is the reason why it is a good idea to do it.
    How to determine whether a particular online casino is trustworthy?

    The first thing you need to do in order to determine whether a particular online casino is fair is to check its licence and most importantly, whether it is still valid. Another thing which you should take into account is the regulatory body which has issued the respective licence. For this purpose, it is best to get familiar with the most popular authorities in your country that are in charge of this task. For instance, if you see that a casino website is fully regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, you can consider it reliable.