How to Choose an Online Casino

Nowadays, a great number of players would rather play at an online casino than travel to a brick-and-mortar casino for various reasons. Online casinos are convenient, secure and offer the same wide range of exciting games. Time and location no longer limit you when it comes to gambling.

Thanks to online casinos, it is possible to play whenever and wherever you like, 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 only at reputable online casinos. It is crucial to choose the best online casino, as your gaming experience largely depends on it.

Determining which online casino is trustworthy and professional while also offering games that suit your personal preferences is crucial. However, this task might not be as easy as you think, especially considering that you are spoilt for choice; there are currently hundreds of online casinos available on the Internet. You can register at various online casinos, but make sure you open real-money accounts only at well-established ones. This way you will largely protect yourself from dishonest gambling operators that have no intention of paying out your winnings.

UKGC Responsibilities and Regulatory Enforcement

Licensing is indisputably the primary factor that should govern your decisions when choosing an online casino at which to play 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 2005, which mandates it with the following responsibilities.

• Granting operating licences to gambling companies that seek to legally transact with local customers
• Monitoring 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 licensing conditions and commit social-responsibility failings

• Divestment of revenue towards charitable organisations that provide support to problem gamblers and their families. This is on top of the annual financial contributions licensees are required to direct towards 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

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.

Important Things to Look for When Choosing an Online Casino

When choosing an online casino, many players, especially inexperienced ones, first check the games available at the casino and, if these match 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 must also be considered.

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

Available Promotions & Bonuses

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

However, not all of the available bonuses are beneficial for you. 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 to find out any additional requirements that may apply. Some bonuses can be used only on particular games, and sometimes they are valid for only a certain period. 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 consideration when it comes to bonuses is the range of types the casino offers. You should be able to take advantage of a welcome bonus, regular bonuses, no-deposit bonuses and, preferably, some exclusive ones.

Security & Credibility

To enjoy a trouble-free online gambling experience, the casino of your choice must take great responsibility for protecting its customers’ data. Most reputable online casinos employ state-of-the-art security systems and technologies that ensure a high level of protection for their players’ sensitive information.

They use 128-bit SSL data-encryption technology, thanks to which your personal details and financial information will be protected at all times. You should be able to find this valuable information on the website of the respective casino.

Another thing you should check is whether the online casino holds a licence and, importantly, whether it is valid. In the United Kingdom, the regulatory gaming body responsible for issuing licences and regulating the gambling market is the UK Gambling Commission.

However, if a particular casino operator wants to provide gaming services to players located outside the UK, it is required to obtain a licence that applies to the respective region. In this sense, other licences 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 bears the 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. It should be noted that some modern casinos use a cryptocurrency 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 you already trust. Furthermore, there are many payment methods nowadays that 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 in which you reside. Some of the most popular payment methods used by many players are Neteller, Entropay, credit and debit cards, Trustly, Instadebit, wire transfer and others.

Software Provider

Another factor that 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 are high that the games it offers will be excellent in terms of quality and diversity. You will be able to enjoy spectacular graphics and visual effects that will further enhance your gambling experience. Most 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, enabling you to try new titles and diversify your gambling experience whenever you wish. Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Extreme Live Gaming and Amaya are some of the most popular software providers in the current gambling industry. If you come across a casino that uses any of these suppliers, you can expect smooth gameplay, excellent sound effects and crisp graphics.

Customer Support

Every online casino should offer 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. The contact details should also be displayed on the casino website in a visible location, allowing you to find them quickly in case of any urgent matters.

Since gambling is an activity that involves money, the chances of questions arising at some point during play are quite high. To find out how reliable the customer support truly is, you can test it yourself beforehand. If you receive 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 that should never be underestimated, 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 online casinos have a user-friendly mobile platform that supports some of the most popular mobile devices, including Android and iOS devices, Mac, BlackBerry and others. You should be able to play instantly on your smartphone by simply accessing the casino website via your preferred browser. Depending on the casino, you might also be able to download an application that will keep you updated on the current promotions it offers.

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