Best Online Casinos in the United Kingdom
The online casino gambling industry has grown tremendously in the last few years. With each region’s number of players, games, and sites increasing. Casinos in the United Kingdom are growing in numbers and popularity.
Today you get to explore different types of UK Gambling bonuses and casinos in the UK. On this page, we look at all things gambling related within the United Kingdom. This includes an overview of the laws and regulations to a quick overview of the gambling history, different types of gambling options, and promotions players can enjoy.
UK Gambling Laws and Regulations
UK Gambling is regulated under the Gambling Act 2005, which has been implemented to simplify the process of gambling and create a safer gaming space for players online. With the laws in place to regulate the online gaming industry, players can enjoy licensed and regulated online gaming entertainment.
Before the Gambling Act 2005 was implemented, users had to wait 24 hours after registration before they could start playing at a site. With the 2005 Gambling Act, a lot has changed, including the benefit of being able to start playing your favorite games immediately.
With this legislation, casinos can be based within the UK or outside. Given the Taxes, there are more advantages to being in regions like Gibraltar. Casinos are licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. The latter is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) responsible for providing guidance and advice, the licensing, compliance, and enforcement of sites and research tasks. According to the regulations, all online gambling sites are required by the laws and regulations to be licensed and regulated. The legislation requires different or separate licensing for gambling software, lottery games, casino games, bingo, and betting.
History of Gambling in the UK
When it comes to gambling in the UK, you’ll find that there is an impressive history here. One that dates back all the way to the 1930s. The UK is one of the countries with the longest history in terms of gambling. The first UK lottery made its appearance in the 1930s, and from there, it was downhill for the rest. In the 1960s, there was an increase in the popularity of bingo halls, with sports betting shops following shortly in the 1970s. To this day, you will find that these venues remain popular despite the growth of online and mobile gaming.
While there were a few concerns regarding online gambling, new gambling laws were the solution to weed out unlawful gambling sites. Thus, the Gambling Act of 2005 was implemented. And with it came the establishment of the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) in 2007. This was the beginning of heavier regulation and safer gaming. Since the appearance of the gaming commission, there has been a continuous launch of new laws, with the priority being a safer betting experience for players.
The Gambling Act of 2005 added a higher tax rate for operators. While many operators sat offshore before, they didn’t have to pay this. The new rules, however, brought a change ensuring that anyone who wants to provide services to UK players would have to apply for a UK license which also means they need to pay the taxes.
Despite the taxes operators are expected to pay, visitors at sites are not expected to pay taxes on their winnings. Winnings are tax-free whether they are participating in lotteries, sports betting, or casino gaming. There is a constant influx of new laws and regulations aimed at creating a safer space for players, with responsible gaming currently the highest priority.
Types of Gambling in the UK
The UK Gambling industry brings you a wide range of gambling types you can take part in. Whether you’re new to gambling or curious about the different types of games, there is to explore. We’re here to tell you all about it.
Take a look at the different types of gambling options the gambling industry has to offer:
Online Casinos Gaming
There is no denying that with the constant technological improvements, online casino gambling has become one of the most popular forms of gambling. Today you’re able to enjoy different styles of games from home or on the go via your desktop, tablet, or mobile devices at the best online cases.
With Online Casino Gaming, you get to enjoy different types of gaming experiences, whether you’re looking for a straightforward or gamified betting experience. There are ample options for online slot players, including classic slots, video slots, megaways titles, and jackpot games. Table game players can take their pick from a wide range of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and other table game varieties. There’s also a live casino experience for those unable to travel, which makes it possible to feel that live casino experience with a real dealer and the game streamed in real time to your device.
Land-based Casinos
Online casinos may be gaining a lot of traction, but if there’s one thing that players still enjoy to this day, it’s the thrill of visiting the beautiful land-based casinos the UK has to offer. Each of the land-based establishments has a wide range of high-quality games, from slot machines to the best table games. You can enjoy the real casino feel within beautiful buildings, surrounded by friends and strangers. And when you’re ready to take a break, you can enjoy the other forms of entertainment the establishments have to offer.
Sports Betting
Another growing area of gambling, both online and offline, is sports betting. In the last couple of years, the sports betting industry has reached another level of popularity. With sportsbooks, you have the opportunity to bet on different types of sports, whether it’s the most popular sports or the less familiar sports. You can bet on leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC, or MMA. There are different types of bets which accommodate premade betting and live betting enthusiast. With live betting and live streaming technology provide players with an even more immersive betting experience. There are also often special occasion bets for less traditional bettors where you can bet on entertainment or politics. It’s quite exciting in the world of sports betting, with so many betting options to choose from.
Horse Racing
One of the oldest forms of betting in terms of sports betting is most definitely horse racing. Today there are various numbers of horse racing happening across the United Kingdom. Depending on your interest, you get to take part and bet on different races or all of them. You can place different bets, including betting on the winning horse. The prize money differs based on the best places.
Lottery
The lottery will always have a sweet spot within the UK gambling environment as it is where gambling entertainment started back in 1930. Today there are different types of lotteries and lottery games you can take part in both offline and online with the opportunity to get your hands on massive life-changing wins.
Online Poker
The poker scene has grown substantially over the years, with many opportunities to hone your craft and take part in exciting tournaments. It’s one of the most exciting types of casino games where you can put skill and strategy to the test whether you’re playing in a land-based or online casino. With the casino tournaments, there’s the opportunity to take on other players for massive payouts.
Esport
You can enjoy betting on your favorite Esports teams and leagues at the best online casinos. Whether it’s League of Legends, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, or Hearthstone. You can enjoy exciting bets with the best odds at the top sportsbooks. You may even find there are exciting or exclusive promotions to boost the betting experience. Some sites will have live streaming and live betting options too, which creates a more immersive betting experience.
Casino Bonuses in the UK
One thing all players look forward to is the different types of promotions and bonuses that accompany their gameplay.
We take a quick look at the different promotional offers you can expect to find at top UK Gambling Sites:
- Welcome Bonuses – this is an offer exclusively available to new players who sign up at the casino. The offer is usually a percentage bonus match.
- Reload Bonuses – This is a follow-up on the welcome bonus and adds a percentage bonus to your deposit. Thus, you need to make a deposit to claim the offer. It is not as high as the deposit bonus, but still rewarding.
- Free Spins – You may be awarded free spins, which can be anything from 15 to 200, depending on the casino. These spins can be on predetermined slots or on the whole slot collection. Always read the terms for more information. Wagering requirements apply.
- Loyalty Rewards – These are dedicated offers for the royal elite of the casino that sign up for the special loyalty rewards program. The more active you are, the better your loyalty rewards will be. It can be anything from cash prizes, bonus money to small gifts.
- Cashbacks – This is the type of offer where you get a percentage back from losses experienced over a certain time period. This can generally be about 10% to 20%.
- VIP Program – Sites will often have a tiered VIP program where you can deposit and play to increase your VIP rank. The higher you climb up the VIP ranks, the better your benefits will be, which includes access to better withdrawal rates, higher payout limits, and bigger promotions.
The promotions and bonuses at UK sites are heavily regulated and will have transparent terms and conditions. It is recommended to read the terms and conditions as these will stipulate the minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals. The maximum bonus and win amount. As well as the wage3ring requirements and the set time limits. It will also provide you with game limitations or other requirements.
Top UK Payment Methods for Gambling
As an online casino player, you want to know that you have access to the most secure payment methods, whether you’re making deposits or withdrawals. With strict regulations in place, UK casino operators make use of the most trusted payment methods.
Here is a quick look at the most popular payment methods used by players in and operators in the UK:
MasterCard
MasterCard is easily one of the most recognizable card payment options across the globe. It is used to process over 23 billion transactions every year. MasterCard offers debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards and is provided by top UK banks, including Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, NatWest, and Santander.
On top of that, Mastercard is supported by all the top online casinos and, more recently, launched the Master Pass eWallet for quicker digital payments.
Visa
Visa is a lot like MasterCard and is a name recognized across the globe. This electronic payment method offers debit cards, credit cards, and electronic payments. It works in partnership with main banks like First Direct, HSBC, M&S Bank, Nationwide Building Society, Tesco Bank, and Co-operative Bank. You can use Visa at all the top-rated online casinos for a secure deposit or withdrawal option.
PaySafeCard
This is a prepaid online payment method that you can use if you enjoy more control over your online spending. It’s a simple payment method that runs the same way as topping up your mobile device. You can buy the top-ups at your favorite retail outlets. The PaysafeCard vouchers come with a 16-digit code which you can use to pay for things like making deposits at the casino.
You get different-sized PaysafeCard vouchers ranging from 10 to 100 euros. You can then enter the 16-digit pin at the casino and add the funds to your casino.
Neteller
This is an e-wallet payment method. It is owned by the British Paysafe Group, although it originated in 1999 in Canada. The operations of the company moved to the Isle of Man in 2004 to carte to players in EU and UK markets. Neteller quickly became one of the most popular payment methods in online casinos. One of the benefits of this payment method is the VIP rankings which include discounts on withdrawals and transfer fees as well as lower currency conversion fees.
Skrill
Skrill, also more commonly known as Skrill Moneybookers, is another eWallet system that runs the same as Neteller. It was also acquired by the Paysafe Group in 2015. In the same year, Skrill acquired Ukash. Today it is one of the top eWallet services for many online businesses, including gambling sites across the UK. It comes with a tiered VIP service where you can receive free money for your Wallet and get access to a range of highly rewarding benefits.
Safer Gambling Tools
Responsible gambling is a main priority among online casinos today. UK Gambling Sites have various tools in place to help players remain in control of their gambling habits, including limiting tools and the option of self-exclusion.
While these tools assist in remaining in control, there are special organizations with experts trained to identify problem gambling and assist in recovery. Here are the different UK organizations you can contact:
BeGambleAware
This UK-based charity provides resources and information on gambling problems along with self-exclusion tools.
Telephone Number: 0808 8020 133
Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/
Big Deal
This company forms part of GamCare and offers support to young people providing help and information in relation to gambling.
Telephone Number: 0808 8020 133
Website: https://www.bigdeal.org.uk/
GamCare
GamCare is where you get information, counseling, and support on gambling problems. There is a 24/7 National Gambling Helpline and face-to-face counseling available.
Telephone Number: 0808 8020 133
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
Gamblers Anonymous
This is a local support group that assists in the 12-step recovery process for those with gambling addictions.
Telephone Number: tel:03300940322
Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
NHS Southern Gambling Service
A specialist service where you can get treatment for problem gambling.
Telephone Number: 02382 310000
Website: https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/gambling-service
UK Gambling FAQs
Is online gambling legal in the UK?
Yes, online gambling is legal and regulated in the United Kingdom. Almost all forms of gambling in the United Kingdom are legal if you are playing at a site that is licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
What types of games can I play legally in the UK?
The United Kingdom has regulations in place that legalize almost all forms of gambling forms for land-based and online gambling. This includes slot games, table games, sports betting, horse racing, and lotteries. All the best forms of online gambling entertainment are legal at UK gambling sites.
Can I play via my mobile device?
The top United Kingdom licensed online casinos are optimized for mobile gameplay to ensure players get access to the best games from at home or while on the move. You’ll get to load the sites easily via any iOS, Android, or mobile device.
What types of bonuses can I expect?
Online casinos regulated within the United Kingdom are a player’s paradise with a wide range of exciting bonuses and promotions. This includes everything from a welcome bonus to reload bonuses, loyalty rewards, deposit match bonuses, cashbacks, and so much more.
Do I pay Tax on my Uk Casino Winnings?
There are strict regulations in place for online casinos licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. This includes a requirement to pay annual taxes. Players, on the other hand, are not expected to pay taxes. You can declare your winnings, but there are no taxes on casino winnings at UK casinos.