Are online casino sites legal in the UK?

Yes, they are. The Gambling Act 2005 introduced the need for UK casinos to hold a United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence to operate. Therefore, all casinos that hold a UKGC licence are able to provide gambling services to players in the UK. The licence is notoriously difficult to achieve, and retain due to its strict rules. This is great for player safety.

What is the best and safest gambling site?

At Gambling Zone we put all the online casinos we test through their paces. We look for secure payment methods, licences, software providers and much more. This way we are able to give an in-depth analysis of every site we test. As such, you can play on any of our recommended sites with peace of mind as they are tried and tested and certified safe.

Which are the best online casino sites?

The best casino sites in the UK will hold a UK licence, offer a wide range of games, deposit methods and of course provide a generous bonus. There are several other factors we consider but you can be sure that our top-rated online casinos are the best in the industry.

Can you win real money at online casino sites?

Yes. When you play for real money at a legit online casino, you can win cash. We would say if you’re playing with bonus funds check the terms of the promotion. Chances are that there will be wagering conditions that need to be met before you can withdraw money.

Can I use PayPal to deposit at an online casino site?

Yes. PayPal is growing in popularity in online gambling with more and more casinos adding this as an option. It provides safe and efficient transfers and is a payment method we highly recommend.

Can I play online casinos on my mobile?

Most online casinos offer a mobile gaming option to players. This can either be a downloadable app, or a mobile web version. In our experience, both provide smooth gameplay.

Do I have to pay taxes on winnings from a casino site?

No. Winnings from gambling are not subject to taxation in the UK. Therefore, the winnings you land are yours to keep.

About Us

Best Online Casino Sites

Gambling Zone is the premier go-to hub for the highest-rated online casino sites in the industry. Our team is passionate about introducing you to the best real money online casinos. Read on to discover our expert's top picks for UK online casinos.

Best UK Casino Sites in 2024

Here is the Gambling Zone list of the best UK casino sites. New casinos are added regularly. All recommended casinos are licensed and safe.

Editor's Choice

Genting Casino

9.4 / 10

100% Bonus up to £50

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: £10, max. Bonus £50. WR of 30x Deposit Plus Bonus amount (Slots count 100% and any other game 10%) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the Bonus amount or £5 (lowest amount applies).Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Bonuses do not prevent withdrawing deposit balance. First Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.

Mega Casino

8.9 / 10

Get a Welcome Offer of
100% Up to £50

CLAIM OFFER

Spin Genie

9.3 / 10

108 Free Spins

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: £10. Game: Thor, Spin Value: £0.10. WR 60x free spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the free spin winnings amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used before using deposited funds. Bonuses do not prevent withdrawing deposit balance. Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.

Play Jango Casino

8.6 / 10

100% up to £25
+ 25 Spins on Book of Dead

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Max. Bonus £25. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 25. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: £0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.

Grosvenor Casino

9.1 / 10

Deposit £20
Play with £50

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New Customers Only. Min deposit £20 (Excl Paypal). Max Bonus £30, Bonus Amount Non-withdrawable, Playable on selected games only. 30X wagering For £30 Bonus. Expires within 30 Days. Max Win £2,000. T&Cs apply.

All British Casino

8.8 / 10

100% up to £100
+ 10% Cashback

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only, min deposit £20, wagering 35x, max bet £5 with bonus funds. Max bonus is 100% up to £100. No max cash out on deposit offers. Welcome bonus excluded for players depositing with Skrill or Neteller. Cashback is cash with no restriction. Full T&Cs apply.

PlayOJO

9.0 / 10

50 Wager Free spins

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 50 Free Spins on Book of Dead. Spin Value: £0.10. After your first deposit you may claim your 30 Extra Free Spins by visiting the Kicker Section. The Prize Twister awards a random prize of either cash or free spins. For Free Spins the general free spins terms apply. No min withdrawal. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario.

SpinShake

8.5 / 10

100% up to £50
+ 25 Spins

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New players only. Min deposit £20. 40x wagering applies to match up bonus. Offer valid for 24 hours. 25 Spins on Starburst - 40x wagering applies to Spins.

Swift Casino

8.7 / 10

100% Bonus up to £50
+ 50 Free Spins

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Max. Bonus £50. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 50. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: £0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Bonuses do not prevent withdrawing deposit balance. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies. Full Terms apply.

Pub Casino

8.8 / 10

Get 100% up to £100
Welcome Offer

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. Welcome bonus for new players only. Max bonus is 100% up to £100. Min. deposit £10. No max cash out. Wagering is 40x bonus. Max bet with an active bonus is £5. Skrill & Neteller deposits excluded for welcome bonus. Cashback when offered, applies to deposits where no bonus is included. Cashback is cash with no restrictions. Full T&Cs apply.

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How We Choose The Best Casino Sites

In today's highly competitive online casino industry, it can be hard to discern which sites are worth your time and money. As such, we are here with some practical advice on how best to select an online casino that offers a trustworthy platform along with top bonuses and exciting games.

At Gambling Zone we only review sites that hold a licence with the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Therefore you can trust they are legit. In this section, we cover the key factors that we take into consideration and explain why they matter.

Live Casino Games

Live Casino games are a great way to experience the thrill of playing at an online casino while also having a more realistic and interactive experience. We assess the selection of live dealer games available which includes classic table games such as online blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker. We will look for anything that makes a casino stand out. Some sites provide regular live casino tournaments, or additional game variations.

Variety of Bonuses

We deep dive into the promotions page of every casino we review to see which offers are available. The welcome offer is usually the most generous and the best casinos provide deposit matches with free spins. We also look for cashback bonuses or other promotions for existing players. We consider the value of a bonus to be a combination of the amount on offer, combined with the terms.

Number of Online Slots

The best online casinos showcase slots from classic three-reel options to modern five-reel videos with unique themes and features. We look at the number of slot games on offer, with many sites in the UK going into the thousands. All players should have the opportunity to find the perfect game that satisfies their playing style and budget. Many sites offer jackpot slots and progressive jackpots. These offer the opportunity to win big, for a relatively small stake. In our casino reviews, we highlight what types of slots are available.

Security Features

Beyond a gaming licence, we also check the site is secure. Casino sites need to pass rigorous audits in order to achieve a licence. SSL encryption ensures that your sensitive data remains safe. The best online casinos use state-of-the-art 256-bit encryption, while 128-bit encryption is also considered safe. You can check what a site offers by looking for the padlock symbol in the URL of any web page. We also look for third-party certificates such as eCOGRA. These are third party independent audits that test their RNG (Random Number Generator) games.

User-Experience

This is such an important part of the overall experience. How does the site look, feel and perform? If a site looks slick, modern and fresh, we are more likely to register and play. It is also important to consider how easy it is to navigate. Areas such as bonuses, games, and customer support should be readily available in a few clicks or swipes. Our reviews contain details on how well the site is signposted, what we made of the game filters and if there are any stand-out features that we really enjoyed.

Registration Process

Registering at an online casino should be a simple and straightforward process. First, you need to select your favourite site. Once you have done this, it is time to create an account. The registration form usually consists of basic information such as name and contact details. If a site asks for banking details, it is a red flag as it is not required during registration. It is important to note that many of the details that the casino site needs to collect are part of the stringent requirements laid down by the UKGC.

Licences

In the UK, all online casinos must hold a licence with the UKGC. The UKGC holds significant authority and power which allows them to levy fines or revoke licences in the case of fraudulent practices. Gambling Zone only promotes fully licensed sites. Our recommended sites are legit and you can play with peace of mind. Having more than one licence is normally viewed as an added bonus. This implies that the operator enjoys trustworthiness across multiple markets. We look for licences issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and AGCO, Ontario - both are highly respected.

Selection of Casino Games Software Providers

Regarding slots and live casino games, it is essential to know that you are playing with the best game providers. Popular gaming providers include Playtech, Global Games, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Red Tiger, and Play’N Go. These are widely respected in the industry for their top-notch graphics and reliable gameplay. Lesser-known ‘copycat’ game providers do not always measure up when it comes to quality standards. It is best to choose an online casino powered by established gaming developers in order to ensure fair play and secure transactions.

Mobile Casino

At Gambling Zone we provide reviews and listings of the best casino apps in the UK. We look at factors such as user interface design, game library selection, customer support, and more. Therefore, you know exactly what kind of service each app offers before downloading it onto your device. Not all online casinos provide a native version, with some opting for an optimised mobile web page. These are usually just as good as the dedicated app. You will find a mobile section in all of our casino reviews.

Payment Options at UK Online Casinos

The best online casinos in the UK offer a range of payment methods, whether you prefer to make deposits and withdrawals using traditional banks or e-wallets. One of the most popular banking options used in the UK is PayPal, a secure, fast and convenient way to make online transactions. Because of that, we rate PayPal highly and look for it when reviewing sites. As of April 2020, credit cards are no longer legally accepted at UK casinos. This extends to funding your PayPal with a credit card.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gaming is an important aspect of any online casino. Gambling should be enjoyed responsibly in order to reduce the risk of problem gambling and potential losses. The best online casinos have clear policies on responsible gaming and feature helpful resources such as limiting tools, self-assessment tests, and links to services if anyone needs assistance. It is a legal requirement for casinos in the UK to offer these tools, but some sites go above and beyond.

Loyalty Programs and Rewards

Loyalty programs are an integral part of online casinos as they reward players for ongoing gameplay. These programs come in a variety of forms which can be bonus points, cashback or exclusive promotions. Some casinos provide a detailed ‘tiered’ system where you progress through levels to bigger and better rewards. These types of programs are becoming rare in the UK. We mostly see weekly rewards, such as cashback on losses.

Customer Support Channels

Customer support is the voice of the casino for players so we appreciate friendly and knowledgeable agents. Top online casinos provide a variety of support options, ranging from live chat to telephone and email. 24/7 live chat is our preferred option, as it allows players to access instant assistance without waiting for a response. Telephone support is also useful when you need more detailed advice or assistance. Finally, email customer service options allow you to send in queries and receive comprehensive responses. Many sites in the UK will provide support in different languages.

Best Casino Bonus Sites

With hundreds of casino bonuses in the UK all vying for your attention, picking out the best one can be a challenge. Our recommended list offers access to the top online casino offers. Browse through our casino bonuses and familiarise yourself with the terms so that you get the most value out of a promotion.

Besides providing you with access to these bonuses, we will also explain what each bonus is so that you can easily identify the one best suited to your needs. Plus, we will demonstrate real-life examples of how they work and ways in which they can be claimed are included in our reviews as well. Bonuses are more complex than they might seem, but our experts will guide you in the reviews to help you pick the best bonus for you.