UK Online Casinos

How to Choose the Right UK Online Casino

There are many factors to take into account when it comes to choosing the best UK online casino. It is easy to get distracted by a large bonus offer or flashy animations and make the wrong decision. When players do pick the wrong online casino they end up costing themselves money because they are missing out on better promotions, rewards and games at a better site. Of course, promotions aren’t the primary consideration when it comes to picking the best online casinos. When creating his list of the best British online casinos, the Casino Gorilla took into account factors like licensing, game selection, payment methods, customer service and of course the safety of the site. We will go through these factors in a little more detail below.

Benefits of UK Regulated Casinos

As mentioned above, the UK Gambling Commission is one of the strongest regulators in the world of online casinos. This means that players on UK licensed online casinos know that they are playing in a safe and secure gaming environment. UK regulated casinos must use the latest encrypted software to ensure that transactions and personal information remain secured. All games on these casinos must pay out fairly and as displayed. The UK license is a prized one, so the online casinos are incentivized to do everything they can to hold onto them. It is not worth it for the casino to engage in improper conduct as the cost of losing the license would outweigh any short-term benefits.

Players on UK licensed online casinos know that they are playing in a safe and secure gaming environment.

The UKGC is very proactive when it comes to customer complaints about an online casino. This means that should a player go to the regulator with a complaint they can be sure that this complaint will be investigated and followed up. Weaker regulators do not offer this level of protection to the customer, which is one big advantage of playing at a UK regulated online casino. The gambling commission can impose heavy fines upon its license-holders for breaching its rules and can remove the license for repeated violations or major offences.

Online Gambling Regulations in the UK

The United Kingdom is one of the most strictly regulated countries in the world when it comes to gambling. This is a good thing for players, as it means they are fully protected from any kind of scammy or illicit operators. As discussed above, the UK Gambling Commission does not take its responsibilities lightly and will impose heavy fines or even remove licenses from any operators which do not maintain the highest of standards.

The Gambling Act of 2005 confirmed that online gambling is perfectly legal in the UK, subject to the strict licensing conditions imposed by the UKGC. Among other things, this Act states that:

• Gambling must be conducted in a fair and open way
• Gambling should never become a source of disorder
• Children and vulnerable members of society must not be harmed or exploited by gambling
• UK players over the age of 18 are entitled to gamble online without any problems, subject to the above conditions being met

Most importantly, when it comes to registering with a new online casino, UK players should check the bottom of the page to ensure the site holds a UK gaming license. If that license is not there, you should search for a different online casino.

Top Qualities of the Best UK Online Casinos

The Casino Gorilla is one demanding primate when it comes to finding the best online casinos. He refuses to accept lax standards or mediocracy and has researched hundreds of online casinos in his search to find the best of the best. That’s why you know you can trust our list of the best UK online casinos as nobody else can match the level of insight into what goes into making the best casinos. So what exactly is the Casino Gorilla looking for from his ideal betting site?

1. Security is a primary concern, and the big guy won’t even consider recommending a UK site which does not have a valid UKGC license.
2. After that is confirmed, he starts looking into the other factors which separate the best from the rest. These qualities include a good selection of high-quality games offering a varied gaming experience.
3. A good welcome bonus is a plus, especially when it is complemented by rewarding ongoing promotions and a loyalty plan that everyone can join.
4. Professional and polite customer support staff help to enhance a casino’s reputation, especially when they are easy to contact and respond quickly.
5. And of course a good range of payment methods is a must, as are speedy and hassle-free withdrawals.
6. All of these ingredients combine to make the best online casinos for UK players.

Types of Games on Offer at UK Casinos

Players at UK online casinos can expect to enjoy a large range of the best real money games available. That means the latest video slots, the largest jackpot games, video poker titles, live casino games as well as traditional table games powered by random number generated software. Certain game providers are restricted in operating in some territories, but the UK consumer is lucky enough to have a very wide range of gaming options.

Live dealer casinos have been a particular favourite with British players over the past few years. This is because they offer the easy access of online gaming with the real-feel of authentic casino action via the live stream of professional croupiers. Slot machines have been a fixture in British pubs and clubs for years, and they are a big hit with UK players online as well. Of course all players are attracted by the thoughts of hitting it big, which is why monster jackpot slots like Mega Fortune and Mega Moolah are always popular. More experienced gamblers will know that games like blackjack, baccarat and video poker offer the best value, even if they are sometimes left in the shade next to the flashier video slot games.

All in all, UK players really are spoiled for choice when it comes to casino gaming.

Mobile Casinos for UK Players

Most UK players access casinos using their phones these days, and games are designed to be perfectly adapted to the smaller screen without losing any of their impact. Whether you prefer video slots or video poker, you will be able to enjoy a large range of games on your smartphone or tablet as well as via a desktop device.

Smartphone use around the world has grown exponentially over the past number of years. Online casino developers have adapted accordingly, and now casinos and games are designed first for mobile play and then desktop rather than the other way around. While mobile versions of casinos do not offer the same quantity of games as on desktop, casinos are finding ways to add more and more gaming options to the mobile versions of their sites. Certainly, players will have access to a good selection of the most popular games to be found on the desktop version of the casino, with potentially hundreds of mobile games to choose from.

Help for Gambling Problems

The Casino Gorilla is all about the fun and enjoyment of playing at online casinos. If it stops being fun then it’s time to stop. If you believe that you or a loved one may have an issue with problem gambling then be sure to look out for some of the following signs:

• Chasing losses rather than sticking to a budget
• Lying or covering up the extent of their gambling
• Gambling with money that they cannot afford to lose or gambling out of need rather than for fun
• Giving up other hobbies and interests and replacing them with gambling
• Getting into arguments because of gambling
• Steals or borrows money to use for gambling
• Becomes withdrawn or anxious

If you are concerned that you or a friend or family member may have a problem, then you should take the time to contact a professional. All of these organisations exist to help gamblers in the UK and will offer advice in assistance plus the guarantee of confidentiality:

• Gamble Aware
• GamCare
• Gamblers Anonymous
• NHS Gambling Addiction
• UK Gambling Commission