Online Casinos UK - Ultimate Beginners Guide for 2024

This comprehensive guide includes everything that you need to know as a beginner about the intricacies of UK online casinos and we will delve deeper into the points mentioned below.

Each one will be explained in reassuring detail equipping you with the knowledge that you need to get started, but also feel comfortable doing so and as such, make sure there is an adequate amount of information available to you.

Below is a more detailed look into the key sections of Paybyphonebillcasino as we delve deeper into the mechanics of popular online casinos and how they work.

Online Casinos UK - Ultimate Beginners Guide for 2024

Best Online Casinos UK

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CASINOBONUSRATINGVISIT

1

MrQ Casino
MrQ Casino		 £20 Bingo Bonus & 30 Free Spins!

2

MrPlay
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3

JeffBet Casino
JeffBet Casino		 100% Welcome Bonus Up To £100 + 50 Free Spins On Rainbow Riches Megaways™

4

Queen Play
Queen Play		 Welcome Bonus 100 Spins + Up To £200Get 100 Spins

5

The Sun Vegas
The Sun Vegas		 Get 100% Bonus On Your First Deposit Bonus Upto £300

6

NetBet Casino
NetBet Casino		 £200 Welcome Bonus+ 10 FREE SPINS

7

All British Casino
All British Casino		 100% Bonus up to £100 + 10% Cashback Always

8

XL Casino
XL Casino		 100% Bonus Up To £50 + 100 FREE Spins

9

Fruity King Casino
Fruity King Casino		 100% UPTO £100+20 Free Spins on Book of Dead

10

Moon Games
Moon Games		 Deposit & Spin the Wheel to Win up to 500 Free Spins

11

PlayUK Casino
PlayUK Casino		 100% upto £/€ 100 + 100 free spins on Starburst

12

Conquer Casino
Conquer Casino		 100% Welcome Bonus up to £100 + 10 Free Spins on Starburst

13

Britain Play
Britain Play		 Welcome Bonus Worth Up to 500 Free Spins

14

Monster Casino
Monster Casino		 Up to £50050 Free Spins

15

Spinzwin Casino
Spinzwin Casino		 Up to £1000100 free spins

16

Vegas Paradise
Vegas Paradise		 WELCOME BONUS 100% UP TO £/$/€200

17

William Hill Casino
William Hill Casino		 Stake £10,Get 50 FS on Mining Pots of Gold

18

Wink Slots
Wink Slots		 100% up to £400 + 50 Extra Spins

Contents hide
1. Best Online Casinos UK
2. Opening a player account
3. Welcome Bonuses and Packages
4. Wagering requirements
5. Sorting out your banking
6. Depositing Funds
7. Withdrawing Funds
8. “Know Your Customer” Procedures and Related Documents
9. Playing casino games
10. Types of casino games
11. Slot games
12. Jackpot games
13. Different types of progressive jackpot games
14. Table games
15. Video poker games
16. Scratchcards
17. Other games
18. Live casino or live dealer games
19. Poker
20. Sports betting
21. Mobile casino games
22. Game providers
23. Licensing in the UK and how it works
24. Types of licenses issued by the gambling commission
25. How to weed out the good licenses from the bad
26. Casino & game platforms
27. White Labels
28. How online casinos detect any dishonest activity
29. Types of customer support available
30. Do’s and Don’ts

Craig HealyAuthor: Reviewed By: David Adams
Last updated: Mar 24, 2023

Opening a player account

If you are confident that you have found an online casino that looks appealing and you can see yourself being happy with it, the first thing that you need to do, is open an account.

Most online casinos will have an option in one of the top corners of the screen that says ‘Register’, where you can open an account.

This will typically involve filling in a number of fields such as your name and contact details, while some may prompt you for your bank details as a means of depositing or withdrawing.

Quite a lot of online casinos also ask you to provide age verification, which may involve you having to upload an acceptable form of photo identification such as your driving license or passport.

You will also need to create a username and password, though it is always worth making sure these are hard to guess. Once you have created this, your registration is almost complete. Check your email inbox, because most of the time, you will have to verify yo
ur account by opening up an email that you will be sent and then clicking on the link. This proves to the online casino’s technology that you are a human and not a computer bot.

Welcome Bonuses and Packages

Nearly every online casino offers welcome bonuses or packages for new players in various forms and our site is a great place to start to find some of the  best UK casino bonuses offered by the most reliable online casinos in the industry.

These can be very rewarding for new players, especially if they haven’t decided which online casino they want to sign up to yet. These come in a variety of forms.

Extra/Free Spins Bonus: These can be particularly advantageous because there is always a chance of winning at no cost at all. While the likelihood of this is minimal, if you get lucky with free spins, this can potentially work out better than some of the other welcome bonus, that give you a certain amount of money to wager for free.

Bonus money with no deposits: Known as ‘non-deposit bonuses’ because you don’t need to part with any money to play, these welcome bonuses give you a nominal amount of money to gamble with first so that you can get a feel for the online casino and its games first. These are great for beginners and those who aren’t sure which site they want to sign up to yet.

Deposit bonuses: These are welcome bonuses which require you to make a deposit first, before you are credited with usually considerably more funds to play with. It is always worth reading the terms and conditions to fully understand the ins and outs, as deposit bonuses can differ between online casinos.

Bonus codes: Some online casinos release bonus codes that allow you to enter when you register which unlocks additional bonuses on top of your chosen welcome bonus.

Welcome Bonuses and Packages 2024

Wagering requirements

Most bonuses come with wagering requirements attached to them, which means that you have to wager the deposit a selected number of times first before it is released as a payout, according to the terms and conditions. We offer a list of low wagering casinos in the UK for players interested.

This can vary from 10X to as much as 50X depending on the online casino site, so it is always worth making sure that you have a clear understanding of your selected bonus first. It is also worth noting that some bonuses don’t come with wagering requirements attached to them.

Sorting out your banking

A lot of online casinos offer a number of methods for players to withdraw and deposit their funds and ways to play. Below is a comprehensive list which goes into detail about the various payment methods that you can use at most online casinos.

Phone Bill: Playing at one of the many  pay by phone bill casinos is now a very popular option for UK players. This method has some limits attached to it but provides the added security of not having to hand over personal banking details.  Payforit casino deposits are among the most secure phone bill deposit method currently.

Playing with real money: Once you have become accustomed to the slots and games at your online casino of choice by playing the demo versions and you are confident that you know what you are doing, you can then play with real money by depositing into your account.

E-Wallets: These are essentially online payment merchants, which are effectively gateways that add an extra layer of security to your transactions. There have been a number that have been developed over the years all of which differ in features.  Paypal casino UK deposit option is among the most popular at the moment.

Credit & Debit cards: Still arguably the most popular method among online casino players, this just simply requires you to enter your card details when you register and when you want to deposit, you enter the amount, usually followed by your three digit security number.

Prepaid cards: These are effectively virtual cards that you can purchase online, which gives you a set amount of credit to play with. Most reputable online casinos & mobile slot sites offer players this option which is very safe and is also great if you have a budget in mind. To credit your online account, you will usually be prompted to enter in a 16 digit pin code.

Instant banking: Some online casinos offer you the chance to transact immediately via such banking tools like Citadel
banking. This communicates directly with your bank account to instruct the release of funds to your online casino account, striking a balance between smooth gameplay and security.

Mobile banking: Due to the vast number of people now enjoying online casino via a mobile method, it means that depositing and withdrawing funds with your phone is now a very viable option and even more effective if you have downloaded a banking app. Accessing  casinos with Boku & other payment processors is now easier than ever before.

Wire transfers: These are great if you are wanting to move a lump sum which can be arranged with some casinos. They will let you make a transfer from your bank to your online account without having to enter your card details through the website.

Welcome Bonuses and Packages

Depositing Funds

In most cases, depositing funds is a smooth and seamless process. Your funds are usually available immediately to start enjoying a wide selection of slots and games and this is the case regardless of which banking method you have chosen to use including when you  pay for casino games using phone credit.

Withdrawing Funds

The time in which it takes for funds to land back into your chosen payment account varies depending on which online casino that you are signed up to, so it is always worth reading through the terms and conditions. Generally it is no longer than 48 hours as a maximum, though it can be as little as one hour. For huge sums of money, this can sometimes take longer, if the compliance department decide to look into the manner of how it was won before releasing funds.

“Know Your Customer” Procedures and Related Documents

A lot of casinos now require considerable more information from customer as a means of security checks. This can mean that you have to upload a series of documents, such as anything related to proof of earnings and a bank statement to show that you have a consistent value of income on a regular basis. Also, legitimate photo identification is often required such as a valid driving license, passport or official identity card.

Playing casino games

There are a wide variety of casino games to enjoy on most best online casino sites, each one differing on a number of factors, from style, gameplay, difficulty and interactivity.

Types of casino games

Online casino games are often split into different categories based on their features. For example, there are slot games, table games, jackpot games, keno, bingo and an array of video slots.

Slot games

These are some of the most popular to play in casinos and there are literally hundreds to choose from. Each one is made by a reputable game developer, such as NetEnt or Microgaming, who are leaders in the industry.

Each slot game will differ in variables including functionality, design, objectives and gameplay, while they also come in a wide array of forms. These can include branded slots which refer to popular film franchises like Indiana Jones or popular casino classics such as Rainbow Riches. From three reel to five reel slots with varying paylines, you can be sure to find one that suits your preference. If slots is your game of choice, view our list of the best online slots UK to find you perfect gaming destination.

Jackpot games

Some games will feature under a jackpot, whereby a portion of every player’s stake is automatically entered into a big prize pool. These jackpots differ in purpose, with some having a particular time deadline attached to them, when they must be won by, while others have a capped amount fixed to them.

Different types of progressive jackpot games

As touched upon above, these are called jackpot games and there are usually three different types, with the most common ones being ‘must win mega jackpots’. These are generally six figures and they can literally be won on any spin at any stake (most minimum stakes are 5p to put this into context).

Another type is what is often referred to as the ‘cash booster’ jackpot, where there will be a numerical value limit attached to it that once hit, one lucky player will win. This tends to be in the low to mid four figures depending on the online casino.

The other major progressive jackpot is the ‘daily jackpot’, which ‘must drop’ by a certain time every day depending on the casino. This amount is usually between four and five figures.

Table games

At every site, you will find most of the major table games that you would see in the physical equivalent. From poker, roulette and blackjack, these are all available and sometimes in different styles and variations. For example, you may find a number of options for roulette, such as French, Canadian or American.

Video poker games

This has become quite popular over the last few years among players who prefer more of an interactive feel to the game providing more interactivity for you in your gameplay.

Scratchcards

These are almost similar to slots, due to the fact that you have to uncover a winning combination to be in with a chance of being guaranteed a win of varied amounts. Some operators offer these, so it is always worth reading the reviews first to make sure.

Other games

Online casinos are quite comprehensive in their offering and provide players with an ample amount of entertainment. This means that as well as the conventional slots and table games there are also others that you can enjoy. It is always worth spending time getting to know what is available first before you sign up.

Other games that most online sites feature, include keno which is similar to how a state lottery works, bingo (some bingo games differ in the amount of people that can play, which can also mean that the size of the prize funds change as well). Baccarat, which is actually the most popular casino game in the world, is also another which is available to enjoy as well.

Live casino or live dealer games.jpg

Live casino or live dealer games

For added excitement and more of a real casino experience a lot of operators now have live dealer games available. This means that you actually see the game you are playing unfolding in real time, with a dealer at the other end responding to your online commands. For some people, this brings more realism to the game which is sometimes preferred.

Poker

A lot of casinos feature many forms of poker. Although the main one is Texas Hold ‘Em, there is also the chance to play others such as Three Card Brag, Pai Gow Poker, Oasis Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker and Tequila Poker among others. There may also be the chance to enter poker tournaments with a guaranteed prize pool, which these often available daily.

Sports betting

While some casino sites are purely focused on casino games, some are part of big bookmakers which in most cases actually have sports betting as their main offering. This means that you can bet on virtually every sport or tournament, with hundreds of markets available.

One of the newest and most exciting is the Live or In Play betting, which allows you to stake money during the event and respond to what is happening, with the odds changing to reflect this.

Mobile casino games

With mobile being the main device for people to play online on, every game and slot developer has a ‘mobile first’ attitude to their product creation. As a result every slot and game as well as casino site is expertly optimised for mobile play, while there are some games which are only exclusively available to play via mobile.

Game providers

There are a number of highly reputable game providers which supply hundreds of games to a wide number of operators.

Some of the best in the industry include Playtech who were one of the first to take advantage of the internet bubble and have a longstanding and respectable history in the online gaming industry.

Giants such as NetEnt and Microgaming have also emerged over the last couple of decades, providing some of the best slot games on the market, while niche specialists such as Red Tiger Gaming are also highly thought of.

It is always worth checking before signing up to a casino site to get an understanding of its legitimacy. If they have games which are supplied by leading developers then this is usually a clue as to how trustworthy the operator is.

Licensing in the UK and how it works

Every online casino that is based in the UK has to be licensed by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission). This acts as a governing body for the industry and carries out regular and painstaking checks on every operator to ensure everything is right and proper.

The UKGC takes the protection of players very seriously and are constantly on the lookout for any operator who are seen to be exploiting players or doing anything illegal. Every online casino has to be regulated by the UKGC and this needs to be evident on their website, by way of the official logo. This can usually be found in the footer of most, which links to the official UKGC website.

Types of licenses issued by the gambling commission

There are a number of licenses that are issued by the gambling commission with UK online casinos often needing a considerable amount based on what they offer. For example, just having one license which covers everything isn’t seen as enough. This gives you an idea of how detailed the process is and how seriously the UKGC take gambling in the UK.

For example, if an operator offers both bingo and casino games, they will need two separate licenses, in addition to a standard operating license.

How to weed out the good licenses from the bad

Any licenses obtained from the UKGC are a strong indicator that the site which has this accreditation falls within the legislative requirements that all online casinos should adhere to.

As a way of paying less tax or any at all, some casinos will seek licenses from those country’s regulatory body, which may have loopholes consistent with an operator who are looking to avoid paying tax.

It is quite common for some reliable online casinos to have more than one license if they operate in more than one country. They could for example, be regulated by the UKGC and the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Generally though, be wary of any casinos that don’t feature the UKGC logo on their website.

Casino & game platforms

There are a number of casino and game platforms that are supplied to operators by reputable software developers who are well thought of in the industry. As well as supplying the slots and games, they will sometimes provide the infrastructure that the website operates from. Such developers include Foxium and RealTime Gaming.

White Labels

While this is quite rare, it does happen. This is where an established and prestigious online casino leases its infrastructure and framework to lesser known or new casinos and will either take a percentage of its profits or a lump sum every month. This casino will put its own brand over it and market it as its own.

It can be quite easy to tell if you see a white label, especially if you think you may have seen a similarly designed site elsewhere. It can be common for big companies to use the same template across some of its brands as well.

How online casinos detect any dishonest activity

Operators usually have dedicated teams which closely monitor player activity on every bit of gameplay to keep an eye out for suspicious actions. In the event of a big win, these teams will analyse how the sum was won and look for evidence of spurious betting or wagering patterns.

Also, mostly all online casinos have sophisticated technology designed to flag this kind of online behaviour, especially with more and more advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Types of customer support available

Most casinos offer comprehensive customer support. The most common includes the online chat function, which is both responsive and helpful, with highly trained representatives on the other end to assist with you enquiry.

There is often also an email option available which lets you send a detailed email if you have a bigger issue and in some cases, there is a callback option where you can fill in a form and enter your number for someone to call you back.

Do’s and Don’ts

The best thing to do if you are looking to register at a casino but you are just getting started, is spend time getting to know each one. Our dedicated reviews will tell you everything that you need to know. Also it is worth trying out some welcome offers, especially the non-deposit bonuses which will allow you to get a feel for each site. Another important thing is to understand wagering requirements when it comes to bonuses and if possible avoid bonuses that have these attached. Check the terms and conditions as a general rule.

What you shouldn’t do is simply jump in blind. Always make sure that you know how to play a particular slot or game first, otherwise you could be at risk of losing heavily. Most importantly is don’t gamble with funds that you cannot afford to lose. If you feel that you have a gambling problem, every reputable online casino has a page which is dedicated to providing help and what you should do. Don’t give your login details to anyone, because in most cases your payment details will be linked to the site for deposits and withdrawals.

Author

Craig Healy
Craig Healy
Editor-in-Chief

Craig Healy is the Editor-in-Chief at Paybyphonebillcasino. He has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, with a focus on creating content that is both informative and engaging.

He is a keen researcher and devotes his time to covering everything payments. In addition to his work at Paybyphonebillcasino, He also contributes articles for other publications such as Business Insider UK and Forbes Middle East, where he shares insights about the latest developments in the payments industry around the world.