Best Casinos
How We Review & Rate the Best Online Casino Sites
If you’ve been with us for a while then you already know that we make it our mission to bring you the very best online gambling experience possible. So, of course, we take the time to do our research thoroughly and only show you the best casino sites available on the market.
Before we create our list of online casinos we take each site through a process with super strict criteria and our experts deep dive to find out all important details about the gambling sites and show them to you.
Below you will find all the elements that we take into account when we make the most trusted online casino sites list.
Reputation & Sister Sites
Most new online casino sites nowadays don’t come from just established companies, they come from well-known brands that have been around for a while.
This means that when we check new sites, we will first look at any other sister sites to see what their reputation is and if they are well-liked. If the sister sites are great places to play your favourite games, with a spotless reputation, then this one too will most probably be worth it.
All complaints, security breaches, also awards for doing the best job, having enough liquidity to cover all winnings, and paying out on time and in full are things we assess.
Licenses & Security
Safety is a key element for us and we never compromise on this item – we check licenses and make sure that you are always well taken care of.
Each casino needs to have a license for each jurisdiction it offers its services to, as well as top-notch state-of-the-art SSL encryption to protect your data.
Fairness & Support
We also look for independent testing companies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs to make sure that the casino’s RNG (random number generator) is functioning perfectly and that no games are rigged, everything is always fair and advantageous to the player.
Furthermore, no matter what happens, you should have full support at all times so having a dedicated customer support team that’s on call 24/7 and ready to help you is crucial.
Mobile Experience
At this moment in time, most online casinos reviewed by us are mobile sites, meaning that you can access them for any device you want, from laptops and desktop systems to smartphones and tablets.
The experience should be seamless no matter what device you use, and you should have fun with no hassle.
Most websites have an instant-play format, so you can access them from a mobile device instantly, directly through your browser with no download required.
Some casinos also have dedicated mobile apps, for iOS and Android devices, which will provide you with fast login and a great time, every time.
Bonuses & VIP Program
Assuming you’re looking for the best online casino sites, you should know that the market is super competitive, which works to great and to the advantage of players. This happens because all gambling sites are trying to better themselves and surpass their competition to reach the top.
We expect the sites we promote to have the very best casino bonuses which will satisfy all tastes and needs – from no deposit bonuses all the way to hefty welcome bonuses and reload offers. They should have something for everyone, to improve their chances of winning and help them have a great time.
The VIP program is also important as it will reward existing customers for their loyalty and give them better bonuses, larger limits, and many more amazing perks.
Special offers, like mobile bonuses or deals for the holidays, are also a plus, the more varied their selection, the better.
Game Collection
The best online casino sites should have hundreds, even thousands of exceptional casino games. While numbers are really important, variety is even more important, and we expect gambling websites to have plenty of titles for every main game category.
An impressive selection of slots from the best software providers of the industry (NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play & more), the latest live dealer games, and all the most important table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, poker etc) are all a great addition.
Easy & Fast Sign-Up Process
Casino online sites (and casinos from other jurisdictions as well) have strict legal requirements when players sign up. They will verify the information provided by players t check that they are who they say they are and that they are of legal age (18+).
While verification is crucial and we encourage it, we also appreciate the process being super straightforward, you should go through it easily and very fast.
Payment Methods
Having several payment methods at your disposal is preferable as this means you can deposit and withdraw with your method of choice without having to create any new accounts.
There are some payment methods that are available at all online casinos sites, like debit cards and wire transfers, but the best ones also have:
- E-wallets – Skrill, Neteller, PayPal
- Pay by phone – via SMS or phone bill
- Prepaid cards – PaySafeCard
- Others – cryptocurrency, Boku.
Fast Withdrawals
Another key element aside from what banking methods you can use to withdraw your winnings is how fast you can do it. Sure, it’s amazing to be able to withdraw large sums with no extra costs, but you should also get the funds instantly or as soon as possible.
Methods like e-wallets and crypto, for example, will bring you your funds right away, in under 24 hours. All casinos that take fewer than 24 hours to perform the withdrawal are considered fast withdrawal sites and are your best bet.
Comparison to Other Brands
After we’ve performed this thorough analysis of all the casino has to offer, we will begin comparing brands against one another. We make this comparison constantly to also include new casino online sites and to see what has changed in the meantime.
We have over 1500 listed brands, out of which over 700 have a UKGC license and several more than accept UK players from offshore. On this page, we only list the very best online casino sites so that you can clearly see which ones fit all your preferences.
How to Play at Top Online Casinos
- First, you must check our online casinos list and pick the ones that seem to be a great fit.
SlotsCalendar Advice: We recommend that you also read our casino reviews to be able to see the full picture. You will need all the information you can get to make an informed decision. Our reviews are in-depth and complete so you know what to expect.
- After you’ve decided on a casino and checked out what it can offer you, use our links to reach the site.
- Once you’ve reached the website, sign up for an account.
- Complete all the necessary information and ensure that it’s correct and go through the verification process.
- Claim the signup or welcome bonus.
- Make your first deposit.
- Play all your favourite casino games.
- After you’ve won, request a withdrawal and get your funds right away.
- Repeat steps 5 to 8, as you please, deposit, get bonuses and play to your heart’s content.
KYC Requirements at Licensed Online Casino Sites
Before you make a deposit or a withdrawal, you will have to complete the KYC. KYC stands for Know Your Customer and is a requirement for all UKGC-licensed online casinos.
The check is performed to confirm your identity, but it also protects you from identity and cash theft, and protects minors from being exposed to gambling promotional materials.
The process is very easy and quick and it will allow the casino to provide its services to you. Since you are a new player you will have to give the website proof of identity and of address (with a form of ID and a utility bill).
There is no way around these checks when playing at a casino online real money site as they exist for your and the casino’s protection.
Gambler Profile
| Preferred device | Mobile |
| Region | England, Wales, Scotland |
| Favorite no deposit offer | 5 free |
| Favorite free spins incentive | 50 free spins |
| Casinos preferred | New online casino |
| Most used deposit method | PayPal |
| % bonus | 400% casino offers |
| Game | slots casino websites |
Based on our research and the statistics we’ve created, the average gambler is male (though women are just 10% behind) and around 45 to 54 years old. All age groups are represented and players being up to 90, although 35 to 64 is the biggest age group.
Mobile phones and tablets have become the most used device for gambling, and most players really love playing slots with the help of free bonuses or large deposit offers.
Casino Online Licensing & Legislation
Gambling at English online casinos and offline casinos is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) which is known as the most strict and fair authority worldwide. The UKGC acts on behalf of the Government for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the legislation put in place by the Gambling Act of 2005.
Online gambling is legal in the United Kingdom and independent operators from all over the world can apply for a license. All laws and regulations are very clear and players are completely safe when gambling at online casinos licensed by the UKGC.
All casino sites must have full licensing, ideally by the UK Gambling Commission. We only list casinos that have a full license, either from the UKGC or from other respected regulators, like Malta Gaming Authority for example, if we can verify and prove that they are 100% safe.
History of UK Gambling
- Gambling has existed in this area since the Middle Ages. The first gambling activities of British ancestors were horse racing and dice games. The first records are from 1190 when only noblemen were able to gamble.
- In 1694 the first lottery already existed but it was sanctioned as new religious influences thought that gambling was immoral.
- Gambling continued to operate illegally until the 19th century
- The Gaming and Betting Act of 1845 and the one of 1853 banned most forms of gambling
- In 1960 the situation started improving and new legislation appeared and casinos were legal for the first time.
- In 2005, gambling was already a huge market and that’s why the UK Gambling Commission was formed and the Gambling Act of 2005 legalised all gambling and regulated the industry.
How Brexit Affects Online Casinos
After several years of negotiations and political agendas, in 2016 the UK decided to leave the European Union (EU). This full change took place on the 31st of January 2020, and it is known as Brexit. Every single industry in the UK was affected in some way by this decision, some positively, others negatively.
Luckily, online gambling wasn’t centrally regulated by the EU so there is no huge impact on gambling after the split, as all companies who wish to offer gambling services are still operating in the UK with a license obtained from the UKGC.
SlotsCalendar Advice: There are many casino online operators that provide their services to UK players using a Gibraltar license. Gibraltar is a part of UK, which means they can also operate with UKGC backing and don’t require any special transition post-Brexit.
Consequently, at this moment, there is no real change and Brexit has no effect on players or operators. Assuming that the EU will impose harsher regulations on gambling, this will not affect the British market at all, or European players might migrate to the best online casino sites thus boosting the UK economy further.
Gambling Tax at Casino Sites
Online and offline gambling creates a lot of revenue for the United Kingdom, through regulation and taxation. Casinos and sportsbooks share a percentage of the profits with the government, and the best part is that taxes fall solely on operators. UK players don’t have to pay any taxes on winnings when they play at licensed casino online sites.
Deposit and Withdrawals at Casinos Online
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Time | Frequency of Use | Partnered casinos listed on our website |
| PayPal | < 1 day | often | 744+ |
| Boku | < 1 day | sometimes | 700+ |
| Pay By Phone | < 1 day | often | 100+ |
| Paysafecard | < 1 day | often | 600+ |
| Neteller | < 1 day | often | 1100+ |
| Debit Cards | 3 – 5 working days | very often | 900+ |
Depending on what your priority is, you should pick either the methods that offer you the option of making the smallest deposits or the ones that allow you to withdraw winnings as soon as possible.
You may choose minimum deposit casinos or the best payout online casino sites and fastest, and sometimes even one that fits both criteria.
Top 10 Game Providers for Casino Sites
| Software Provider | Year of Establishment | Number of Games | Partnered casinos listed on our website |
| Microgaming | 1994 | 400+ | 860+ |
| Netent | 1996 | 200+ | 1030+ |
| Evolution | 2006 | 700+ | 570+ |
| Playtech | 1999 | 100+ | 225+ |
| Quickspin | 2011 | 90+ | 625+ |
| Pragmatic Play | 2015 | 250+ | 750+ |
| Thunderkick | 2012 | 60+ | 520+ |
| Endorphina | 2012 | 95+ | 355+ |
| Big Time Gaming | 2011 | 50+ | 525+ |
| Yggdrasil | 2012 | 230+ | 580+ |
There are hundreds of other software providers, both well-known brands that have been around for a long time and newly established studios, and each of them has something interesting and unique to offer.
The top three software providers that we here at SlotsCalendar have the largest numbers of free games in play for fun mode are NetEnt, Microgaming and Pragmatic Play.
Most providers in this top are better known for their slot games even though they have other types of games as well, except for Evolution which focuses on live dealer games.
British players don’t just have a long list of the most trusted casino online sites at their disposal, but they also don’t lack choices when it comes to the array of software providers who make games specifically for this jurisdiction.
The United Kingdom has a legal market, highly regulated, with safe online casinos, top software providers, independent companies that test games for fairness and every part of the gambling industry which you need access to if you wish to have the perfect casino experience with no issues.
All the titans of this industry that British players really appreciate are available. At safe online casinos, you can try any type of casino game from hundreds of other software providers.
Most Wanted Slots Games at Online Casinos
Bingo and lotteries have been available and super popular at British casinos since the 60s. British players are also into sports betting (particularly on football), and, of course, slots of all kinds (including huge progressive jackpots like the Mega Moolah, for example).
British players also like playing at legit online casinos with all types of table games like roulette, poker, baccarat or blackjack. They are also avid players of live dealer versions of table games.
The most popular slots at the moment at casino online sites are these three:
- Starburst – A popular title from Netent, Starburst takes you on an intergalactic journey where you will find countless gems you must combine to get prizes. The slot game has a lucrative respin bonus feature and is the most often used game for epic no deposit bonuses.
- Gonzo’s Quest – another title from NetEnt, this one is an adventure slot which focuses on the Spanish adventurer Gonzo in his quest to find El Dorado, the lost city of gold. Of course, you have several bonus features at your disposal to help you and him on this journey.
- Age of the Gods – A Playtech classic which has spun several sequels, Age of the Gods is a greek mythology-themed slot with an insane number of free spins bonus rounds.
Tips & Tricks for Gambling at the Best Casinos Online
- Be safe – always choose reputable online casinos sites that have a license and are regulated. Pick from our extensive list where we only recommend legal, trustworthy casinos.
- Use bonuses to your advantage – no deposit bonuses, free spins, welcome bonuses, VIP promotions etc they will improve your chances of winning.
- Pick low wagering bonuses – You should pay attention to the terms and conditions of bonuses and pick the ones that have no wagering requirements or at least low wagering.
- Create several accounts – we don’t mean for the same casino, we mean for several websites, each with its own perks, so you may profit off of more bonuses and deals.
- Bookmark & subscribe – bookmark this page or subscribe to our newsletter to always see the newest and best online casino sites as well as the latest exclusive promotions.
- Do your research – read our blog to see how to become a better player and get tips on how to play different games, which promotions will help you the most and more.
- Play smart – pick games with high RTP and low or medium volatility to have better chances of getting an overall profit, choose good online casino sites that payout, read the terms and conditions and be responsible.
Play Safe at Casino Sites
Finding the best casino is no easy task. And it’s ultimately your job to find the best casino site that fits all your needs. We can give you endless lists of the best online casino sites, but it’s up to you to pick the ones that really resonate with you.
Keep an eye on our website as we add new reviews every single day. Subscribe to SlotsCalendar and we’ll even send you newsletters with the best offers (mostly no deposit free spins) and, this way, you will be able to test different gambling sites.
Practice responsible gambling always and never skip reading the terms and conditions. All safe online casino sites care about your safety and will have several responsible gambling measures in place.
This means that you will have tools at your disposal (self-exclusion, time outs, reality checks, betting limits etc) that will allow you to take control and make sure you don’t have an issue.
If you feel like it might be slipping away, you can get help right away from specialised professionals who will assist you in every way to get your life back on track.
Play for fun and not for profit and always pay attention to what’s going on. Pick only the best online casino sites that fit all your needs, play responsibly and enjoy yourself.