Why is an online casino comparison so important?
Those new to the world of online casinos, making sense of competitive sign-up perks and welcome deposit bonus offers can be confusing. With so much choice, it pays to do some homework about an online casino and their key offerings.
Many top online casinos engage and entice new players with lucrative sign-up bonuses, welcome offer bonuses and free spins to beat off the competition. However, beyond these initial perks, the long-term value of playing with certain online casinos is questionable.
Players need to know that an online casino site is reputable and has a good standing. Both, in the industry and with consumers, along with a good track record of smooth payment and release of funds.
For professional players and high rollers, ensuring a steady stream of withdrawals is essential. Thereby, ensuring an online casino site can provide this support is pivotal before commencing play.
With more and more online casinos appearing, it is easy for an unsuspecting player to walk into a scam or part with hard-earned cash for little in return.
The best casino comparisons spotlight the top online casinos and rule out less legitimate sites altogether. With new UK casino sites launching every day, it is important to keep on top of ever-changing online casino comparisons if you are a serious player looking to commit to regular deposits.
Important Criteria of an Online Casino – What to Compare?
So what attributes should you take into consideration when choosing an online casino? To assist you we have compiled some pointers below.
Importance of casino software providers
Picking an online casino site that offers online casino games supported by the right software providers is pivotal for ensuring a better playing experience.
Currently, 888 Casino and Mr Green are among the biggest online casinos with online casino games and live casino by the most popular software providers such as Playtech and Microgaming.
Dedicated play software should be available to download to a desktop device. Thus, giving players refined graphics, sound and performance for a better gaming experience, every time.
Considerations include:
- Whether the stream will function well with your internet connection speed
- Whether the software is compatible with your preferred device and browser
- Audio and video quality
- Whether the software provides a free play option
- Usability
Mobile Platform and Apps
Those who prefer to pick up and play anywhere are best served by an online casino with their own dedicated gaming platforms. Allowing for cross-platform play from desktops, tablets and smartphones. The biggest online casinos can host thousands of casino games and live casino games, often supported by different brands of gaming software providers. Also, opting for a site that supports playback on a preferred device is also essential. For convenience, every fan of gaming should consider installing an App to be at par with the advancement in the global online casino trends. The app is a useful asset for spending leisure time in the absence of buddies.
- The automated online casino is fast and safe.
- The gadgetry utilised such as iPhones display high-quality live streams.
- Apps are ready for downloading, installing and customising.
- Connection to real money transfer systems to perform financial transactions efficiently.
- New gaming products are continually being unveiled targeting mobile users.
- Some of the casino games at the online casino don’t feature in the mobile apps
- Buffering.
Reputable Software Providers
Reputable software developers conduct their own frequent checks on those using their software. Thus, preventing the misuse of its software for unfair gains. Currently, among the best and most reputable software developers are:
- Microgaming
- Playtech
- NetEnt
- IGT
- Play’n GO
- Yggdrasil Gaming
- Novomatic
Game Selection
Some players are happy to stick to the classics. For these players, it is important to ensure the online casino provides a solid collection of traditional online casino games. A simple but good quality range of casino games is more than sufficient for such players. And an online casino that takes a focused approach to the slot games and table games it provides is well-placed to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience.
For other players, variety is key to their enjoyment, and they will want to look for an online casino that provides a broader range of casino games (slot games and table games) and live casino games. If game diversity is important to you, check out how many different casino games are available. Many will have all the classics plus a variety of unique variations and niche casino games. And these are the types of casino’s you will want to look out for.
Another point depends on the type of casino games you wish to play. For example, if you are a slot games enthusiast you will want a vast selection of slots. Therefore, look for a specialised slots online casino such as Spintastic.
Availability of Live Dealer Games
Live casino games are available at web-based casinos where multiple players join live casino games with a real dealer working over webcam. There are many potential advantages to the live casino system. Such as better odds compared to casino games with computer dealers. And, to the increased satisfaction many players feel knowing they are playing alongside other humans. More and more online casinos are offering live casino games and services, and a wider range of live casino games are becoming available as a result.
RTP of the Games
RTP stands for Return To Player and is a percentage of stakes a casino game returns to its players. This percentage is generally taken from over a million plays of a game and is a good guide on how a game performs. For example, for table games with an RTP of 97% a player will expect a return of £0.97 to the playing of £1. However, remember this will be over many plays on the game. And does not relate to every series of plays returning this percentage.
Regulatory bodies will check that games perform to their stated RTP. Thus ensuring the games are fair and no manipulation by the casinos have occurred. Therefore, the RTP is a good guide to a reputability of a UK casino.
Players need to understand that awards are random and that their individual return will equate to the RTP.
Games of chance do not compensate. Hence if you are on a losing streak don’t expect a series of wins. The outcome of a single bet does not affect any other bets.
Other points to note is that games differ slightly with characteristics and features. Therefore, behave and play differently.
Why so important?
The RTP is important as helps players see if the casino game is worth playing. Surely you would prefer to play online a casino game where you have better odds of winning than other games.
Like the house edge, the RTP will not predict the outcome of your game but does show up what you are up against. Whilst also being a good indicator of whether the online casino is operating fairly.
Compare Casino Bonuses
Snagging a lucrative welcome bonus can help players get off on the right foot. By, maximising playtime and increasing the chances of a win. Some of the best online casinos can offer thousands of pounds in real money welcome bonus offers. And even more impressive bonuses for high rollers.
So, as you can see, comparing online casino bonuses is a must when deciding where to start and continue playing. See the list and descriptions of welcome bonus types below:
No Deposit Bonuses
A no deposit bonus is a welcome bonus award without handing over any real money to the casino. And, often come with a long list of terms and conditions that make it difficult to make any real money from them. Although, you can do it. The no-deposit welcome bonus true strength lies in allowing a player to try out an online casino without wasting their own money to do so.
As no-deposit welcome bonus offers are generally minimal, one online casino offering a larger no deposit welcome bonus than another should not be a major factor in which you choose to play online with.
Deposit Bonuses
A first deposit bonus typically operates as a matched welcome bonus and is the main base of a welcome bonus package. And you can normally expect a 100% match on the first deposit at many of the best online casinos. Some come with a more complicated set of rules than others, but in all cases, this real money will come with a set of terms and conditions.
High Roller Bonuses
High roller bonuses vary considerably from online casino to another. In some cases, it’s a deposit bonus that offers much more than the typical limit. In others, a high roller deposit bonus is a comprehensive welcome package providing everything from bonus funds to VIP customer support.
If you intend to regularly gamble large amounts and consider yourself a high roller. Then contact the customer support services of Uk casino sites that interest you and ask what such bonuses they have available. Which options are best is all down to personal preference, but don’t be afraid to be picky.
Refer a Friend bonus
As it says on the tin! If you refer someone and they register an account, with your ref number, and bet you will receive a bonus. The bonus is generally a casino credit, casino bonus funds or free play with varying amounts.
Reload Bonus
To engage with its players and keep its members, UK online casinos may offer a reload bonus. This type of bonus will only be available to players who have made a first deposit. And may form part of:
- A welcome bonus package 2nd, 3rd and even 4th matched deposit bonus.
- VIP Programme/Scheme as a monthly matched deposit bonus
- Stand-alone bonus as a random match deposit bonus or to celebrate an event. Such as Chinese New Year!
A reload bonus is normally a percentage match bonus but can also be in a bundle offer, including bonus spins.
Loyalty Programmes and VIP Schemes
The attributes of a loyalty programme or VIP scheme vary wildly from casino to casino. With some schemes being very minimal in their benefits. And, others making a substantial difference to eligible players.
Each different scheme will benefit some player styles more than others. If you will be playing with larger sums of real money, it may be worth shopping around for the scheme most likely to benefit you. For average players, the difference made is likely to be minimal if you are eligible at all. However, it is worth being aware of your chosen casino’s reward scheme.
Cashback Bonuses
It is a bonus given to a player if they spend a certain amount on a slot after a certain period. Cashback bonuses are different from other bonuses since they can withdraw or use them on any slot or table games after being awarded. Promotions that offer cashback bonuses tally the player’s points based on the amount used during the period. The gamer with the highest points gets the largest share, followed by the runners-up until a particular position on the list. Players don’t have to win their bets to be given the cashback.
Compare Free Spins Offers
Fans of online slots can greatly increase their chances of hitting a jackpot by opting for UK online casinos with bonus spins promos as welcome offer or first deposit bonus. However, some UK online casinos only offer bonus spins offers on certain games. While others extend these offers across their top 10 titles or entire slot game collections.
Take a look below at the guide on available types of free spins:
No Deposit Spins
These bonus spins are mainly found in welcome offer bonus packages to entice new players to join the casino. Another use of no deposit bonus spins is to promote new slots at the casino. As the name states, there is no need to deposit funds. However, very specific T&Cs will apply and at least a player must register at the casino.
Again bonus spins can be part of welcome packages. Additionality, they are a mainstay in VIP Programmes/schemes for retaining members. A player needs to make a deposit to access these types of bonus spins vary greatly depending on the generosity on the operator.
Deposit Spins
Again these can be part of welcome packages at casino sites. For example, on top of a first deposit bonus money, players get 50 free spins on Starburst or 50 bonus spins on Book of Dead casino game. Additionality, they are a mainstay in VIP Programmes/schemes for retaining members. A player needs to make a deposit to access these types of spins vary greatly depending on the generosity on the operator.
In-game spins
These spins are features in the slots themselves. Casino sites award players during gameplay with many leading to jackpot prizes.
Available Payment Options
Checking means of deposits and withdrawals is a must before deciding on joining a UK online casino. Indeed, you do not want to join a UK online casino to discover your preferred payment method is not accepted.
These days online casinos can offer a plethora of payment methods. However, some casinos may be quite selective in what they will accept.
E-wallets
E-wallets are becoming more and more popular in the electronic age. Basically, they are a type of electronic card for making transactions online. Allowing for direct payments from an individual’s bank account to make payments. One of the most popular e-wallet’s is PayPal.
PayPal
PayPal is the preferred method of choice for many customers of online casinos for many reasons. For one, you will not occur any fees to deposit with PayPal. Also, a PayPal transaction WILL show on your bank statement when you deposit. However, it will not be overly obvious that this is an online gambling transaction.
When you hit the big time on a casino online, you are going to want to get your money as soon as possible. Withdrawals to PayPal are usually super quick, even within the same day which is a real benefit. Finally, depositing using this method is more convenient compared to others. Instead of entering your card details and going through verification steps, you simply enter your PayPal details. And the money is pretty much in your account to play with.
Cryptocurrencies
As the world evolves, payment options improve. Cryptocurrency is the new digital financial model used across the globe that offers unregulated monetary policies. Its independence and privacy pull contemporary players. Gamers with cryptocurrency can now bet directly since progressive online casino have these provisions. Crypto-wallets allow the movement of funds from the wallet to the account and back.
The rise of exclusive cryptocurrency betting platforms such as the Bitcoin.com Games has cemented this idea. As other casinos come up, incorporating e-wallets, debit/credit cards and crypto-wallets as payment methods will widen the gaming pool across the divide.
Debit cards
Debit cards are the preferred choice for many online casinos because everyone already has them. There is nothing more off-putting to a potential customer than having to go to a separate company and sign up with them as a third party then use the casino. Being able to deposit by debit card is not only quick and easy, but there is also a little extra layer of protection with the card issuer.
Online casinos encourage the use of debit cards because it is a lot easier to set up automatic payments. And, generally, customers spend more money this way. Once you have your card linked to your account, you can have it automatically deposit if the funds get down to a certain point. This is hard to do with e-wallet accounts. For the customers, the benefit is that online casinos accept debit cards as payment, without exception.
Point to note:
The UK Gambling Commission has announced a ban on consumers in Great Britain to use credit cards to gamble. The ban will be effective from 14 April 2020. Meaning that gamblers will be unable to use a credit card to deposit or place bets at all offline and online gambling institutes.
Customer Support
Many players could gamble for years with a site and never once need the customer support team. However, it is important that decent support is available should you ever need it. Support can come in a variety of different ways, but the most important thing to check for is that the casino offers some form of instant support.
You can use Google to see if a casino’s customer support is generally considered friendly. Alternatively, you can get in contact early on with a simple query and see how you like their approach.
Methods of contact
Many casinos provide 24/7 live web chat. However, if this is not your preferred option you can check what other contact means are available and better suited to you.
Typical methods include:
- Phone
- SMS
- Post
- Website Comments
Terms & Conditions – What to Look for
As the number of British casino sites grows in the market, gamers can differentiate better from the best. Each online casino has unique terms and conditions that keep it afloat. They range from wagering requirements in games, the maximum one can win in a day and the time limits given to bonus offers.
Online casinos try to outwit each other to gain the market advantage, especially around promotions. The casino comparison topics listed below revolve around offers of which the best combination carries the day.
Minimum Deposit
The first thing new players look after checking the welcome bonus of an online casino is the minimum amount they are required to deposit in order the get that welcome offer. Usually, the minimum amount asked by casinos is between £10 and £50. However, depositing the minimum required amount as a first deposit is not always the smartest idea because if the welcome bonus of your preferred casino is a matched deposit one – the more you deposit the more bonus you get.
Wagering requirements
If the wagering requirements are low, the deal becomes better. However, wagering requirements go hand in hand with the spin value. As enticing as the wagering requirements are, the deal is not competitive enough if the spin value is low. Attractive wagering requirements from a no-deposit welcome bonus are a good sign of a good casino.
However, before subscribing to any casino or welcome bonus, understand how its wagering works. On average, deposit bonuses range between 20X to 40X, while no-deposit can go up to 100X. The secret lies in turning the bonus amount into cash amount.
Maximum winnings cap
Players always want to maximise their winnings in any promotions. Long before the revision of winning sealing, players could go as high as they want. However, winning limits set the maximum a gamer can take home from the bonus proceeds. The same also applies to other winnings on the casino. Each one has the maximum a player can withdraw from winnings in a day.
Winning ceilings limit the player’s gaming efficiency. The higher the ceiling, the better the deal, and the more attractive the casino appears.
Time limits
All gaming promotions have a time frame for every aspect. The first limit is the promotion duration. Every activity should fall in between the specified timeline. Secondly, there is a timeline after winning and acceptance. It ranges about 2 days after winning. Lastly, the time limit between acceptance and expiry of the bonus.
All these time limits give the player time to utilise the bonus. They set the pace and formation from which the winner operates. If they surpass the time allotted, the bonus expires. The aim is to create a gaming rhythm for the player.
Trusted Online Casinos – How To Spot A Safe & Secure Place To Play
If it is your first time playing online, it pays to ask yourself a few key questions before signing up with a new casino. Firstly, ask yourself if the site itself looks reputable. Check the address bar, inspect the graphics, and keep a keen eye trained on any small print.
Some online casinos have been around for almost two decades, it pays to be meticulous and thorough with your research. Moreover, for companies that have been trading for longer, always focus on online casino reviews from the past 12 months. This will give you a clearer idea of how well they are currently performing. And whether signing up is a good idea.
Licences & Seals
Any reputable casino should be certified and licenced by a gaming authority such as the UK Gambling Commission. Therefore, seek out this information first before parting with your details and paying a deposit.
e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance – eCOGRA
e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, also known as eCOGRA. Is a world-renowned organisation that audits as well as monitors online casinos. All the eCOGRA recognised online casinos would display a standard seal of approval on their websites. Punters are advised to click on the seal to get more information about the specific parameters that casino has been tested on by eCOGRA.
Technical Systems Testing Certified/TST Fair Gaming
Technical Systems Testing, also known as TST is a Canadian establishment. Offering a number of auditing services that aid secure casinos. TST is highly reputable as a principle tester as well as a compliance organisation since 1993. All casinos certified by the TST read as “TST Fair Gaming.”
VeriSign
Client registration on the online platform requires a potential client to provide a considerable amount of sensitive personal terms including banking details. While there is no guarantee that casinos are fair. VeriSign provides a considerable amount of assurance that your personal details are protected. Achieved by Distributed Denial of Service Protection and iDefense Security Intelligence Services.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers, famously known by its acronym PWC. Is by far the largest most reputable auditing firm globally. All casinos certified by PWC bear a certificate. Assuring punters that all their financial dealings are frequently audited to certify fairness.
Licencing Country
The prime influence on an online casinos credibility is its licences. And especially those from the regulatory bodies of:
- the UK Gambling Commission
- Isle of Man
- Gibraltar
- Malta
- Alderney
- Australia
Therefore, it is important that players check for a casino’s licence and its place of origin, before signing up. In particular, for their own protection and peace of mind.
Trusted reviews
As with everything else in life, it is worth seeing what others have had to say about a service before you try. Therefore, checking online casino reviews is a good way of seeing if an online casino is reputable or not. A potential punter can gain a great deal of information about casino account safety from trusted casino reviews. And, involved player reviews and testimonials will give potential players a clearer idea of the challenges they may face.
One of the biggest issues players encounter with online casinos is the delay in or missing payment. As a result of this type of complaints in reviews, a player can sift repeat offenders out of consideration.
GambleAware
You will see the GambleAware logo on the majority of reputable UK online casino sites, but who are they and what do they do?
GambleAware is an independent charity, funding research, prevention and treatment services. With the aim to help to reduce the harmful effects of online gambling in Great Britain.
Players can seek help, advice or support via:
BeGambleAware.org or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133
Remember: Good casinos take care of their players
It makes business sense to keep customers happy, and online casinos are no different. And, certainly, they will attempt to do this by:
- Lucrative bonuses and special offers. A proven way to maintain loyal players.
- User-friendly and accessible sites. Thus, giving players all the information they need without trying to confuse or misdirect them.
- Well placed and visible contact information. Thereby, allowing players the chance to connect with casino reps when needed.
- A selection of popular games
- Streamlined payment methods.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How frequent is the information updated for the casinos listed?
The update of information on this is a continuous process conducted by our team. Thus, ensuring you don’t miss out on the latest and best offers!
What are the advantages of playing at the listed casinos?
We have only listed the top and reputable online casinos. So you have the best bonuses and promotions currently available at your fingertips!
What’s the best online casino for slots?
Taking everything into account, we believe the best online casino for slots to be:
What is the best all-round UK casino site?
The UK has plenty of top all-round casinos including such renowned names such as Grosvenor Casinos, Ladbrokes Casino, Hippodrome Casino to name a few. So take your pick.
What happens if I have a bad experience at the casinos listed?
Firstly document everything and this will assist in any case you have. Most complaints are solved at the source, ie the casino operator, so contact them directly. Failing this, take your complaint to the regulating bodies ie UK Gambling Commission. Also, you can leave comments on this site and the operator site to draw attention to the issue and warn fellow gamblers.
Are There Advantages to Playing Online?
Yes, the three main advantages of playing online are
- Bigger bonuses and prizes. This is due to more money being available to the online casino. As their overheads are less than a traditional brick & mortar casino
- Affordability. A player incurs no cost for transport etc giving them more to gamble!
- Comfortability. You can play from the comfort of your favourite armchair
Can you trust Operators with a UK Gambling Commission Licence?
Yes, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of if not the strictest of all regulatory bodies. Therefore players can trust online casinos displaying a licence.
- UKGC & MGA Licenses
- Safe & secure banking
- Instant play platform
TOP RATED CASINOS FOR December 2024
