There are hundreds of online casinos available to UK players. Of course, this can make it rather difficult when it comes to finding a good casino. That being said, everyone is different, which means they look for different things in a casino. Nevertheless, there are some specific features that can make an online casino stand out from the rest. Let’s take a look at what some of these are.
Welcome bonus
One of the best things to check out is the welcome bonus. This is a great way for players to get a solid boost to their gaming in the UK. There are different welcome bonuses though, and not all of them are great.
A top welcome bonus should award both a match deposit bonus and free spins. Ideally, the number of free spins should be in the hundreds. It’s also great if the match deposit bonus is a big one. For instance, usually these offers are 100% match, but a really good bonus can be even more. Additionally, players should be on the lookout for high maximum match limits on these deposits. A bonus offer of a 100% match up to £50 is simply not as good as a 100% match up to £200 for instance.
Importantly, it’s not enough for these bonuses just to offer large amounts. They also have to have fair and transparent bonus terms and conditions. This means having wagering requirements that aren’t too high alongside adequate time for players to achieve them. Additionally, the fairest terms will allow many different games to be used to reach those wagering requirements.
Payment methods
Online casinos are also required to provide users with a selection of payment methods. In this way, they can offer something that appeals to a wide array of different players. Ideally, UK casinos should support debit card payments (credit cards are banned from online gambling), eWallets, bank transfers and even pay-by-phone options. This means that players can easily select their preferred method.
Of course, you shouldn’t just be looking at the types of payment methods. It’s essential that players also take a look at the limits imposed by the casino. This means checking out the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits in place. For all minimum limits, the lower they are, the better. Conversely, when it comes to maximum deposits and withdrawals, the higher the better.
But there is one more factor to consider when it comes to payments and online casinos. Players should also check out the withdrawal times. Really, it’s all about speed here. Typically, online casinos go through a processing period on any withdrawal request. But, some take a long time to do so. However, online casinos with fast withdrawals can offer players the chance to claim their winnings in less than a day. So, finding a casino that processes withdrawals in a timely manner is the best way to find a good casino in the UK.
Game library
As players are here to play games, checking out the game library is supremely important. The best casinos in the UK will offer a comprehensive, eclectic game selection. Most casino libraries are very slot-heavy. And this is great, as long as there is a choice there. So, the best places should have progressive jackpot games, but also offer slots with different game mechanics like Megaways, in-game bonuses and so on.
Importantly, a good online casino should not limit itself to just slots. In addition, there should also be a solid selection of virtual table games including roulette, blackjack and video poker. For those that like something more realistic, then a live dealer section is a must. And, this should contain a myriad of game types from poker to game show-style options. Top sites will also offer games such as plinko, keno or bingo. And, they may even offer a variety of scratch cards for some instant win options too.
When offering these games, it’s not enough for there to be a lot of them. These games should also come from top providers that are respected within the industry. Providers such as Evolution, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Yggdrasil all offer high-quality games with high RTPs. And, they all undergo regular auditing to ensure gaming fairness. In this manner, players can enjoy playing these games knowing they’re getting the best.
VIP or loyalty clubs
Another thing to consider when choosing a UK casino, is whether or not there are ongoing rewards available. Many casinos offer huge welcome bonuses to newcomers but then forget all about them once they become regular players. By offering a loyalty or VIP programme, this can help to encourage players to stick around and keep on playing.
The best loyalty clubs will offer increasing bonuses as players reach, and pass, the next level. Subsequently, this helps to push players to play more to achieve goals and reach milestones. Top offers typically include reduced wagering requirements, increased maximum withdrawal limits and access to exclusive offers and bonuses.
Licence and security
All casinos should have a licence, and the very best UK sites must have a UK Gambling Commission licence. If they operate from the UK and don’t have this licence, then this is not a legal casino within the country, and UK players should seriously avoid it. In addition to a licence, the best online casino sites should also have SSL encryption protocols in place. These protect player data from being accessed by third parties, which is very important for safety.
Top UK casinos will also have responsible gambling tools in place. Depending on the site, this can include deposit and loss limits, timeouts and self-exclusion options. All UK casinos should be registered with Gamstop as well, which can help players minimize bad gambling habits, preventing them from accessing other Gamstop-registered sites should they choose to self-exclude.
To sum up
At the end of the day though, it’s important to remember that each player is different. While the features listed here are all essential for safe and fun online gaming, players may prefer one casino over another. Keeping in mind these factors and player preferences is the best way to choose where to play in the UK.
