The Ultimate Online Gambling Guide
Welcome to the best casino games guide on the internet! BonusFinder presents online casino tips for beginners, instructions on how to play and maximise your winnings, and how gambling algorithms work. New and seasoned players can learn different strategies for playing the classic table games, and get the low-down on the latest new games. Our team of experts consists of long-time gamblers who have years of experience playing casino games both on and offline.
Why We Love Online Casinos
Gambling is an fun pastime that offers endless entertainment for players, and licensed UK online casinos make real money games accessible for all. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of online gaming, there’s something for everyone. Casino games are designed to be fun and challenging, from the simple push of a button in slots to the complex strategies required in games like poker.
Stimulating and Fun
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with casino games that offer stimulating and exciting gameplay. From classic slots to table games and game shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer low-key games with soothing music or high-stakes tables that bring out your competitive side, the possibilities are endless.
Not only are casino games entertaining, but they also provide a mental workout. Similar to solving logic puzzles or playing board games, gambling games require you to use your brain and think creatively. As you develop your skills, calculating odds and making strategic decisions will become second nature.
Never Gets Boring
Casino games are full of surprises, making them an exciting experience every time you play. Even if you follow a strategy to a tee, there’s always a chance that something unexpected will happen. In some cases, you may make mistakes and think that the game is over, only to win big.
The variety of games available also ensures that you’ll never get bored. If you find yourself losing interest in one type of game, you can easily switch to a different variation or an entirely new game. For instance, if you find the spinning reel of roulette uninteresting, you can try out baccarat or slots. Similarly, if you like the wheel but not the rules, you can switch to a different version for a fresh and exciting experience.
Endless Excitement
Casino games are the ultimate source of never-ending excitement! Whether you like taking your time to think or crave adrenaline-pumping thrills, there’s something for everyone. You can play relaxing games like slots or join the action at the table for a more adventurous experience.
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in casino entertainment, look no further than game shows. These exciting games merge classic board games like Monopoly with the thrill of betting, creating a unique and captivating experience that keeps you on your toes with each round. Game shows are the perfect combination of traditional casino games and something completely new and exciting.
Welcoming to New Players
The world of gambling is always open to new players! There’s no need to be intimidated by the experienced players, as they were all beginners at some point. Whether you’re stepping into a land-based casino or joining an online game, you’ll find a welcoming community of players who are happy to help you learn and enjoy the games.
As a new player, you have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and become a master of your favourite games. And if you’re looking for an extra challenge, you can even enter local poker tournaments and test your abilities against other skilled players. So, don’t hesitate to join in on the fun and excitement of casino games!
Engages Your Mind and Senses
Playing casino games is not only an enjoyable pastime, but it also engages your mind and senses. Whether you prefer games of strategy or luck, every game requires some level of concentration, observation, and decision-making skills. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy them! There are plenty of games suited for beginners, and as you play, you’ll develop your skills and learn new strategies.
Even seemingly simple games like slot machines require some level of attention and engagement. With vibrant graphics, exciting sound effects, and the anticipation of hitting the jackpot, playing slots can be an immersive experience. And for those seeking more challenge, games like Poker and Blackjack require quick thinking and decision making to come out on top.
Casino Games
Ready to learn more about classic casino games? If you’re unsure where to start, I recommend you read through the short summaries of each game and navigate to a more detailed description of the one that interests you the most.
- Blackjack:
Blackjack is a classic and straightforward card game where your goal is to get a hand of cards that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over. You have a certain element of control as you need to choose whether to stick with your original two cards, or ask the dealer to “hit” you with another. - Roulette:
Roulette is a popular casino game that involves wagering on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. With a variety of betting options and different odds to choose from, Roulette is a game that offers plenty of different options and playing experiences. - Craps:
Craps is an exciting and fast-paced game that involves rolling dice and betting on the outcome. With some knowledge about the different bets available, you can enjoy the thrill of the game and with a better understanding of the odds. - Poker:
Poker is an engaging game that involves betting on the strength of your hand and the ability to read your opponents. With different variations of the game and different strategies to employ, poker is a one of the most popular card games of all time. - Baccarat:
Baccarat is a straightforward card game that involves betting on the player’s or banker’s hand. With simple rules and a low house edge, baccarat is a great choice for a fun and easy-to-play casino game. It was also James Bond’s game of choice. - Slots:
Slots are a classic casino game that involves spinning reels and matching symbols. With various themes and different types of slots, these games offers plenty of fun and the chance to win big with just a bit of luck.
Understanding the Darker Side of Gambling
While indulging in casino games and gambling can be an incredibly fun and exhilarating experience, it is important to be aware of a few disclaimers. These are not intended to discourage you from playing or diminish your enjoyment in any way. Instead, they are similar to wearing a seatbelt in a car: common-sense safety measures designed to protect you.
We want to make sure you are aware of certain aspects of gambling and casinos so that you can have the best possible experience and play safely.
Gambling is Based on Luck
It’s important to remember that gambling is a game of chance. Winning or losing is largely based on luck, and the casino will always win in the long run.
While it’s true that the phrase Vegas wasn’t built on winners may be cliché, it’s a reminder that, overall, the casino is likely to be the long-term winner. Nevertheless, the house edge in many popular casino games is relatively low, typically only a few percentage points or less.
Gambling Won’t Pay the Bills
Gambling is a fun activity, and it is nice to win real money from time to time, but you should never think of it as a way to pay the bills, or as a source of primary income.
Never bet anything you can’t afford to lose, and make use of the safer gambling tools that online casinos provide to help you monitor your spending and play within your limits.
Pleas remember:
- Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a spending limit in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Never chase your losses
- If the fun stops: STOP
Benefits of Online Casinos Compared to Land Based Casinos
There are a variety of helpful guides available for all kinds of casino games, whether you’re playing online or at a physical casino. It’s important to consider the various factors that can influence your gameplay, such as your mood and the environment you’re in.
For instance, if you’re out travelling and visiting a casino, you might prefer a low-stakes night out and simply enjoy the experience of playing some real money games in company. On the other hand, if you’re playing online against experienced players, you may want to stay focused and be mindful of your gambling budget.
Ultimately, there aren’t many differences between playing in person or online but you should keep in mind a few things discussed below.
Convenience and Accessibility
Online casinos offer the ultimate convenience and accessibility for players. With just a click of a button, you can access your favourite games from anywhere, at any time. Whether you’re cosy in your PJs, relaxing over a coffee in a cafe, on your lunch break at work, or on your daily commute, online gambling is always available.
Gone are the days when you need to dress up, plan a trip, and spend money on transportation to a land-based casino. With online casinos, you can enjoy the same exciting games without leaving your home. Plus, online gambling platforms are designed to cater to all types of players, regardless of their background and experience.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can choose from a variety of online casinos to find the perfect fit for you. And when you’re done playing, simply close the browser or app and continue with your day. It’s that easy!
Trustworthiness and Security
While it’s important to be cautious when choosing an online casino, there are many trustworthy and secure options available in the UK. Brick-and-mortar casinos may seem more secure because you can physically see the establishment, but reputable online casinos also undergo rigorous security measures to protect your personal and financial information.
Plus, with online casinos, you can easily read reviews and check for licensing information before making a deposit. Every single site we recommend is fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, so you can be confident that they have met both our high standards, and the essential requirements set by the most respected regulatory authority in the industry.
Bonuses and Promotions
One of the most exciting things about playing online is the casino bonus UK players can get from online casinos. From welcome bonuses to daily promotions and casino tournaments, online casinos provide players with numerous opportunities to claim extra rewards. What’s even better is that BonusFinder has a wide selection of exclusive bonuses for new players that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re new to online gambling, it’s definitely worth checking out the different bonuses available to help you get started with more gaming opportunities. This is something that you won’t find in land-based casinos, where bonuses are not typically offered. Make sure to check out our guide to wagering requirements so you understand how you can cash out any winnings from bonus offers.
How We Rank and Review Sites
We take great pride in our thorough and impartial reviews of all the regulated online casinos in Great Britain. Our team of industry experts meticulously tests each site, using various payment methods and communicating with customer support teams. Our goal is to identify the top online casinos in the UK that meet our high standards.
As new online casinos are launched every month, we constantly update our list of the best British online casinos to reflect the latest developments, such as official casino apps or newly released games. We believe in transparency, and you can learn about the key areas we focus on during our research in our Editorial Policy section.
Online Gambling Laws in the UK
Online gambling is perfectly legal in the UK, provided that you are of legal age and that you play on a site fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Here are some of the most important laws, and you can read more in our complete guide to UK gambling regulations:
- Minimum Age: In the UK the legal age for gambling is 18. This applies to both online and offline activities, casino, betting, lottery and scratchcards, and bingo.
- GamStop: All UKGC licensed online casinos must be a part of the GamStop scheme so players who have self-excluded cannot bet on their site. Every site we recommend is fully compliant with this Gambling Commission requirement.
- Credit Cards: Since April 2020 UK players have been unable to use credit cards at online casinos. There are still a number of other options you can use to fund your account including eWallets, Pay by Phone Bill and Paysafecard in addition to debit cards.
Explore the World of Online Gambling
Explore these exciting topics to enhance your casino experience! Whether you’re new to online gambling or a seasoned player, delving into progressive slots, game providers, and VIP programs can add new dimensions to your gameplay. Learn about the latest game releases and software providers, discover tips for hitting big jackpots, and find out how to qualify for exclusive VIP perks and benefits. Expand your knowledge and take your gaming to the next level!
Minimum Deposit
Online casinos in the UK offer a variety of deposit options to accommodate different types of players. While the average minimum deposit requirement is £10, many casinos also offer minimum deposits as low as £1, £3 or £5. Trying out these low deposit casinos can be a great way to explore new games and get a feel for how online casinos work without breaking the bank.
Progressive Jackpots
Get ready for the excitement of playing progressive jackpot slots at online casinos! These games offer you a chance to win life-changing amounts of money. With hundreds of games on their network, most online casinos offer the best progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah.
British players have been exceptionally lucky in hitting the jackpot, with the Guiness World Record for the largest jackpot payout for an online slot machine game being £13,209,300 won by Jon Heywood on 6 October 2015, when he played Microgaming’s Mega Moolah on Betway’s website.
Software Providers
As you explore the world of online casinos, you’ll discover that certain games capture your attention more than others. This is because there are countless software providers from all over the world that release new casino games on a regular basis.
Among the most productive game providers are Microgaming who created Mega Moolah, Play’n Go who are behind Book of Dead, and NetEnt, the brains behind the legendary Starburst slot game.
VIP Programs
Online casino VIP programs are a great way to be rewarded for your loyalty and dedication to a particular casino. They offer exclusive benefits and perks to players who achieve a certain VIP status, such as personalised customer support, exclusive bonuses and promotions, faster withdrawals, VIP events and experiences, and even personal account managers. As a VIP player, you can enjoy a truly exceptional gaming experience that is tailored to your individual preferences and needs.
Where to Play?
Once you have read our ultimate guides to the different types of casino games the next step is to find somewhere to play online. This is where our different list of the best online casinos in the UK will help! To get you started, you can check out these pages:
- Best Apple Pay casinos
- Best live promotions
- Book of Dead free spins
- 200% casino bonus offers
- Best Playtech casinos
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