The UK Gambling market is considered to be the biggest in Europe, and therefore there are hundreds of online casinos which are available to UK residents. However, the only legal sites are those licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which is considered to be the cream of the crop when it comes to advancing gaming jurisdictions.
We detail the safest sites for UK players, as per their credentials, as well as online casinos which are licensed by whitelisted gaming jurisdictions (determined by the UK Gambling Commission).
About the UK Gambling Commission
UK residents are governed by the Gambling Act 2005, which saw the formation of the UK Gambling Commission. The Commission is in charge of gambling activities, including investigating online and offline casinos, bingo halls and arcades to ensure they are operating in a fair and responsible manner.
The Commission operates under a strict criterion with the following aims kept in mind at all times:
- Ensuring gambling is fair, responsible and transparent
- Preventing gambling from becoming a possible avenue to support or commit crime
- Protecting vulnerable persons and children from gambling activities
Once the online casino has applied for a license, the Commission will perform an intense investigation into their operations and only when they have passed their high standards, including proof of regular payouts and fair games, will they certify the site. These sites are all then legally available to access by UK residents, which we detail below.
Additionally, the UK Gambling Commission has whitelisted certain advanced gaming jurisdictions if their standards are on par, and thus sites licensed by these whitelisted jurisdictions are legal and safe for UK residents to play at.
Online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission
The following online casinos are all licensed by the UK Gambling Commission – you can find their licenses by clicking the links available here, scrolling to the bottom of the homepage, and clicking on the logo of the Commission.
These sites have each undergone vigorous testing and maintain their reputation by adhering the the Commission’s strict standards – otherwise their license would be quickly revoked. UK players can therefore play at these online casinos securely.
Additionally, each site accepts the British Pound, so you can play and win real money in your preferred currency.
Leo Vegas
Leo Vegas is considered to be the best mobile casino available, but the desktop version isn’t too shabby either. Featuring top software developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, BetSoft, NYX Gaming and more you will find slots, table games, and more at Leo Vegas casino.
There’s also a welcome bonus of $1000 in matched deposits, plus 200 free spins, available to opt in as a UK player.
Thrills
Thrills online casino features a unique adventurous theme – perfect for the modern online casino player. You will find table titles, slots, progressives, casual games and more at Thrills, each easily available to navigate via the handy layout.
UK players can opt in for the $500 in matched deposits and 100 free spins on NetEnt’s popular title, Starburst.
G’day
While G’Day online casino is an Aussie themed online casino, UK players can click our links, sign up, and play here. You can even opt in for the free slab of beer if you deposit more than $100 on your first deposit – plus an unlimited welcome bonus for new players.
There’s slots, progressives, blackjack, roulette, poker, video poker and much more available at G’day casino – plenty for the UK player to keep busy.
Whitelisted licensed online casinos
As we mentioned above, there are a selection of advanced gaming jurisdictions which are considered to be on par with the UK Gambling Commission’s standards.
- The EEA (European Economic Area) countries
- Alderney
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Gibraltar
- Isle of Man
- Tasmania
Online casinos which are considered to be incredibly secure, and licensed by these jurisdictions include:
- Roxy Palace Casino – licensed by Gibraltar, offering a Microgaming only online casino available to access via the downloadable platform or through your browser. There’s also a $350 welcome bonus for new players to take advantage of
- 32Red Casino – licensed by Gibraltar, you can download the Microgaming only catalogue or access the Flash version via your browser. Players who create an account will receive $10 no deposit necessary, plus $32 for every $20 deposited for new players
You can play in British Pounds at both online casinos and be assured all personal and financial details and transactions are protected by the modern encryption technology employed – the sites listed above are also protected by this technology.