UK gambling is still predominantly driven by lotteries and sports betting, but that is changing due to how football has changed in recent years. In 2021, the sports betting market in the UK was worth £4.6 billion, with football betting revenue declining by 45% in 2020–2021.
Football betting has not fully recovered in the post-pandemic period. One possible explanation is football player fatigue. Team managers in the UK have complained about too many fixtures, which lead to players all but collapsing on the field due to fatigue. That results in random outcomes that make football betting no better than gambling.
Gambling sites caught wind of that and started to offer stress-free alternatives, such as casino games. One of the most promising sports betting websites with casino games is 20Bet, which is also featured on the huf online casino website. That review website features casinos that use the Hungarian forint (HUF).
UK’s top gambling sites
UK gambling sites have been advancing their casino offers by leaps and bounds in recent years. That is in part due to players’ being willing to gamble more to unwind, with 420,000 Brits losing on average £2,000 on online gambling yearly. The UK online gambling industry was quick to adapt, introducing new casino promotions, features, and games to attract players. Here is a comprehensive online casino review that covers the following UK online gambling sites:
- 20Bet — Best for sports betting and casino games
- Bet365 — Largest selection of sports betting and casino
- Betway — Best mobile experience
- William Hill — Top choice for football betting
- 888Casino — Exclusive games and unique promotions
20Bet casino
20Bet casino is an internationally licensed casino available in the UK, Australia, and Canada, though not in the US. There are many betting options here, with special emphasis on horse racing. As for casino games, 20Bet casino provides over 8,000 different ones. There are 45 payment and withdrawal options, which include cryptocurrencies. 20Bet does not charge any withdrawal fees.
Sports betting
The biggest strength of 20Bet is its live sports betting feature, which has a seamless presentation and navigation without delays or lagging. Players can move from one sport to the next and get the most recent results and odds in an instant. Wins are paid out almost straight away, enticing players to stick around and play some more.
Casino
From interactive live dealer games to slots, the variety of casino games at 20Bet will keep a casino aficionado entertained for hours. The layout is simple and clean, enhancing the enjoyment. However, 20Bet casino players complain that there are no social features, so bringing a friend is highly advisable.
Promotions
It would be remiss to write a 20Bet review without mentioning some of the website’s promotions. For sports, 20Bet offers a 100% bonus up to £82 on the player’s first sports betting deposit. For casino games, the welcome bonus is up to £98 plus 120 free spins, which are subject to a 40x requirement before withdrawal. On Wednesdays, players can get up to 100 bonus spins; on Fridays, there is a 50% reload bonus for any deposit of 20€ or more up to 100€.
Bet365
Established in 2001, Bet365 is owned by Hillside Media. It offers games in 13 languages and provides the convenience of 6 payment options to its 53 million customers. The Bet365 affiliate program is even more expansive and covers over 150 countries, with affiliates earning a 30% lifetime commission from any customer they direct to Bet365, payable in over 25 payment methods. Bet365 ratings reveal the website is fair and acts transparently with customers.
Sports betting
There are 35 sports on offer at Bet365, including niche sports such as Gaelic sports, cycling, and politics. Bet365 esports offer is especially varied and features Rocket League, VALORANT, and even Warcraft 3. For Counter Strike 2, it’s possible to bet on how many bombs each team will throw, whether a round will go to overtime, or whether a team will win both pistol rounds.
Casino
There are way too many casino games at Bet365 to cover in a single online casino review, but here is a sampling:
- Ancient Gods
- Plinko
- Hi Lo Classic
- Book of Horus
- Touchdown
- Vault Scavengers
- Mayan Majesty
The games are regularly updated, with some having multiple versions, such as simplified and original.
Promotions
The most interesting Bet365 promotion is the progressive jackpot. Whenever someone plays an eligible game at Bet365, the jackpot is increased until one of the players wins it, at which point it resets. The jackpot amount can go beyond $1,000,000, and it shows up as three tiers:
- Mini Jackpot (dozens of euros)
- Major Jackpot (thousands of euros)
- Mighty Jackpot (hundreds of thousands of euros)
Betway
Betway was established in 2006 and is owned by Betway Group. It offers over 400 games playable through 14 payment methods. Betway is generous to its customers and offers many perks, such as regular $10 free bet bonuses. This online casino review will go through some of their features and why they stand out among the competition.
Sports betting
All the usual sports betting selection is found at Betway, including darts and golf. For many events, it’s possible to watch a live stream directly through the website. The quality might not be ideal, but the stream is definitely watchable. However, players complain that their session expires quickly, forcing them to sign in constantly.
Casino
Live casino at Betway is primarily driven by games by Microgaming and Evolution Gaming. The casino puts a large emphasis on slots, with the welcome bonus geared towards them, but there is a high playthrough condition before the winnings can be withdrawn. On the other hand, it might be worth it — Mega Moolah slots at Betway paid out a $13mm jackpot to one UK player.
Promotions
As of October 2024, there is no Betway promo code, because Betway offers enough bonuses for new customers that beat any Betway bonus code. For instance, in the US, the customer’s first wager of up to $250 is refunded if it is a losing one. The first deposit is also boosted up to $1,000 extra. But, there is a downside, as Betway typically limits withdrawals to $4,000 a week.
William Hill
William Hill is a must-have in any serious online casino review. It was founded in London in 1934 and steadily grew to become one of the juggernauts in the gambling industry. Currently licensed in the UK and Gibraltar, it is traded on the stock exchange. William Hill has a rich history that sets it up as one of the best sportsbooks and casinos in the world, so let’s dive in into the William Hill casino review.
Sports betting
The crux of any William Hill online casino review is their sportsbook. The most notable feature there is WHTV, which is a sports live streaming service that includes radio commentary on sports such as greyhound racing. There is also the live cashout, which lets sports bettors play it safe and get the money before any surprises can happen. This may be available only on selected events.
Casino
When it comes to poker, William Hill belongs to the iPoker Network, which ensures that there is always someone to play against at any given table. There are tournaments, promo offers, and special variants of poker galore.
Promotions
New customers can sign up with the P30 William Hill bonus code, which makes them eligible for a $30 free bet bonus when they bet $10. But, the bet odds must be at least 1.5 for the bet to be eligible, and the bonus expires in seven days. Each day, selected events are highlighted to denote promotional odds that are higher than usual.
888Casino
888casino was established in 1997 and quickly grew to worldwide acclaim thanks to its 1,200 games on offer. Currently owned by 888 Holdings, it pays out 96% of all player bets, making it a highlight of this online casino review. It is available in all three US states where gambling is available: Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
Sports betting
Every 888 online casino review has to mention their amazing sports betting free bets. They vary from “bet £10 on Liverpool vs. Chelsea to get a £5 free bet” to “bet £20 on any tennis match to get a £5 free bet.” There are free bets for many sports, ranging from rugby to baseball, though most have to be used in a specific way.
Casino
One specialty of 888casino are private live dealer games with high limits, such as a $50 minimum and the maximum of up to $10,000 per hand. On the other hand, the casino will always accommodate players looking for stress-free quick games at $1 a round. Better yet, there are free casino games where everyone can chill and unwind after a stressful day, but they would require a separate online casino review.
Promotions
UK players can get a special 888 welcome bonus of up to 200% on the first deposit of at least £10. The bonus has a 35x playthrough bonus, which is in line with the industry standard. However, the bonus can only be used on slots, which is disappointing. New customers should use the promo code 30FXS during signup. If they then place a £10 bet on any sportsbook event at 1.50+ odds, they will receive three £10 free bet bonuses.
Top games at UK real money online casinos
Every thorough online casino review must include the “most played games” category. This is because people gravitate towards the most interesting and rewarding activities. If an online casino review does not showcase top casino games played, it’s impossible to know whether the games are playable at all.
Slots
Here are the top slots UK casinos offer:
- Starburst — low volatility and 10 paylines
- Gonzo’s Quest — 20 paylines; maximum payout of £125,000
- Book of Dead — free spins whenever three+ Book of Dead emblems land
Jackpot Games
These games accumulate a jackpot until one player gets it:
- Mega Moolah — free spins that triple payouts
- Hall of Gods — 37% hit frequency and medium volatility
- Mega Fortune — 96% payout across 25 paylines; $50 maximum wager
Blackjack
These blackjack games are surprisingly popular:
- Classic Blackjack — standard blackjack rules
- Atlantic City Blackjack — split up to 3 times; the dealer can see his cards
- Blackjack Switch — get two hands and swap the top two cards between them
Roulette
The most popular roulette variants in this online casino review are:
- European Roulette — features a single zero
- French Roulette — uses unique rules so that players can recover their bets
- American Roulette — features a double zero
Baccarat
Another classic card game with these variants:
- Punto Banco — players bet against the casino
- Mini Baccarat — simpler version with lower limits
- Chemin de Fer — players bet against each other
Bingo
Players have to guess the order of balls drawn:
- 90 Ball Bingo — 90 balls are used
- 75 Ball Bingo — 75 balls are used
- Deal or No Deal Bingo — negotiate with the dealer when guessing enough balls
Live Dealer Games
The excitement of casino games in the player’s home:
- Live Blackjack — play blackjack with an interactive live dealer
- Live Roulette — play roulette with an interactive live dealer
- Live Baccarat — play baccarat with an interactive live dealer
Sports Betting
The three most popular sports for betting are:
- football (soccer in the UK, gridiron in the US)
- basketball
- tennis
Each sport features unique betting offers. For instance, tennis lets bettors guess how many games in a set or which player will reach X games first. In soccer, there are dozens or hundreds of plays, such as which player will score or which team will get the first yellow card. For gridiron, it’s which team will advance X yards first.
Top software providers for British online casinos
This online casino review is best rounded out by presenting the top gambling software providers in the UK and their games.
Software Provider | No. of Games | Game Types |
---|---|---|
NetEnt | 200+ | Slots, Table Games, Live Casino |
Microgaming | 800+ | Slots, Table Games, Progressive Jackpots |
Playtech | 600+ | Slots, Table Games, Live Casino |
Evolution Gaming | 100+ | Live Casino |
Betsoft | 150+ | 3D Slots, Table Games |
Yggdrasil | 100+ | Slots, Table Games |
Quickspin | 70+ | Slots |
Play’n GO | 200+ | Slots, Table Games |
IGT | 100+ | Slots, Table Games |
Pragmatic Play | 200+ | Slots, Table Games, Live Casino |
Software providers are a crucial part of the gambling industry. The casino gaming software they make defines the playing experience with its graphics, playing features, and gameplay. They are oriented towards producing the best casino software, but each player has different preferences. That’s why an online casino review should explain how each gambling software provider functions in the market.
Some slot providers focus on immersive experiences, while others optimize their games for accessibility and replayability. Reading about them all is the best way to find the best online slot providers.
Top payment methods to use at UK online casinos
An online casino review should also mention payment methods. There are way too many to keep track of, with the list expanding by the day, but it is important to note as many as possible. Here are some notable ones worth including in this online casino review:
Payment Method | Type | Processing Time | Min. Deposit |
---|---|---|---|
Visa/Mastercard | Credit Cards | Instant | €10 |
PayPal | E-Wallet | Up to 1 hour | €10 |
Skrill | E-Wallet | Up to 24 hours | €10 |
Neteller | E-Wallet | Up to 24 hours | €10 |
Trustly | Bank Transfer | Instant | €10 |
Paysafecard | Prepaid Card | Instant | €10 |
Apple Pay | Mobile Payment | Instant | €10 |
Google Pay | Mobile Payment | Instant | €10 |
Bitcoin | Cryptocurrency | Minutes | €20 |
Ethereum | Cryptocurrency | Minutes | €20 |
MuchBetter | E-Wallet | Several Hours | €10 |
Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | 1–5 days | €20 |
Gambling UK: licensing and regulation
Licensing is a big deal in the UK, hence a section on gambling licensure in this online casino review. For anyone wondering “Is sports betting legal in UK?” the short answer is “yes”, and the long answer is “Yes, and it is also licensed”. The main licensing authority for UK casinos is the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), but there are international ones as well. For instance:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
International casino authorities mean there is more flexibility for casinos, which can enhance the gambling experience for players. Thanks to the lessened regulatory burden outside the UK, casinos with international licenses can offer higher bonuses and more games. The whole purpose of an online casino review is to compare bonuses and perks of different casinos to make sure gambling in the UK is as rewarding as possible.
FAQ: UK’s gambling sites
What is the secret to winning in a casino?
Observation. Casinos invest a lot of time and effort into making sure they always win, but observant players can spot mistakes and profit off of them.
Can casinos refuse to pay?
Yes, and they can be tricky about it. Reading casino reviews is a great way to find the ones that have a habit of tricking their users out of their winnings.
Can a casino ban a player?
Yes, and they don’t need a reason to do it. However, complaining to the casino authority at which they are licensed can sour their day and ensure that doesn’t happen to many other people.
How to stop losing at a casino?
The best way to stop losing is to take a break. When losing, players get emotional and lose control over how and what they play, leading to massive losing streaks.