What is RTP?
The UK online gambling industry can often be confusing for new casino players. To help you on your way, we have created this comprehensive guide. Not only will you find everything you need to know about safe online casino gaming, it also provides information about bonuses and promotional offers, the best games to play, and answers to your other burning questions.
Overview
We help UK players navigate the maze of online gambling regulations and uncover welcome bonus offers and online casino information. Our experts spend their time carrying out in-depth research to create practical guides to help you play safely.
Set out under clear and concise headings, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about internet gambling. This way, you’ll easily be able to find the answers to your questions. We’ve provided information about how to get started at online casinos, as well as details of promotions, deposit & withdrawal policies, licensing, and many other topics.
FAQ for Beginners
Is online gambling allowed in the UK?
Yes, internet gambling is legal in the UK. However, to be sure you are registering with a reliable and trustworthy gambling site, it is strongly recommended to only choose sites recognised by the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission).
UKGC independent commissioners bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from a wide range of sectors, ensuring that gambling is both safe and fair.
What is the legal age for playing casino games?
In the UK, customers should be 18+ to gamble in land-based and online casinos.
How can I start playing online?
After finding the right online casino for you, you’ll need to complete the sign-up process. Only then will you be able to enjoy your favourite games.
Why do I need to provide ID?
There are three main reasons why UK casinos sites ask for ID:
- to check you are old enough to gamble.
- to check whether you are self-excluded from gambling.
- to confirm your identity.
How can I contact the casino?
You can reach the customer service department at any time. Simply click on the Help or Contact link to get in touch. UK online casinos offer support via telephone, email, or live chat.
Can I open accounts at multiple casino sites?
You can join as many online casinos as you wish. However, we do not recommend that you are active in more than one at a time. This will enable you to manage your budget and build a good relationship with the one you have chosen.
Do you need high-speed internet to play casino games?
A stable internet connection is essential, but it doesn’t have to be the fastest on the market. On the other hand, live casino games that stream high-resolution videos will require a high-speed internet connection in order to play.
What is eCOGRA?
eCOGRA is an independent and internationally-approved testing agency. It specialises in the testing, inspection, and certification of online gambling software and systems. Every trusted UK casino site is an eCOGRA member. For users, it is a guarantee of commitment and fairness. In addition, if you think you have been the victim of a scam at an online casino, you can file a complaint on the agency’s online platform.
Casino Game Rules
Are there any free casino games?
Some online casinos offer casino game demos to help you get started. In the UK, players wanting to play for free must be signed-in and, more importantly, must verify their age by means of a photo ID or similar. During the casino site registration process, a scan of your ID must be provided.
Can online betting systems be used?
Yes, it’s not prohibited. But casino games rely on luck, and there is no evidence to suggest they work over the long term.
What does RTP stand for?
RTP is the Return to Player percentage. This is the theoretical percentage that a game will pay back to players over time. It also includes the inverse of House Edge. A 97% RTP means a casino game has a 3% house advantage.
What does RNG stand for?
RNG is an acronym for Random Number Generator. This software is a highly specialised piece of casino software. It defines the outcome of every casino game. It stores all rules and calculates the payout potential. Third-party assessors and regulators ensure that the code produces honest and fair results.
What is the House Edge?
The house edge represents the percentage of times that the casino can win. This margin cannot be achieved through cheating but rather through an extremely clever game design. Every game has rules that favour the house differently.
Which is the best online casino game?
It’s not easy to choose the best casino game. There are so many to choose from, all offering a wide range of entertainment options. We recommend that you try all the main game categories – video poker, table games, and slot machines. This will give you a better idea of those which appeal the most to you.
What’s a live dealer casino?
Live dealer games, with a live croupier, can be played at online casinos. You can stream the games (using high-resolution video) to your computer or mobile phone directly from a land-based gambling site or specialist studio.
What is a progressive jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is an amount that is larger than a standard jackpot. It increases in value by adding a small percentage from every wager to the prize pool. The more players bet, the more the prize pool increases. It falls once the jackpot is won but then gradually increases again. One of the most popular progressive internet slot machines is Mega Moolah.
Online Casino Bonuses FAQs
Do all online casinos offer players real money bonuses?
To encourage you to sign up, all the casinos that we recommend to players offer real-money bonuses. You can also enjoy ongoing promotions that will encourage you to stay loyal to that particular casino.
What is a free-spins bonus?
These bonuses don’t require you to make a deposit upfront, and do not increase the balance in your account. Instead, you will get to enjoy plenty of free games on different slot machines. On the other hand, some welcome spin offers give you extra spins to play on certain slot machines (after making a deposit of £1 to £10).
What’s a deposit match bonus?
A deposit match bonus allows you to receive a bonus equal to a percentage of your deposit. For example, a 100% bonus on a £100 deposit would result in your account receiving a £100 bonus fund credit.
What’s an online casino’s loyalty programme?
Loyalty programmes, also known as VIP Programmes, offer exclusive offers and increased rewards based on a player’s level. They are not well regarded in the UK, as tiering depends on how much you spend. These programmes offer comp points which players can use to claim bonus chips without depositing extra funds.
Do I have to take up bonus offers?
While bonus offers can be great for increasing your gaming sessions, experienced players prefer to use their own money as it allows them to make withdrawals at any time without having to meet any of the wagering requirements.
What is a wagering requirement?
This means you need to wager the bonus amount a specified number of times before requesting a withdrawal. This is to protect casinos against bonus abuse.
Online Banking FAQs
Am I allowed to use my credit card to make a deposit at an online casino?
No. Due to recent UK regulations, you cannot make a deposit with a credit card. The most common banking method for making deposits at an online casino is using a debit card.
Is it possible to play in my local currency?
Online casinos usually offer withdrawals and deposits in the most popular currencies. In the UK, all transactions are made in Pounds Sterling (GBP).
What’s an e-Wallet?
An e-wallet works in much the same way as a prepaid online card. You add credit and can then use it to make transactions at an online casino. For those new to online banking at online casinos, this buffer adds an extra layer of security between your bank information and the casino.
What bank fees are applied to Gambling?
We recommend verifying the fees for your chosen bank method at your favourite online casino. Each transaction will cost between 1% and 3% of the deposit amount. Some banking institutions charge flat fees for transactions. The least expensive banking method is the debit card.
How long does it take to withdraw funds?
The withdrawal process varies depending on which method you use. Debit card withdrawals can take up to 3 business days to process, e-wallets around 5 business days, and bank transfers anywhere between 3 to 10 days.
Some UK casinos sites are known their quick withdrawal processing times. This is certainly true for the Luxury Casino site, one of the most popular online Mega Moolah casinos for British players.
*Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New Customers Only. The minimum deposit is £10.
The 1st deposit is a 100% match bonus of up to £150. The 2nd deposit is a 50% match bonus of up to £200. The 3rd deposit is a 25% match of up to £300. Furthermore, if you make a 4th deposit, you will receive a 50% match bonus of up to £200, and your last bonus will be a 100% match of up to £150. A 200x WR applies to all bonuses. Certain games contribute a different percentage to the WR.
To receive the full welcome bonus, deposits of £2300 are required.
Rules & Regulations FAQs
Why should I play at a licensed online casino operator?
Online gambling has been revolutionised by regulations and licensing. Licensed casinos can pay out any jackpot amounts, have processing agreements in place with local banks, and are regularly audited for fairness and accuracy. By opting for a UK-licensed casino site operator, you can be assured of a safe playing environment.
What’s an online Gambling regulator?
A gambling regulator is an organisation legally established in a country or region and is solely responsible for overseeing licensed online casinos. Here, they support and protect local online gambling communities.
Are online casino games fair and transparent?
All the casinos that we recommend have guaranteed high standards of fairness, integrity, and transparency. This means that every game result and payout will be correct.
Safety & Security FAQs
Do I need to verify my online casino account?
To ensure you are the legal account holder, they (the online casino) will ask you to verify your account by email or SMS.
What happens if I forget my username/password combination?
Contact customer service to update your login credentials. You will need to answer certain account-related questions.
Will online casinos keep my funds safe & secure?
Processing substantial amounts of money is integral to any online casino’s operations. This makes them extremely secure. However, despite this, we recommend that you withdraw your winnings from your casino account. By no means should you treat it as a bank account.
How do online casinos safeguard my personal data?
SSL certificates (featuring 128-bit or greater encryption protocols) are used to ensure the safety of casino websites. These certificates are the same as those used by banks online. Their data servers are also kept in safe locations and can only be accessed by highly-rated and scrutinised personnel.
Can online Gambling sites sell my personal data?
Absolutely not! Online casinos provide entertainment for their players and establish trust by building a solid reputation. This means they will not share or sell your banking information or personal data. Doing so would compromise their relationship with your gambling activity and reduce their chances of making money.
Online Gaming Software FAQs
Is the online casino software secure?
It is safe. Just like banks, online casinos depend on your loyalty and support to thrive. To protect your online information, online casinos use up-to-date encryption certificates and adhere to strict international data security protocols.
How do I install the online casino software?
You don’t need to download any software to gamble online. Most online casinos allow you to access their games through their secure websites.
Is it legal to gamble on mobile phones?
To allow their clients to gamble anytime, anywhere, the most popular online casinos offer mobile apps or mobile-optimised websites. If online gaming is legal where you live, you can also play on a mobile phone.
Does the casino software work on my iPad and iPhone?
Yes, iOS software is a stable mobile operating system that is both secure and reliable. Casino developers have made sure their games work perfectly for Apple device users.