5 factors to consider when choosing a UK online casino

You’ve seen the flashy ads for online casino games, and they look like fun. Maybe you’ve gambled before and know what to expect. Or perhaps you haven’t, but you’re interested in giving it a go.

In either case, playing online seems like a great option. You’re not alone. A September 2018 survey found that 74% of UK respondents signed up for as many as three betting sites and played on a UK online casino.

However, you’re a bit overwhelmed. With so many choices, you have no idea where to start, which is perfectly understandable. Read on for some tips to help you choose the best UK online casino for you.

Familiarise yourself with the rules

In the UK, the Gambling Commission regulates online gambling. The Commission was created by the Gambling Act 2005.

Any UK online casino that wants to offer British citizens their services must obtain a license from the Gambling Commission.

While in other parts of the world, gambling regulations can be vague, this isn’t the case in the UK. Instead, the law is precise and creates a safe environment where players and operators alike are protected.

Knowing the rules is important because it will help you avoid a headache in the future.

For example, as a British citizen, you aren’t limited to casinos licensed in the UK. The Gambling Commission has a safelist of gambling jurisdictions that includes any countries in the European Economic Area. If the online casino has a license from any whitelisted region, you can safely use their services.

Of course, to be safe, your best bet is to use an online casino licensed in the UK. However, since you have plenty to choose from, this shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure to verify the casino’s license, which you can do on the Gambling Commission’s website.

Learn more about bonuses and promotions

Bonuses and promotions are a great draw, but before you sign up, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Online casinos may offer a free welcome bonus with no deposit, for example. It sounds like a great deal, but you have to dig into the fine print.

In most cases, you might not be allowed to withdraw your winnings without making subsequent substantial deposits and wagers.

So, choose an online casino that offers an attractive bonus, but make sure that you know the conditions upfront. It’s often a better option to choose a casino offering a smaller bonus with less draconian withdrawal conditions than one with a higher bonus.

Dig into the casino’s background

Before you sign up with an online casino in the UK, do a little research into their background. It’s generally a good idea to stick with casinos that have been around for a while and have a good reputation.

Read online reviews, especially from sites that don’t have a vested interest in promoting one casino over another. You’ll also find sites featuring reviews and comments from actual players, which tend to be even more accurate.

Also, make sure to check social media. This is an excellent option because you can connect with actual gamers and gain more insight into the quality of the online casino you are considering.

Look into their customer support

Reliable online casinos should offer great customer support. It should also be available 24/7 and via multiple channels.

However, it’s always best to check. Research what other gamers are saying online, but also test them yourself.

You can send in a question and see how quickly they answer and how dedicated they are to solving your problem.

It might not seem necessary. But, if you experience an issue when you’re trying to withdraw your winnings, you’ll be glad you chose a casino with an outstanding support team.

Make sure the interface is user friendly

While most online casinos feature user-friendly interfaces, not all of them will appeal to you. The last thing you need is to fiddle with an interface you don’t like and find challenging to understand.

The whole point of playing online casino games is to have fun, not to waste time trying to figure out which button to push.

Plus, if you don’t get the interface, a mistake could cost you a lot of money. So, it’s best to check out their system before committing to a particular casino.

Most online casinos will allow you to test their system for free for a limited time. If they don’t offer a free trial, move on. There are plenty of other reputable casinos for you to choose from.

Conclusion

Playing online casino games can be a lot of fun, but only if you choose the right casino. Luckily, the UK has plenty of reputable online casinos for you to choose from.

However, to be sure you’re making the right choice, familiarize yourself with the rules and check the casino’s license. Also, make sure they have a good reputation and outstanding customer support by doing your research.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of a good interface. Your goal is to enjoy some entertainment, not to try to figure out a complicated system.