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Top 5 Independent UK Online Casinos for 2023
There are thousands of independent online casinos out there, so naturally, you need some way to separate the good from the bad. The best way to do that is to rely on objective criteria. In this guide, we will be looking at the top-rated , comparing them according to safety, game selection, bonuses, mobile compatibility, and payment options.
Before moving forward, let’s first define what an independent casino site actually means. An operator is considered “independent” if it’s not part of a bigger casino network or group. For example, , BetVictor, and Ladbrokes Casino are all part of larger corporations – GVC Holdings, Coaching Dynamics Ltd., and Entain PLC, respectively. Because of this, they are considered part of a wider casino network.
So, independent online casinos are standalone platforms operated by parent companies that oversee only one betting brand. This doesn’t make them any less reputable. In fact, many players have a preference for independent operators because they offer something unique and different from the more mainstream casino brands.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing at Independent Online Casinos
If you’ve spent any time playing at online casinos in the UK, you’ll know that there are dozens of popular casino networks that operate hundreds of individual sites. Examples include the aforementioned GVC Holdings and Entain PLC. But as we’ve said, these brands are operated by larger parent companies that oversee multiple sites. These are classed as ‘branded’ or ‘group’ online casinos. In contrast, independent online casinos are standalone gaming venues. In this section of our guide, we want to talk you through some of the advantages and disadvantages of playing at these types of sites.
Pros:
- Unique and Distinctive Brand Personalities
- More Loyalty Programme Perks
- Higher Chance of Getting VIP Treatment
- Unbiased Game Selections
- Lower Bonus Contribution for Some Games
Cons:
- Smaller Game Selections
- Less Generous Welcome Bonuses
- Fewer Payment Options
- Potentially Longer Withdrawal Times
The main reason people play at independent online casinos is that they offer something different than their branded counterparts. Each has its own distinct personality and marketing strategy, which enables them to attract slightly different demographics of players. If you shop around, you can find small, niche casino sites that focus on specific regions or games. This means you can get a more tailored experience. Another advantage is that loyalty programmes tend to be better at independent casino sites. When a programme is spread across multiple brands, it becomes harder to deliver tangible rewards. This is not the case when a single site has its own loyalty scheme.
Casinos That Payout Faster Than Everyone ElseUnique Brand Personalities
One of the main advantages of playing at independent online casinos is that each site tends to have its own unique brand personality. There is more scope to develop a distinctive image and position the offering within a particular niche. As this allows the site to target users with very specific preferences, it creates a more cohesive userbase and, potentially, a higher average deposit value. This may seem like a minor point, but it can be very significant.
As the site isn’t diluting its offering across multiple brands, it can develop targeted promotions and customised products that meet the specific needs and wants of its core user demographic. And in turn, this should lead to greater player engagement and loyalty. Of course, it’s not quite that simple. Even if two sites are owned by the same corporate entity, they can still carve out their own unique identities. But generally speaking, you’re more likely to get a distinct user experience at an independent online casino.
More Loyalty Programme Perks
Another advantage of joining independent casinos online is that you get access to more loyalty programme perks. We’ve just spoken about how these sites can tailor their offering to suit their specific userbase. This is particularly evident in loyalty schemes. Now, don’t get us wrong; we have no doubt that if you were to compare the very best independent casino sites with their branded counterparts, the latter would come out on top when it comes to loyalty programmes.
Why? Because the likes of and Ladbrokes Coral have the resources to invest heavily in their loyalty schemes. They can offer perks such as hospitality packages at sporting events and VIP parties in exclusive locations that independent casino sites simply cannot match. However, when you compare the loyalty programmes of two independent sites or an independent site and a lesser-known branded site, the independent venue almost always comes out on top. Why? Because the perks are not diluted.
All things being equal, an independent casino site’s loyalty scheme will offer better perks simply because it does not have other sites siphoning rewards away. Moreover, some players may find that independent casinos online offer loyalty programmes that are unbiased. In other words, the system measures loyalty based on actual activity rather than focusing on popularity among certain player groups.
Higher Chance of Getting VIP Treatment
This brings us nicely to our next point: there is a higher chance of getting VIP treatment at independent casino sites. Now, before you read any further, it is worth pointing out that all should offer VIP clubs that give loyal players special privileges and benefits. This is standard practice across the industry. However, some independent sites go above and beyond to look after their most valuable players. Again, this comes down to resource allocation. A large branded site may have hundreds or even thousands of high-value players. It can be a logistical nightmare to provide VIP treatment for all of them. It is impossible to offer personalised service on such a grand scale.
In contrast, an independent casino site may have 10, 20, or 50 VIP players. The site can offer a fully personalised service to these users without needing to charge exorbitant stakes or spend thousands of pounds on hospitality packages. This is why you should consider your own requirements before choosing a casino site. If you are a mid-range stake player who wants VIP treatment, an independent site could be a better choice than a large branded platform.
UNBIASED Game Selections
Our final point about the advantages of independent casinos online relates to game selections. When you play at a branded site, there is a chance that the game catalogue has been skewed to promote certain titles over others. This is not malicious; it is simply good business sense. If a company owns a number of casino sites and has the rights to host a particular game, it makes commercial sense to ensure that the game is prominently featured across its network. This may involve giving the game bonus funds and free spins, as well as adding it to as many games categories as possible.
Now, there is nothing wrong with this per se. Bonus funds and free spins are given to raise awareness of new and popular games. And listing a game in multiple categories makes it easier for users to find. However, some players prefer an unbiased game selection. By playing at independent online casinos, you can find sites that list all RNG games and live dealer games in separate categories and give all games equal weight. There will still be featured games and popular games sections, but there won’t be the same level of cross-site promotion that you see with branded sites.
Smaller Game Selections
Of course, there are disadvantages of playing at independent online casinos that we must address, and our first point relates to game selections. Generally speaking, independent sites have smaller game selections than their branded counterparts. Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, less is more. If a site focuses on quality over quantity, it can create a better overall gaming experience. However, you may find that your favourite games are not available at some independent sites.
Additionally, there may be fewer categories to choose from. As we’ve said, some independent sites offer unbiased game catalogues, but others may still feature bonus and featured game sections but with a smaller pool of games to choose from. One area where branded sites have the edge is jackpots. Large operators often have exclusive access to progressive jackpot slots and tables games, which means they can offer bigger prizes than their competitors. If progressive jackpots are your thing, always check the operator behind the casino site. If it owns several brands, there is a good chance the jackpots are networked.
7Casino – Online Casino Review NZ 2023 | Bonuses, Win Rate & Games - Indivisible GamingLess Generous Welcome Bonuses
Another potential drawback of independent casinos online is that they offer less generous welcome bonuses. Now, this is not always true. There are plenty of great first deposit offers attached to independent sites. However, when you look at the overall market average, it’s fair to say that branded sites tend to offer bigger bonuses. This may seem odd since the operators behind these brands spend millions of pounds sponsoring football clubs and advertising on TV and radio. Yet, it makes commercial sense.
Bonuses are a powerful acquisition tool. If you can offer £50 or more to new players, you can drive a lot of traffic to your site. Once you have that player’s details, you have a chance to retain them with a good games catalogue, quick payments, and a lucrative loyalty scheme/VIP club. Therefore, it is cheaper for large operators to offer big bonuses and smaller loyalty rewards than vice versa.
Fewer Payment Options
Finally, there is a chance that independent online casinos have fewer payment options. This is not a major issue if you are happy using common methods such as VISA, MasterCard, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. It is only an issue if you wish to use a niche payment method that is not widely accepted in the UK. However, even if an independent casino accepts your preferred payment option, it may set minimum or maximum deposit limits based on the method used. Or it may exclude certain payment types from bonus offers.
How to Pick Safe Independent Casino Sites Online
Choosing between independent casino sites requires careful consideration. Since these sites operate independently of a larger corporation, due diligence is required to ensure they are safe, fair, and secure. In this section of our guide, we take you through six steps you can follow to help you pick safe independent casino sites. This process takes just a few minutes, and it significantly reduces the risk of signing up to a rogue or inferior site. So, before you deposit your hard-earned cash, make sure you follow these six easy steps.
Step 1 – Subdomain Check
The first step to finding safe independent UK online casinos is to check the site’s web address and make a mental note of the domain that precedes .com, such as “play”. You can then enter this subsidiary domain into Google and see if it appears on the search engine results page. If another website popsup, this could indicate that the site holds a remote gambling licence, which allows it to offer gambling facilities via a third-party software provider. This is commonly known as white label casino provision.
No Deposit Bonus USA 2023 - Best Free Chip and Spins OffersStep 2 – Licensing Check
Once you have established whether the casino holds an individual licence, you should check the licence holder. Go to the site’s T&Cs page and click through to the regulator’s licensee checker. Make a note of the licence number. Then, enter it into the regulator’s site to confirm that the information provided by the casino is correct. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the premier regulator in the UK, so you want the casino to hold a remote licence (for websites) or a non-remote licence (for premises-based venues) from this organisation.
Step 3 – Software Check
Now that you have confirmed the site is licensed by the UKGC, you should check the software providers. Go to the casino’s website and enter the settings icon. Click on "about" or "gaming partnerships". This should bring up a list of software providers. Look for well-known brands such as NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, Evolution, Playtech, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, and Pragmatic Play. If you recognise these names, it means leading independent casino sites online are using their software. You can also check our recommended sites further up this page.
Amazing Benefits of Playing Free Slots OnlineStep 4 – Security Check
Next, you should check the security protocol of the site. Look for a padlock symbol in the browser bar. This indicates that the site has SSL encryption. You can also check the URL prefix. If it says “https”, it means the site has SSL encryption. This is important because it encrypts all communications between your computer and the casino’s servers, making it much harder for hackers and ne’erdowells to intercept your data.
Step 5 – Promotional Check
After confirming the site is secure, you should review the promotional offers. Firstly, check that there is a welcome bonus attached to your first deposit. This is not a compulsory requirement for independent casino sites online, but it is a nice touch. Secondly, look at the wagering requirements. These are stated as a figure XY. For example, “35x bonus”. You should aim for sites with wagering requirements of 35x or less. Anything higher than this asks a lot of the player, and it can make it extremely difficult to fulfil the necessary playthrough.
Step 6 – Banking Check
Finally, before you make a deposit, always check the payment options and processing times. The should be displayed on the cashier page, and ideally, you want to see a range of options including debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and wire transfer. The minimum deposits should be reasonable, and there should be no fees charged by the casino. Processing times should be instant for all methods, with the exception of bank transfer which can take a few days to clear. You should also check the withdrawal limits and whether there are withdrawal fees. Some sites apply a fixed fee per transaction, while others set a percentage-based charge.
Games Available at Independent Online Casinos
What games can you expect to find at independent casino sites? Well, the short answer is that you can enjoy the same array of games as you would find at any other casino – be that branded or independent. This includes everything from classic slot games to immersive roulette tables and live dealer poker games. If there’s a game type you want to play, there’s every chance you will be able to find it at an independent operator.
But can you expect the same level of diversity in terms of game types and variations? Does playing at independent casinos online mean having access to a smaller, more selective library of real money games? In some regards, yes. But in others, no. You see, many of the best independent UK online casinos are powered by multiple software providers. This means they can offer hundreds of different games spanning every conceivable category.
At the top of our independent casino sites list, for instance, there are usually anywhere from 800 to 1500+ games waiting to be explored. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule. But by using our strategies for finding safe independent sites, you can determine exactly what is on offer at any given platform.
So, which games can you look forward to playing at independent online casinos? In the following section, we highlight the most popular categories.
demo slots for funSlots
When you play at independent casino sites online, you will mainly find three broad types of game: slots, table games, and live dealer games. Of these three categories, slots are by far the largest and most diverse. As a result, they typically form the bulk of an independent casino’s game catalogue.
For example, took us only a few minutes to register, and we were greeted with over 1,000 real money video, classic, and jackpot slot machines. Similarly, offers more than 700 RTP slot games from leading developers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Quickspin. Both of the operators mentioned above are independent. As are , Betiton, and MrQ Casino. In fact, if you check out our list of the , you will notice that most of the sites ranked highly are independent. Why is this? Well, slot games require neither the specialist equipment found at live casino studios nor the physical space needed for traditional table games. As a result, they are cheap and easy to integrate onto a casino site, providing a cost-effective way for independent operators to build a sizeable and diverse game catalogue.
With hundreds of real money slot games to pick from, players of independent casino sites online are spoiled for choice. Whether you like modern video slots with five reels and multiple rows, classic three-reel slots modelled on fruit machines, or big money jackpot slots in search of life-changing wins, there is something to suit every player and preference.
Slot games come in all shapes and sizes at the . Some games have 10 paylines, whilst others have 1,024 ways to win or 6,000 paylines. There are games with four rows and games with 12 rows. There are slot games based on movies, TV shows, musicians, sports stars, and historic figures. There are also slot sequels, prequels, trilogies, and spin-off series. Furthermore, games use a plethora of different features. These include multipliers, free spins, sticky wilds, tumbling reels, cascading reels, swapping symbols, and gamble features.
Top No Deposit Bonus Codes for April 2023 - GamblingSites.comPlayers can also adjust varying levels, such as the bet-per-line, bet-per-way, and total bet. Finally, some indie casino sites feature exclusive slots you cannot play elsewhere, whereas others offer games with unique betting features. An example is the Dynamic Ways slot from . This game has 6 reels and 4,096 ways to win, but but the more you stake, the more rows are activated. At the lowest stake levels, there are only two rows of symbols, reducing the number of ways to win to just 576.
Table Games
We move on to table games, which cover a variety of roulette, blackjack, and poker variants. Now, some independent casinos have small table games catalogues with just a handful of titles. This is somewhat disappointing. After all, what is the point of having an independent platform if you are going to limit the amount of choice players have? That said, other indie sites have impressive libraries of table games. For example, offers more than 100 RTP table games, including 37 classic and European roulette variets, 37 dual play and auto roulettes, and 31 blackjack tables offering exotic and standard rules.
Elsewhere, provides more than 50 RTP table games, covering classic and European roulette variants, plus first person lightning roulette, blackjack and baccarat. Offers over 120 table games, including Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and side bets such as Perfect Pairs and 21 + 3. Several indie sites also offer video poker games, keno, dream catcher, and other speciality options.
While there is undoubtedly a lot of variation in the number and type of table games offered by independent online casinos, there are a couple of trends worth noting. Firstly, many sites offer a mix of RNG and live dealer table games. This is good news for players as it gives them lots of choices. It also means that independent sites are not promoting any particular title or variant over another. Finally, many indie sites accept both bonus and non-bonus funds at their table games. This gives all players, including VIPs and loyalty scheme members, the chance to earn extra profits. Although it is worth checking the wagering contribution rates. Many table games only contribute 5%-20% towards bonus playthrough, which means you will clear the bonus much slower when playing them.
Live Dealer Games
independent casinos online offer live dealer games. These allow you to play against real dealers in real time. The games are streamed in HD quality, and you can interact with the dealers and other players via live chat. Independent sites offer all manner of live dealer games. These include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Sic Bo, poker, and more. What’s more, many games are available in unlimited seats, allowing you to join a table at a time that suits you.
Top MGM Casino Apps to Gamble Via Mobile Device in US, 2023The live dealer platform determines the number of tables a site can offer. Some indie operators are powered by Evolution Gaming, which gives them access to hundreds of tables across all popular game types. Elsewhere, you may find sites using software from Pragmatic Live. This is a subsidiary of the Pragmatic Play slots developer and offers a more modest selection of live tables. Finally, some independent casinos have partnered with smaller live dealer companies, giving them access to a handful of games.
Generally speaking, the quality of the live platform determines the number and type of tables offered. But there is a caveat. Some independent sites only offer a handful of live tables but have unlimited seats. For example, offers a total of nine live tables, but these can accommodate an infinite number of players. Conversely, some branded sites with extensive live platforms place seat limitations on certain tables. This is a factor of demand. If a game is popular, the operator will add more tables to keep up with customer demand. As an independent platform may not have the same volume of users as a branded site, they do not need to offer as many live tables. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy an excellent live gaming experience at many indie casinos, with multiple rooms in each category from leading developers such as Evolution and Pragmatic.
Are Independent Casino Sites Reliable?
Yes, the best independent casino sites online are reliable. Providing you stick to our and only play at UKGC-licensed sites, you can rest assured that your money is in safe hands. Not only do these sites protect player funds, but they also use SSL encryption to safeguard communications between your computer and the casino’s server. Plus, respected alternative dispute resolution services are in place to resolve any disputes over a player’s experience fairly. Add to this the fact that all games are certified as truly random, and independents sites rank highly across the board.
Independendent Casino Bonuses and Promos
Can you get a in the absence of a prominent brand? Absolutely. In fact, you can often benefit from more lucrative offers at independent casinos online. Don’t get me wrong; it is not uncommon to find eye-catching first deposit offers attached to the . For example, offersnew players 50 spins on the first deposit of £10+. Meanwhile, provides a 100% matched bonus of up to £100 on your first deposit. Elsewhere, offers up to £50 bonus funds and 25 spins on the Mega Reel, and awards a £20 bonus (40X wagering requirement) when when you deposit £10+.
The question is not, therefore, can you get a welcome bonus at an independent site, but what constitutes a good offer. We have already touched upon wagering requirements, and rightly so. As a general rule, you want offers with low playthrough targets. Ideally, they should be 35X or less. Above this threshold, offers become progressively more demanding, and you have less time to complete the wagering before the bonus expires.
free money for casinoIt is also worth considering the frequency of offers. Top independent sites like provide regular deals for existing players, including weekly bonuses, monthly cashback, birthday bonuses, VIP treats, and special seasonal offers. Additionally, some indie sites offer VIPs one-to-one account management, cash or free spins drops, annual trips, and other bespoke perks. Clearly, not everyone will qualify for these special treatments. To receive the very best VIP care and attention, you must be a high-stake player.
Finally, remember to check the availability of offers with trusted independent UK online casinos. Some promotions may only be available to players who have deposited in the previous seven days. Others may only be claimable on selected games or between certain days of the week. Always read the full terms and conditions before claiming any offer.
Mobile Friendliness
We come to perhaps the most important question of them all: are independent casino sites online any good on smartphones and tablets? Almost universally, the answer is a resounding yes. Modern casino sites are designed with mobile compatibility in mind. In many cases, they are built using responsive source code, which allows them to mould and adapt to whatever screen size they are displayed on.
Even sites that use dedicated mobile and desktop versions prioritise smartphone and tablet users by ensuring both platforms have identical libraries of games. In some instances, the mobile game catalogue is even larger than its desktop equivalent, as developers roll out new features and improvements for mobile users. For example, several leading software providers, including NetEnt and Big Time Gaming, release new games exclusively on mobile platforms before they become accessible on desktops weeks or months later.
Casino Bonus Review - Promotions, Welcome Offer, and MoreIf we hone in on independence specifically, we find that many of the best indie sites are perfectly suited to mobile devices. takes us seamlessly through the registration process and straight to the lobby, which is beautifully designed for mobiles. We found the same when we tested . Likewise, is highly portable, whether you are using an iOS or Android device.
Across the board, independent casino sites online feature highly intuitive lobbies that are a breeze to navigate using a touchscreen. Menus open quickly, and sub-categories load without delay. Depositing and withdrawing is also simple, and many indie sites allow you to activate bonuses, contact customer support, check your loyalty scheme balance and change your account preferences from mobile devices. Additionally, demo modes are available on most mobile games, allowing you to test out titles before committing to real money play. Finally, games run smoothly with minimal loading times and no visible lag. If you have a 4G or 5G connection, you will enjoy lightning fast gameplay with sharp graphics and vivid sound effects. Overall, the mobile performance of independent casinos online is first rate.
Best Independent Casino Site for British Players
To summarise, there really is no difference between playing at independent casinos online versus their branded counterparts. The same applies to games, mobile compatibility, and security. The only notable distinction is that independent sites often offer lower bonus contributions and less generous bonuses. However, many independents make up for this shortcoming in other areas, such as offering unique slot games you cannot play at rival sites.
If we had to recommend one independent operator that ticks all the boxes, it would be . This site boasts an impressive games-to-software provider ratio, with titles from 69 game studios, including NetEnt, NYX, IGT, Microgaming, NextGen, Red Tiger, Blueprint, Scientific Games, ELK Studios and many more.
You will also find a diverse selection of real money slots, jackpots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, scratchcards and live dealer games. There are more than 1,000 games in total, and they have been divided into several categories, including hot slots, my favorites, casual, and mobile. If you want to try a new game, there is a section called all games, which contains all titles alphabetically.
Jumpman Gaming casinos are renowned for their fun sign-in offer. Here, you get trophies instead of bonus funds, and the first two tasks earn you 31 trophy reward andup to 500 free spins on Fluffy Favourites. Subsequent tasks award additional prizes such as Amazon vouchers, free spins, and trophy bundles. The site is completely secure, with SSL encryption and firewall protection. It is also licensed by the UKGC and AGCC. Customer support is available via email and live chat, and pages load quickly. We also liked the fact you can impose spending and deposit limits, along with reality checks and time outs. Finally, this site is safe and fair, with RTPs certified by eCOGRA.
FAQs
To make our guide to the best independent casino sites online as comprehensive as possible, we have collated some of the most common questions players ask about these sites. If you need more information about any of the topics covered in our guide, you can click the link that takes you to the relevant section.
🏆 What are the best independent online casinos in the UK?
The best independent casino sites online are licensed by the UKGC. They offer a wide range of real money games, including slots, table games, and live dealer titles. The also have strong levels of security, reliable customer support mechanisms, and are fully certified as fair.
⚖ Are independent UK online casinos safe?
Independent casino sites online are safe as long as they hold a valid UKGC licence. You can check this by entering the casino name or licence number on the regulator's search page. If the site holds an active licence, it means it passes muster regarding financial stability, customer protection protocols, game integrity and anti-money laundering procedures.
🕹 What games can I play at independent online casinos in the UK?
You can play hundreds of real money slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker and other casino games at independent casinos. Popular include Joker Max, Fishin Frenzy, Rainbow Riches, 9 Pots of Gold, Bonanza, Starburst, Cleopatra and Deuces Wild. You will also find live dealer tables, scratchcards and dice games.
📱 Are independent casino sites online any good on smartphones and tablets?
Yes, independent casino sites online are mobile-friendly. Like their desktop equivalents, they are licensed by the UKGC, certificate as fair, and protect player funds. They also offer a wide range of games that have been optimised for smartphones and tablets, as well as touch-friendly lobbs and secure payment options.
💰 Can I get a good welcome bonus at an independent casino site?
The are very good. Many independent sites realise they are not a household name, so they offer bigger bonuses than some of their more famous counterparts to entice you to sign up. Granted, brand recognition is important, but bonus funds put you directly ahead.
🎰 Which independent online casino has the best slots?
Many independent sites have impressive slot collections featuring hundreds of RTP titles. provides slots from 69 software providers, including exclusives you cannot play at other sites. Elsewhere, offers slots from NextGen, Barcrest, Big Time Gaming, IGT, Microgaming and many more.
Tips to Help You Win Real Money at Online Casinos🤔 What does it mean for a casino to be independent?
Independent casinos are not affiliated with any professional sports teams, musicians, movie franchises or other brands. However, this does not mean they are alone or lack support. Independence refers to branding. Some operators choose to invest in casino sites rather than marketing deals with celebrities.
🤑 Do independent casino sites online favour VIP players?
Some do, some don't. If you play at , for example, you will receive the same treatment as any other player. However, if you play at some of the , you can enjoy a heightened gaming experience with VIP account managers, personalised gifts, and trips abroad.
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