We will show you how to check if an online casino is good by providing you with a detailed 10-step casino check that you can use every time you decide to try out a new betting site. You can also save you some time by using our list of the , where we have already listed the top-rated operators after thorough checks. Our has thoroughly tested each one of them according to the criteria below, so you don’t have to!
Step-by-Step Online Casino Checklist
If you want to evaluate a specific operator, use this step-by-step guide on how to write a casino review UK. It will help you cover all important aspects and give you an objective overview of every online casino. Using our experience as professional gamblers and iGaming experts, we have prepared a checklist that includes more than 100 factors for evaluation. Our editors apply these when writing what they consider to be the .
Step 1: Verify the Casinos’ Safety – Licensing Is a Must
The first thing to do in your casino review is to make sure that the operator is safe to play at, and the best way to do this is to look at the footer of the website. A trustworthy operator will always display its licence numbers there because it are these seals that build customer trust. The most reputable regulatory bodies are the UKGC, the MGA, and the Curacao eGaming, so if you see any of those, then everything should be fine. Click on the logos to find out more.
Safety is a top priority for us, which is why we always make sure that the casinos we include in our guides and articles hold active licenses. Additionally, we encourage you to play only at regulated betting sites because this guarantees fair gaming conditions and protection of your personal data. Remember that a valid license is a must in any casino review you come across online!
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Checking whether an online casino has a licence is relatively easy. All legit operators will proudly display their licence numbers and will even link to their registration certificates via the regulators’ websites. You should be able to find the regulator’s logo as a seal of trust in the website’s footer. Of course, it is always a good idea to double-check with the regulatory body if you are unsure about a certain casino.
Here are the simple steps on how to verify casino licenses:
- Firstly, go to the official websites of the regulatory authorities – the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, etc.
- Secondly, look for the search option – either in the header or the footer of the page.
- Thirdly, type in the name of the casino you want to check and hit enter.
- Last but not least, check the results to make sure that the name matches and that the licence is active.
For your convenience, we have checked some of the most popular online casinos, and as you can see from the table below, they hold active licenses and are included in our casino reviews:
As you can see from the examples above, all vital details about the licensee are included – company name, trade bonds, license numbers, addresses, and website URLs. If you cannot find this kind of information, we suggest you avoid the casino because it can mean that it is not licensed or that its permit was revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Casino Licences
During our research, we found that many players struggle to understand how casino licensing works, so we decided to prepare answers to some of the most frequent questions. Make sure to check them out before continuing with the other criteria in our casino checklist.
🔒️ Why Is a Casino Licence Important?
A licence is proof that an online operator has passed all required checks and is permitted to offer gambling services legally. It ensures that the casino operates fairly and that your money and private data are protected. Licensed operators have strict regulations regarding payment methods, game testing and security measures to prevent money laundering.
❓How to Check If a Casino Has a License?
You can check this by looking for the licence number at the bottom of the casino’s web pages. Clicking on it should take you to the regulator’s website with all vital operator details displayed publicly. If the casino is legitimate, it would have no problem showing the licence number.
🤷♂️Why Can’t I Find a Casino’s Licence Number?
This could be a red flag because if an operator is licensed, it would want customers to see the certificate as this builds trust. Hidden or missing information might indicate that there is something to hide, so it is better to stay away from such casinos. Always prioritise operators who are open and transparent.
⏲️How Long Does It Take to Get a Gambling Licence?
It depends on the jurisdiction since some regulators are swamped with applications, while others have streamlined the process. For example, the MGA aims to complete the application procedure within three to four months. In contrast, getting a UKGC licence can take up to two years due to stringent checks.
✔️What Does a Gambling Licence Allow?
It permits the licensee to provide different types of gambling games, typically listed on the regulator’s website. Some licenses are limited, allowing only specific activities, while others are more extensive and cover multiple products like slots, table games, live dealer tables, sports betting, etc.
👮♀️Which Organisations Issue Gambling Licences?
Numerous organisations issue gambling licences around the world. Examples include the UKGC, the MGA, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, the Panama Gaming Control Board, and many others. Choosing a casino licensed by one of those is generally safe. Our tells you more about the authorised institutions.
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Yes, depending on the type, a gambling licence can be valid for one to five years. The holder must apply for a renewal several weeks before expiration. During this time, the regulator checks if the business has been operating according to the legal requirements.
Step 2: Check the Game Selection and Software Quality
After verifying that we are dealing with a safe operator, we need to assess the actual gaming experience offered by the casino. This means looking at the available games and software quality. Here, quality doesn’t only refer to the eye candy but also to how well the titles run on different devices without freezing or lagging. To test it properly, we use several laptops, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Before adding a casino to our toplist, we ensure it features top slots, popular jackpots, and a variety of roulette, blackjack and video poker variations. We also consider the poker platforms, virtual sports, scratch cards, and Slingo games available. An essential part of our tests is evaluating the live dealer suites powered by leading developers. We analyse the table limits, bet coverages, RTP rates, and payout times.
Top Online Casinos in New Jersey You Have to Try in Sept. 2023Below is an example of game menus at one of our best-rated casinos, where you can quickly navigate through different categories and even filter by software providers or features like free spins or new titles:
In this step of our online casino checklist, we also investigate whether demo mode is available, allowing players to try the games free of charge. Another feature we look out for is the ability to add games to a special “favourites” section so that you can easily access your preferred titles. Also, having a search bar makes it simpler to locate specific games rather than scrolling through long lists.
How Many Games Should a Good Casino Have?
Every casino has the right to choose its own strategy. Smaller operators often focus on quality and offer games from a few top developers, while bigger operators tend to have wider ranges. Still, in our , we aim for a balance with hundreds, if not thousands of options, including slots, bingo, lottery, baccarat, keno, and more. That way, the player base with varying preferences is catered to.
Which Are the Top Casino Software Providers?
There are numerous developers creating exciting gambling content. Examples include NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, among others. Their games are renowned for high-quality graphics, thrilling bonus features and lucrative jackpots. Operators that rely on their products are also more likely to be trustworthy. You can see some of them featured on our .
What Is the Return to Player Rate (RTP)?
This indicates the theoretical return over time for the players. It represents the percentage of bets that should be paid back as wins and is based on hundreds of thousands of simulations. A high RTP does not guarantee big wins because the variance plays a role too. Games with low volatility pay often but with small amounts, while high variants have big rewards, but less frequently.
Which Countries Develop the Best Online Casino Games?
Nowadays, you can find excellent gaming companies worldwide. Some of the most prominent ones are based in Scandinavia – countries like Sweden, Finland, and Denmark are known for their innovative approach and mobile-first development, producing titles with sharp graphics and catchy soundtracks.
Best Free Casino Games in Canada [2023]Do Casinos Give Money for Making Game Reviews?
No, it is illegal for operators to influence reviewers in any shape or form. Any any changes to that would be presented to the relevant gambling authorities. Demonstrably, low account balances and generous winnings are enough to keep players happy without outside assistance.
What Percentage Win in Online Casinos?
Casino games are programmed to be random and unbiased; therefore, it is impossible for everyone to win. Regulators regularly monitor the games to confirm they operate fairly. Professional players accept that only a portion of the sessions end in profits.
At What Age Can You Go to a Casino?
To enter a land-based or participate in any gambling activity, you usually need to be over the age of 18, though some jurisdictions set the limit at 21. These rules are strictly enforced to protect vulnerable people and prevent underage access to gambling products. You can always spot yourself by simply showing an ID.
Real Money Gambling Games You Can Play Online For FreeHow Do You Pick Casino Games?
When choosing a title, you should start with deciding on a budget and setting goals for the session. Then, pick a game that fits those requirements and offers features matching your playing style. Slots are perfect for casual players, while table games suit those who like more involvement.
How Much Do Casinos Spend on Game Development?
It is difficult to estimate the exact sums as it depends on various factors like the game type and platform integration. Simple titles with standard layouts may cost less to develop, whilst visually advanced slots with intricate mechanics can require significant investments. Live dealer games also vary, especially if celebrity dealers are involved.
Who Are the Biggest Suppliers to Casinos?
Some of the largest suppliers in terms of revenue are Scientific Games, International Game Technology (IGT), and Konami. They mainly target land-based venues, although many of their brands also exist online. In terms of internet operators, it is harder to track performance, but NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Evolution are certainly doing very well.
Step 3: Evaluate the Welcome Bonuses
Once we know we are dealing with a safe and interesting gaming platform, we move on to the next factor in our online casino checklist. Most players prefer to sign up at a place that offers a welcome bonus. Therefore, we evaluate the first deposit offers of each operator separately and compare them when writing our . Below, we will briefly discuss the main things that should be considered.
The most important aspect of a welcome bonus is whether it carries a wagering requirement or not. If yes, then we analyze the corresponding playthrough multiplier to determine how hard it would be to complete. Please note that even bonuses without wagering contribute to the turnover of other offers.
online cash poker gameAnother point we explore in detail is what qualifies as a valid product for the bonus. Normally, it should be possible to opt-in when making a deposit with a debit card, but some operators also grant the perk for other payment methods like e-wallets, bank transfers, or prepaid cards. It is worth mentioning here that players can only claim one welcome bonus at a time. You can read more on this topic in our dedicated article about .
Are Casino Welcome Bonuses Taxable?
Fortunately, casino bonuses are not taxable in the UK due to the Gambling Act of 2005. According to Section 337, gambling winnings are not considered income and cannot be taxed. Even inheritance and lottery prizes fall under the same rule. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) used to levy taxes on gambling profits before the law changed, but now welcome bonuses are completely free.
Do All Online Casinos Offer Sign-Up Bonuses?
Unfortunately, not all operators provide welcome bonuses, and those that do often have many restrictions and significant wagering requirements attached to them. That is why we advise reading the terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to anything. Sometimes, casinos offer better promotions later, so it is best to reserve judgement.
How Do You Claim a Casino Sign-up Bonus?
First, you need to create an account and provide the necessary verification documents. Then, you must opt-in for the bonus during the deposit process. Enter the bonus code in the appropriate field and proceed with the payment. The funds should be added automatically after successful verification.
What Is the Most Generous Casino Sign Up Bonus?
Many operators offer attractive welcome bonuses, but the stands out thanks to its variety and frequency. From slots and live games to prize draws and VIP programs, there is something for everyone. The latest promotion allows new members to opt-in for up to £100 ].
When Casinos Say x60 Bangalore, What Does It Mean?
Let’s say you claim a bonus of £20 with wagering requirements of 60x Bangalore. Then, you would need to place 60 wagers of £20 totalling £1200. Keep in mind that the bonus and deposit amounts also count towards the turnover. Thus, you would need to bet the initial £20 + £20*60 = £1220 in order to clear the requirement.
Do You Have to Report Casino Winnings to the IRS?
Only US citizens must report their gambling winnings to the IRS regardless of whether they received a 1095 or 1096 form from the casino. You should fill out a Form 1040 and enter the total amount won in Box 10 of the tax return. There is no specific casino winnings tax rate.
What Percentage Do Casinos Donate to Charity?
Each country has its own legislation concerning charitable donations. In the UK, casinos are not obligated to give money to good causes, but many still support various organisations and events. Some even have embedded automatic systems that transform a part of the losses into donations.
Best Sites with Real Money Casino Games RankedWhere Does Las Vegas Get Its Water?
The city of Las Vegas gets its water from the Colorado River through the Hoover Dam, which is located near the border with Arizona. It was built between 1931 and 1936 and provides electricity for the entire region. The dam is 226 metres long and 167 metres tall and is considered one of the engineering wonders of the modern world.
Who Owns the Venetian Casino?
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. It was designed to resemble a typical Italian city with its own gondolas, canals, and architectural style. The property opened in 1999 and has approximately 7,000 hotel rooms.
Step 4: Test the Payment Methods
Continuing our online casino checklist, the fourth factor we examine is the available payment methods at each site. First of all, we look at which currencies they support because converting your deposits and withdrawals to dollars, pounds, or euros may result in additional fees. It is best to use a casino that supports your native currency. Our also exclusively feature multicurrency platforms.
Fantastic Casinos with Big Deposit Bonuses - Plus, a 7 Free OfferWe also take into consideration the speed of transactions because nobody wants to wait days to get their money. Electronic wallets and debit cards generally process payments faster, often delivering funds within hours. On the other hand, bank transfers can take up to seven business days. Below is an example of the instant play platform at one of our best-rated operators:
Of course, we also make deposits and withdrawals using different payment instruments to test whether everything runs smoothly and to assess the minimum and maximum limits. We also check if there are any additional fees and preserve records of transaction times and approvals. Having a diverse range of options is crucial, so we hunt down operators that offer at least debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and sometimes cryptocurrencies.
Can I Use My Bank Account for Online Casino Transactions?
Yes, you can use your bank account to fund your casino adventures by execututing online bank transfers or Waitrose myWaitrose Money card transactions. Depending on the operator, there may be longer processing times compared to e-wallets and plastic, but they are safer than displaying your card details. See our for recommended banks and their policies.
What Is the Safest Way to Withdraw Casino Winnings?
According to our casino secure checklist, the safest ways to receive your winnings are through e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill. Not only do they support two-factor authentication, but you also benefit from quick transfer times and superior privacy protection. Debit cards are also viable alternatives.
Must-Know Strategies for Crushing Online Poker TournamentsCan You Claim Gambling Winnings as Retirement Income?
Technically, you can claim your gambling winnings as retirement income, but receiving large lump sums may affect your tax bracket. Those who wish to rely on winnings should consider converting them to an annuity. This spreads the cash flow evenly throughout the year and usually comes with more favourable tax rates.
What Percentage Does the House Edge Have in Casino?
The house edge shows roughly how much the operator will win in the long term. It is calculated by taking the difference between 100% and the RTP rate. For example, if a game has a 95% RTP, then the house edge would be 5%. This means that for every £100 wagered, the player could expect a £5 loss on average.
Where Does a Casino’s Money Go?
The money invested in casino games goes back as winnings to the players, a portion is used to cover operating expenses, and the rest is the profit for the owner(s). Compared to other businesses, casinos go through cash rapidly due to the numerous games and high limitions.
What States Amelico Owns?
Amelco is a fast-growing betting and gaming company founded in the UK in 2018. According to the Company’s House, it has not expanded to other states yet, although it obtained an advanced market financial services and investment firm licence from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is reportedly opening offices in the US.
How to Choose a Safe Online Casino?
Choosing a safe online casino requires careful consideration. Firstly, check if it holds active licences from reputable regulatory bodies like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gambling Commission (MGA). Next, browse trusted casino review websites that perform detailed checks. Our provides more insights.
What Percentage of People Have a Gambling Problem?
According to recent studies, around 0.2 to 1% of adults experience harm from gambling. Whilst it is a small percentage, it is still a cause for concern. Common signs of problem gambling include chasing losses, borrowing money, neglected responsibilities, irritability, and lack of control.
What Percentage of Casino Revenue Comes from High Rollers?
High rollers bring in a significant portion of a casino’s overall revenue. Data suggests that the top 10% of players generate up to 50% of the earnings. That is why some establishments offer VIP programmes with exclusive perks to attract and retain these valuable customers.
Do Casinos Have More Profits Than Hotels Lose?
Contrary to popular belief, gambling revenues are not always higher than hotel expenses. Whilst resorts like the Venetian and Marina Bay Sands boast impressive casinos, they also have thousands of rooms, restaurants, shopping malls, theatres, and conference halls that require substantial investment.
Step 5: Check Mobile Compatibility
If you did not know already, all reliable operators offer mobile gambling services. After all, nowadays, people often use their phones for browsing, chatting, listening to music, and working. So, it makes sense that playing slots, roulette, and poker on the go has also become incredibly popular. Therefore, we dedicate the fifth criterion in our online casino checklist to evaluating the mobile compatibility of each app.
Our team tests the responsiveness of the various platforms by loading multiple pages on different phone models and comparing the results to their desktop counterparts. We also examine the available payment methods and customer support channels, as well as the game selection and withdrawal times. Of course, we also assess the overall appearance because a cluttered interface on a small screen could lead to misclicks.
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Can I Play Casino Games on My Mobile Device?
Yes, almost all operators allow you to enjoy slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on smartphones and tablets. Some provide native apps that you can download from the Apple Store or Google Play, while others only work through the browser. Either way, you can enjoy bonuses and make deposits and withdrawals securely.
Can I Withdraw My Casino Bonus on My Mobile Device?
Once you complete the wagering requirements of a bonus offer, you can request a withdrawal from your mobile device. Just log in to your account, go to banking, select a payment method, and follow the instructions. Bear in mind that you will need to verify your identity and provide documentation before your first cash-out.
Can I Play Live Dealer Casino Games on My Phone?
Most operators offer live dealer games on mobile devices due to the increasing demand for on-the-go gambling. Players can join blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker tables through the browser or native apps and enjoy the same bonuses as desktop users. Streaming is smooth even on 4G connections thanks to enhanced encoding technologies.
What Is the Smallest Amount You Can Gamble?
Depending on the products and jurisdictions, the minimum bet varies greatly. Penny slots may seem like an obvious choice for high-limit games, but even these usually have a $0.01 minimum line bet. Fans of table games should visit the low roller tables with limits starting from $0.10 to $1.
Do Casinos Have More Games than Racebooks Gain?
Thoroughbred racebooks usually offer dozens of races and hundreds of markets with boosted odds for popular events. Whilst the number of games at casinos easily surpasses that of racebooks, players often struggle to find titles with juicy bonuses and high payouts. Therefore, both types of platforms have advantages.
How Much Does the Typical Casino Worker Make?
The salary of a casino employee depends on their position and location. For example, in the USA, a dealer can earn between $4-$28/hour, chip conductors and pit bosses receive $19-$35/hour, and managers get $40-$73/hour. Customer service representatives and security guards fall within the $15-$50/hour range.
What Percentage of Americans play the Lottery?
Playing the lottery is popular among individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the United States. Recent statistics suggest that nearly 55% of the adult population purchases tickets occasionally or regularly. The Powerball and Mega Millions draw massive attention with potential jackpots in the hundreds of millions.
Which State in America Has the Most Casinos?
Nevada has been nicknamed the “Silver State” and the “Entertainment Capital of the World” due to harbouring the highest number of casinos in the USA. Cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Laughlin boast extravagant resorts with dazzling light shows, endless buffets, unique shops, and world-class entertainment.
real live casino onlineStep 6: Check the Game Variety
Reaching the middle point of our casino evaluation guide, the sixth step revolves around the game selection. No matter how sleek the design and how juicy the bonuses, an online casino will not rank highly in our reviews if it lacks quality entertainment. Modern players appreciate having hundreds of titles at their fingertips. You can learn more in our dedicated post about .
So, alongside experienced reviewers, I test each operator individually, noting every single category represented and any standout features. We begin with the slots because they are the most popular games and continue with roulette, poker, baccarat, and Keno. Jackpot games deserve extra attention since they deliver the biggest thrills and require dedicated sections.
Besides that, we search for Slingo titles because they are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Originally coined by Gaming Realms in 2016, this genre merges slots and bingo mechanisms, resulting in entertaining games that combine chance and instants play. Below, you can see an example of the slingo section at one of our top-ranked casinos:
Finally, we check if there are any scratch cards because they complete the spectrum of gambling products. Although some players consider them inferior to other games due to the lack of involvement, scratchcards offer attractive prizes and instant feedback. You can learn more in our informative blog post.
Can You Play Free Casino Games Online?
Yes, you can play free casino games online to practice strategies and enjoy some risk-free fun. demostratethis feature by providing dozens of popular titles from leading developers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play. Of course, you will not be able to win real money, but it is a nice pastime.
Can Casinos Ban IP Addresses?
Yes, if a casino suspects that someone is breaking the rules from a particular IP address, it can ban that IP address temporarily or permanently. Players may also be blocked for self-exclusion, underage gambling, bonus abuse, or other irregular behaviour.
What Percentage of Nevada’s Budget Comes from Casinos?
Casino revenues represent a significant portion of Nevada’s budget, accounting for approximately 6% of the state’s total income. Gambling taxes primarily fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. In 2021, over $1.4 billion was generated from games of luck.
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