What’s the legal gambling age in the UK?
You have to be 18 to gamble at both online and land-based casinos and sportsbooks in the UK. There are a couple of exceptions to this, however: you need to be 16 years old to buy lottery tickets and scratch cards. Skin gambling in video games is a little more complicated, and there aren’t yet any concrete laws on the legal age for this form of gambling.
How can I tell that an online casino is safe?
Check that it holds a gambling licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC regulates UK gambling operators to make sure they’re protecting players’ personal information with data encryption technology, and have anti-fraud policies in place. It’s pretty easy to see if a casino holds a UKGC licence; you’ll see the logo and their unique licence number at the footer of the website.
Do I need to download software to play at an online casino?
No. Many online casinos offer instant-play, which means you can play your favourite casino games straight from your web browser.
How do I know if an online casino is fair?
Check that it is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. The UKGC monitors online casinos to check that games’ results are determined by random number generators (RNG) and that dealers and croupiers in live casino games play fairly. This involves integrity measures, checking that cards are shuffled fairly and that equipment is only bought from casino standard manufacturers.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
Seek help immediately. The UKGC offers information on a range of different support resources for those with gambling problems, or with loved ones that have a gambling problem. We’d also advise signing up to the self-exclusion scheme, which will prevent you from accessing gambling sites and land-based gambling venues, for a specified amount of time.
Can I use my mobile phone to play at on an online casino?
Yes. Virtually every online casino has a mobile-friendly website, and some even have native mobile apps to download. You can access the same games library, banking options and bonuses- even when you’re playing on your mobile.
Do I have to claim the welcome bonus to sign up?
No. You can choose to ‘opt in’ to the welcome bonus- once you’ve read and understood the terms and conditions, of course.
Do I need to make a deposit to play at online casinos?
No. Some online casinos offer no deposit bonuses, which give players the chance to claim free spins or bonus cash upon registration- no deposit required. You will need to deposit if you want to continue real money gameplay after you’ve used your bonus rewards and, as most no deposit bonuses have wagering requirements, you may need to make a deposit to complete these and get your hands on your bonus winnings. If you don’t want to deposit at all, you can play free demo games for as long as you’d like.
Can I play for free at online casinos?
Yes. You can play a free demo version of pretty much every online casino game- with the exception of live dealer titles. You can play these games for as long as you like with no strings attached, but you won’t get the chance to win real money on them. If you want to play real money games without making a deposit upfront, you could claim a no deposit bonus. These give players free spins or bonus cash to use on real money games, though wagering requirements could mean you need to make a deposit before you can withdraw any winnings.
Which games can I play at online casinos?
You can play just about every casino game online. These games are available at the best UK casino sites:
- Slots
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Poker
- Video Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Sic Bo
- Keno
Which online casino games have the highest RTP?
Online blackjack and online slots tend to have the highest return to player percentage (RTP). Playing classic blackjack according to basic strategy sets the RTP at around 99.5%, and some selected slot games have an RTP of 99%.
Can I contact an online casino if I have a question?
Yes. The exact contact options will vary between operators, but the best casino sites offer 24/7 support via UK telephone, live chat and email. You can also contact many online casinos via Twitter, but you shouldn’t share any sensitive data on a public forum.
Do I have to complete the KYC process at online casinos?
Yes. Failure to do so will result in restrictions on your account. These restrictions vary from casino to casino, ranging from blocking gameplay to preventing you from withdrawing any winnings. The know your customer (KYC) checks are part of a safety and security process that casino sites use to verify a player’s identity. KYC checks help to prevent money laundering, fraud and underage gambling, making the casino a safe and fair environment for players. While some casino sites require players to complete the KYC process as part of registration, others make it a necessary step prior to the withdrawal of any winnings.
Is there a secret to making a profit at online casinos?
No. Most casino games come entirely down to chance, which means there’s nothing you can do to guarantee a win. While knowing the ins and outs of a game, and experimenting with free demos, can help you understand a game and make more educated bets, it’s Lady Luck that decides your fate. We advise setting and sticking to, a gambling budget- never bet more than you can truly afford to lose.