Best Online Gambling Sites

The Difference Between a Gambling Site and an Online Casino

Gambling sites come in all shapes and sizes. Some can be defined simply as online casinos, and these tend to provide online slots, classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and a selection of live dealer tables.

An online casino may particularly specialise in slots and offer less in the way of table games, but generally you know what you’re going to get: virtual versions of the kinds of games that have been played in land-based casinos for generations.

Then there’s what we like to think of as all-round gambling sites. These go beyond casino games and offer an enhanced array of betting options.

While the most common addition is sports betting, the best online betting sites can also encompass bingo and lottery games, online poker rooms, fantasy sports, and more. 

There’s certainly plenty of fun to be had at straight-up online casinos, but if you want the freedom to play slots one minute and place wagers on your favourite sporting events the next, gambling sites are the way to go.

One major plus point is you won’t have to worry about managing different accounts for casino gambling and sports betting, which makes keeping an eye on your budget and bankroll a bit easier. Then there’s the prospect of the various bonuses and promos on offer. 

The best gambling sites can serve up different deals for the different categories. Novibet, for example, offers new members a £10 free bet for its sportsbook and up to £150 in matched deposit bonus funds for its casino. New betting sites, keen to make a great first impression, can lay out particularly generous bonuses for casino players and sports bettors alike.

Ready to find out more? This guide covers the ins and outs of online gambling sites, and will point you to some of the top examples in the UK.

How We Choose the Best Gambling Sites

Gambling sites are complex beasts, and there’s a lot to think about when it comes to reviewing and ranking them against each other.

We take a comprehensive look at every factor that can influence your experience, including licencing, security, game libraries, sportsbook depth, mobile functionality, and more.

Read on for the finer points of this process and get a better understanding of how we can confidently point you in the direction of the best online gambling sites.

Licence, Safety and Reputation

Player safety is our top concern, and for that reason, you’ll never find an online casino or gambling website listed on TopRatedCasinos that isn’t fully-licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in January 2022.

The UKGC is the UK gambling industry’s regulatory body, overseeing the development and rollout of legislation that seeks to protect consumers. In other words, a gambling site that’s licensed by the UKGC meets the standards set by the body.

Not only that but licensed operators must continually update their offering in order to remain compliant with evolving regulations.

From a player’s perspective, the licensing guarantees are as follows: 

• Every game offered by a site is fair and subject to regular audits that ensure this is the case.
• All customer transactions must be protected by SSL encryption technology, scrambling your details in such a way that hackers will be unable to read them.
• Operators must behave in an ethical and compliant manner, upholding measures put in place by the UKGC to protect players. This includes updating their processes in particular ways when prompted to by the regulator. A recent example of this is in making opting-in to self-exclusion service GAMSTOP mandatory for all UK gambling operators.
• Terms and conditions, and other vital bits of information, must be clearly detailed on-site, with any and all important details being readily available and straightforward to understand.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

You can deposit and withdraw using a debit card at every top online gambling site, but what if you want to use an alternative banking method?

If you prefer to use an e-wallet like PayPal, Neteller or Skrill, or if you want to deposit with Paysafecard, ecoPayz, or a phone bill payment method, make sure your preferred option is accepted before signing up.

As well as checking out the accepted banking methods, make sure you also read up on minimum and maximum limits to ensure they are suitable for your budget.

Don’t forget about withdrawal times, either — these vary at different online gaming sites, with some of the best sites offering fast payouts for certain banking methods.

Bonus Terms and Conditions

Bonuses are one of the most prominent factors you’ll notice whilst browsing through gambling sites at TopRatedCasinos, and they can be just as complex as they are enticing.

There are plenty of bonus and promo varieties out there, and they each will typically come tied to terms and conditions limiting their use, the total you can win with them, and how challenging it will be to make withdrawals against them.

It’s worth bearing these factors in mind as you select a new casino, along with which bonus is best suited to the type of player you are.

We pay close attention to the quality and value offered by individual gambling site bonuses—along with how their terms and conditions impact usability—as we review and rank the industry’s best, but the best casino bonus is always a subjective call. 

Take a look at our bonuses section below for a detailed breakdown of each major bonus type, as well as the wagering requirements and restrictions you’re likely to come across.

Product Offering

UK gaming sites are a diverse bunch, and some have more to offer than others in a very literal sense.

Slots, sports, poker, bingo, e-sports, lottery, scratchcards, live casino, and more can be found across the online gambling landscape, and the more of these a site offers, the better.

As we assess a site’s product offering, we look at how comprehensive their games libraries are and the quality offered across each vertical.

Some sites specialise in a particular vertical, such as new slot sites, with a smattering of other options to choose from — provided their specialism is delivered in a top-notch way, we’re also keen to promote sites that take a focused approach.

Why Play at Online Gambling Sites?

There are several advantages to gambling with just one brand, some more obvious than others. Let’s run through them and find out what you can expect from the top rated gambling sites.

Trust

Let’s say you’re an online casino player signed up to a brand like PaddyPower, which also offers a sportsbook, bingo room and poker games.

Should you fancy a bet on basketball, it’d make sense to stick with the provider you know and have had a good experience with.

Playing at just one online gambling site can also mean you only have to complete one Know Your Customer (KYC) check, which will save you having to send identification documents to a number of different sites.

Going with what you know will certainly put your mind at ease- assuming you’re already a happy customer!

Convenience

For players who fancy a go at a few forms of online gambling, having to register multiple accounts —each with their own unique account balance— can be quite a tedious task.

One of the most obvious advantages of signing up with an online casino that offers the full gambling spectrum is the ability to use just one account.

While a few operators have different sites for each gambling product, at most you can simply switch between the tabs of your chosen gambling site.

This means you can go from playing progressive slots to betting on football within seconds.

Bankroll Management

Not only does playing at one gambling site cut down your trips to the cashier page, but it also makes it easier to keep track of your funds.

After all, it can be hard to keep on top of your budget if you’re depositing at several different sites. When you gamble with just one operator, you’ll only have a single balance to keep an eye on and you can easily access a record of all your deposits, wins and losses.

This is handy for maintaining responsible gambling habits, as you’ll only have one set of loss limits and deposit limits to stick to.

Gamble from One Wallet

Sticking with a tried and trusted gambling brand means you’ll be able to use your preferred banking option for all your deposits and withdrawals.

So if you sign up with a PayPal gambling site, for example, you’ll be able to fund your casino gameplay and online sports betting all from one e-wallet.

Additionally, players using debit cards will only have to enter their information once, and payment details will only be shared with one third party.

Plus, if you land a win on one of our high payout slots, for example, you’ll be able to use that money to play poker, or even place a sportsbook bet, in just a few clicks!

Reward Points

Most gambling sites have some form of loyalty rewards scheme to treat loyal players and give them an incentive to keep coming back.

Some of the best online gambling sites, including Betway, allow players to earn points across all their gambling products, as part of an all-encompassing loyalty rewards scheme.

In a points-based system, for example, you might earn one reward point for every £10 wagered in the casino and one point for every £10 you bet on sports. This collective pooling of your points can make a big difference to your points tally, meaning you can move up the levels quicker and get access to bigger rewards.

That being said, you should never bet more than you can afford to lose in a bid to earn rewards.

Types of Gambling Sites

Gambling is a deeply diverse pastime, and there’s a website out there for every persuasion in January 2022.

While we’re always excited to see sites that offer a comprehensive experience, the fact remains that most sites have a specialism that they particularly excel at, and it’s easy to stick most gambling sites into a particular category.

Take a look below for details on what you’ll find in our list of gambling sites and what to expect from each one.

Casino Sites

Whether you want to play slots, roulette, blackjack or any other casino game, many trusted gambling sites offer players a huge collection of titles to choose from.

With bet limits to suit different budgets, from free casino games to high stakes tables, there’s something for everyone.

Most sites also offer immersive live dealer games, which bring the thrill of a real casino to the comfort of your home.

The very best casino sites feature a broad range of gambling verticals, each with a deep range of options, and bearing the hallmarks of quality brought in by top software developers such as NetEnt, Evolution, Pragmatic, and more.

Banking Options at Online Gambling Sites

You can deposit and withdraw using a debit card at every top online gambling site, but what if you want to use an alternative banking method?

If you prefer to use an e-wallet like PayPal, Neteller or Skrill, or if you want to deposit with Paysafecard or a phone bill payment method, make sure you preferred option is accepted before signing up.

As well as checking out the accepted banking methods, make sure you also read up on minimum and maximum limits to ensure they are suitable for your budget.

Don’t forget about withdrawal times, either – these vary at different online gambling sites, with some of the best sites offering fast payouts to certain banking methods.

Be sure to also check the terms and conditions of any bonus offers you’re hoping to claim, as some UK gambling websites exclude certain payment methods from eligibility.

If your chosen payment method isn’t accepted for the bonus in question, switch to an alternative or you could miss out!

Read on for a breakdown of how each payment option works at online gambling sites in January 2022, and get a flavour for which might be best for you.

Debit Cards 

Debit cards are almost universally accepted at top gambling sites, and you’re more likely to be ready to go with this option than the others in this list.

That being said, there are a couple of drawbacks to using debit cards at gambling sites when compared to the other payment methods on offer.

Debit cards can be a little slow when it comes to withdrawal wait times, with 3-5 working days typically being added on top of the gambling site’s internal processing time before you can get your hands on your cash.

You also need to input your card information directly into a website in order to make deposits and withdrawals, and there are other options available that require a smaller exchange of personal information.

e-Wallets 

Our personal recommendation at TopRatedCasinos is to go for an e-wallet solution such as PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller.

The only issue you might encounter when using one at a gambling site is that some operators exclude e-wallets from bonus eligibility, but thankfully this isn’t overly common and such restrictions will be clearly stated within the bonus’s terms and conditions.

When it comes to benefits, there are plenty offered by e-wallets.

For one, you can generally expect faster withdrawals with an e-wallet than any other payment method, with some sites offering withdrawal turnaround times of just 24 hours for e-wallet users.

You only need to enter your e-wallet’s email address in order to set up payments, keeping your banking information hidden from the operator, and the service’s own security layers will ensure you’re protected against fraud, rogue transactions, and hacking.

e-Wallets are also a great way to manage your spending, enabling you to only spend what you top up your account with, if that’s your preference. 

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard, are a great way to manage your spending whilst keeping your cash secure. Simply select a card value, purchase your prepaid card from an outlet, and then use the card on a gambling site’s cashier page as you would use a regular debit card.

If you’re using Paysafecard, the corresponding app and online portal make it easy to check your balance, your transactions, and the PINs for cards registered to your account.

While prepaid cards are a secure and straightforward way to manage your online spending, they’re unfortunately ineligible for withdrawals and you’ll need to either provide your account information or an alternative payment method in order to cash out from a gambling site.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers are perhaps the simplest way to make deposits and withdrawals — simply enter your bank account name, sort code, and account number, complete the corresponding transaction authentication, and you’re away.

You can typically make instant deposits through wire transfers, but they’re commonly the slowest payment method for withdrawals. Processing times can extend to 7 days in some cases, along with your gambling site’s internal payment verification.

In short, if fast withdrawals are important to you, opt for an alternative cashier option. If you make bank transfers through Trustly, however, you may be able to accelerate your withdrawal time.

Pay by Mobile

Through services such as Boku, you can link your deposits with your monthly phone bill. Simply enter the amount you would like to deposit along with your mobile number, follow the instructions with your confirmation SMS, and your deposit will be included in your next payment.

This is a great way to keep your banking details private from your operator, while the low maximum deposit limit means it’s easy to manage your spending.

As with prepaid cards, you can’t make withdrawals using pay by mobile, so be ready to use an alternative method when you come to draw out your winnings.

How to Make Withdrawals

Making withdrawals is a straightforward process. Simply head to your gambling site’s cashier page, select withdrawals, and follow the instructions displayed.

You may need to use the same payment method to withdraw the money that you used to make your deposit, and you’ll be prompted to provide your bank details if your deposit method isn’t capable of taking withdrawals.

Fast Withdrawals

People want to get their hands on their money as quickly as possible in January 2022, and the industry is responding.

Many of the best online casinos and gaming sites offer fast withdrawals for certain payment methods, particularly e-wallets, enabling customers to receive their cash in as little as 24 hours.

Check out our rankings of the top fast withdrawal casinos today for more information.

Gambling Sites that Accept PayPal

While it’s not available at every site, a range of the best UK gambling sites accept PayPal in ‘January.

It’s the go-to option for many online gamblers thanks to its ease of use, security, and speed. With PayPal, there’s no need to enter your bank details at online gambling sites, making it easy to keep your bank details secure. 

One of the biggest draws for PayPal gaming sites is that they often offer fast withdrawals for PayPal users. Some of the best PayPal gambling sites process withdrawals in under 24 hours and some even offer instant PayPal payouts!

Tips to Help You Stay Safe When Gambling Online

Gambling is a pastime about winning and losing, and the risk of losing is what makes the wins so satisfying.

There are risks that go beyond simply losing a wager, however, and it’s important to deploy healthy playing habits that will help to protect from you the dangers of problem gambling.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you play.

Only Wager What You Can Afford to Lose

It’s important to set your spending limits carefully, and only play with money that you can afford to lose. Play for fun, not to make money.

Don’t Chase Your Losses

Dry runs are part and parcel of the gambling experience, and it’s important to be aware that chasing losses is a great way to make those losses worse. Only play with what you can afford to lose, and be ready to accept those losses when they come.

Play with Sound Judgement

Never play when you’re tired, inebriated, upset, or otherwise faced with impairments to your decision-making skills. Gambling is a risk-heavy pastime, and it’s important to enter every gambling session without being careless or reckless.

Do Your Research, Don’t Bet on Unknowns

Always stick to your specialities when it comes to sports betting. If you’re keen to try out betting on a new sport, be sure to do your research and get a thorough understanding of individuals, teams, fixture history, and form before placing your bets.

There are no guarantees in betting, but you can bet with more confidence when you’re clued up on the market. For example, you might be a dab hand at football betting when it comes to the Premier League, but if you’re not as wise to the twists and turns of Serie A then you should definitely research the league, its teams, and their form before placing a bet on it.

Whether you’re placing bets, spinning slots, getting stuck into live casino and virtual sports, or filling out bingo cards, it’s always recommended to do your research about the games you’re playing.

Make sure you understand the ins and outs, the payout rates, and the techniques you can deploy to boost your chances of winning, and never gamble with games you don’t fully understand.

Set Limits and Track of Your Spending

Plan out and set your spending limits, and be sure to maintain an up-to-date record of your spending at gambling sites.

With various money management apps, online banking, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and more at your disposal, it’s easy to keep tabs on how much you’re gambling and where your limits lie.

You can also set loss and deposit limits at any licensed gambling site, so be sure to make use of the feature.

Gambling Help

If you’re concerned about your gambling habits, or about someone you know, there are plenty of organisations out there that can help.

It’s important to seek help if gambling starts to become problematic in your life, because those issues can snowball and losses can rapidly mount.

The following organisations are fantastic at providing help, guidance, and treatment that can help problem gamblers turn a corner:

NHS – Gambling addiction is a recognised medical condition, and your GP can provide advice and treatment, if applicable, to set you on the road to recovery.

GAMSTOP – This is a self-exclusion service that enables users to block themselves from online gambling at UKGC-licensed sites through one platform. Simply sign up, complete the ID verification process, and set the duration of time you want to be self-excluded for.

Gamcare – Gamcare is an independent charity focused on providing gamblers with the tools to recognise problem gambling, and the guidance necessary to set people on the right track.

GambleAware – GambleAware is a charity focused on problem gambling prevention and treatment, with a 24/7 helpline and a huge bank of information available free.

UKGC – If you need more information on the industry and how operators are regulated, the UK Gambling Commission’s website is the place to go.

The site also features a public register of licensed operators, which is particularly useful if you’re verifying a site’s licence.

Blacklisted Gambling Sites

When choosing a gambling site, it’s important you stick to operators that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Licensed sites must adhere to a raft of strict rules and regulations that are designed to ensure bettors are protected online. 

When deciding whether to issue a licence to a new gambling site, the UKGC must judge that the site is fit for purpose, both in terms of digital security and the fairness of its games.

For example, slots and table games must be independently audited to ensure they pay out according to their RTP (return to player) rates, customer funds must be held in a separate bank account from the company’s own funds, and sites must promote safer gambling practices.

The UKGC keeps a close watch on sites to ensure they maintain these non-negotiable standards even after the licence is granted.

Back in 2014, for example, the UKGC stripped the online ‘betting broker’ company Bet Butler of its licence.

The Commission cited its concern that Bet Butler was not able to ‘carry out its licensed activities in a manner which is consistent with the licensing objectives’. The UKGC has also not been shy about handing out fines. For example, if a site fails to intervene when a player has suffered a mammoth losing streak.

The good news is it’s easy to check if an online gambling site has the appropriate license. All approved operators must display the UKGC logo on their homepage and link to the relevant licensing page on the UKGC website.

In the meantime, you can feel confident that all the long-established and new betting sites we recommend have the UK Gambling Commission seal of approval. It’s very simple: if a site has been blacklisted, or simply doesn’t have a UKGC licence, you won’t find it here.