Your Guide to the Best UK Online Casinos

Top UK Online Casinos - Tax Free & Hassle Free!

Because the UK government doesn't impose tax on gambling winnings, unlike many regulated casino markets in and around Europe, you can ante up without needing to worry about surrendering any of your profits. That's a huge deal because it means that there's no need for you to deal further with accountants or factor it into tax returns etc.

It also means that, if someone in Britain is tackling a game with a particular prize fund, they know exactly how much they're going to be able to cash out should they win. With sophisticated software, a greater range of games than their live counterparts and substantial cash prizes to be won, more and more people are now migrating from the brick and mortar realm to the virtual world.

Plus, the increased speed of playing casino games online means that it's possible for you to place more wagers, implement better strategies and, thus, make more (tax free!) money in a short space of time.

How to Play at an Online Casino

Getting started couldn't be much simpler than it is in 2020. We've provided an easy to follow step by step guide that walks you through the process and will have you up and running in a matter of minutes!

1. Visit one of the UK casino sites that we've reviewed and chosen to recommend
2. Check to see whether they have your game (e.g. blackjack, slots, progressive jackpot titles)
3. Create a new account by entering a few personal details, not forgetting to claim a bonus
4. Choose which deposit and withdrawal option you want to use to make your first deposit
5. Decide whether you're going to use the casino site's downloadable client or instant play alternative
6. Log in and start enjoying your favourite games

It really is that simple. Once you've followed the steps above, all that's left for you to do is to start winning!

Check out even more real money casino games you can play online:

• Online Slots
• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Video Poker
• Baccarat
• Craps
• Keno

UK Online Casino Welcome Bonuses

Virtually all top online venues, and new UK online casinos in particular, provide some form of welcome offer for new arrivals from the UK. Although these aren't exactly free money in the way that many newbies expect, they do help to pad your bankroll when you're starting out and give you a few more chances to win.

In most cases, welcome bonuses take the form of a match % bonus. For example, a 100% match means that for £250 deposited you'll be awarded £250 of extra credit. That money is subject to wagering requirements before you can withdraw it though, usually of 20-50x the value of your deposit and/or the match.

To be able to withdraw £250 with 25x wagering requirements as real money, you'll need to gamble £6,250 first (250 x 25 = 6250). Bear in mind this is how much you have to gamble, not lose. You should also note that matches have a cap, limiting how much extra cash you can get your hands on.

It's also very common to grab no deposit bonuses or free spins when signing up with a new site. As their names suggest, these award a small lump sum prior to depositing any cash or a certain number of free spins on some slots titles respectively.

VIP Programs

Just as land-based casinos offer perks to high rollers, such as free drinks/meals and complimentary hotel rooms, many venues grant rewards to individuals who spend a lot of money with them via VIP schemes. While membership of an online casino VIP program is unlikely to recoup large losses, it's certainly a nice added extra for folks who would be spending a lot of time in the casino anyway.

Perks might include invites to in-person events, poker tournaments, additional bonuses or support services, branded merchandise and more. Unlike loyalty programs, which many casinos also offer, there's no way to apply to join a VIP program. You just have to play often and hope that you happen to catch a site owner's attention!

The Legal Status of UK Casino Online Gaming

In many parts of the world, online gambling is either explicitly outlawed or occupies a 'grey area'. In the UK, however, customers playing at licensed sites face almost no restrictions at all. All of our recommended sites conform to British legislation and can be played at freely.

Whether you're looking for slots, table games or UK poker sites, there are plenty of options where you can play safely and legally. We bring you the best options for UK gamblers, highlighting sites that offer you solid bonuses and promotions as well as simple, safe and secure deposit and withdrawal options tailored to the British market.

UK Laws: Why Licenses are a Better Bet for You

November 2014 marked a turning point in the online casino UK industry. After years of relying on external licensing bodies to regulate sites, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) finally decided to take charge itself.

Today, in order to legally operate and advertise in the UK, gambling sites need to make an application to the UKGC. Once an application has been processed, a site is then deemed as safe and secure for UK residents.

From a player's perspective, the changes haven't altered the way in which UK residents access their favourite games. It just makes the process of defining UK-based gamblers (for taxation purposes) a lot easier.

Why is this better for you?

In addition to giving you a new platform to play on, UK laws mean that your online activities are now much safer. Any site that is regulated by the UKGC is part of one of the safest platforms in the world.

The UKGC verifies each operator, testing and examining everything from random number generators to the way sites hold player funds, before a license is granted to ensure the safety of all UK players. When you choose one of our recommended UK casino sites you KNOW that every game is fair, and that all your funds will be protected and insured by the UK government.

UK Online Casino Tax: How it Affects You

As we mentioned above, the UK government changed the way it treats online casinos in November 2014. Below we explain why your profits are still tax free if you live in the UK:

How do the UK's Taxation Laws Apply to our Recommended Online Casinos?

Covered by mainstream and gaming media outlets alike, discussion of the Point of Consumption (PoC) tax has caused a number of gamblers to ask whether they now have to pay taxes on winnings from casino games.

Much of the coverage of PoC focuses on remote gaming operators but neglects to talk about how it affects end users. The reason for this is that, essentially, it doesn't. The new 15% tax levy applies only to remote gaming operators themselves, covering any gross profits accrued from people playing in the UK.

Does this Mean I Now Need to Pay Tax on My Winnings if I Live in the UK?

No! The UK is still a tax free casino haven for offline, online and live dealer players. Back in the 1960s players in betting shops had to pay a 9% tax on either their stake or winnings, but that was relegated to the history books in 2001 when the onus was transferred from gamblers to operators.

When it comes to winnings right now – whether they come from sports betting, poker or a casino online – UK residents will get them 100% tax free.

What if I Make a Living as Professional Casino Player?

Even if you class your gaming activities as your job – that covers slots, blackjack, roulette, poker etc. – you're still not obliged to pay tax on your winnings. Because your profession is classed as gambling, and profits from this aren't taxable, your income isn't taxable.

If you do reach that stage, we'd recommend talking to an accountant who specialises in this subject because there are still complexities like National Insurance contributions etc. to figure out.

The UK: Residents here aren't liable for tax on any casino winnings. Scoop the top prize and you'll pocket a cool million, just for being British!

The US: The US's top tax rate of 39.5% means, even though online gaming is a grey area over there, winners would pay £395,000 to the tax man.

Germany: Winnings aren't exempt from Germany's top tax rate of 45%, so a £1 million prize would be cut to just £550,000.

Sweden: A very high top tax rate of 56.6% would see Swedish players surrendering £566,000 of a £1 million jackpot.

Essentially, if you're a fan of casinos (online or live) the UK is the best place to play when it comes to making money. Combine this tax free culture with some of the slickest software in the industry, and it's easy to see why Brits are envied by gamblers all over the world.

Responsible Gambling

Many thousands of people in the UK enjoy a flutter, be it on the National Lottery or online games like slots, roulette and blackjack. Whilst for most it's a fun pastime, for some people it can become an issue.

There are plenty of resources on and offline - one of the best is Gamblers Anonymous who host local meetings for advice and support. We promote responsible gambling so, if you feel you might have a problem, take a look at the GamCare site.

Casino Information

Gaming Info

Dusk Till Dawn Nottingham Dusk Till Dawn - Nottingham
Redfield Way
Boulevard Retail Park
Lenton, Nottingham
NG7 2UW
Phone Number 0115 845 4300

In this intimate casino setting, visitors will enjoy a choice of 10 top slot machines, 10 electronic roulette terminals, 4 blackjack tables, and 4 roulette tables, as well as a fully stocked bar.

Aspers Stratford 312 The Loft
Montfichet Road Olympic Park
London
E20 1ET
Phone Number (0)208 536 5630

This casino boasts a dedicated gaming floor and daily poker tournaments. There are 150 slot machines and 150 gaming terminals, as well as a full valet service and sports betting terminals complete with game TVs.

The Casino MK The Casino MK
Xscape
602 Marlborough Gate
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 3XS
Phone Number +44 (0)1908 237776

Fancy spread betting? You can do that here with spread bet roulette. This casino also offers low stakes poker tables and 100+ slot machines, leading table games, and 4 sports betting terminals.

Hippodrome Casino The Hippodrome Casino - London
Cranbourn Street
Leicester Square
WC2H 7JH
London, United Kingdom
Phone Number 0207 769 8888

Apart from Christmas Day, this casino is open around the clock. There are 100 slots and machines, PokerStars live cash games, and regular PokerStars tournaments. You'll also find three gaming floors and 45 casino tables.

Play Real Money Casino Games

Find the best online casinos offering your favorite games by clicking below. Each page also offers a simple guide on how to play.

Baccarat

Blackjack

Live Dealer

Roulette

Slots

Video Poker

1

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