There’s no doubt about it – Brits love online casinos! For a culture that includes bingo nights and betting at the footie, it’s no surprise that more and more British people are tapping into online casinos to enjoy all the thrills and tension of gambling from their own homes. Casino games are unparalleled at offering low-cost excitement, with a staggering variety of games for players of all skill levels.

However, for players new to the world of online casinos, the jargon and the sheer wealth of options can be a bit daunting. We’ve put together a handy guide that will go a long way in getting you started on your casino journey.

Are online casinos legal in the UK?

Online casinos are completely legal under UK legislation, as long as they’re licensed and regulated by an approved regulatory authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. These boards ensure fair play and proper security in licensed casinos through regular audits, which makes casino gaming 100% safe. Once that’s ticked off, there’s no restraints to how Brits can enjoy online casinos.

Getting started: steps to sign up

Signing up to a UK casino is easy. It’s only takes a few simple steps to get up and running.

• Choose from the list of top UK online casinos and find the signup button on the home page.

• Enter your personal details.

• Complete the identity verification process by providing any required documentation.

• Make sure you enter any bonus codes!

• Make your first deposit and find your deposit match bonus on your bankroll.

• Browse the games catalogue and enjoy!

Exploring casino games

Now you’ve got a grip on whether you want to join an online casino, it’s time to explore what they have to offer. Before you choose a casino to play at, make sure it offers games that will suit your playstyle, as outlined below:

Slots

Slots are the heart and soul of online casinos. All the best online casinos boast slots catalogues thousands strong, packed full with an exciting and eclectic array of slot games from top software providers. Look out for games by developers such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play, who are renowned for their high-quality slot games.

Don’t expect your choices to be limited to the old one-armed bandits of yesteryear, either. Online casinos offer a dazzling array of exciting slot games. Modern video slots offer mind-blowing visuals and intricate storylines, where a player’s experiences can track from the tombs of Ancient Egypt to vampire mysteries and upwards to the heavens and gods. For those seeking something cosier, look to the homely nostalgia of retro slot reels, and if you’re craving a bang, hit up a jackpot slot for a chance at a staggering prize.

Table games

Even within individual table games, there’s a lot of variety. This category encompasses any traditional casino game played – as the name suggests – on a tabletop. Expect to find poker, blackjack, roulette, keno and craps, as well as more eclectic offerings. Players desiring any mixture of strategy and luck will find a game that suits them.

Top online casinos pack their sites with a huge range of rooms for players of differing skill levels, different pot sizes and innovative rulesets.

Live casino

A unique subset of table games, live casinos are games managed by a real dealer, streamed directly to your computer or phone screen in real time. Players can interact with the dealer and each other in fast-paced chat rooms. This provides an unusual and engaging experience where players can enjoy the full social experience of a casino in the comfort of their own home.

Getting to grips with bonuses and promos

One of the most exciting parts of online casinos is the mouth-watering array of bonuses at the tips of your fingers, but for the rookie player, the jargon can be more than a little off-putting. Once you break it down, there are a few key categories of bonuses and promotions, most of which you want to find in your casino of choice:

• Deposit match: The most common kind of welcome bonus, this is a percentage match offered by the casino on your first deposit, eg 100% on up to £400.

• Welcome bonus: Newcomers receive this on signup, usually in the form of a percentage deposit match or free spins.

• No-deposit bonus: The holy grail of casino bonuses, this is a bonus enjoyed on signup, with absolutely no financial commitment required. Definitely a rarity in casino bonuses.

• Free spins: Usually received on signup, or as a daily bonus or loyalty program reward. These are free spins on a slot game.>

• Reload bonus: This is a little pick-me-up for returning players, giving them a slightly reduced percentage match on future deposits.

• Loyalty program: A tiered, milestone-based program that provides returning players with rewards as they play.

On top of this, in the T&Cs for these bonuses, you’re bound to find a few perplexing terms that are key to understanding how they work:

• Wagering requirements: Bonuses require a minimum wagering amount before bonus winnings can be withdrawn. Most common is 35x – 40x.

• Win limit: The most you can win back on a bonus. Be careful of this before using a bonus on a potential jackpot!

• Validity period: How long you have to reach the wagering requirement.

• Minimum deposit: How much you need to deposit before claiming the bonus.

You may also find deposit method restrictions or limitations on the games where, for example, free spins can be used. Make sure you read carefully!

Other things to look out for

Banking options

No matter how you play it, at some point you’ll want to put money in and (hopefully) take money out of your account. For this, online casinos provide a range of different payment methods. Expect to see credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, cryptocurrency and mobile payments. You’ll need to be careful when signing up that the casino offers your payment method of choice, and also be wary of transaction times – it’s a nightmare to go to grab some hard-earned winnings and find they won’t reach you for over a week!

Mobile gaming

Many of us now choose to game on the go It’s a hectic world – fast-paced modern living makes it hard to find leisure time at home, and one of the best features of online casinos is the option to play your favourite games from your mobile phone. Seek out operators that offer the convenience and accessibility of a well-designed mobile app.

Customer support

Things go wrong – it happens, and when it does, you’ll want to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Not all online casinos have the best customer service, so be sure to read reviews or even test it out with a question of your own. The best online casinos have friendly, efficient, and helpful operators as well as a range of communication channels like email, phone and live chat. Good FAQs are always a bonus in case it’s a problem you can fix yourself.