The Best Gambling Sites for UK Players in 2023

Explore the top online gambling sites in the UK, selected by agamble experts. Our list features Mr.Play, Betfred, bet365 and more. From the newest sites like The Vic to established names like bet365 and Grosvenor Casinos, find the perfect platform for live games, slots, and sports betting. Our list includes the top 10 industry leaders like Bet365, William Hill, and Paddy Power, each offering unique bonuses and gaming options.

The Best Online Gambling Sites in the UK for 2023

• The Vic UK
• Grosvenor
• bet365 UK
• Betfred UK
• Buzz
• Ladbrokes
• William Hill

Online gambling has rapidly evolved into one of the UK’s most lucrative industries. Here we look into the heart of the British digital gambling scene, from its impressive market value to the best UK casino betting sites and and the government’s efforts to regulate the industry in 2023/2024. Find safe and secure sites to bet online for real money. You must be at least 18 to play.

UK Real Money Gambling Websites

Let’s look closer at the best online gambling platforms UK players have access to.

Grosvenor UK

Established as a leading name in UK gambling, GrosvenorCasinos is licensed operator by the UKGC and is renowned for its comprehensive range of games including exclusive titles and live roulette. It’s particularly appealing for its ‘Deposit £20, Get £40’ bonus, making it an attractive choice for both new and regular players.

Spin and Win

A popular online gambling destination since its inception, Spin-and-Win is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. It offers a wide array of games from top developers like Playtech and Novomatic. New users can take advantage of the bonus code AGSPIN for a £250 deposit match and 100 free spins.

Bet365

Bet365, established as a leader in the UK online gambling scene, is renowned for its top-rated sports betting app and a broad selection of original slot machines and live casino game shows. Licensed by the UKGC, this site attracts new users with an offer of up to 150 free spins, making it a go-to destination for gamblers.

Betfred UK

As a trusted UK licensed online betting website, Betfred offers a unique blend of lotto, scratch cards, bingo, and exclusive live games. The platform is especially known for its welcome bonus of up to 200 no-wager free spins, catering to a wide range of gaming preferences.

Betway UK

Betway Casino, licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, has established itself as a comprehensive gambling platform offering over 400 online slots, including Megaways & Jackpots. New UK customers can enjoy 100 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza with a £10 stake, highlighting its commitment to player satisfaction.

Buzz Casino

Known for its diverse range of over 600 slots and exclusive games, Buzz Casino is a prominent player in the UK online casino market, licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. It stands out for its fast deposits, quick payouts, and an attractive offer of up to 200 free spins for new players.

Casimba

A popular choice for UK gamblers, Casimba Casino offers a unique array of games from rare and exclusive gaming providers. Licensed and regulated, it provides daily and monthly promotions, rewards, and a welcome offer of up to £200 and 50 free spins, enhancing the gaming experience.

How do we rank UK gambling operators?

To assist you in navigating the vast landscape of gambling platforms, here’s a breakdown of what we consider when rating betting and casino sites in the UK.

Disclaimer: Our evaluations of the best legal online gambling websites UK users have access to in 2023 are grounded in various criteria, encompassing bonuses, user experience, game variety, payment options, and the efficacy of customer support, among others. It’s alright to have a differing opinion; our aim is to equip you with the necessary information for a well-informed choice.

• Generous Welcome Offers With Fair Terms: The allure of a welcome offer isn’t just in the bonus percentage or the maximum amount on offer, but also the attached conditions like wagering prerequisites. For instance, Spin and Win is the top UK site for real money gambling bonuses, offering a minimum 1st deposit of £10 to get 100% up to £250 on selected match slots & 100 Free Spins.
• Other Bonuses And Promotions: Beyond the initial welcome, we check for additional incentives offered at various gambling sites in 2023. Bet365, for example, is a standout for its diverse range of promotions, especially for slots.
• User Experience: We meticulously examine the site’s layout and design. Bet365 is also noteworthy here, being particularly well-received for its slots interface.
• Diversity of Games and Their Developers: A site’s game repertoire is pivotal. Again, with its vast array of slots, Rialto casino is a leader in this category.
• Mobile Usability and Apps: A gambling site’s mobile interface should be seamless. 10bet, for instance, shines in this aspect with its top-notch mobile usability and dedicated apps for both Android and iOS platforms.
• Payment Options: Playing with real money demands reliable and diverse payment methods. While many platforms excel here, The Vic’s attractive bonuses, especially for real money deposits, give it an edge.
• Loyalty Schemes and Perks: A robust loyalty programme can significantly enhance a player’s experience. Many sites offer compelling programmes, but specific offers can vary based on individual player preferences.
• Customer Support Prowess: Since customer support is often the primary communication channel with a gambling site, we scrutinise its availability across mediums. In our ratings, Grosvenor Casinos and Mr Play emerge as frontrunners for their exceptional customer support services.

While all these betting sites come highly recommended, potential gamblers should always consider essential factors such as the platform’s reputation, variety of games, available bonuses, payment methods, and customer support.

For instance, bonuses have become a mainstay in attracting new users. Trusted gambling sites for UK like Bet365, 10bet, Grosvenor, SpinRio are known for their exclusive games, while Ladbrokes often entices users with free spins and matched bonuses. Always ensure you understand the terms and conditions associated with any bonus to maximize its potential.

Introduction: A Guide to UK Online Gambling 

The online gambling universe in the UK continues to expand apace and now covers a huge amount of social and even cultural territory. As well as sports betting, slots and Live Casino games, there are a growing number of Bingo and Poker specialists, along with more niche sites covering betting on lotteries and financial markets.

Here’s a deeper look at what is available to British gamblers, some of the things to look forward to and what pitfalls and stumbling blocks might lie ahead on the wagering highway. We will also focus on the Top 10 online sites for the major gambling categories. 

So, what is allowed? 

Sports Betting and Horse Racing 

For much of the last 70 years, betting on football and horse-racing in a high street bookmaker was the epicentre of the British wagering world. With many bookmakers now seriously reducing their physical footprint and bricks-and-mortar bookies closing at an increasing rate, that landscape is shifting online. But the essence of what punters are betting on hasn’t really changed, with a Saturday Acca on the football and a modest Yankee on the horses still making up a significant part of the overall market.

What has changed is the number of aspects of a sport that can be punted on.

Take football; not sure who will win the match but feel sure that it will be a feisty affair with plenty of bookings? No problem, most online sites now offer a range of markets on the number of cards shown. The same goes for corners, number of goals, the time of the 1^st and last goal and even the shirt number of each goal-scorer.

Many of these betting markets are also available in-play, so you can cash-out for a profit long before the final whistle or watch the match for 20 minutes to get a feel of it before committing to a punt. 

Likewise with horse-racing, you can bet on the winning distance of each race, the number of favourites winning at each meeting and the winning starting price of each race. Many sites also offer a live-stream for every horse (and sometimes dog) race, so you can watch your fancy from your phone or laptop.  

Most UK gambling sites now have at least 30 sports on offer, with a full range of US sports, winter sports and even virtual sports. The latter covers 3-minute football matches, motor races or tennis matches, all computer-generated and all over in a matter of minutes.  

There are even plenty of Entertainment markets these days, so if you fancy having a bet on Strictly Come Dancing or the Oscars, you are in the right place! 

The Top 10 Online Sports Betting and Horse Racing Sites 

1. Bet365. An undoubted big-beast in the wagering jungle, the Bet365 Sports App is an industry-leader. With cash-out options and more in-play markets than most of its rivals, these guys are a must for any player. Thet have just won the SBC Sportsbook Operator of the Year award for 2023. 
2. Sky Bet. With their long-established link to Sky Sports, Sky Bet feel modern and relevant and are always looking to expand their offer. The App is superb. 
3. Betfred. The years of high-street experience have fed into one the best online sports-betting sites. Great for New Player offers, enhancements and Bonuses, Betfred keeps punters coming back for more. 
4. Labrokes. The “Magic Sign” have a storied history that is un-rivalled and a recent refresh of their website has really delivered. Their free-to-enter football competitions are hugely popular. 
5. William Hill. Another legend of the 20^th Century, the Hills online offering is one of the most comprehensive on the market. The Daily Scratch Bonus gives punters the chance of a Price Boost or Sweepstake EVERY day and the in-play football service is without peer. 
6. Bet Victor. A horse-racing dominated sportsbook that is a must for all racing fans. The “Bet £20 Get £40” Horse Racing offer is on offer to all newcomers. 
7. Paddy Power. These jokers-in-the-pack have a very serious sports-betting service, with a strong emphasis on in-play markets. The Greyhound racing is superb, with live-streaming available for every BAGS race. 
8. Star Sports. A smaller, up-and-coming site, Star Sports boasts that they are willing to lay some of the bigger online bets and they enjoy a fun and sometimes combative presence on social media. The Build-a-Bet facility on the App allows you to assemble a bespoke wager on any live football game.  
9. Unibet. Formed from Stan James, an online pioneer, Unibet is a huge operation and a major advertising presence in UK sport and horse-racing. Their brand-new Virtual Sports section is state-of-the-art, with some of the best graphics around. 
10. Betway. These guys are genuine innovators and offer Free Bets and Rewards every week. “Betway Boosts” enhance the odds on a number of sports-betting markets every day. Showing the breadth of their offering, Betway have just won the eSports Operator of the Year at the 2023 SBC awards.  

Online Casinos UK

With the online revolution, slots and dealer-led Live Casino tables have come to the front and centre of the UK betting world. With most sites now offering in excess of 1,000 slots and over 50 Live games, punters are really spoiled for choice. This has been fed, in part, by the huge growth in software companies, supplying high-spec games with cutting-edge graphics.  

Whilst Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat are still the dominant games, Game Shows have emerged as serious contenders to the crown, with a huge range of fun and whacky iterations, such as Sweet Bonanza Candyland and the new Big Bad Wolf Live.

There has also been a massive proliferation of Slingo games across the industry; the slots and Bingo hybrid that has really caught fire with punters. Poker is another area of growth, with the standard of Live Poker tables increasing dramatically and the number of options offered by casinos on the up.  

As of 2019, The Gambling Commission has estimated that over 50% of all online casino play is mobile, be it on an App or simply a mobile version of the casino. This means that ALL games, slots and Live Casino, are now designed with gaming-on-the-go in mind. The result is tighter, more detailed graphics and neater, cleaner screens. Expect this trend to continue as smart phones and tablets improve. 

The Top 10 Online Casino sites in the UK 

1. Magic Red. A great all-rounder, Magic Red have a fully-loaded casino, as well as a very decent Sportsbook. They host one of the best Game Show collections on the market and their Daily Spin Frenzy Challenge has become a big draw, with up to 50 Free Spins up for grabs. 
2. 888. A real greybeard, 888 first launched in 1997 and has used all that experience to assemble one of the most comprehensive online casinos in the UK. The Jackpot collection is un-rivalled, with Daily Jackpots galore and Jackpot King mega-prizes well in excess of £4 million. 
3. Grosvenor would have to be on any punter’s shortlist, with the most luxurious and plush Live Casino range on the market. This blue-blood also allows access to its numerous bricks-and-mortar casinos around the UK through online membership. Punters can enjoy the online Roulette livestream from venues including Glasgow and Nottingham.  
4. Mr Play doesn’t take itself too seriously (beautiful ladies with thick black moustaches, anyone?) but the casino is well-stocked and the Promotions are highly generous. The Welcome Offer can deliver £200 worth of Casino Bonuses, along with 100 Free Spins. 
5. Luckster. This cheeky Leprechaun site is bathed in Celtic mist. Equal weight is given to the Casino and Sportsbook, and there are never less than 5 on-going promotions to keep punters coming back for more. Luckster always has a really decent range of new slots, from the most exciting software firms.  
6. Party Poker has been around since 2001 and is still one of the biggest and best Poker sites in the UK. The recently re-vamped App is state-of-the-art and Party Poker TV is crammed with highlights from the hottest Poker tournaments from around the world.  
7. Mr Q splits its energy evenly between slots, Live Casino games and Bingo and delivers a very satisfying package. Mr Q has won multiple industry awards and has a very useful Live Blog with details on how to get started on all the various games. 
8. Regal Wins is an all-round classy outfit with one of the most generous Welcome Offers out there (up to £500 in Bonuses) and has an excellent Loyalty programme for regular players. The Scratch and Arcade section is hugely popular with punters looking for quicker play. 
9. Poker Stars is arguably the biggest and best poker site online in the UK. It has also added a superb Sportsbook and Live Casino, making it a premier destination for all players. The range of poker tournaments is unrivalled and the “One Deposit Two Bonuses” Welcome Offer is a must.  
10. Rialto. This throwback to the silver screen is an art deco treat. It hosts one of the largest Novomatic games collections and some seriously grand dealer-led Live Casino games, notably the 7+ Baccarat games.  

Bingo 

The growth of online Bingo has been one of the success stories of the last few years and one of the primary benefits has been to bring a lot more women into the online wagering community. Bingo has brought a vibrancy and freshness to the industry, not to mention a social side that comes with the humming chat rooms attached to the Bingo rooms.

The range of games covers the 90, 80, 75 and 50-balls iterations of the game, as well as the 40 and 30-ball Zoom Rooms that offer the thrill of rapid play. Tickets for online Bingo can be as cheap as 1 or 2p and many casinos now offer packages that give players access to several rooms over a number of hours for a set price.  

The Top 10 Online Bingo Sites in the UK 

1. Foxy Bingo has a huge cultural profile thanks to a prolific advertising campaign. As well as regular Jackpots in all their rooms, the Bingo Bash tournament has a guaranteed £150,000 prize pool. Daily Jackpot games cost as little as 1p and the Customer Support is first-class. Foxy have just won “Best Bingo Site” for 2023. 
2. Gala Bingo emerged from the Gala Bingo halls and has established a strong and professional online presence. New players can claim a £50 Bingo Bonus AND 40 Free Spins to use on slots. There are also Free Bingo games to enjoy, every day. Gala recently won “Best Chat Team” for 2023.  
3. Kitty Bingo is more than just a cat-lover’s paradise, although it is definitely that too! It has buzzing chat rooms, a solid Welcome Offer and an excellent Casino as well.  
4. Bet365 Bingo has just won “Best New Bingo” site and is another feather in the Bet365 cap. The Welcome Offer is a gargantuan 100 Free Bingo Tickets and 50 Free Spins to use on slots. The Weekly Cashback on all your Bingo tickets is a hugely popular feature. 
5. Lucky Pants Bingo is naughty but very nice. Unashamedly sexy, this site has become a go-to for women (and men) of all ages looking for some bouncing-ball fun. Lucky Pants guarantees £5,000 of Free Bingo every day. 
6. Two Fat Ladies is a burst of energy and one of the up-and-coming Bingo sites in the UK. The Welcome Offer of a 200% Bonus, up to £88 AND 20 Free Spins is one of the most attractive on the market. 
7. Rainbow Riches. Named after the highly-successful slot, this online casino now does a fantastic line in Bingo Rooms. The Superlinks Room has a £15,000 Jackpot and tickets are only 10p. Grab a £50 Bingo Bonus to get started as a New Player. 
8. Buzz Bingo is another giant of the UK Bingo scene. The Live Bingo rooms are a smash, with energetic and cheery presenters who operate every day from 12pm-10pm. The Welcome Offer is £40 of Bingo Bonus and a chunky 200 Free Spins. 
9. Double Bubble Bingo is named after the hit slot of the same name, but has morphed into a cracking Bingo site as well. It nabbed the Best New Bingo site award for 2022. It has recently added some “vibe” rooms, including Coffee Shop and Festival Time, that are already firm favourites with punters. 
10. Virgin Games does everything very well and their Bingo range is no exception. Their “Session Bingo” is a multi-game package, offering “15 Games, 1 Great Price”, which takes place 4 times a day.  

Political Betting 

2024 will see a UK General Election (January 2025 at the latest) and a pivotal US Presidential Election, meaning it could be the most exciting year for political punters in history. This genre has grown enormously in the last few years, thanks to the Scottish Independence Referendum, the Brexit vote and, of course, Trump.

With the Donald looking to become the first President since Grover Cleveland in 1893 to re-gain the White House, political betting will reach new heights in the next 12 months.

Markets on offer will include the number of electoral college votes, percentage of the popular vote and individual, battleground state betting. More and more online bookies are now offering markets on most European elections, as well as those further afield, including South America.  

Best UK Online Bookmaker for Political Betting; Betfair Sportsbook 

Alongside the Betfair exchange, Betfair Sportsbook is constantly breaking new ground when it comes to political betting, with recent markets covering the Greek and Argentinian elections. The incessant churn of geo-politics will mean every punter should have this site saved to their favourites! 

What difficulties lie ahead for the UK gambling industry? 

The main storm cloud gathering over the UK betting industry is the government White Paper on gambling. Changes in the last few years with regards to Affordability checks on punters have already had severe repercussions, with the Racing industry losing millions of pounds.

Should this continue, then the very future of the sport could be in doubt, as prize money falls and the cost of owning a horse and paying training fees becomes too prohibitive. More and more punters simply refuse to submit their private financial records and drop out of the online betting pool altogether.  

A recent petition, calling for Affordability checks to be dropped, was signed by over 100,000 people, triggering an automatic (but so-far non-committal) response from the government. Given that a UK general election is due in the next 12 months, it is more than probable that this proposed legislation will be kicked into the long grass and will be left for the next government, almost certainly a Labour one, to deal with. Beyond that, it is hard to tell.  

All online casinos now carry comprehensive Responsible Gambling sections, with questionnaires about betting habits, bespoke Player Protection Tools and links to national problem gambling helplines. It is now up to leading figures across the betting industry to convince the government and the opposition parties that this is a more than sufficient duty of care. 

How do you find the Best Gambling Sites? 

There are a number of online review forums that cover every new and established online casino. So, look for ones that score consistently highly. Being registered by the UK Gambling Commission is an absolute must for any casino and, if the casino has an App to download, look for ratings and reviews in the Apple Store and in Google Play.

Awards and short-lists are another good indication of quality and a confident endorsement of a casino’s merits. 

How do you register at an online casino? 

1. When you have found the site that appeals to you, just click on the “register” or “Join” button.  

2. Log your details (email, address, phone number) and then verify your account. For this, you may be asked to submit a utility bill and/or a Source of Funds document (SOF). This is easily done, by using the email facility at the online casino and is usually confirmed in minutes. 

3. Then make your first deposit via your chosen method to get going and claim your Welcome Offer. Remember to “opt-in” if required, or use a code if one is needed. 

4. That’s it! 

From Royal Bans to Jackpot Wins: The Evolving Saga of UK Gambling

Throughout history, the appeal of gambling in the UK has been quite evident, with its fluctuating legal status over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, gambling houses dotted the London landscape, attracting a plethora of patrons. However, the 17th century saw a sweeping ban under King Charles II, who viewed it as a destabilizing element to public order.

The allure of the dice and cards, however, could not be curtailed for long. By the 18th century, gambling was back in favour, leading to a surge in casinos and gambling establishments.

But this revival was short-lived, as the 19th century ushered in another ban, instigated by rising concerns of criminal activities and corruption linked to gambling. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the ban was lifted, paving the way for the modern-day gambling industry in the UK, now a multi-billion-pound behemoth employing vast numbers.

UK Gamblers

This rich tapestry of gambling has seen its share of legendary gamblers, both from the UK and internationally. Notable amongst them is John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Beyond his culinary claim to fame – the sandwich – the Earl was an avid gambler, reputed to have lost vast fortunes at gaming tables.

Another intriguing figure is Charles DeVille Wells, the British gambler famed for his audacious £20,000 bet, where he speculated he could double his money in just three dice throws. True to his claim, he triumphed, only to subsequently lose his windfall in consequent bets.

Recently, UK EuroMillions ticket-holder claimed £46.2m share of jackpot.

On the international front, American Phil Ivey and Canadian Daniel Negreanu are hailed for their prowess in card games, with Negreanu amassing over $30 million from poker tournaments alone.

Modern-day gambling tales also shine a spotlight on jackpot winners like Neil from Aberdeen. In 2017, with a modest deposit of £30 and a bet of £4, Neil clinched a staggering £6.3 million playing the Hall of Gods slot game online. Such stories add to the enduring allure and enigma of gambling.

Statistical Overview

As of 2023, the UK online gambling market is a force to be reckoned with, boasting an estimated value of £12.5 billion. In March 2023 alone, an astounding 14 million active players gambled online across various verticals. Let’s break down this bustling industry by numbers:

• Slots lead the game genres, accounting for a significant £3.2 billion of the total revenue.
• Not far behind, sports betting marks the second most popular online gambling activity, amassing £1.9 billion.
• Surprisingly, or maybe not, the average UK online gambler is a 35-year-old male.
• Alarmingly, 0.3% of UK adults are identified as problem gamblers.
• On a brighter note, the UK government rakes in an impressive £3.5 billion in tax revenue from online gambling.

A Regulatory Perspective: The White Paper Reforms

The UK has always been at the forefront of setting standards for the gambling industry. In December 2022, the UK government unveiled a white paper detailing proposals for the reform of the gambling industry. Intended as a consultation document, the government aims to receive feedback before finalizing decisions. Here’s a snapshot of the significant proposals:

• A stringent ban on online credit betting.
• Reduction in the maximum stake on online roulette and fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to a mere £2.
• Abolishing VIP schemes in casinos, often blamed for encouraging excessive spending by problem gamblers.
• Introduction of a levy on gambling operators, a step to fund treatments for problem gambling.
• Proposal of a new independent gambling regulator set to replace the current Gambling Commission.

Choosing Wisely: Steps to Identify Legal UK Gambling Sites

Finding a legal and top-notch UK gambling site requires a mix of due diligence, research, and understanding the UK’s regulatory landscape. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify the best legal UK gambling sites:

1. Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the site has a valid license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Their official website has a public register for license verification.
2. Reputation and Reviews: Prioritize sites with stellar online reviews, player feedback, and have been operational for a substantial period.
3. Game Selection: Opt for sites that boast a diverse game range from recognized software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech.
4. Payment Security and Variety: The site should offer various secure payment methods and use SSL encryption to safeguard personal and financial details.
5. Responsible Gambling and Support: Choose platforms that actively promote responsible gambling through tools and affiliations with organizations like GamStop or GamCare. Additionally, assess the efficiency of their customer support channels.
6. Check for Awards and Recognitions: Awards from industry events, like the EGR Operator Awards 2023, can be a good indicator of a site’s quality and reputation.
7. Mobile Compatibility: Given the rise of mobile gambling, ensure the site is mobile-friendly or offers a well-functioning gaming casino app for your Android or iOS phone or a tablet.

Lastly, always remember that while gambling can be fun, it should be approached responsibly. Never gamble money you can’t afford to lose, and if you feel you might have a problem, seek help immediately.

Guided Support: Navigating UK’s Gambling Concerns & Resources

Concerns about potential gambling issues, whether personal or regarding someone you know, should always be addressed. In the UK, there’s an array of organizations equipped to offer assistance and guidance. Here’s a succinct list of notable ones:

GamCare: A prominent figure in aiding those affected by gambling problems in Britain. They provide diverse support including a helpline, online chat, and a forum.
Contact: 0808 8020 133. Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

National Gambling Helpline: Offering confidential support, this helpline caters to all facing gambling challenges. They provide assessment, advice, and resources.
Contact: 0808 8020 133. Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

GamAnon: Serving as a lifeline for those impacted by gambling issues, they provide a structured 12-step recovery program. Website: www.gambleanon.org.uk

Gordon Moody Association: This charitable body offers specialized residential treatments and an array of services like counselling and support groups. Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk

BeGambleAware: Operating non-profitably, they focus on spreading awareness about gambling problems and extending resources to those in need. Website: www.begambleaware.org

Online Gambling UK FAQ’s 

Are UK online gaming websites safe to use? Yes, they are all registered by the UK Gambling Commission and use the latest SSL firewall technology to guarantee the safety of all your online transactions. 

Can you have multiple online gambling accounts? Of course. There is no limit to the number. You may have a favourite Bingo site, Sports betting site, Roulette site and another one for poker. It is entirely up to you. 

What is an RTP when listed on an online casino? This refers to the Return to Player percentage. This is the total stakes returned for £100 wagered. So, an RTP of 96% means £96 or every £100 wagered, on average, is returned as winnings.