Not sure what makes a great casino site? You're not alone. With hundreds of options, it helps to know what to look for. Here are the key things we consider when reviewing casinos—so you can choose with confidence.
- Game selection and software providers
- Bonus and wagering requirements
- Payment methods and payout speed
- Mobile experience
- Customer Support
- Licensing and Security
Game Selection & Software Providers
The best casino sites offer a wide variety of games—from classic slots and roulette to immersive live dealer tables. Look for platforms with thousands of slots, high RTP games, and partnerships with top software providers like NetEnt, Playtech or Evolution. A strong game library isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality, variety, and fair play.
Bonuses & Wagering Requirements
Casino bonuses can be a great way to get started, but not all offers are created equal. Most welcome bonuses come with wagering requirements, so check the fine print. Low or no-wager bonuses are usually better value. Whether it’s free spins, cashback, or deposit matches, we always look for offers that give you a fair shot—without hidden strings attached. You can learn more in our casino bonuses guide.
Payment Methods & Payout Speed
Fast, reliable payments are essential. A top UK casino should offer trusted options like PayPal, Visa, Skrill, and bank transfers. Better still, casino payouts should be quick—ideally within 24 hours. If you're looking for speed, check out our guide to fast withdrawal casinos. A slow payout process is frustrating, so we always highlight sites that keep things moving.
One consideration you might have is which deposit and banking methods are best with online casinos?. Most casinos offer debit cards across the board. You'll struggle to find one that doesn't provide MasterCard or Visa through Nuvei.
ALSO READ Guide to Safe and Secure Online Casino Payment Methods
However, things have changed slightly since then, with a wide range of eWallet and pay-by-phone solutions.
MasterCard, VISA or Pre Paid Cards
Debit cards, such as Mastercard and Visa Electron, are online casinos' most common deposit methods, as credit cards are no longer accepted. Prepaid cards like PaySafeCard can be used but require alternate arrangements for withdrawals.
Electronic Wallets (PayPal, ApplePay, GooglePay, Skrill etc)
Modern payment options like ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller offer secure transactions at UKGC-licensed casinos. For your safety, always avoid unfamiliar methods at unlicensed casinos.
Pay By Phone
You can deposit into a casino account using phone credit, though it's not highly recommended due to potential limitations in withdrawing winnings.
Mobile Experience
Playing on the go? You need a casino that works just as well on your phone as it does on your laptop. The best mobile casinos have fully responsive websites or dedicated apps that let you play wherever you are. Smooth navigation, fast load times, and access to the full game library are must-haves for mobile players.
Customer Support
If something goes wrong—or you just need a hand—it helps to know support is there. We favour casinos that offer live chat support, ideally 24/7. Quick, helpful responses and clear guidance make a big difference, especially if you're new to online casinos.
Licensing & Security
Trust is non-negotiable. Every casino we recommend is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which means they’re held to strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Look for SSL encryption, verified game testing, and links to tools like GAMSTOP or BeGambleAware. A licensed casino gives you peace of mind.