Top 10 online casinos

How Do I Know if an Online Casino Is Legit

Having such a large selection of casinos available online, it is easy to feel confused as to which one you should choose, especially if you intend on depositing money. Thus, it is always important to check the following factors when choosing the best real money casino:

• Great variety of casino games
• Generous casino bonuses
• 24/7 customer support
• Wide range of payment methods 
• Casino Licensing
• Mobile casino quality

For more information on how to review a casino before signing up, check out our rating guidelines that our experts swear by.

Casino Games at the Best Online Casinos

Casino players visit online casino gambling sites for one reason - to play casinos games, which means that if casinos don’t have a substantial number of games in their repository, they risk losing players to competitors. Top casinos tend to stock their games lobby with a variety of over 1000 games with some even offering up to 3000 casino games and more. Game selection is one of the pillars of success of any online casino and the best playing online casino sites offer a full portfolio of casino games to their players. Online slots machines are not for everyone and to be considered as one of the best casinos, table games and live casinos featuring a live dealer need to be present in the game lobbies. Live dealer games provide players with a fantastic casino experience right from the comfort of their homes.

New games by leading software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming and many more are continuously added to the best casinos. Look for top casinos who stock more than the traditional casino classics, such as online roulette, online blackjack, online baccarat and online poker. Online casinos should have enough game variants and tables to suit players with all budgets including high rollers 

How to find the number of games in the most popular casinos online?

1. Carefully read our casino reviews;
2. Have a look at the casinos game room;
3. Chat with the support and ask them questions.

Games Where I Can Win Real Money

New games by leading software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming and many more are continuously added to the best casinos. Look for top casinos who stock more than the traditional casino classics, such as online roulette, online blackjack, online baccarat and online poker. Online casinos should have enough game variants and tables to suit players with all budgets including high rollers.

Real Money Slots

Real money slots are the most popular option for online casino gamers to play. This is generally because they are easy to play, allow for varying bets to be placed and incorporate hundreds of different themes with high-quality graphics. In essence, there’s something for everyone when it comes to real money slots.

Real Money Poker

At online casinos, you can often find a category in their game lobby that focuses on video poker. This pretty much takes the basics of table poker and incorporates it into a slot-type of setup. You are essentially dealt several cards onto the “reels” of a slot-like setup, and then you’ll form whatever poker hand is possible from these cards. The higher the poker hand rating, the more of a pay-out you’ll receive for it.

Real Money Roulette

Real money roulette is accessible in several different variations at most online casinos, including as European roulette, American roulette and French roulette. We’ve already gathered together some of the best sites for playing roulette at, and with many of them, you can claim a bonus to utilise too. There’s also a collection of rules and guidance on how to play roulette effectively enough in our real money roulette guide on our site. So if you’re a newcomer or a regular player, there’s something for everyone.

Real Money Blackjack

Blackjack is one of those casino games that everyone should have a go at because it’s so thoroughly entertaining. Plus, the rules are so easy to understand. All you need to do is try to ensure that your hand of cards beats out the dealer’s, getting as close to the total value of 21. So, if blackjack sounds like something you’d enjoy, then why not check out one of the real money casinos that we recommend for playing it at? You’re certain to benefit from the bonus offers and additional promotions that they provide, too. If you would like to know all about blackjack strategies, check out our how-to guide for more information.

How to find the best casino bonuses

The best online casinos have a combination of bonuses within the welcome package itself and have a healthy selection of other promotions in the ‘Casino Bonus or Promotion’ section where existing players can benefit from too. When a casino gives back to players, it earns their trust and it shows that it cares about all players equally, not just new registering players. The welcome package is usually triggered by the first deposit new customers make, thus prior to making any deposits check out the casino offers and read the full T&Cs.

There are various types of casino bonuses including no deposit bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free spins, cashback bonuses, reload bonuses, refer a friend bonuses and VIP bonuses.

Click the icons below for a detailed overview of the bonuses that are offered by the majority of the best online casinos:

Wagering Requirements and Fair T&Cs

Most casino bonuses come with wagering requirements which would be listed in the terms and conditions. Wagering requirements refer to the number of times the deposit and bonus amount must be wagered (played) in order to change bonus funds into withdrawable funds. Usually, the wagering requirements would have a time limit set and failure to meet such requirements would result in the bonus being voided.

Fair bonus terms and conditions would list the promotional period, the wagering requirements, excluded countries and payment methods, max bonus bet as well as whether all games will have the same game weight for wagering. A bonus offer might also require a promo code, this would need to be inputted prior to clicking on the ‘opt-in’ button. We highly recommend that you read the terms and conditions prior to opting in to avoid any potential disappointment.

Customer Support at Top Casinos

The reliability of the customer support department is a fundamental element which separates a great online casino from an average one. The best casinos tend to have 24-hour support via their live chat function, email support as well as support through the phone and in multiple languages to cater for all players. However, the methods of getting in touch aren’t everything and the following is a shortlist of what to expect from top casino sites with the best customer support department:

• Instant response time – no one wants to wait a week to get contacted by the support team
• Whether issues were resolved 
• Etiquette;
• Highly skilled staff

The top 10 casinos selected above all have excellent customer support teams with a great track-records from players.

Market-friendly Payment Methods

After choosing the casino, the ultimate question is whether to play for free or to play with real money. Playing for free comes with its main benefit- you will not have to deposit any money into your casino account. However, in turn, any “winnings” you make on the demo version of the game, is not eligible for withdrawal as it is not real winnings. Thus, if you want to try your chance at potentially hitting a win, then you should turn to real money slots and real money table games.

Whilst not every payment method is accepted by all casinos, the best real money casinos would accept a wide variety of payment providers so that it is more convenient for players. The most popular casino payment methods accepted are debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, pay by phone and cryptocurrency. Some payment methods are not available for markets for example, as of early 2020, UK players cannot use credit cards to fund their casino accounts, other methods including debit cards are allowed.

Very rarely a casino might impose a fee on a particular payment method, this would be listed in the general terms and conditions. On the other hand, some payment providers impose fees if their services are used to fund casino accounts, thus make sure to check the terms and conditions of both the casino and the payment provider. For more information on casino payment methods, check out our detailed banking methods page.

You will be pleased to know that the best online casinos accept popular currencies including EUR, CAD, NZD, USD and GBP.

Casinos with Short Withdrawal Timeframe

If lady luck is on your side and you hit a win, the withdrawal request processing time is ideally as short as possible. Real money casino operators strive to keep their processing times up to a maximum of 72 hours. The withdrawal speed usually would depend on whether the necessary documents have been provided from the player and the withdrawal amount itself. Generally, the bigger the amount, the longer it takes to be approved, this is because reputable casinos are obliged to carry out necessary KYC and AML checks.

It is important to note that the time it takes for the funds to reach your account from the casino operator depends on the payment method used. For example, a withdrawal can be instant by using e-wallets such as Skrill however using a bank transfer could take up to 5 working days. The timeframes, minimum deposit and maximum withdrawal amounts would be listed on the payment’s casino page or in the terms and conditions.

TIP: To shorten the withdrawal request timeframe, have a look at the list of documents the casino would need to process the request and send them in as soon as possible.

Mobile Casinos

The age of mobile gaming is also becoming much more prevalent throughout the world. More and more people are taking to playing their favourite casino games through their smartphones and/or tablets. This means that video slots, table games and so on are displayed in an optimised way via your device’s screen.

The Best App to Win Real Money Online

Some of the best casinos in the world not only cater to the mobile gaming market by offering their sites in mobile format but also allow users to access free downloadable apps. These casinos apps are installed onto your device’s home screen, and you can simply access the games directly from there. You can use the same login details as you would for a desktop casino with these, and generally speaking, most developers’ games are created so as to cater to the mobile market today, too.

Casino History and Licensing

For any online casino to operate legally, it needs to be regulated by a governing body to ensure it is operating within the parameters of the law and to safeguard players from any fraudulent activity, amongst other things. The two strongest and most respected governing bodies in the gaming industry are the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. At the bottom of every online casino site, it should clearly state which regulating body is overlooking the online casino and the best casinos are regulated from either one or both, depending on the market they’re serving. 

The year the online casino was formed also plays an important role when choosing the best casino online. Credibility and experience come with time, which is why it’s important to consider the year of the top casinos’ year of formation. However, one should not just discredit a new online casino simply for being new. Many long-standing casino operators launch new casinos all the time with new features.

How to Open a Casino Account

Even though there are thousands of casinos to choose, the registration process is somewhat similar from one casino to another. Below we have listed down 5 steps to guide you through opening a bank account and kickstarting your online gaming journey with any casino!

Step 1: Choose a Regulated Casino

Regulated casinos are safe and provide a secure environment for the players.

Important elements to look out for are security seals on the casino site (all casino we recommend have been deemed legitimate and trustworthy), customer care, games selection, payment methods available and bonuses offered.

As mentioned before, there is a vast selection of casinos to choose from, we recommend you to look at our extensive lists which are categorised for easy navigation and check out the reviews of those casinos that capture your attention.

Step 2: Registering at a Casino

Registering at a casino should be an easy two to five-step process.

At the top of the casino site, you will usually find a ‘Register’, ‘Join’ or ‘Create Account’ button. Every casino will ask for the following information: full name, date of birth, email address, phone number and residential address. As a verification method, some casinos will send a code to the phone number you provided which in turn you will need to input during the registration process.

Step 3: Try Out Casino Games

Many casinos offer the possibility to test casino games without paying a single cent.

Thus, players can try out a particular game they like in the demo version. Obviously, any ‘winnings’ will not be real and cannot be requested to be withdrawn. This is a great way for players new to the casino world to determine what they like and what they don’t like in casino games. Live casino games are not usually offered in demo version thus it would make sense to get some practice on any demo table games to really make sure you understand the rules and outcomes of the games.

Some of the game we suggest you start are Starburst and Book of Dead, two of our favourite games and famous for their progressive jackpot and bonus spins.

When you start feeling comfortable playing the demo versions or if you would like to start playing with real money from the get-go, go to the cashier section of the casino site and choose to make the 1st deposit. Simply select the payment method of your choice and choose the amount you wish to deposit.

Step 4: Claiming a Bonus

Whether you are a newly registered player or whether you are an existing player, top quality casinos offer new promotions and bonuses regularly throughout the year.

As a new player, you will be offered a welcome bonus normally consisting of a percentage match up to a maximum amount and some free spins. Other welcome bonuses could include cashback offers or reload offers. Some welcome bonuses come in forms of packages meaning you could get parts of the package with every deposit made.

For existing players, casinos can offer weekend promotions and bonuses, special events or even tournaments. Every casino site has a ‘Promotions’ section in which all promotions, offers and bonuses are listed as well as the terms and conditions of every single offer. Some bonuses require a bonus code to be activated, this will also be listed in the terms and conditions.

Remember to check the website of Begambleaware.org before playing, to get more insights about responsible gambling and playing safe.

Step 5: Claiming Your Winnings

Withdrawal terms are listed in the terms and conditions and also on the dedicated payments page on the casino site.

Congratulations! You won some money and now you would like to withdraw the winnings. Usually, in the general terms and conditions of the casino, there are certain wagering requirements that must be met before a withdrawal request can be made. Upon meeting said wagering requirements, simply had to the cashier section and request for a withdrawal.

The processing time usually ranges from 24 hrs to 72 hrs however this varies from one casino to another. During which time, the casino might request additional documentation from your end as a safety precaution. After the withdrawal request has been approved, the time it takes for the funds to reach your account depends entirely on the payment method you chose.

The Best Online Casinos by Region

With these tips and criteria, you should have no trouble finding the best online casino from our lists of the top 10 online casinos for each region!

Best Casino Sites Comparison

With many casinos to choose from, we have ranked 5 of the best online casinos according to their available bonuses, minimum deposit required, the casino's average payout, as well as casino mobile and free play. Check out the rankings in the table below.

As you can see, when it comes to minimum deposit required and average payout, these casinos are on the same wavelength. With their weekly/monthly new promotions, fantastic welcome offers, as well as a phenomenal game selection, any one of these casinos, would be a treat for new and existing players alike!

Can you really win money on online casinos?

Playing casino games for fun is great - you can practise, see which ones you like the most, and also make sure that you have a set of favourites before you play for real money. On the other hand, playing for real money gives you the opportunity to take advantage of those real big wins, and any casino bonuses.

How to win and make money at an online casino

Playing at online casinos should never be used as a substitute for income or to better your financial situation. Whilst it is possible to win and make money at an online casino, it is not guaranteed.

There are some ways in which you can of safeguarding your funds and increase your chances of winning:

• Look for a licensed casino as this would mean that the casino games are not rigged, and a third party tests the RNG.
• Check the games RTP (return to player) percentage to find the best casino games to play.
• If you've never played a slot or a table game before, try it out in demo mode first. Most casinos offer this option which is a great opportunity for you to practise.
• Look out for bonuses and promotions. Most casinos have ongoing promotions including deposit bonuses, free spins and cashback bonuses. This is a way of getting more for your buck. Keep in mind that such promotions almost always come with wagering requirements.
• Never chase your losses. If you're having a bad gambling day, it is best to just switch off and walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Online Casinos

A lot of questions can arise when trying to choose the best online casino gambling site that suits what you're looking for. With so many options to choose from it is easy to fall for a rogue or bad casino and be taken advantage of, thus it is important to know some of the basics so that you can have the best gaming experience. 

Below you can find some of the frequently asked questions, if you still have more questions, check out our casinos FAQ page for more information. Let's have a look at the most asked questions when it comes to the best online casinos out there.

This page was written in 2011 and is now maintained and regularly updated by Dani Wilson. Should you have any questions or see any discrepancies on this page, feel free to reach out to her on dani.wilson@casinotopsonline.com. The casino list at the beginning of the page is revised each month, to ensure we only offer the very best casino sites to our readers. For a list of references used to create this page, please see below.

References for this Page

• A quick overview of the online casinos (Wikipedia)
• What can online casino suppliers offer land-based casinos? (Gambling Insider)
• The battle of online VS. land-based casinos (Forbes)