How We Rate the Best Casinos
With such a large selection of online casinos, it is easy to feel confused about which one you should choose, especially if you intend to get in on the action and deposit money. Thus, it is always important to check the following factors when selecting the best real money casino. These factors are part of our casino rating guidelines that our experts swear by:
- Great variety of casino games;
- Generous best casino bonuses;
- 24/7 customer service at the best casinos;
- Market-friendly payment methods;
- Casino Licensing;
- Responsible Gambling tools;
- Mobile casino quality.
We've also created a short guide that you can follow step by step when looking for your next online casino:
Great Variety of Casino Games
Top casinos tend to stock their games lobby with over 1000 games, some even offering up to 3000 casino games, as well as sports betting options if available where you can place wagers on many sporting events such as basketball (NBA), football (NFL), hockey (NHL), baseball (MLB) etc. and more
Online casinos should have enough gameplay variants, slot sweepstakes and tables to suit casino members with all budgets and gameplay styles, including high rollers. New games by leading software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming and Big Time Gaming are continuously added to the best casinos.
Generous Casino Bonuses
The best online casinos have a combination of bonuses within their welcome package and a great selection of other promotions in the "Casino Bonus or Promotion" section where existing players can benefit. When a casino gives back to its players, it earns their trust and shows that it cares about all players equally, not just new registering players. New customers' first deposit usually triggers the welcome package; so be sure to check out the casino offers and read the full T&Cs before making any deposits.
24/7 Customer Service
The reliability and availability of the customer support department is a fundamental element that separates a grand online casino from an average one. The best casinos have 24-hour support via their live chat and offer support through other means such as email and phone. Support should be offered in multiple languages to cater to all players. The following is a shortlist of what to expect from top casino sites with the best customer support department:
- Instant response time;
- Issues resolved quickly and professionally;
- Polite and helpful;
- Highly skilled and knowledgeable staff.
The top 10 casinos selected above have excellent customer support teams and outstanding track records based on feedback from players.
Market-Friendly Payment Methods
The most popular casino payment methods accepted at international casinos are debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, pay by phone, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrency.
There might be payment restrictions in some markets, for example, UK players cannot use credit cards to fund their casino accounts. On the other hand, some casinos also offer local payment methods, for example, Dutch players can make iDEAL casino deposits, and Canadian players can make Instadebit casino deposits.
Very rarely, a casino might impose a fee on a particular payment method. However, some payment providers may also set fees if their services are used to fund casino accounts. Check out our detailed casino banking methods page for more information.
Mobile Gaming Option
Mobile browser gaming is also becoming much more prevalent, in fact, 50% of UK players gambled using their mobile phones in 2021. The best online casinos always offer a mobile option to let their customers play wherever they are on their smartphones and tablets with Android or iOS. This means that video slots, table games and so on are displayed optimised via your device screen. There are thousands of casino games including apps and games found at online casinos. These were the most downloaded casino games worldwide: Coin Master, Bingo Blitz, Slotomania, Jackpot Party and Cash Frenzy.
Gambling Apps
Some of the best casinos in the world cater to the mobile casino gaming market by offering their websites in mobile format and allowing users to access free downloadable casino apps. You can use the same login details for a desktop casino with these, and generally speaking, most developers' games are created to cater to today's mobile market. Find the list of the best casinos offering a superb gambling app:
Casino History and Licensing
For any online casino to operate legally, it needs to be regulated by a governing body to ensure it operates within the parameters of the law and to safeguard players from any fraudulent activity, amongst other things. This is why you must check if any country game restrictions may apply to you.
The two most respected governing bodies in the gaming industry are the UK Gambling Commission and the famous Malta Gaming Authority. At the bottom of every online casino site, you should find information on the regulating body overlooking the online casino.
The year the online casino was formed also plays an important role when choosing the best casino online. Credibility and casino experience comes with time, so it's essential to consider the top casinos' formation year. However, one should not just discredit a new online casino simply for being just launched.
Transparent Terms and Conditions
Before signing up at any online casino, it is encouraged to read the terms and conditions so that you can be aware of what the casino rules are. T&Cs are also a good way of determining whether a casino is honest or not. If some terms sound unfair, it would be better to find another casino. A safe casino will have clear and fair terms and conditions. These are the most common points a reliable casino will include in its T&Cs:
- Owner of the casino;
- Where it is licensed;
- Definitions of the terms used;
- General rules such as who can play, how to play and account details responsibility;
- What the casino operator is entitled to do concerning your account;
- Payment conditions;
- Closure of account process;
- Responsible gaming information;
- Information in the event of technical issues;
- How to complain;
- Accepted behavioural conduct.
Some online casinos may have separate bonus terms and conditions or may include them in the general T&Cs. The best online gambling sites will also ensure that their terms and conditions comply with the guidelines set by the licensing regulator.
SSL and Secure Banking
A reliable online casino will have encryption technology such as SSL to safeguard and secure transactions and personal information. Playing at a rogue casino not secured by SSL or any other digital encryption technology will increase the risk of having your funds and personal details stolen by unauthorised third parties.
Top online gambling sites will typically list their security information on their About Us page or Security page. However, this option is not always accurate, as the information listed on the site can be outdated or false. To see if a casino is secure or not, check the URL toolbar and look for a tiny padlock icon. Once you click on it, you can see all the security information, including the SSL certificate.
Best Casinos Offer Quick Payouts
If lady luck is on your side and you hit a win, the withdrawal request processing time should be ideally short. Real money casino operators strive to keep their processing times up to 72 hours. The casino withdrawal speed depends on whether the player has provided the necessary documents and the withdrawal amount itself. Generally, the more significant the amount, the longer it takes to be approved because of KYC and AML checks that would need to be carried out.
It is important to note that the time it takes to reach your account from the casino operator depends on the payment method used. For example, a bank transfer could take up to 5 working days to pay the winnings, whereas a withdrawal can be instant at an online casino using GCash and other e-wallets such as PayPal and Revolut.
Best Casino Bonus Offers
There are various best casino bonuses, including no deposit bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free spins, cashback bonuses, bonus codes, reload bonuses, refer 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 & Fair T&Cs
Most casino bonuses come with wagering requirements listed in the terms and conditions. Wagering requirements refer to the number of times the deposit and bonus amount must be wagered (played) to change bonus funds into withdrawable funds. Usually, the wagering requirements would have a time limit, and failure to meet such requirements would result in the bonus being voided.
Fair bonus terms and conditions would list the eligibility rules, promotional period, the wagering requirements, country restrictions, excluded payment options, max bonus bet, and whether all games carry the same weighting for wagering contributions. A bonus offer might also require a casino promo code, which must be entered before clicking on the "opt-in" button. We recommend reading the terms and conditions before opting in to avoid any potential disappointment.
Most Popular Welcome Promotions at Online Casinos
Some bonuses are more popular than others at the best casino sites. We've researched over 1000 online casinos to find players' favourite bonuses. Let's have a look at these operators and our rating of their welcome offer for new players:
Best Games to Play for Real Money
Game selection is one of the pillars of the success of any online casino. The best online casino sites will have slots, table games, and the best live casino featuring a live dealer in the game lobbies for a complete portfolio of casino games. Below you can find a short guide on real money gameplay options.
Real Money Slots
Real money classic or jackpot slots are the most popular online casino game option. 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. Moreover, progressive jackpots allow players to win a huge amount of money. There's something for everyone regarding the best online slot sites.
- Odds of winning: 1 in 49.836;
- Beginner-friendly: Yes;
- Maximum winnings: NA.
Real Money Poker
Online casinos often include online video poker in their game library. This takes the basics of table poker and incorporates them into a slot games 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. There are many poker variants such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker and more to choose from.
- Odds of winning: NA;
- Beginner-friendly: No;
- Maximum winnings: NA.
Real Money Roulette
Real money roulette is accessible in several variations at most online casinos, including European, American, live, and French roulette. We've already gathered together some of the best sites for playing roulette, and you can claim a casino welcome bonus with many of them. Our real money roulette guide has a collection of rules and guidance on playing roulette effectively. So whether you're a newcomer or a regular player, there's something for everyone.
- Odds of winning: 49%;
- Beginner-friendly: Yes;
- Maximum winnings: 35X.
Real Money Blackjack
Blackjack is one of those go to casino games that everyone should play because it's thoroughly entertaining. Due to its popularity, Blackjack is usually featured on many casino sites so you won't have problems finding this game. Plus, the rules are so easy to understand. All you need to do to play online blackjack is ensure that your hand of cards beats out the dealer's, getting as close to the total value of 21 as possible.
So, if blackjack sounds like something you'd enjoy, why not check out one of the best real money casinos we recommend for playing it? You'll benefit from the bonus offers and additional promotions they provide. If you want to know more about online blackjack strategies, check out our how-to guide for more information.
- Odds of winning: 48%
- Beginner-friendly: Yes;
- Maximum winnings: 1.5X.
How to Open a Casino Account
The registration process to open a casino account is somewhat similar from one casino to another. Follow these five steps to guide you through opening an account and kickstarting your online gaming journey with any casino!
Step 1: Choose a Regulated Casino
Licensed casinos are safe and provide a secure environment for the players.
Look out for security seals on the casino site, customer care, games selection, payment methods available, such as Neteller, Skrill or Paypal, and bonuses offered. There is a vast selection of safe online casinos to choose from; we recommend you look at our extensive lists, categorised for easy navigation and check out the reviews of those casinos that capture your attention.
Step 2: Begin the Sign-Up Process
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 prompt you to add the following information: full name, date of birth, email address, phone number and residential address. You will also be asked to create a password. Some casinos will also ask for your preferred currency and banking method at this stage as well. Once you've filled in all the fields, hit submit to create the account.
Step 3: Verify Account
For verification purposes, some casinos will send a code to verify that you have access to the phone number and email address you provided in the previous step.
The casinos will send a code to the phone number you provided, which you will need to input during the registration process. If a verification link is sent via email, you will need to click on this link to confirm your email address and verify your account. These codes and links usually come with a time limit so be sure to follow the casino's instructions within the allocated timeframe, otherwise, you may need to request the code or verification link again.
Step 4: Claim a Bonus
Whether you are a newly registered player or an existing player, top-quality casinos regularly offer new promotions and bonuses 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 packages, meaning you could get parts of the package with every deposit made.
Remember to check the website of Begambleaware.org before playing to get more insights about responsible gambling and playing safe.
Step 5: Make a Deposit
Play for free or with real money.
Many casinos offer players the chance to try out a game they like in the demo version. Any winnings will not be real and cannot be withdrawn. This is a great way for players new to the casino world to determine what they like and don't like in casino games.
If you would like to start playing with real money from the get-go, go to the cashier section of the casino site and make your first deposit. Select the payment method of your choice and choose the amount you wish to deposit.
The Best Online Casinos by Region
The range of casinos worldwide is huge. Here's a snapshot of the gross wins in the biggest gambling markets
| Country | Gambling Gross Win per Capita (in USD) |
|---|
| Australia | $487.17 |
| Italy | $245.21 |
| United States | $233.28 |
| Canada | $230.02 |
| Britain | $195.30 |
| Spain | $166.01 |
Gambling in the UK
Gambling in the UK, both when it comes to sports betting, horse racing, bingo sites, online keno, scratch cards and online casino games, is hugely popular. In fact, the UK online gambling market is one of the largest in the world with an estimated value of £4.7bn. With the GGY (Gross Gambling Yield) of the online remote betting industry in the UK growing since the 2014 Gambling Act, it is a clear indicator that players love online casinos and what they offer more than ever before.
| Year (April - March) | GGY of Online Betting (in Millions of GBP) |
|---|
| 2016 | £4230.76M |
| 2017 | £4775.18M |
| 2018 | £5346.67M |
| 2019 | £5255.22M |
| 2020 | £5680.76M |
But what do players in the UK like to bet on? In 2021, the National Lottery was their most popular betting choice at 14%, followed by other lotteries (8.3%) and Sports Betting (4.9%). UK bettors favoured these sports betting sites in 2021, and so far, even in 2022 they love playing at:
Gambling in Canada
Gambling in Canada, specifically the online gambling industry, has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Whilst online sports betting is the number one form of gambling in Canada, online casinos have picked up, even more so following the closures of land-based casinos in 2020 and 2021. This growing online casino gaming trend has even prompted Ontario's online casino market regulation.
Gambling in Europe
Gambling across Europe is becoming more and more popular, with the UK topping the charts with 30.1% of the population gambling, followed by Germany (11.4%), France (9.2%) and Italy (8.7%). The GGY has been growing steadily over the past 6 years, and figures indicate that it will continue to grow in 2022.
| Year | GGY of All Betting (in Billions of Euro) |
|---|
| 2016 | €19B |
| 2017 | €21B |
| 2018 | €24B |
| 2019 | €26B |
| 2020 | €28B |
| 2021 | €29B |
40% of European gamblers prefer to place sports bets, making sports gambling the most popular type in Europe, followed closely by casino games, where 34% of European players choose to gamble at online casinos. The third popular form of gambling is the lottery, where 17% of European citizens buy local or pan-European lottery tickets.
Gambling in the US
Although it varies on a state-by-state basis, the changing landscape of the gambling scene in the US depends on the changes to US gambling legislation. However, even in states where there isn't traditional casino gambling, players still enjoy other gambling. As it stands, players in the US mostly bet on sports 32% of the time, play the lottery 31% of the time, and the remaining 23% of gambling is on slots.
When it comes to casino gambling, however, players in the US have their favourite casinos!
Key Facts About the Best Casinos
We’ve distilled the most important things to look out for at an online casino down to a few key factors that all of the best ones should have. From the game selection and security to customer support, many different things stand out as markers of a really good casino.
- The best online casino will offer various games to choose from.
- An easy-to-use site for all players is important for a great customer experience.
- Bonuses to pick from for new and loyal players are a vital part of giving players a great time.
- Good online casinos offer customer support 24/7 through live chat, email, and phone.
- To be a reputable casino, it should be licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming commission.
- State-of-the-art security measures to keep all customer information safe and secure should be implemented across the site.
- Top-quality online casinos will offer fast and easy deposits and withdrawals.
- A really important thing for players is that the casino offers great payouts when they play.
- Established casinos offer players a great loyalty or VIP program.
- Some of the biggest casinos offer gameplay to players internationally, in different languages.
Best Casino Sites Comparison
With many casinos to choose from, we have ranked 10 of the best online casinos according to their best features. Find the list below and click on the casino name to be redirected to the casino review page:
Top Online Casinos FAQs
Many questions can arise when choosing the best online casino gambling site that suits what you're looking for. With so many options, it is easy to fall for a rogue casino and be taken advantage of; thus, knowing some of the basics is essential to having the best gaming experience. Below you can find some of the frequently asked questions. Check out our casino's FAQ page if you're still looking for more information.
