Online Casino Games 2024: Learn About the Different Games at UK Casinos
There are thousands of online casino games available to players based in the UK. So, it can be overwhelming when trying to choose between them. That’s why the GamblingAuthority team has produced this introductory guide to casino games. Here, we will cover the advantages of playing real money games at online casinos. We will also go over each of the main casino game categories – with links offering more information. Finally, we will discuss the best software providers on the planet – again with links to GamblingAuthority articles. So, let’s begin…
The Latest UK Casino Game Sites
| Rank | Casino | Deposit bonus | Bonus without deposit | Terms and Conditions | Play |
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| 1 |
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| 2 |
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Deposit bonus 100 £ 50 Free Spins | Bonus without deposit 0 £ 0 Free Spins | Read review Play | |
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Deposit bonus 50 £ | Bonus without deposit 0 £ 0 Free Spins | Read review Play | |
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Deposit bonus 100 £ 50 Free Spins | Bonus without deposit 0 £ 0 Free Spins | Read review Play | |
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| 8 |
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Deposit bonus 500 £ 150 Free Spins | Bonus without deposit 0 £ 0 Free Spins | Read review Play | |
| 10 |
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| 20 |
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Find Top Online Casino Games at UK Sites
Real money casino games available to UK players
There are many different types of games available at UK online casinos. Some of them are well known to most people, even if they don’t play for real money. These are the slot machines found in pubs, poker games famous from movies and traditional table games. Then, there are the lesser-known casino games. Here, we’re talking about sic bo, craps and crypto casino games. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. Here are the many casino games variations out there…
❇️ Online video slot games
Video slots are by far the most popular and populous category at UK online casinos. In fact, the Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Book of Dead slot games regularly show up in the form of casino welcome bonus spins. Other video slots, such as Rainbow Riches, have spawned entire casino sites and appear in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. And that’s because video slots are packed with multiple paylines, bonus rounds and other innovative features. With the help of multipliers, players can often win cash prizes stretching into thousands of pounds. Nice!
❇️ Classic fruit machines
For a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times, classic slot machines fit the bill. Rather than using the complicated game mechanics of video slots, classic slot machines strip things back. Often there is only one payline, for example. And bonus rounds, if any, will be limited to double or nothing features at the end of each winning spin. In the UK, these are known as fruit machines because of the main symbols. Classic slot machines use cherries, oranges and grapes, for example, along with BAR symbols and others. Definitely check out online fruit machines!
❇️ Progressive jackpot slots
Next up, progressive jackpot slots are very similar to video slots – with one key difference! That’s right, these slot machine games feature massive jackpots that can be won with a single spin. Plus, as they are often networked across the world, the jackpots build to astonishing levels. Mega Moolah is a great example of a progressive jackpot slot machine. It has paid out jackpots in the range of several million multiple times. So, while you won’t win as often as with video slots, progressive jackpot slots are certainly tempting. Are you feeling lucky?
❇️ Online roulette games
Online roulette games are some of the most popular at UK casinos. That’s because it’s relatively simple to pick up but impossible to put down – so to speak. There are two main versions of roulette available to players in the UK. The American roulette version with its additional double-zero pocket and the French/European version. The latter only has a single zero pocket, lessening the house edge and giving a boost to players. There are live casino versions of roulette, as well as video roulette. Whichever one you pick, betting on red or black has never been so much fun.
❇️ Online blackjack games
Blackjack is another classic casino game. This one is all about beating the dealer, whether that’s in online video blackjack or against a live dealer. The aim of the game is quite simple. Try to get as close to 21 (known as blackjack) as possible without going bust. In blackjack, the Ace is worth one or 11, face cards are worth 10 and the rest are as denoted. Then, if your score is higher than the computer or live dealer without going bust, you win real money! No wonder blackjack is one of the most popular UK casino games. Now, do you want to stick or twist?
❇️ Online baccarat games
Following in the footsteps of roulette and blackjack, baccarat comes a close third as the most popular table game. No doubt this is aided by James Bond’s love of the game. However, whereas in blackjack you take on the dealer, this one does things differently. Instead, you can bet on one of three outcomes. These are betting on whether the Player or Banker will score the most, or if it will be a Tie. Due to this simplicity, online baccarat games are easy to pick up. Plus, you can play against the computer in video baccarat or have a live dealer do all the work for you.
❇️ Online video poker
While it’s possible to play poker online against other players, another option exists at online casinos. This one is called video poker. And there are many different versions of the game, with different rules and in-game mechanics. This makes video poker one of the great casino games for those who don’t want the complexity of real poker. In many respects, the video versions of poker behave in much the same way as slots. Video poker is, therefore, very easy to learn. Plus, you won’t need to perfect your poker face before starting a session.
❇️ Online sic bo games
With a relatively low house edge, sic bo is another great option for UK players. The words sic bo translate closely from Chinese as dice pair. And the game is incredibly popular in Macau (where it is only second to baccarat) and Atlantic City. However, this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. The betting odds and table arrangement differ depending on where you play the game. However, once you have the basics down, it can be an incredibly engaging casino game. Plus, plenty of UK-based online casinos feature sic bo in video and live dealer versions.
❇️ Online pai gow games
When it comes to finding other casino games beyond the most common, pai gow is up there. In many respects, the game is built on two other classic table games – dominoes and poker. Therefore, it’s one of the more intriguing casino games available in the UK. In fact, you get two bites of the cherry each time you play for real money. That’s because you can create not one but two hands to try to win cash funds. Both of the hands are made up of seven cards, so the possible combinations are vast. Still, if you want something a little different, give pai gow a go.
❇️ Online craps games
Craps is a super popular casino game across the pond in the United States. While it hasn’t quite caught on in the UK compared to America, you can still find craps listed among the online casino games available at UK sites. Just be warned that the rules and payouts can be incredibly complicated compared to other dice and card games. On the flip side of that, a more experienced player can get some of the lowest house edge percentages possible. But for new players, we would suggest trying some of the other games before trying out craps.
❇️ Live casino games
Whether you’re looking for card games, roulette or something more akin to Wheel of Fortune, live casino games are a huge hit with UK players. And we’re sure you’ll become a big fan too. Even new players will take to these games like a fish to water. All of the best casino websites will have live-streamed games available. And you can interact with the live dealer at any time. It really is as close as you can get to Las Vegas from the comfort of your own home. So, if you want to play online casino games live, be sure to check out the many selected games available.
Real money games versus free casino games online
Why should you consider playing online casino games in the first place? And what advantages do real money games have over demo versions? Here, we look at the main reasons to play slot machines, table games and more…
Pros
- You have a chance to win real money
- Progressive jackpots can get up to millions
- You can claim free spins and bonus spins
- Experience Las Vegas with live casino games
- You can claim a UK online casino welcome bonus
Cons
- You risk losing your own money
- Free games might not be available
- You need to play responsibly
Alternative online gambling options for UK players
There are plenty of online casino games that aren’t quite so traditional. Or otherwise, they’re quite rare. Or, they don’t really fit into a casino context at all. Here, we want to cover some of the other game options and betting opportunities. Some, like bingo, scratchcards and sports betting will be very well-known to UK punters looking for big wins. However, many new customers won’t have considered Provably Fair games that run on blockchain technology.
Online bingo games
It goes without saying that bingo is massively popular in the UK. And those looking to play for real money will be spoiled for choice. Many of the best casino websites and apps will have more than a few bingo options available. And because the cost of entry is low, new customers won’t have to risk too much to have a whole lot of fun. So, if you want to play a few games of bingo to while away your free time, choose an online casino that offers this exciting game.
Online keno games
We put keno in this area because it’s not all that well-known in the UK, especially when it comes to new players. However, anyone who’s ever played the National Lottery will be right at home with keno. That’s because it is based on the lottery format. You simply select your numbers and track which ones get drawn. Dead easy! Plus, the cost is low enough for new customers to have a blast and a chance to win cash funds without risking too much money.
Lotto and scratchcards
You can certainly play the National Lottery and other games based on it online. But did you know that you can also play scratchcards at many online casinos? These online scratchcards use a virtual coin to let your scratch away at the silver surface. Then it’s a matter of matching symbols much like slots. If you’re successful, you will win real money. So, rather than popping down to the local shop, you can simply fire up a scratchcard from your laptop or mobile phone.
Online sports betting
Another huge one in the UK, sports betting is now a massive industry. And you have so many options for sticking a tenner on the Premier League, World Cup or Champions League. There are many dedicated sports betting websites and apps out there, of course. But plenty of the best casino websites also give both old hands and new players the chance to win real money. In this way, you can easily switch from playing casino games to gambling on the big game.
Online crypto games
This new games category is a fairly recent phenomenon. Without bamboozling new players with the specifics, however, let’s just say that they run on the same technology that powers cryptocurrencies. A benefit of this is that every result is recorded permanently and can be verified by players. That means the RTP (return to player) value is dead on the money. Plus, you can get bonus spins and other incentives in much the same way as playing slots. Nice!
The top 10 casino games providers for UK players
These selected games suppliers have been singled out for being on top of their, well, game. These providers produce some of the best online casino games online. And all of them team up with operators to provide compelling welcome bonus offers and free spins for the best casino games. In fact, casino online games wouldn’t be the same without them. Let’s dig in…
Microgaming
This producer from the Isle of Man has been in the industry for more than two decades. In fact, Microgaming has been around since 1994 – we’re talking about the birth of online casino games! Microgaming has many great titles under its belt. For example, there’s Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II, Avalon, Game of Thrones and many, many more.
Pragmatic Play
Gibraltar-based Pragmatic Play launched in 2015. And it certainly hasn’t stopped producing top casino games since then. To give you an idea of the quality we’re talking about here, let’s go over their hitlist. For example, there’s (to name just a few) Sweet Bonanza, Tropical Tiki and Zombie Carnival. The company also launched a sports betting platform too! Check out Pragmatic Play casinos today.
IGT
US-based International Game Technology (known colloquially as IGT) is another great game provider. In fact, the company predates the online casino era by quite some years. It was founded in 1975! IGT’s online hits include classic slots such as Cleopatra, DaVinci Diamonds and Pharoah’s Fortune. So, again, this is another top casino game provider worth checking out.
Novomatic
Awesome slots provider Novomatic hails from Austria. It was founded by billionaire Johann Graf in 1980. Novomatic has produced a string of excellent casino games after acquiring Greentube in 2010. Highlights include Book of Ra Deluxe, Lord of the Ocean and Lucky Lady Charm Deluxe, to name but a few. In short, Novomatic produces the goods on a regular basis.
Betsoft
Based in Malta, Betsoft is another superb supplier of casino games. Founded way back in 2006, this plucky company has produced a long list of top slots for online casinos in the UK and beyond. The company also makes lots of roulette titles, too. But to get back to Betsoft slots, here are some of the best: The Golden Owl of Athena, Gladiator and The Slotfather Part II.
NetEnt
Swedish company NetEnt is one of the most well-known slots providers. Some of the best NetEnt slots casinos also have a decent range of live casino games too. Since being taken over by Evolution Gaming (more on that company below), the company continues to produce some of the best online casino games. For example, Mega Fortune, Gonzo’s Quest and Twin Spin are all quality games.
Evolution Gaming
Another Swedish company that’s big in the game, Evolution Gaming is known primarily for live dealer games. And now, the company (rebranded simply as Evolution) has all of the NetEnt slots too. But to highlight some of its biggest hits, take a look at these releases: Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal Live, Mega Ball, Crazy Time and Football Studio Pro.
Play’n GO
Yet another Swedish company makes our list of top casino game suppliers. Play’n GO might have a weirdly spelled name, but the company produces excellent real money slots. And there are some very decent RTPs to be had from the games too. Here are some of our favourite Play’n GO titles: Book of Dead, Reactoonz, Mermaid’s Diamond, Wild North and Fire Joker.
Big Time Gaming
Hailing from Down Under, Australian company Big Time Gaming has a stable of top real money games. They also have a great selection of titles using the Megaways slot mechanic for even more chances to win with bonus spins. Highlights of Big Time Gaming include the following: Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Danger High Voltage and White Rabbit.
Playtech
Isle of Man company Playtech produces everything from slot and card games to plenty of roulette and blackjack variants. In fact, most of your gambling needs can be covered by this one company alone. But let’s list the very best casino titles the company has made so far. Up there has to be Age of the Gods, Green Lantern, Jackpot Giant, Gaelic Luck and Big Bad Wolf.
Casino games – conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our whirlwind ride through the best casino games out there. Armed with this guide, you’ll be able to choose the releases that appeal to you most. Or explore a new category of casino games that you hadn’t tried before. One thing to note, be sure to play at online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. After all, we want you to have a safe gambling experience. Enjoy!
Casino Games FAQ
How do online casino games work?
Playing an online casino game is a lot like a video game. Except that you can win real money, of course. But the graphics, playing mechanics and level of interaction are all very similar. It's just that the outcomes are decided by a random number generator (RNG) to keep things fair.
What is the best online casino game?
There are too many to narrow it down to one. But give Rainbow Riches, Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, Mega Moolah or Book of Dead a go and you won't be disappointed. Or try your hand at online roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino hold'em or one of the other live dealer releases.
What is the house edge at online casinos?
Most casino releases favour the house – the house edge. So, the house edge in European roulette is 2.70%. Whereas, blackjack is said to have a lower house edge of around 0.5% if played optimally. Slots, on the other hand, use an RTP percentage instead, as well as volatility.
What does RTP mean in online slots?
This stands for Return to Player. Essentially, it gives the average payouts expected from the machine. So, if the RTP is 97%, for example, players can expect to win an average of 97p from every £1 wagered. Though, of course, as this is an average, it's still possible to win big money.
Which casino games have the best odds?
The previously mentioned blackjack has some of the best odds for players. When played according to the most likely outcome, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%. The house edge of craps is similarly low. Compare that with the Tie bet in baccarat, which can be around 14%!
Which casino games have the biggest jackpots?
Definitely the progressive jackpot games. These games are linked around the world. So, anybody playing one of the Mega Moolah games will be contributing to the pot. That's why the jackpots sometimes reach millions of pounds before paying out to one very lucky player.
Can I play games online for free at UK casinos?
It's possible but you have to sign in at an online casino to do this. This is because the UK Gambling Commission wants to prevent underage players from playing demo games. This is part of the responsible gambling movement to combat addiction and other problems.
Are casino games rigged to make me lose?
No. The UK Gambling Commission and third-party authorities like eCOGRA independently check the games for fairness. While the odds are always in the favour of the casino, the games are not rigged to always make you lose. So, go ahead and make that first deposit needed to play.
With an education from the University of Cambridge and while working with iGaming for the last 6 years, Stephen has obtained a lot of knowledge about the industry. He usually writes about the different types of online casinos, casino bonuses and various gambling strategies.
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