Playing casino games has been a great pastime since the establishment of the first brick and mortar casino. A lot has changed since then, and like everything else in the world, casino gaming has gone online. New online casinos are proving to be very popular among the gambling faithful. It’s very easy to get lost in the many online casino brands that are available today. But have no fear interested players, Slots.xyz is here to help you make sense of all these options. We appreciate that some feel that nothing can replace the traditional slot machine. Keep on reading; you might just be pleasantly surprised.
Why Play In An Online Casino?
This is a common question that most players ask, and rightly so. Because let’s face it, casino games have been enjoyed for decades in brick and mortar establishments. Why change a working formula now? The first, and maybe the most important answer is that it’s more convenient. You do not have to leave your home or hotel room, from anywhere in the country you can get instant access to the best online casino games from the best game software suppliers in the world. There is no need to worry about the huge crowds and noise associated with real casino lobbies. Granted, this is the very reason that most players visit them in the first place. But online casinos afford you the chance to get the personalised one on one treatment, even if you’re not a VIP.
How To Get Started
Now, most online casino UK players start by searching the internet for casino reviews. Lucky for you slots.xyz has you covered on that front as well. In these reviews, you’ll learn about the ins and outs of your desired online casino and then check to see if it’s a match for you. We take an in-depth look at the games available, the promotions on offer, and also give you a run-through of all the payment methods you can use. Whether you are looking to register in a new online casino or are an existing player just wanting to find out if you can get more, these reviews are a fantastic starting point.
Online Casino Games
Let’s begin by looking at the heart of the online casino, the games. UK online casinos vary widely on the number of games carried in the lobby. While others barely make it to 300, there are others which are comfortably over 2000 games. The size of the lobby is only one distinguishing factor. It is not news to see a platform solely dedicated to online slot games, or which offers sports games as well. The varying personalities of players also mean that the products created for their pleasure are also different. For most online casinos, however, you’ll find two main categories, online casino games, and live casino games.
Casino Games
This is the most significant portion of an online casino. It is made up of various game types which include online slots, table games, video poker, and scratch cards. Most game software providers have a hand in the casino games lobby in one way or the other. We’ll look at these game types one by one.
Video Slots
Video slots are available in various themes, formats, and reward features. These casino games are immensely popular because they are easy to play and take a relatively short time to complete. In the online casino lobby, you’ll find 3 reel, 5 reel, and even 9 reel slot games. Players can relive their favourite movie scene or enjoy music band themed slot titles. When playing slot games in an online casino, it is also useful to understand the in-game rewards. Some games will give you bonus rounds, free spins, sticky wilds, avalanches, and much more.
Table Games
The online casino also gives players access to a wide variety of virtual table games. Undeniably, table games are among the most iconic in any online casino. Most online casino sites play host to numerous variations of online blackjack and roulette. It’s an excellent way for you to test your basic strategy skills. The technology being used to create these games nowadays is a sight to behold. The immersive 3D graphics and crisp audio make it a joy to play these games. It is not surprising then that some online casino players prefer it to brick and mortar games.
Scratch Cards
In the past to win a lottery, you would have to purchase a stack of cards and go through them one line at a time, hoping to scratch your way to a fortune. While the online casino has tweaked some elements of this game, the fun and quick-paced nature that drew many players to it, in the beginning, has remained unblemished. Scratch cards enthusiasts can expect to enjoy a large number of themes. The way that the game is played is also very convenient. You can choose to reveal your symbols one by one or all at once, for quick action.
Other Games In The Casino
The online casino games lobby is a blend of popular titles and lesser-known game varieties. It has to be, considering the different tastes and preferences to which it seeks to cater. So while fan-favourites like online roulette and blackjack are commonplace, you’ll also find Pai Gow, Craps, and Sic Bo. These will usually be housed in the speciality section of the lobby. There are also numerous variants of baccarat and video poker available. Such a wide variety of options can quickly leave you feeling somewhat dazed. Luckily, here you’ll find the best online casino reviews to point you in the right direction.
Progressive Jackpot Games
Online casino progressive jackpots allow you to walk away with massive winnings. The jackpot total is increasing all the time, some even reaching tens of millions of pounds or euros. The way this works is that whenever you place a bet in progressive casino games, a portion of your wager is added to the jackpot total. Over time the pot total can build-up to very significant amounts. One spin can make you a millionaire.
Live Casino Games
The live casino lobby is the perfect fit if you prefer a more secluded playing environment, but still crave the personal experience provided by live dealers. The most popular games here are blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. You’ll find that most online casino brands outsource live casino games. There are a handful of games software suppliers who have excelled in this field. Other casinos run in-house live casino game lobbies. Usually, this is where you’ll find exclusive games which you cannot play anywhere else. The best approach would be to stick a toe in all these lobbies until you find the one that works for you.
Other Live Games
Another area which is seeing enormous growth is live games, which are dominated by big wheels. These are not your traditional live casino offerings. These are live games that you can enjoy over a streaming service. The online casino has become home to popular adaptations of fun board games, and TV game shows that many love to watch. You can take part in these games straight from your desktop, tablet, or phone at any time of day. The live games lobby allows you to interact with the dealers and also other players, giving an added sense of community. It feels like you are in a real casino, well, minus the noisy craps table, that is.
Three of the Best Games Software Suppliers in the UK
The cut-throat game supply industry in the UK is very competitive. More than 100 game software suppliers are plying their trade here. The industry has come a long way from its inception in the early 90s. But like anything else, some companies stand head and shoulders above the rest.
NetEnt Gaming
NetEnt is one company which has a proud heritage and is widely respected in the igaming fraternity. This company was founded in 1996 and is rightly recognised as one of the pioneers of online gaming. Since the early 2000s, players have been enjoying numerous titles provided by this company. The most recognisable games from NetEnt include exciting slots, tables, and live games. Over the years, there has been an increasing presence of live casino games from NetEnt in numerous online casino lobbies. The passage of time has also seen this company picking up numerous accolades, which include a series of Game Software Supplier of the Year Awards
Playtech
Playtech is the brain-child of the famous Teddy Sagi. Since the creation of its first online casino game in 2001, Playtech has never looked back. The company has, instead, gone on to become the largest supplier of online games in the UK. Today Playtech boasts of over 500 games under its umbrella. It is credited with the popularization of movie-themed slots; this notoriety came as a result of the 2011 deal penned with Hollywood’s Paramount Studios. But online casino games are not the only product coming out from this company. It also services sport betting platforms, offering innovative betting solutions.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution is the go-to name for live online casino games. This company burst onto the scene in 2006. It wasn’t long before it started offering a selection of enjoyable table games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat. The best online casino UK websites all play host to the many titles from Evolution. The massive increase in its games has not resulted in Evolution becoming complacent, to the contrary. The company has set up an enormous gaming studio in Latvia spanning more than 2000 square metres. Evolution gaming has won numerous accolades. It holds the record for the EGR B2B Awards Live Online Casino Supplier of the Year; winning the award ten times in a row.
Online Casino Promotions
Promotions, bonuses, rewards; these are some of the names you’ll find given to programs that give players a little something extra in an online casino. Bonuses give you a chance to increase your bankroll. With more money, you can check out more games or just have more winning chances in the one that you love. Now, you have to be wary though; no two offers are the same, and more often than not, there’s usually a myriad of small print restrictions that you need to take into account. Let’s look at the most popular ones.
The Online Casino Welcome Bonus
This bonus is usually given once and exclusively to new players. You’ll find that most online casinos UK will offer players a deposit match, for example, 100% up to £100. What this means is that the online casino will match your deposit pound for pound up to a maximum of £100. So if you place a £50 deposit, you’ll play with £100. Some offers are placed over a series of your initial deposits. You can enjoy deposit matches for even four deposits. Commonly, you’ll have to meet a minimum deposit to qualify for this bonus, and in some instances, you’ll also need a code to claim it.
Free Spins Bonus
Usually, the online casino we offer players free spins on signing up or making an initial deposit. The spins you’ll get will be valid only on specific games. Here, you need to be aware of the terms and conditions that come with this offer. For starters, the expiry period. The online casino will give you a set period not only to claim but also to use your free spins. Online casino players who fail to meet these requirements will lose unused spins. Another point to note is whether the withdrawal of free spins winnings is attached to any wagering requirements. We’ll have more on this in the following sections.
Online Casino No Deposit Bonus
This is the holy grail of bonuses. Many players have been known to spend a lot of time jumping from one bonus review site to the other exclusively trolling for the online casino no deposit bonus. The main draw factor is that you do not need to deposit any kind for you to get this offer. You instantly qualify after registration. Now, the bonus comes in varying forms. This means you can get an online casino free bonus no deposit as bonus funds or even free spins no deposit. On very rare occasions, this bonus can also be offered as zero-wager.
Getting VIP Treatment In The Online Casino
VIP clubs are a common sight in the online casino collection of rewards. These clubs are usually run on a loyalty points-based system. Members accumulate points just for wagering and depositing funds into their accounts. You can find an online casino that inducts you into the VIP club straight after signup. Although the perks at this level are relatively smaller, as you ascend the ladder, they become more and more exclusive. Other bonuses that all UK online casino players can enjoy here are exclusive prizes, unique bonus offers, cashback, and personalised account management. Invitation to some online casino VIP clubs is strictly by invite.
Promotion Wagering Requirements And Restrictions
Rarely do you ever find a bonus offer, in an online casino, that is not attached to some form of restrictions. When playing for online casino real money, more often than not, you’ll not be able to withdraw your winnings from bonus claims. This is a fact of all casinos; it doesn’t change whether you are playing for pounds, euros or other currencies. For example, the online casino may request that you play through 35 times your deposit plus bonus.
Wagering requirements also come with time limits within which you must have completed. Failure to do so will see you lose all your winnings from the bonus. Another joint restriction imposed on bonus wagering is the game contribution. The online casino reserves the right to allow games to contribute towards the completion of wagering requirements. These games contribute to varying degrees. You must be aware of this and which games will allow you to work through the betting obligations faster.
More bonus constraints that you’ll encounter include the maximum payout. This dictates the total amount of real money that you can get from bonus funds or free spins. It works like this. If the rules state that you can only get a maximum of £20 from a bonus, then even if you get a good run and win a small £40 fortune, you’ll take home £20. A thorough understanding of the various obligations attached to an offer is critical. If you misread the rules and try to withdraw bonus funds before they mature, you risk the forfeiture of all your winnings and being banned from participating in future promotions in the online casino.
Online Casino Payments Options
Since a lot of money is changing hands in the online casino, it makes sense that there are numerous payment services available. The focus of most of the options available is not purely on speed, but also safety. The three main payment service categories you’ll find are debit cards, e-wallets, and payment vouchers. It’s worth noting here that these are just the main ones, but most online casino cashiers also accept Bank Transfer and Bitcoin, among others.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are a safe and responsible way to fund your account and play online casino games. Since you’ll be using real money, there is an added level of soberness required, which means you are less prone to make hasty money decisions. Debit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro have been used for making online payments for a long time. These services are trusted by many players and vendors alike. You’d be hard-pressed to find an online casino that doesn’t accept debit cards. Making deposits using debit cards is instantaneous, and usually, there are no fees charged.
E-wallets
E-wallets are widely used in many new online casino UK sites across the UK. This payment method is the favourite of many for its ease of use; numerous online casinos actually promote some e-wallets as their payment option of choice. The most popular services available include Skrill, Neteller, and of course, PayPal. Getting up and running with any of these services is a breeze. Opening an account only takes minutes. E-wallets allow you to transact in an online casino without giving out your bank account details. You’ll also benefit from the quick payout times. In some cases, this can be almost instantly.
Payment Vouchers
The best online casinos usually accept multiple payment service providers. One of the options you’ll have is payment vouchers. Paysafecard is the most common option you’ll find for UK players. This online payment method allows transacting without revealing any of your bank details. A disadvantage you’ll notice is that you can usually use Paysafecard to make online casino deposits, but the service is not supported when it comes to withdrawals. You might end up having to disclose your bank account details anyway, to facilitate withdrawals.
Other Online Casino Payment Alternatives
There are many options from which you can choose. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some UKcasino players prefer using Bank Wire Transfer. Even though this method usually takes a bit longer, it is tried and trusted. New casino sites are increasingly accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Pay-By-Phone is a convenient way to deposit funds into your real money account. You’ll be able to settle the bill at the end of the month. Another innovation gaining massive traction is ApplePay. Customers on the iOS platform can use their devices to make online casino payments. This option is supported by Apple and is highly secure.
The Mobile Online Casino
Mobile gaming is a convenient way to enjoy the online casino. You’re able to access thousands of online casino games even while you are at home sitting on your sofa. This allows you to take control of your gaming experience. There’s no need to compromise on your privacy as is usually the case in brick and mortar casinos. Mobile online casinos also provide you with the opportunity to check out numerous games, something you won’t be able to do conveniently otherwise. You can filter out the titles available based on your preferences, leaving you with the most suitable options.
The mobile casino is also available on multiple platforms; you can get instant access to exciting casino games on any internet-enabled device. Most online casino operators have created native apps for players to download and install on their smartphones and tablets. These native apps give you a direct link to the online casino. You can find specific apps for iOS and Android in the respective app stores. If not, then the download will be in the online casino website. Some online casino mobile sites have done away with the use of native apps totally, opting for web-based alternatives instead.
Playing Online Casino Games Responsibly
Online gambling always carries with it the risk of losing all your money; there’s no such thing as a sure bet. While most players understand this, still, it deserves special mention because others fall into the trap of gambling addiction. For this reason, online casino industry regulators and participants have come up with measures to help players control their online gaming activity. Protection covers two areas, this first one is the player, mainly during gameplay. But since online casino players do not survive in vacuums, it is also necessary to consider the effects of gambling other family members, minors to be exact.
How To Protect Yourself Online
There are tools available for players in the online casino, which are useful in aiding responsible gambling. Players are given an option to set deposit and wagering limits. This usually happens at the time when you register. You’ll be able to change these settings at any time. The online casino also gives you a play-by-play of your activity and account history. You’ll be able to analyse your gambling behaviour and assess where you can improve. In the case where gambling has become problematic, players are given the option to self-exclude or take some time off. Self-exclusion is when you choose to suspend your account for six months and above.
How To Protect Minors
There’s nothing more depressing than to think that while you were happily enjoying free slots online, your child was affected by your gambling. There are many options that parents and guardians can take to make sure that this does not happen. If you review the responsible gaming section of even the best online casino websites, you’ll find that most advise the use of gambling blocking and net filtering software. There are a host of options that are available to players. You should take note that most of them have a paid subscription. The popular ones include Net Nanny, Betfilter, and Gamblock.
Getting Professional Help to Control Your Gambling
Many professional help organisations support the online casino industry. The purpose of these bodies is to provide advice, support, and rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to aid players in kicking destructive gambling habits and overcoming gambling addiction. Links to these services are usually displayed in the footer section of an online casino. You’ll also see more details featured in the responsible gaming policy. In the UK, players can approach Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, GambleAware, and Gambling Therapy. You can find out about these services by engaging the customer care representatives in your favourite online casino via live chat. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
