If you are new to online casinos, it can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. Knowing if a bonus is good, if the site is licensed in the UK, which payment methods are accepted, and the overall playing experience might not be so easy if you are a beginner. But in fact, these are all important factors to consider when choosing a casino site.
This guide walks you through the key factors to consider before signing up.
Quick summary for the lazy
Choosing an online casino isn’t about claiming the biggest bonus, it’s about finding a site that fits your needs. That includes the welcome offer, payment methods, game selection, customer support and other factors.
If you focus on:
- UKGC licensing
- Fair bonus terms
- Fast and secure payments
- Game variety (or games that you prefer)
- Responsible gambling tools
- Helpful customer support
- Good mobile experience
…you’ll be able to enjoy online gambling with confidence.
At Finest Casinos Online, we use these exact criteria when reviewing sites. Every casino on our list has been tested for safety, bonus fairness, payments, and support.
👉 If you’d rather skip the research and see which UK casinos already passed our checks, visit our guide to the best casino sites.
1. Check for a UKGC Licence
Trust and transparency are the most important factors when choosing a casino. For UK players, the key step is verifying whether an online casino has a valid licence. Only casinos regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are legal in the UK.
A UKGC licence ensures that the casino follows strict rules covering fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Players can usually find the licence number and the official UKGC logo in the footer of the casino’s website.
- Only sites regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are legal for UK players.
- You’ll find the licence number and official UKGC logo in the footer of the casino’s website.
Never deposit at unlicensed sites. Offshore operators might offer tempting bonuses, but you won’t have legal protection if something goes wrong.
2. Look Beyond the Bonus
Welcome offers are a big part in how casinos acquire new players, but the terms are more important than the size of the bonus. Wagering requirements show how many times you need to play through the bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. A lower number is always better, with around 30-35x being standard, while 40x or more is on the higher end.
Expiry dates are another key factor, since many bonuses must be used and wagered within 7 to 30 days. Game restrictions are normal, and the casinos have a list of which games are not counted towards the wagering.
Finally, withdrawal caps may limit the maximum amount you’re able to cash out from a bonus. We hate this ourselves and will always call it out in our reviews.
- Wagering requirements: How many times you must play through the bonus before withdrawing. Lower is better (anything below 35x is reasonable, 40x+ is tough).
- Expiry dates: Many bonuses must be used within 7–30 days
- Game restrictions: Free spins are often limited to certain slots, and some games don’t count towards the wagering requirement
- Withdrawal caps: Some bonuses limit the maximum you can cash out
👉Tip: A smaller bonus with low wagering and no max withdrawal restriction is usually better than a huge bonus with restrictive terms.
3. Compare Payment Methods
Fast deposits and withdrawals are essential when choosing a casino, but it’s just as important that the site offers payment methods you’re comfortable using. Even if a casino (and sites like us) claim a certain method is fast and convenient, it can be a barrier if you need to download or start using something new. That’s why it’s best to choose casinos that support the payment methods you already prefer.
It’s also important to check the small print: minimum deposit amounts (often £10, though some sites allow as little as £5), withdrawal times and limits, and whether the casino charges transaction fees (most UK sites don’t).
We prefer casinos that support:
- PayPal is the most trusted e-wallet in the UK. Instant deposits, withdrawals in under 24 hours
- Visa & Mastercard are widely accepted, but slower withdrawals (2-5 working days)
- Apple Pay & Google Pay are really convenient for mobile deposits
- Trustly / Open Banking for secure direct bank transfers, often 1-2 days for withdrawals
4. Explore the Game Selection
Every player has their own preferences when it comes to casino games. In general, a good casino should offer a variety of options to suit different tastes, but when choosing one for yourself, it’s important to check that it has the games and slot providers you enjoy.
If you’re not sure where to start, look for a balance of popular slots from well-known providers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Playtech and Relax Gaming, along with a mix of jackpots, Megaways, and classic titles.
Live casino games with real dealers, streaming roulette, blackjack, and poker are another great option, with Evolution Gaming being the leading provider in this space. For faster play, table games like RNG-based blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are available.
You might also want to explore speciality games such as bingo, keno, scratchcards, or Slingo, if that’s what you like.
If you only enjoy a specific type of game (like jackpots or live casino), choose a site that excels in that area.
5. Test Mobile Compatibility
Over 70% of UK players use mobile devices for online gambling, so chances are you do too. To be fair, almost every casino works well on mobile these days, whether it’s in the browser or if it has a standalone app.
What matters is making sure the mobile experience suits your needs. Look for a responsive mobile casino site that works in your browser, or if you prefer, a dedicated app. The full game library should also be accessible on mobile, not just on desktop.
Finally, check that mobile-friendly payment methods such as PayPal and Apple Pay are supported.
6. Evaluate Customer Support
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s when helpful customer support becomes important. A good casino should make sure help is always available and easy to access.
The best option is 24/7 live chat, which provides instant assistance whenever you need it. Email support is useful for more detailed questions, while phone support (though less common these days) can be very valuable for certain cases. A well-designed help centre or FAQ section is also a sign of a good casino, so you can find answers to the most common questions easily.
👉Tip: Try contacting support before you deposit if you have any questions regarding how the bonus works, available payment methods or just to see how responsive they are.
7. Consider Responsible Gambling Tools
It might seem counterproductive for casinos, but the good ones actually help players stay in control. To be honest, regulations require them to offer certain tools, but the best casinos often go beyond the bare minimum.
Features to look for include deposit and spending limits, reality checks that remind you of how long you’ve been playing, and self-exclusion options that can be temporary or permanent. Full GamStop integration is another important safeguard (and required for a UK license).
8. Read Independent Reviews
Not to toot our own horn, but it’s always a good idea to see what other players and expert reviewers have to say before choosing a casino.
A good review site will give you the full picture. Not just the positives, but also any drawbacks you should know about.
We at FinestCasinosOnline.com review each casino based on specific criteria that we value. If you’d like to know which ones (hint: it’s very similar to what you’ve read in this article), you can read about how we rate casinos here. We base reviews on real testing of payouts, games, and support so you know what to expect before you sign up.
9. Watch Out for Red Flags
Avoid any site that shows these warning signs:
- No UKGC licence or vague licensing claims
- Overly aggressive bonus offers with unclear terms
- Hidden fees on deposits or withdrawals
- Limited or non-existent customer support
- Poor reputation on trusted review platforms
