How to choose an online casino
Six checks, in order of importance. The first is not negotiable.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Licence first.
- Bonus terms before bonus size.
- Games you actually play.
- Payments and limits that suit you.
In brief: Check the UK licence, read the bonus terms, confirm your games are there, check how you will pay and be paid, then set a deposit limit.
The six checks
| Check | What to look for | More |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Licence | A UK Gambling Commission account number on the public register | Licences |
| 2. Bonus terms | Wagering, deadlines, payment exclusions | Bonuses |
| 3. Games | The titles and tables you want | Games |
| 4. Payments | Your method, minimums, withdrawal times | Payments |
| 5. Limits | Deposit limits and GAMSTOP | Safer gambling |
| 6. Support | Live chat hours | Reviews |
Our five against the checks
| Casino | Overall | Bonus | Minimum deposit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral | 4.3/5 | Bet £10 on slots, get 100 free spins | £5 | Best for a simple, wager-free start |
| Ladbrokes | 4.2/5 | Play £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins | £5 by debit card | Best for daily players who want the most spins |
| PlayOJO | 4.2/5 | 80 free spins, no wagering | £10 | Best for the fewest strings attached |
| Casumo | 4.2/5 | 50% bonus up to £100 | £10 | Best for game choice and larger deposits |
| 10bet | 3.8/5 | 100% bonus up to £25 | £10 | Best for a small boost alongside sports |
Next steps: how to sign up, safe casinos, casinos for beginners and, if something goes wrong, how to complain.
What to avoid
- No licence, or an overseas one only.
- Bonus wagering above 10x.
- 'No verification' claims.
- Credit card or crypto-only payments.
Or use the casino finder.
More guides: UK casino licences explained, RTP and house edge explained and Casino verification explained.
Three players, three answers
| Player | Priority | A fit from our five |
|---|---|---|
| First-timer with £10 | Simple bonus, low minimum | Coral or PlayOJO |
| Slots enthusiast | Biggest lobby | Casumo |
| Sports bettor | One account for both | 10bet |
After you choose
- Register with your real details.
- Verify your identity.
- Set a deposit limit.
- Make the first deposit by debit card.
- Read the bonus deadline and put it in your phone.
If two casinos tie on everything you care about, choose the one whose bonus terms you can explain from memory.
Elsewhere in guides: RTP and house edge explained, UK online casino rules, Casino glossary and How to complain about a casino.
Wider reading: Online gambling in the UK, Non-UK casinos: the risks, Top rated online casinos UK and Best payout casinos UK.
Offer terms dated 5 October 2026, from each casino's published conditions. Other casino details are reported by independent reviews. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose an online casino?
Licence, bonus terms, games, payments, limits, support.
What matters most?
The licence.
Which is best?
Of our five, Coral scores highest.
How do I check a licence?
On the Gambling Commission register.