UK’s Best-Rated Online Casino Games for Real Money

Most Popular Game Types Online

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular categories of casino games on the web:

1. Slot games
2. Table games
3. Bingo
4. Scratchcards
5. Lottery

Important Information About Casino Games

Different casino games have different features like volatility which are important to understand:

• RTP – Return to Player Percentage (RTP) is a factor that determines how much money you can expect to get back from a slot game over a long period of time. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, it means that for every £100 you bet, you can expect to get back £96 on average. The other £4 goes to the casino as profit. A good RTP is considered to be 97% and above, and the lowest minimum RTP for a game to be certified by a gambling commission is 90%.
• Volatility refers to how often and how much you can expect to win when you play a particular game. Low volatility slots offer frequent, smaller wins, while high volatility slots offer larger wins but less frequently. If you find a game that’s highly volatile and has a low RTP, it’s not one we’d recommend you to play.

• RNG – Casino games should use an RNG or some other fair gambling algorithm. It ensures that the game is always fair and leaves your winnings up to your skills and luck. We recommend staying away from games that don’t use such software.

Slot Games

Online slots are among the most popular games in the online gambling industry.

They are an iteration of slot machine games available at land-based casinos. These games can usually be found in the following 4 formats:

1. Classic slot games
2. Jackpot slots
3. Megaways
4. Theme slot games

Classic Slot Games

These games provide players with the quintessential casino experience of spinning the reels on a slot machine and winning rewards by landing the right combinations. A majority of slot games on the market are of this type.

Jackpot Slots

Jackpot slots are not new either. These games offer players a common prize pool like connected slot machines for jackpots would at a traditional casino.

The reason such games are better at online casinos is because they offer a larger pool of players from around the world!

Megaways

Megaways has really risen to be a unique slot type and it is mildly different with a set of symbols moving differently than other symbols. Such games increase the possibilities and generally have numerous paylines.

Players can easily get great winnings for such games.

Theme Slot Games

Theme slot games are unique. Such games come with a plethora of features like tumbles, free spins, multipliers, special bonus rounds and more.

Additionally, several themed slot games are also designed to replicate your favourite movie titles, mythology, books, pop culture, and popular games.

You can find such games in several genres, like horror, fantasy, adventure, action, magic, and more. Several themed slot games are a combination of multiple genres too!

Basics of Slot Games

We have already discussed RTP and volatility, but there are a few more elements to playing online slots:

• Paylines – Each slot game comes with a paytable with numerous paylines. These paylines indicate in what order to land symbols to get wins. Paylines in slot games can vary from 10 to over 5000+ depending on the type of slot game, game developer, and other factors.
• Symbols – Each slot game has specific symbols and corresponding payout rates. Each type of symbol will help you win free spins, real money, bonuses, and much more. Every slot game also has a scatter symbol that connects the generic symbols and a bonus symbol that may have a multiplier effect or can trigger a bonus round.
• Reels – Slot machines are infamous for their reels. The reels of symbols form rows and columns that help form paylines. Reels can range from three in number to sometimes seven or more!

Special Slot Game Features

Here are top 3 special features you’ll find in online slot games:

1. Free Spins Round – The free spins round of a slot game is a unique round that is triggered by landing either the scatter or bonus symbols. This round lets you play for free to win real money!
2. Tumble Feature – The tumble feature in slot games causes corresponding symbols to match and get eliminated from the screen until no more combinations are available. It can win you real money or multipliers.
3. Multiplier – The multiplier slot feature gives you a winnings multiplier upon landing either the bonus, multiplier, or scatter symbol in a specific slot. Your winnings get multiplied by the multiplier and the total sum is paid out to you!

The most popular slot games in the UK include:

🚩 Red Flags of Slot Games

After years in the online gambling scene, we’ve identified 4 red flags indicating a bad slot game:

• High volatility with a low RTP
• RTP below 95%
• No fair gaming software or random number generator (RNG) used
• Older slot game with lower number of paylines

We strongly recommend you not to indulge in such games as they can often do more harm than good to your bank balance.

Who Are Slot Games for?

Slot games are for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, easy-to-play casino entertainment. These games have the most basic UI and are super easy to use.

The diverse themes, exciting features, and potential for rewarding payouts make the gaming experience sweeter.

Card, Dice, and Table Games

Card games represent the oldest form of gambling with a huge fan base.

Online card and table games have become increasingly popular in recent years, with a wide range of options available to players.

These games offer a convenient way to enjoy classic casino games like blackjack, poker, and baccarat from the comfort of your own home.

Types of Table Games

There are several types of card and table games players can play:

1. Poker
2. Baccarat
3. Blackjack
4. Roulette
5. Sic Bo
6. Dragon Tiger
7. Craps
8. Teen Patti

Poker

Online poker is a card game where players bet on the value of their hand. There are many variations, but most involve dealing multiple cards and rounds of betting.

Players can fold, call, raise, or bluff to try to win the pot. The player with the best hand at the end of the final betting round wins.

Some common iterations of online poker games are:

• Four card Poker
• Three Card Poker
• Texas hold’em
• Pai Gow Poker

Baccarat

Baccarat online is a card game where players bet on either the banker’s hand, the player’s hand, or a tie. The goal is to have a hand value closest to 9. Cards 2-9 are worth their face value, while face cards and 10s are worth 0 and aces are worth 1.

The dealer deals two cards to the banker and player, and additional cards are drawn depending on the initial hands.’

Some common iterations of online baccarat games are:

• Baccarat Chemin de Fer
• Speed Baccarat
• Live Baccarat

Blackjack

Online blackjack is a card game where players try to beat the dealer’s hand without getting over 21. Cards 2-10 are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10, and aces can be worth 1 or 11.

Players can hit to get more cards or stand to keep their current hand. The dealer must hit until they have at least 17.

Some common iterations of online blackjack games are:

• European Blackjack
• Blackjack VIP A
• Blackjack Ruby

Roulette

Roulette online is a game of chance where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, and players can bet on specific numbers, groups of numbers, or colours.

Once all bets are placed, the ball is released, and the winning number/colour is determined when the ball comes to a stop.

Some common iterations of online Roulette games are:

• European Roulette
• Mini Roulette
• American Roulette

Sic Bo

Sic bo is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of three dice. There are many betting options, including specific numbers, total values, and combinations of dice.

After bets are placed, the dice are rolled and the winning bets are paid out based on the odds of each bet.

Dragon Tiger

Dragon Tiger is a card game where players bet on which card, Dragon or Tiger, will have the highest value. Cards 2-10 are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10, and aces are worth 1.

The dealer deals one card to the Dragon position and one card to the Tiger position, and the highest card wins.

Craps

Online craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls. The first roll is called the come-out roll, and players can bet on the pass line or don’t pass the line.

After the come-out roll, players can place additional bets on specific numbers or combinations of numbers. The goal is to roll the desired numbers before rolling a 7.

Teen Patti

Teen Patti is a popular Indian card game where players bet on the value of their hand. It is played with a deck of 52 cards and can be played with 3-6 players.

Players can bet or choose to see other players’ cards before betting again. The player with the best hand at the end of the game wins.

🚩 Red Flags of Card Games

While online card games are quite engaging, there are 3 important red flags to watch for:

1. High House Edge
2. Lack of independent audits
3. Unrealistic promotions with unreasonable wagering requirements or hidden terms that make it nearly impossible to withdraw winnings

Who Are Card and Table Games for?

Card and table games are for you if you enjoy strategy, skill, and the thrill of outsmarting opponents.

These games give players a competitive rush and are well-known for being half-skill-based and half-luck based (apart from roulette).

New-Age Casino Games

New-age games include modern, innovative titles that blend traditional gameplay with cutting-edge technology.

These games pack unique features and are quickly developing to become the new big favourite of the gambling industry.

A good example of such a game is Aviator. In this game, a plane flies across a chart with an increasing multiplier.

Whatever your bet amount is, it’s multiplied once you cash out of the round. However, players can lose their bet amount if they don’t cash out on time.

New-Age Games Features

• Easy to play
• Well designed user interface features
• Engaging gameplay
• Community gaming experience
• Suited all kinds of devices including mobiles, tablets, PCs, and laptops
• Built to run on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, etc.

Who Are New-Age Games for?

With unique themes, interactive elements, gamification features, and more, these games are designed to offer a fresh and engaging experience for players looking for something beyond classic casino games.

Casual Casino Games

Casual casino games are simple, easy-to-play games designed for quick fun and entertainment. They typically include games like scratch cards, bingo, and keno, which don’t require much strategy or skill.

Bingo

Bingo is a game of chance that can be played with multiple players. Each player purchases a bingo card with a grid of numbers.

The game begins with a caller who calls out numbers at random. Players mark off the corresponding numbers on their card as they are called out.

The first player to mark off a full line or pattern on their card shouts “Bingo!” and is declared the winner.

The game can be played with different patterns or variations, and multiple winners can share a prize if the game rules allow it.

Demand for online bingo sites in the UK is on the increase, and so is the offer – there are more and more quality platforms for fans of this game.

Scratch Cards

Scratch cards require players to scratch off a section of the card. If you reveal 3 or more of the same reward cards, you win.

The game typically involves purchasing a scratch card with a specific theme or design. Players scratch off the designated area to see if they won a prize.

The prizes can range from small amounts of money to large jackpots. Scratch cards are a popular game due to their simplicity and the excitement of potentially winning a prize instantly.

Keno

Keno is similar to scratch cards and is simple to play. Players choose a set of numbers from a range of digits, generally between 1 and 80. The more numbers a player chooses, the higher the potential payout.

Once you’ve chosen their numbers, the game randomly selects a number combination for the win. The player wins based on how many of the chosen numbers match the numbers called out.

Keno has gained popularity at both land-based and online casinos due to its simplicity and potential for large payouts.

Lottery

Online lottery games at casinos typically involve purchasing a ticket with a set of numbers. The game then randomly selects a set of winning numbers. If the player’s chosen numbers match the winning numbers, they win a prize.

Some online lottery games may offer multiple tiers of prizes depending on how many numbers match. Online lottery games can offer large jackpots and are easy to play, making them a popular choice for players looking for a chance to win big with minimal effort.

Who Are Casual Casino Games For?

These games are generally considered as stress relievers, and are perfect for players looking for a light-hearted break or a fast-paced gaming experience with instant results.

Casino Game Providers

Online casino games are made by dedicated game developers. Some of the most famous software providers in the industry now are Netent, Playtech, Games Global (formerly Microgaming), Play’N Go, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, BGaming, and many more.

These game suppliers are known to innovate and create new games with new features.

Real Money vs Free Casino Games

• Demo versions of popular slots: Many online casinos offer demo versions of popular slots for players to try out before playing for real money. These demo versions allow players to test the game and its features without risking any money.
• Table games with virtual chips: Some online casinos offer free versions of table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, where players can use virtual chips to play. These games allow players to practise their strategy and skills before playing for real money.
• Social casino games: Some online casinos offer social casino games where players can compete against friends or other players for fun. These games often include slots, table games, and other casino favourites.

Payment Methods for Online Casino Games

Online casino games can be played using several different types of reliable payment methods. These are 7 most common and accessible options for British punters:

1. Debit Cards (online casinos in the UK are not allowed to accept credit cards)
2. E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, Ecopayz, etc.
3. Prepaid Cards like Paysafecard and other such cards
4. Apple Pay
5. Cryptocurrency:
6. Bank Transfer
7. Pay by Phone Bill (withdrawals are not supported)

Essentials of Credibility and Safe Gambling

There are several elements and factors every UK player should be aware of, including the licensing and security of casino sites. We strongly encourage you to follow safe gambling practices, too.

Licences and Licensing Commissions

A casino licence is a legal document that permits a casino to operate in a specific jurisdiction. Gambling licences are issued by regulatory bodies in various jurisdictions worldwide.

Some of the most notable authorities that provide gambling licences include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and Curacao eGaming.

These authorities ensure that licensed casinos operate fairly and transparently, and protect the interests of players and the industry as a whole.

Security at Good Casinos

Good online casino security is essential for protecting players’ personal and financial information. The best online casinos use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that all data transmitted between the player and the casino is fully secure.

They also implement strict verification processes to ensure that only legitimate players have access to the casino, and regularly audit their security measures to identify and address any vulnerabilities.

Additionally, reputable casinos will display their licensing and certification prominently on their website, providing further assurance to players of their trustworthiness.

Safe and Responsible Gambling

Responsible and safe gambling practices are important to protect players from the potential negative consequences of gambling.

Online casinos promote responsible gambling through various measures such as setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and providing resources for players to get help with problem gambling.

Additionally, they are required to implement age verification and anti-fraud measures to ensure that only eligible and legitimate players can access the casino.

Casinos also prioritise player safety by providing secure payment methods, data protection, and using random number generators to ensure fair gameplay.

Manage Your Bankroll Carefully

When engaging in online gambling, set and adhere to a specific budget for how much money you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life.

Establish limits on the amount you wager in each session, decide on the duration of your gambling sessions, and resist the temptation to chase losses by spending more than you’ve allocated.

Another way to effectively manage your bankroll is to adjust your bet sizes based on your total bankroll to extend your playtime and reduce the possibility of depleting your funds too quickly.

Responsible bankroll management helps maintain gambling as a form of entertainment, ensuring that it does not lead to problematic gambling behavior or financial distress.

Make Responsible Gambling a Priority

Responsible gambling is a practice that encourages individuals to participate in betting and gaming activities in a way that is safe and mindful of their wellbeing and financial limits.

If online casinos and individuals prioritise responsible gambling, it fosters a safer and more enjoyable gaming environment for everyone involved.

Here at CasinoSherlock, we are big advocates of responsible gambling and always highlight its importance.

A responsible gambler adheres to the following:

• Sets and sticks to a strict budget.
• Doesn’t chase losses.
• Keeps track of the time and money spent on gambling.
• Refrains from gambling when feeling upset, angry, or depressed.
• Don’t let gambling interfere with their daily responsibilities.
• Takes breaks to avoid getting too caught up in the game.

🚫 Please note that in the UK, only individuals aged 18 and over are legally permitted to engage in gambling activities.

If gambling stops being fun, or if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, it’s important to seek help. Reach out to organisations like GamCare or GambleAware that offer support and resources to promote healthy gambling habits, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.