There’s no lack of online casino sites but which ones are worth a second look? If you’ve been struggling to nail down the right site for you then here comes salvation, with my top pick of the best gambling platforms.
Whether you’re searching for a full games lobby, generous bonuses, or a new way to be able to play casino games from your desktop or phone, my guide has links to the best web-based casinos. Each one has been assessed against a number of criteria to guarantee that it’s not only secure, but offers an enjoyable gaming experience too.
Just as it sounds, online casinos are the web versions of their brick and mortar cousins. Online casinos are available to players around the globe, are super convenient (not to mention they’re open 24 hours a day) and have lots of unique features.
Let’s take a look at each one of these pros and cons in more detail.
One of the ways that the best online casinos appeal to new punters is by rolling out bigger and more liberal promos to help them stand out from the crowd. Designed to attract players to their site, these promos can take the form of free spins, deposit matches and no deposit bonuses that give you more bang for your buck. Responsive user experience An online casino has been built with modern technology included from the ground up to make their platforms more responsive, and more personal for players. For example the increased range of payment methods supported by online casinos makes payments even more secure and speedier. This cuts down the time you have to wait for deposits to go into your account so you can start playing, and withdraw your winnings, even faster. This leads me very neatly onto:
Many online casino sites will now accept emerging payment methods such as cryptocurrencies, which have many advantages for online gaming including speed, efficiency and security. Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum are some of the most popular but many sites also accept a broad selection of others. It’s important to note that accepted payment methods vary by region.
Online casinos allow you to play all of the same games you can enjoy at their brick and mortar counterparts, and a whole lot more besides. Whereas you might find dozens of slots at a physical casino, you’ll find hundreds, and potentially thousands, of slots at online casinos. You’ll find classic fruit machine style games rubbing shoulders with the latest video releases, with titles delivered by the same well-known developers land-based casinos use (such as Pragmatic, IGT, and NetEnt). In fact, any theme you can imagine is covered, from hunting down treasure in outer space to uncovering the secrets of a mummy’s tomb.
More into classic casino table games? Perfect; you’ll be able to play a full range at online casinos. From blackjack and baccarat to roulette and games from around the globe such as sic bo and dragon tiger, the best online casinos have virtual lobbies filled with top titles.
One of the best things about playing at online casinos is that you get access to a more varied games selection than you would at a brick and mortar establishment. This means you get to sample the newest slot and game features, such as bonus games, free spins, hold and win and megaways. Plus, many of the best casino websites update their games monthly or even weekly so you’ve always got access to the latest titles.
One of the most exciting developments to hit the online casino landscape in the past few years is the advent of live games. Essentially, live dealer games let you watch and interact with a live video stream of a real life dealer all from your phone or computer. It’s as close to the experience of playing at a Las Vegas casino as it’s possible to get without having to face the Nevada heat.
Playing at online casinos also means that you can try out the groundbreaking game features that go hand in hand with new games. For example, certain casinos have even introduced an element of virtual reality into some of their titles.
As social media has become more and more popular in other areas, there’s now a real move among online casinos towards more social gaming. Offering a more immersive and community based experience, some online casinos interact with users through their social media channels or let players chat to each other on the site while they’re playing.
However, it’s not all puppies and roses; there are undeniable downsides to online casinos too.
There’s no getting away from the fact that there are some dodgy web-based casinos out there. But, luckily, it’s easy to make sure you’re only playing at safe sites by making a few quick checks:
Imagine the scene - you’re playing at an online casino and you’ve just been dealt a perfect hand. You’re onto a sure thing but then … the internet drops out and your winning hand is lost. In fact, this situation is very rare, and online casinos have safeguards in place to protect you if a game is interrupted, but it’s worth considering that you will need a reliable internet connection to access an online gambling site.
Getting to decide which platforms make it onto my top casino website list is a big job and one that I take very seriously. Every morning I do 20 laps on the roulette wheel, I chow down on casino bonuses and do 100 spins on a slot, all so I can deliver the most accurate and up to date information.
I want to make sure that you have the best possible experience so I put all online casinos through their paces and judge them in lots of different areas to make sure they meet my and, more importantly, your standards. Only the finest casinos make it onto my list so you can be confident that any one of them is an excellent choice.
Here are the main points I judge each casino against to create my top casino ratings:
Whereas, previously, casinos relied on debit and credit cards for letting punters make deposits and withdrawals, online casinos have access to a whole new world of payment options. This encompasses e wallets, such as PayPal, prepaid cards, online banking, and even cryptocurrencies.
Not only do I investigate what payment methods a site offers, I also look at the processing times, limits, and whether there are any associated fees.
The vast vast vast majority of people interact with gaming sites via their phone and online casinos know it. That’s why they’ve developed their platforms to be as mobile friendly as possible. If they don’t have a specific mobile casino app then they have a site that’s been designed to be mobile compatible. This means they’ve taken steps to guarantee that you won’t lose anything by viewing the platform on a smaller screen, and games load quickly and play without interruption.
All of the online casinos here have a lavish welcome bonus for new players. I rank each online casino bonus on the bonus amount, the wagering requirements that have to be met before you can get your winnings, and any other key terms and conditions.
All of the gambling sites I recommend hold full licenses from governing bodies. This guarantees that each one has been independently tested to make sure that games are fair. They also have lots of security features in place to look after players, from SSL encryption to advanced firewalls.
The heart and soul of every casino is its game selection. You want a site that can deliver a varied selection of slots and table games. So, whether you’re looking for a jackpot slot or a game with a hold and win mechanism, or you fancy playing baccarat or blackjack, these platforms have it all.
As the king of casino games, in my opinion anyway, I investigate each site’s poker provision separately. I look at whether there’s specific poker software and the choice of poker games on offer.
All of the online casinos on my list have comprehensive customer support tools. This includes detailed FAQ pages, a dedicated email support address and, in some cases, a live chat and telephone line.
The top online casinos in my guide have been selected to suit every type of player, whether this is your first time and you’re looking for a no minimum deposit online casino or you’re more experienced and you want a site that can offer you more games.
Just like brick and mortar casinos, many casinos online have loyalty programs and VIP clubs that give you points every time you play. In turn, points lead to rewards such as rakeback promos and advanced knowledge of new games.
All of the casino options I’ve outlined here are great choices but they’re all unique and will suit different styles of player. If you feel like a kid in a candy store with all of these choices then I’ve got a few questions to ask yourself to help you narrow down your choice.
Does the game selection include your top titles? | There’s no point even starting at an online casino if the game library doesn’t make your mouth water in anticipation. Check that your favorite games are covered and, if they’re not, move onto another site where they are. |
Do the payment methods suit you? | Have a look at the possible payment methods to make sure they suit you. For example, if your preference is to use PayPal then you’ll want to scale down to choices where e wallets are accepted. |
Is there a VIP program? | If you’re the type of player who enjoys picking one site and sticking with it then be on the lookout for online casinos with VIP programs. |
How good is the mobile site? | All online casinos worth their salt have invested in a mobile version of their site that gives you full access to everything and is as quick loading and responsive as you could wish. Some casinos have created a dedicated casino app whereas others have put their focus into creating a seamless, mobile optimized site that works equally across desktop and mobile. |
Everyone has their own opinion about what makes a great casino but my helpful tips can help to make sure that you can find the right online gaming site for your individual needs.
Once you’ve identified a few casino sites that appeal, you can read my detailed reviews to find out more. I spend a lot of time getting to know a platform to be able to give you the full details on its bonuses, game choice, customer support, and overall usability. I’m not swayed by flashy deals or head-turning headlines; I go beyond the hype to test every facet of the site to see how it really holds up to a proper gaming experience.
Every single new casino on our list has a welcome bonus whose aim is to get you to sign up. Many of them are very attractive but I’d urge you to have a look at each one’s terms and conditions before you decide that it’s right for you.
When you’re trying out a new casino, it’s important not to change your usual playing habits. Even if you’ve got a handful of bonus funds, you should stick to the same level of stakes as normal. That way, you’ll get an accurate picture of whether you really like a site and if you want to hang around once a bonus is through.
Online casinos offer a unique opportunity for punters to interact with a site. Online casinos frequently release information on new bonuses and games via their social media channels so it’s a great idea to follow them, like or subscribe.
The key to happy playing at any casino is to set yourself a budget, and stick to it. Gaming responsibly is key to a long-lasting and enjoyable experience at online casinos too.
Now comes the good bit. Once you’ve followed these steps and worked out which of my online casinos offers the perfect combination of games, bonuses and features for you, it’s time to sign up.
There’s some small variation in the sign up process at all of these platforms but these are the rough steps you’ll need to follow:
As you’ll have seen, there are plenty of online casinos to choose from. The ones included in my list represent the very best choices, with portfolios of exciting games, well devised promotions and a pleasant user experience from the moment of signing up. However, it’s up to you to pick out the best site, the one that meets your playing needs and best matches your playing style. You’ll discover links to all of the platforms mentioned to help you make your choice, and more SportsGambler.com guides to getting the most from your sign up.
This list of top online casinos doesn’t stay still for long as fresh platforms emerge onto the scene practically every week. You can check back in with us regularly to see the latest and greatest additions to our list, or hey, why not bookmark this page for added convenience.
Not necessarily. While a new online casino often comes with modern innovations and fresh games, the choice between new and old casinos ultimately depends on what features and games you prefer.
Use my list to find top-rated online casinos. Each one has been carefully evaluated based on key factors impacting the gaming experience. From there, you can choose based on your preferences and priorities.
The best online casino depends on your personal preferences. Some cater more to slots fans with a wide variety of slot games, while others focus on live dealer games or have unique features. Explore my complete reviews to find the online casino that suits you best.
Yes, every online casino in my list offers a welcome bonus for new players. This could be a deposit match bonus, free spins, or other incentives. Check out my reviews to see what each casino offers as a welcome bonus.