Gamble Smarter

Online Gambling in the UK

Online gambling in the UK has evolved significantly since the launch of the first online casinos and bookmakers in the 1990s.

With the formation of the UK Gambling Commission and the enactment of the Gambling Act in 2005, the industry advanced rapidly, ensuring that gambling was conducted in a fair and open way.

Gambling.com is here to serve this marketplace, ensuring that in a highly competitive space where choices can seem endless, we provide the most informed and up-to-date comparisons, guides, and reviews that you can trust.

Casino Gambling Sites

The best casino sites offer a vast array of games, including slots, table games, live casino options and even game shows.

Slot Game of the Month

Online Slot Games

Sports Betting

The best betting sites offer a huge range of sports betting markets, competitive odds and live streaming.

Additionally, top bookmakers offer popular features such as 'Bet Builder', 'Cash Out' and 'Acca Insurance', plus regular promotions and loyalty rewards. 

Online Poker

With so many options for playing poker online, it pays to make an informed choice about where to play, which is why we highlight the best poker sites for UK players. 

Whether it is Texas Hold’em or Omaha, tournaments or cash games, there's something for everyone.

Customer Support 

Every online gambler in the UK will likely need to contact customer service at some point - whether to query a bet, check on a withdrawal, or ask for information about a game, market, or odds.

The top UK gambling sites offer various support options, including live chat, email, telephone and even instant messaging. However, response times and the quality of service can vary significantly.

At Gambling.com, we regularly test operators for responsiveness, accuracy and expertise, and our in-depth reviews provide a comprehensive analysis of their customer support.

Gambling Apps

Gambling online in the UK via mobile devices, tablets, or iPads has never been more seamless in terms of speed, user experience and choice. Many of the top gambling operators now offer bespoke apps or have optimised their desktop sites for a mobile-first experience across both iOS and Android platforms.

At Gambling.com, we've tried and tested the best phone casino apps and betting apps, so you can easily find the top choices for your needs.

How We Review Online Gambling Sites

Our team is made up of seasoned experts from across the UK gambling industry, including individuals who have worked with leading operators, been part of customer service teams, developed top-tier user experience tools and launched platforms for UK consumers.

This broad range of experience allows us to fairly review and compare the best gambling sites the UK has to offer. We focus on the following key areas when writing our reviews, guides and ultimately our recommendations:

Licensing & Legislation in the UK

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was established under the Gambling Act of 2005 to regulate the UK gambling industry, with a particular focus on online gaming. It is widely regarded as a global leader in best practices for gambling regulation.

Players aged 18 and over in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can legally gamble online, but we strongly recommend choosing operators that are registered and licensed by the UKGC.

Obtaining a licence in the UK is a detailed and rigorous process and the UKGC continues to monitor and assess operators even after a licence is granted to ensure fair play and security at all times.

Responsible Gambling

At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that our users have fun while gambling responsibly, no matter the game. It's important to remember that gambling involves financial risk, so keeping track of how much you're spending is essential.

Nowadays, gambling operators are required to perform affordability checks on customers who exceed £500 in net deposits within a month, with this threshold set to lower to £150 in 2025. Regardless of these measures, it's crucial that you remain in control of your gambling.

Here are some essential tips to help you gamble responsibly:

• Set a Limit: Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gambling before you start. Stick to this budget and avoid chasing losses.
• Know the Games: Understand the rules and odds of the games you play. This can help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Losing is a part of gambling and trying to win back lost money can lead to further losses and problematic behaviour.
• Use Responsible Gambling Tools: Licensed gambling sites provide tools that allow you to set limits, take breaks, or even self-exclude to keep you safe.
• Get Support: If gambling is causing stress or concern, there are several organisations listed below that offer advice, help, or just someone to talk to.