Best Online Backgammon Sites UK

Backgammon is one of the longest-standing board games that players have loved worldwide for nearly 5,000 years. Although it's one of the most popular games known, real-money online backgammon isn't as common. Still, our team of experts at Gambling.com wrote this guide that covers everything you need to know for playing backgammon online. Continue reading to find the best backgammon games, recommended backgammon casino sites, and offers and promotions you can claim to get you started playing backgammon online.

We constantly update our guide with new backgammon offers and news, so bookmark this page and visit it regularly, to stay up to date with the best backgammon sites and promotions.

What to Consider When Choosing a Backgammon Casino Site

Whether you like free online backgammon or real money games, we will point you in the right direction of the leading casino sites. We evaluate all our featured backgammon casinos based on a strict set of criteria, including:

Why Play Backgammon Online?

Stripping away the tension and strategy of a face-to-face backgammon battle might remove some of the charms that come with this ancient board game, but it also means you can focus on every move – and get the critical decisions right.

The online backgammon environment also offers all the tournament and gameplay options you’d expect from big tournament games like tournament poker. But with just one opponent to size up at a time, much lengthier, in-depth games and more opportunities to turn your luck around during each game, online backgammon has a unique appeal.

Optimise Your Backgammon Strategy

Key features that can help refine your skills and control your backgammon strategy include:

● Tutorials: Backgammon might be based on the luck of the dice, but there is plenty to learn about choosing your moves wisely. A good online tutorial can help with this.

● Free Play: If you are unsure about your game approach, some of our recommended backgammon sites offer free backgammon so you can practice and improve your game at no cost.

● Stakes: Backgammon stakes and top limits (reached when using the doubling cube) can vary dramatically. You should find a site that meets your financial restrictions and/or matches your ambition.

● Ratings: Backgammon players are usually rated according to the ELO rating system, which starts players at a base score of 1,500 and rises/falls depending on their results, the skill of their opponents and the type of match played. A good backgammon site will show player ratings and store yours: a crucial tool for assessing whether your opponent will be a fair match.

● Session Timers: Session timers usually appear in the corner of game windows to show you the time and how long you’ve been playing. These can also be a useful measure of your earnings or losses during a session.

Rule Changes in Online Backgammon

The UK Backgammon Federation cites three common rule variations. It’s wise to check for each of these before starting a game.

● Automatic Double: If the first roll produces two identical numbers, the stakes are automatically doubled.

● The Jacoby Rule: Designed to stop players from forcing (back) gammons by preventing opponents from conceding; this rule states that gammons and backgammons don’t count if neither player has proposed a double.

● Beavers: After a double, the player who takes possession of the cube can at once double again and still hold the cube, although their opponent can still refuse the proposal.

Game Variations in Online Backgammon

There are two ways to play online backgammon, both of which have nuances to consider and explore:

● One-on-Ones: As the name implies, these are one-off matches against a single opponent. These will have individual rules, time limits and stakes.

● Tournaments: Some require a first investment you carry through the game, allowing you to leave (“sit and go”) whenever you please. Others have a one-off entry fee and prizes for the top players. Calculating the risk and reward of each type is central to your choice here.

Exciting Alternatives to Online Backgammon

If you enjoy playing backgammon online, the chances are that several types of poker will appeal too. Most poker variants also have a blend of luck and skill that makes backgammon exciting, and they also require steel nerves, strategy and quick decision-making for players to succeed.

Better still, the best poker sites use software systems that closely mirror the design of the backgammon lobby, making it easy to find your way around the various rooms and matches on offer.

If you're looking for something different and want to experience the thrill of the roulette wheel in an online setting, then you can visit the best online roulette sites recommended by Gambling.com roulette experts.

Alternatively, try out the best online blackjack sites where you can enjoy a game of skill and strategy on some of the best platforms in the business.

Those who enjoy the technical game of baccarat, including both high-rollers and those looking to keep their bets on the small side, are also catered to by our experts. The top baccarat sites in the UK have been compiled in the one place for you to check out.

What is it Like Playing Backgammon Online?

Like many other board games, the social side of backgammon can be an exciting addition to the game. If you’re keen to keep that element while still maintaining focus on every move, you should seek a backgammon site with a chat function.

Another way to ramp up the excitement of online backgammon is to find big, one-off tournaments with a lucrative prize. Entry fees are typically low, and the thrill of a winner-takes-all environment is hard to beat.

Online Backgammon Bonuses

Online casinos use promotions and bonuses to attract new customers and keep existing ones, whilst limitations and considerations apply (we will get to them shortly). Bonuses are a great way to acquire additional funds and make your backgammon bankroll stretch longer.

We say “usually” because casino bonuses may vary in quality. It is our job to find the best online promotions and highlight them to our readers. The following are typical bonuses you will find at our recommended backgammon sites:

● Welcome Bonus: You will find a welcome bonus at most online casinos in the UK. These are promotions that casinos use to attract new players. Welcome packages often comprise of a deposit bonus and occasionally free spins you can use on slots.

● Deposit Bonus: Perhaps the most common type of online casino bonus, the deposit match can is found in both welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for existing players. It is a percentage match against a deposit you make. For example, a 100% deposit bonus means if you deposit £100, you will get an extra £100 in bonus money, leaving you with £200 to play online backgammon.

● No Deposit Bonus: Although harder to find, no deposit bonuses will award you bonus money without you needing to make a deposit. You will simply receive a bonus for signing up with the casino and verifying your account.

Casinos often offer plenty of other promotions, such as prize draws, cashback, refer-a-friend bonuses, and VIP/loyalty programs. Yet, there are still some considerations to make when claiming a bonus at a backgammon site.

Firstly, online backgammon is generally not included in many standard casino promotions, which means you will not be able to play backgammon online with your bonus funds. In addition, as backgammon is considered a game of skill, many casinos won't count it towards completion of wagering requirements, which is the number of times you must play through the bonus before you can withdraw it.

Some casinos will also have specific limitations on payment methods that players can use for claiming a bonus. The best way to understand the specifics is to read the casino's bonus terms and conditions.

Free Online Backgammon vs Real Money Online Backgammon

Most of the top UK gambling sites don't offer free backgammon games. But you will have access to many other exciting games in demo mode. Still, when looking hard enough, you will be able to find some backgammon available in free and demo mode. There are benefits for both free and real-money online backgammon:

Due to UKGC regulations, UK casinos require you to register and verify your account before accessing free games.

Live Backgammon

Live dealer casino games use human dealers, and the game is streamed from a studio location to your device in real-time. Many UK players love live dealer games because they combine the realism of land-based casinos with the convenience of playing online.

Currently, there are no live dealer backgammon games available at UK casinos. That may change in the future, but you will have to stick to regular online backgammon for the time being. That said, when you are visiting one of the backgammon online casino sites we recommend, we suggest you check out some of other live dealer games.

Live dealer games at our listed casinos include exciting versions of poker, blackjack, roulette, game shows, baccarat and more. Because live casinos are increasingly popular, the number of games available encompasses all the popular variants of casino classics.

Backgammon Casino Software

Some casinos have the resources to give players better backgammon choices by creating their versions of the game. In addition, prominent casino software developers also offer backgammon games. One notable example is Novomatic, which has a backgammon slot variant developed through its Greentube division. This game allows you to play against other players and choose your opponents, complete with a social element through a chat system.

At our recommended casinos, you will also have access to top casino games from the leading developers. You will find incredible games from industry giants such as NetEnt, Playtech and IGT. They also provide unique versions of blackjack, poker, and more casino table games. Of course, we also recommend checking out live dealer games from Evolution Gaming and more leading software developers.

Backgammon Casino Security

Before recommending an online backgammon site, we check to see if it is licensed and legal. To keep your personal and financial information safe, the top backgammon online casinos use the latest encryption technology.

It’s also essential that the casino games you play are fair. Top casinos and game developers work with independent auditors, such as eCOGRA, to ensure game outcomes are fair to all players. A good example is games that use random number generators (RNG) to ensure all results are based on random chance and therefore wholly impartial.

Another important feature with regard to player safety is responsible gambling. Online casinos we recommend will provide help and assistance to players who may feel negatively impacted by the effects of problem gambling. One example is that players can impose limits on how much money they wish to deposit or how many games they choose to play, helping bettors stay safe and control their gambling experience.

New Backgammon Casino Sites in the UK

The UK casino market is fast-moving, with new casinos being launched regularly. Therefore, you should check our list of recommended backgammon casinos often to ensure you do not miss out on the hottest new sites and best new games. It is especially true if you like to play backgammon online, which isn't found at all online casinos.

Backgammon Mobile Casinos

Since many online casino players in the UK now gamble more on their smartphones or tablets than on their computers, the mobile casino UK which we recommend are built with the latest HTML5 technology, making them responsive and optimised for mobile and desktop devices. So, you can play backgammon on the browser of your iOS, Android and Windows Phone device.

For a more wholesome mobile experience, some backgammon sites feature a native mobile app that allows for improved connectivity and usability. You can also customise your casino app to receive notifications and stay updated with the casino's new games, news and promotions.

Whether you choose to play backgammon on a dedicated mobile app or through your mobile browser, you will get the entire mobile experience on the casinos we recommend.

Backgammon Casino Deposits and Withdrawals

Online banking is one of the essential parts of an online casino. Leading UK casinos offer payment methods that allow you to make deposits and withdrawals safely and conveniently. When looking to recommend a backgammon site, we always make sure there is a wide selection of payment methods offered. Here are some of the most common banking methods you will find on our featured casinos:

● Bank transfers

● Debit cards

● Pay by Phone

● Pre-paid cards like Paysafecard

● Digital wallets like Apple Pay

● E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill

● Cryptocurrency

In addition to making sure you get the best selection of payment methods possible; we also look at processing times, transaction limits and fees. Note that some payment methods are not available for deposit bonuses. So, to avoid disappointment, always read the bonus terms before choosing a payment method.

Backgammon House Edge and RTP

Every casino game will have a built-in statistical advantage that will allow the casino to make a profit. It is called the House Edge and is the portion of total wagers that players will lose in the long run. In contrast, the Return to Player (RTP) is the portion of total wagers paid back to players in winnings over time.

It is worth pointing out a vast sample size is needed to see how the RTP plays out. For example, if you see a game with an RTP of 97.7%, this means every £1,000 you spend on the game would return £977, on average. Taking this into account, the House Edge for this example would be £23.

Yet, online casino games are random, and there is no sure way to win. So, you could end up winning more than £1,000 or losing your entire stake.

Online backgammon has an RTP of around 90%, which means that for every £100 wagered, the backgammon site will pay back to players £10 in winnings in the long run. With backgammon being slightly more challenging to win, the excitement of wagering with real money and the buzz of playing is why many bettors love the classic game.

What Other Casino Games to Try if You Like Backgammon?

Backgammon online is available at specific casino sites, but the game is not common as other online casino games. That is not a bad thing, as our list of top real money casino sites will give you the best versions of roulette, poker, blackjack, slots, video poker, live dealer games, and more. So, if you love playing backgammon, take a look at our featured online casinos and find more great games to fit your skill level, bankroll and playing style.