Online casinos have increased in popularity ever since their creation in the 1990s, becoming one of the most popular pastimes in the United Kingdom. With the COVID-19 pandemic, which required people all over the country to stay at home and follow lockdowns and health protocols, traditional land-based gambling facilities were forced to cease operations. As a result, to keep the action going, bettors had to turn to online casinos and other gambling sites.
The ease and safety of playing at home, as well as the various bonuses and promotions given by online operators, are all reasons why online casino games are so popular. Given that many traditional brick-and-mortar venues are still closed in the United Kingdom, iGaming has emerged as a viable alternative for those seeking new entertainment alternatives. Hence, the industry experienced considerable expansion, with iGaming generating £3.1 billion in gross gambling yield in 2020 and online casinos accounting for over 60 percent of the market.
Following the popularization of the Internet, in 1994 online casinos were created, and within two years, there were over 15 casino websites in the market, with companies like Microgaming and Playtech developing the games and platforms. The selection of games, however, was still very limited due to technical restrictions at the time, and slots were usually the only games available. Software providers began focusing on table games and other casino games as technology advanced and computers became more reliable, resulting in enhanced gameplay, visuals, and sound effects, eventually giving a realistic experience to online punters.
Today, the selection of online casinos and the offer of casino games is higher than ever, with classics like roulette, baccarat, as well as slots and video poker, being featured in most of these websites. There are even unique experiences such as live dealer games – which are managed by professional croupiers in real time – virtual reality casinos, and even live game shows. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the best UK casinos to play this Christmas, but if you want more information about each one of them, click here.
Mr. Green
Mr. Green is one of the best online casinos for players who are fans of slot games. Its platform features more than 200 games, with over 100 of them being slots. Mr. Green also offers some of the most advantageous bonuses among UK casinos, including a nice welcome bonus with lots of free spins.
Established in 2008, Mr. Green has won several awards since its launch, including Online Casino Operator of the Year at the IGA Awards in 2013 and 2014. The company operates under a license issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and the integrity and fairness of all games are certified by TST.
LeoVegas
With over 300 games in its catalog, all of them available to mobile users as well, LeoVegas is a great choice if you’re playing from your mobile device. The operator is also known for its excellent customer service, as well as its generous welcome bonus and lots of free spins.
Founded in Sweden in 2012, the company quickly became the largest mobile casino in Europe, even winning the Mobile Casino Product of the Year award at the 2014 EGR Innovation Awards. LeoVegas operates with a full license by the UK Gambling Commission, as well as a license by the Malta Gaming Authority, two of the most recognized governing bodies in the world.
NetBet
Featuring one of the richest game selections among online casinos in the United Kingdom, NetBet offers a unique platform in which players can enjoy an authentic casino experience. With games from some of the best providers in the market, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech, as well as Evolution’s live dealer games, NetBet is a great choice to play in the holidays.
The company is also licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, and is one of the oldest operators in Europe, having been established in 2001. NetBet is also known for its high quality customer service, and overall commitment to player satisfaction.
888 Casino
888 Casino has one of the largest customer bases in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, with more than 25 million registered members. The company is regarded as one of the most successful in the iGaming industry, offering a wide variety of gambling services, including online casinos and sportsbooks.
Established in 1997 and a part of the 888 Holdings PLC, the company is headquartered in Gibraltar, and operates under a license by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. 888 Casino has also won several awards, including Casino Operator of the Year at the 2013 EGR Awards.
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