I’m a casino expert: Here are my top 5 online casinos for UK players
I review hundreds of online casinos for The Sun, in this article I will go through which I recommend to players among the partners we currently work with.
Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
About Me: James Fuller - Casino Expert
James Fuller
Hi, I'm James a seasoned online casino player and expert reviewer. When I'm not testing casinos, you can find me watching the football, or F1.
My favourite casinos from operators we work with
1. Duelz Casino - Best for cashback bonuses
As soon as I entered the Duelz Casino site, it was clear that an entertaining experience awaited. I found an attractive welcome bonus, worth up to £100 + 100 free spins. Meanwhile, it was clear that games came from a variety of top developers, including Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’n GO. Don’t let the “old school” design fool you, as I was able to play hundreds of slots, table games, and live dealer titles. It is also possible to process payments through debit cards, e-wallets, and mobile-specific options. The reason why Duelz really shines is the weekly 10% cashback offer for all casino patrons.
- My overall experience score - 4.8 out of 5
2. MrQ - Best no deposit casino bonus
Founded in 2018, I found MrQ to be an excellent all-round casino. I was able to earn five free spins just for signing up and another 30 after the first deposit. There are plenty of other ongoing promotions also available besides the free spins no deposit bonus. I was particularly impressed with the variety of slots, which include Megaways, progressive jackpot and branded titles. The MrQ website is easy to use on desktop and mobile. Meanwhile, I also found that the casino is one of a select number to accept Pay By Mobile.
- My overall experience score - 4.7 out of 5
3. Winomania - Best for free spins offers
Winomania Casino is home to a number of free spins offers, which I believe help it to stand out. You can earn up to 100 free spins through the casino’s welcome package, as well as a bonus worth £100. With live chat support, a VIP Club and a range of payment methods, I found that Winomania scores well in most areas. There are a good number of games to choose from, including scratchcards, roulette, blackjack and slots.
- My overall experience score - 4.7 out of 5
4. Mr Vegas - Best for playing slot games
While my initial impression of Mr Vegas was that the design was a little basic, it quickly became clear that this is another casino with an excellent range of games, bonuses and features. Games come from 100+ developers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n Go and Evolution Gaming. I also found a large welcome bonus, worth 100% up to £200 on my opening deposit. Rainbow Friday’s, The Wheel of Vegas and other promotions also kept things interesting while I played some of my favourite slot games.
- My overall experience score - 4.6 out of 5
5. Magic Red - Best for playing on mobile
The final casino to make my list is Magic Red. I particularly enjoy playing games here on mobile, while Magic Red is also an excellent option for those looking to bet on live dealer games. I was able to take advantage of a welcome package with 100 free spins. I also found popular slots including Starburst, Book of Dead, and Big Bass Bonanza. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and paysafecard are among the payment methods accepted, with withdrawing money having been a quick and easy process.
- My overall experience score - 4.5 out of 5
What I look for when I pick an online casino
I am very selective when recommending online casinos. I consider a number of factors before delivering my favourite casino sites, which include the following:
- A good welcome bonus - I particularly enjoy welcome bonuses that feature free spins. However, any offer must meet my needs in terms of its terms and conditions. As such, I take a close look at the small print, including the wagering requirements, eligible games, and expiration period.
- A wide selection of casino games - My top-rated casinos offer a wide variety of games. You will find hundreds of slots, along with classics blackjack, roulette and baccarat. In most cases, I was also able to bet on live dealer games, scratchcards, and other games.
- Works on mobile phones and tablets - There are times when it is more convenient to play casino games on my smartphone or tablet. As a result, it is important that a casino caters well to mobile users too.
- A simple sign-up process - At my top 5 casinos, I was able to register an account in a matter of minutes. Completing the registration form and verifying my account was stress-free too.
- Frequent promotions and bonuses for players - As well as bonuses for new players, it is also important that existing members are looked after. When researching available casino sites, I paid close attention to the ongoing promotions found, which include free spins, cashback, reload bonuses and VIP rewards.
- Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
My top tips for playing at an online casino
If you are new to online casinos, then there are some steps that you can take to get the most out of your experience. The following are my top tips, which apply to both newcomers and high rollers:
- Read the reviews - As well as my own opinion, I also took on board the thoughts of others before recommending casinos. Online casino reviews are readily available today. Here, you will be able to find information on available games, bonuses, payment methods, and more.
- Choose a casino with a signup bonus that works for you - While I think some players place too much emphasis on welcome bonuses, it is important to find a casino offer that suits you. For example, a free spins bonus is only worth utilizing if you are looking to play slots.
- Don’t stick to the same games - My top-ranked casinos feature thousands of games in total. As such, you do not need to play the same games over and over. In some cases, you can play games for free first.
- Choose a fast deposit and withdrawal method - It is also important to select a payment method that is fast, secure, and easy to use. I found both traditional and modern options on my journey, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Pay By Mobile.
- Play responsibly - Only ever bet what you can afford to lose! I see too many players chasing losses and gambling irresponsibly.
- Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
Check out my other casino expert articles
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to
