February 11, 2025New York StateComments Off on Are you missing out on a hidden pay rise? Anyone working and aged between 22 and 66 needs to check
WORKERS should make a simple check as they could be missing out on a hidden pay rise worth thousands of pounds.
Anyone over the age of 22 and under 66 who earns over £10,000 is automatically enrolled into a pension through their job.
Extra cash is paid by your employer and the government for your retirement
This means millions of people are saving for their retirement earlier under the auto-enrolment rules, which were first introduced in 2012.
Before that, it was up to individuals to set up their own saving plan either through their work or privately.
Now everyone eligible is opted in and pays a percentage of their salary into a pension, unless they choose not to (opting out).
On top of that, employers pay in money too giving workers an extra boost,
The minimum contribution is 8%, with 5% coming from workers and 3% from the company they work for.
Some employers pay in more than the minimum, matching what you put in.
On top of this, you also get something known as tax relief.
So if you put £100 in to your pension, instead of paying income tax on that amount, the government instead puts it into your pension.
If you’re a basic rate taxpayer that means that 20% – so £20 in this example – is added by the government in the form of tax relief. You pay in £80.
It’s the law that your employer must pay in to your pension if you make contributions.
HOW TO CHECK
When you start a job you should be informed about your pension including which provider it’s with.
If you’re not sure, ask your employer for information.
You should be provided with an annual pension statement which shows how much has been paid in.
Many providers also let you log in to your online account to check at any time.
Your statement pay show different numbers to the pension deductions on your payslip, as the pension one will show tax relief.
If you’re not clear what your pension statement shows ask your employer.
What are the different types of pensions?
WE round-up the main types of pension and how they differ:
Personal pension orself-invested personal pension (SIPP) – This is probably the most flexible type of pension as you can choose your own provider and how much you invest.
Workplace pension – The Government has made it compulsory for employers to automatically enrol you in your workplace pension unless you opt out. These so-called defined contribution (DC) pensions are usually chosen by your employer and you won’t be able to change it. Minimum contributions are 8%, with employees paying 5% (1% in tax relief) and employers contributing 3%.
Final salary pension – This is also a workplace pension but here, what you get in retirement is decided based on your salary, and you’ll be paid a set amount each year upon retiring. It’s often referred to as a gold-plated pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension. But they’re not typically offered by employers anymore.
New state pension – This is what the state pays to those who reach state pension age after April 6 2016. The maximum payout is £203.85 a week and you’ll need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. You also need at least ten years’ worth to qualify for anything at all.
Basic state pension – If you reach the state pension age on or before April 2016, you’ll get the basic state pension. The full amount is £156.20 per week and you’ll need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. If you have the basic state pension you may also get a top-up from what’s known as the additional or second state pension. Those who have built up National Insurance contributions under both the basic and new state pensions will get a combination of both schemes.
It’s best to do this in writing so you have evidenced of the conversation, according to Moneyhelper, a government website that helps with your finances.
They should investigate and make any payments you’re owed.
You could also ask for compensation if you think you’ve lost out financially or it’s taken time and effort for you to sort.
If you’re not happy with the way they handled the complaint, or they have not responded within eight weeks you can escalate your complaint to The Pension Ombudsman.
This is free and independent and your employer must comply with its decision. This could be paying missing contributions or compensation if you’ve lost money or been inconvenienced.
It can also issue fines against companies that break the law by not making contributions on behalf of staff.
Hundreds of complaints are made to the ombudsman each year over this issue, which often affects smaller businesses.
In some cases employers have been forced to pay missed contributions worth thousands of pounds and compensation of up to £1,000.
The amount paid, if any, depends on each individual case.
You can also report your employer to The Pensions Regulator.
For further help if you have missing employer contributions you can contact:
www.moneyhelper.org.uk or phone 0800 011 3797
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us or phone 0345 600 7060
www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk or phone 0800 917 4487
What if I earn less than £10,000 or I’m under 22?
Just because you earn less money or are younger doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the extra pension boost from your employer and the government.
If you’re aged 17 to 21 and earn between £6,240 and £10,000 a year you won’t be auto-enrolled – but you can ask to join.
Your employer must contribute if you join.
If you earn less than this you can still ask to join, but your employer won’t have to make any contributions.
There are plans to lower the age at which you can be auto-enrolled and the amount you need to earn.
It’s also worth noting that opting out of auto-enrolment means you miss out on all contributions – your employer’s and tax relief as well as you’re own.
If you reduce your contributions below the auto-enrolment minimum of 5%, your company isn’t required to put in the 3% either.
What is pensions auto-enrolment?
HERE's what you need to know about pensions auto-enrolment:
What is pension auto-enrolment?
Since October 2012, employers have had to enrol their staff into workplace pension schemes as part of a government initiative to get people to save more for retirement.
When does auto-enrolment apply?
You will be automatically enrolled into your work’s pension scheme if you meet the following criteria:
You aren’t already in a qualifying workplace scheme.
You are aged at least 22.
You are below state pension age.
You earn more than £10,000 a year
You work in the UK.
How much do I contribute?
There are minimum contributions that you and your employer must pay.
Your minimum contribution applies to anything you earn over £6,240 up to a limit of £50,270 in the current tax year. This includes overtime and bonus payments.
A minimum of 8% must be paid into the pension, with you contributing 5% and your employer paying at least 3%.
What if I have more than one job?
For people with more than one job, each job is treated separately for automatic enrolment purposes.
Each of your employers will check whether you’re eligible to join their pension scheme. If you are, then you’ll be automatically enrolled in that employer’s workplace pension scheme.
Can I opt out?
You can choose to opt out, but you’ll miss out on the contributions from the government and from your employer. If you do choose to opt out you can opt back in later.
February 11, 2025New York StateComments Off on Peter Kay heckler who got kicked out of gig by comic after shouting ‘garlic bread’ demands a refund on £155 tickets
A HECKLER who was kicked out of a Peter Kay gig for shouting the comic’s “garlic bread” catchphrase is demanding a refund.
Warehouse worker Philip Peters, 54, and his son, 26, were forcibly removed by security from the sold out Manchester show at the weekend.
PAPeter Kay wasn’t in the mood to be heckled at his Manchester gig[/caption]
Mr Peters, who was gifted his £155 ticket for Christmas from his 17-year-old daughter, complained they were treated “like terrorists” as security guards dragged them out of the venue.
He told the Mail: “It was me who shouted out ‘garlic bread’. I was there with my son and they dragged us out like ragged dolls and I am now covered in bruises. A lot of people just stood up and walked out when they saw how we were dragged out.
“If we had done anything wrong the police would have arrested us, I just can’t understand it, all I said was garlic bread. That’s my favourite joke of his.
“I have loved Peter Kay forever. I watched him on Car Share, I watch him on TikTok all the time and I’ve always wanted to see him live. I’ve loved watching him.”
Stand-up Kay, 51, previously said he’s “too embarrassed” to buy garlic bread at the supermarket – after the snack became the punchline to one of his best-loved jokes.
Some gig-goers have called the Bolton-born star’s ejection of the heckling pair “nasty and bitter.”
The father and son duo weren’t the only ones to fall foul of the comic’s no-nonsense approach to crowd shout outs.
As one female audience member took advantage of the pause in proceedings to shout “we love you Peter Kay,” the Phoenix Nights star made sure she was evicted too.
He couldn’t resist a distasteful dig as she made her way through the aisles, with audience members claiming he said: “Have a drink, have we?
“Go on, off you go Lisa Riley.”
He was referring to the Emmerdale actress, who plays Mandy Dingle, and has spoken openly about her battle with booze.
She is now nine years sober after admitting to drinking two bottles of wine a night – with the screen star previously confessing she “drowned her feelings in alcohol” following her mum’s death.
The debacle caused one fan to state: “Was embarrassing, the guy only shouted garlic bread and the woman just shouted we love you Peter. Waited 20 years to see him and was disappointed.”
Another took to social media to write: “I’ve lost a lot of respect for Peter Kay after the way he treated the heckler at the end of his Manchester Feb 8 show.”
Peter Kay's New Tour Dates
Here is where Peter will be heading from February 2025
FRI 07 FEBRUARY 2025 MANCHESTER AO ARENA
SAT 08 MARCH 2025 LEEDS FIRST DIRECT ARENA
SAT 03 MAY 2025 SHEFFIELD UTILITA ARENA
FRI 16 MAY 2025 LONDON THE O2
FRI 30 MAY 2025 ABERDEEN P&J LIVE
SAT 31 MAY 2025 ABERDEEN P&J LIVE
FRI 06 JUNE 2025 BIRMINGHAM UTILITA ARENA
FRI 20 JUNE 2025 LONDON THE O2
THU 10 JULY 2025 DUBLIN 3ARENA
THU 07 AUGUST 2025 BELFAST SSE ARENA
SAT 23 AUGUST 2025 NEWCASTLE UTILITA ARENA
FRI 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 MANCHESTER AO ARENA
THU 23 OCTOBER 2025 GLASGOW OVO HYDRO
FRI 21 NOVEMBER 2025 LIVERPOOL M&S BANK ARENA
SAT 20 DECEMBER 2025 NOTTINGHAM MOTORPOINT ARENA
FRI 09 JANUARY 2026 BRIGHTON CENTRE
SAT 10 JANUARY 2026 BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
FRI 23 JANUARY 2026 CARDIFF UTILITA ARENA
SAT 24 JANUARY 2026 CARDIFF UTILITA ARENA
FRI 20 FEBRUARY 2026 ISLE OF MAN VILLA MARINA
SAT 21 FEBRUARY 2026 ISLE OF MAN VILLA MARINA
“Having him removed by force by his entourage and cracking jokes about it over the three or four minutes it took.
“No manners. Huge waste of money.”
Peter’s show also left a sour taste in the mouths of some after they claimed he did an impression of a blind man.
He also is alleged to have made jokes about not having an erection due to taking the drug Sertraline.
The dialogue prompted another fan to post on social media: “We were in the same section, super uncomfortable and a really bad look for Kay, felt like I was seeing the mask slip a little bit. sad to see it but he’s definitely washed up.”
Another agreed: “Yes it ruined it for us as well, we felt really uncomfortable Peter Kay pushed it then threw him out, won’t be watching him again…. Ruined it…”
The Sun has contacted Peter’s reps for comment.
Channel 4One heckler was escorted out of Manchester’s AO Arena for making a ‘garlic bread’ quip from Peter’s Phoenix Nights series[/caption]
AlamyThe stand-up got security involved when the fan made the quip three times and interrupted his jokes[/caption]
February 11, 2025New York StateComments Off on Met Office maps show where torrential downpours will hit Britain with 43 flood alerts after snowfall
THE Met Office has revealed where torrential downpours will hit Britain today – as 43 flood alerts are issued.
It comes after snow storms hit parts of the country yesterday – with a -6 Scandinavian chill in some areas.
RexA car on a flooded country lane yesterday[/caption]
MET OfficeA patch of rain can be seen coming in from the east[/caption]
MET OfficeThe rain will spread to western regions this afternoon[/caption]
The map shows a large blue patch of heavy rain coming in off the eastern coast of Englandthis morning – stretching into the Midlands, northern England, and east Scotland.
By midday, rains should have eased north of Manchester.
But by 3pm, these will resume – and Brits in the west Midlands can also expect to see downpours.
Residents in these areas have been warned that their homes may flood – and that “flooding of roads” is also “expected”.
They have been advised to “prepare property resilience measures and ensure that pumps are working” – and told that they may “experience inundation of septic tanks and sewer systems”.
Meanwhile, flooding is “possible” in 35 further areas across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Yorkshire.
Pictures taken yesterday revealed that some areas were already underwater, with cars battling their way along swamped roads.
Meteorologist Dan Stroud, from the Met Office, elaborated on today’s forecast, going into tomorrow.
He said: “There’s a lot of cloud in the forecast today. It’s also feeling quite cold. In fact temperatures are a good few degrees where they should be for this time of year.”
“Some of that cloud is thick enough to produce a few outbreaks of mostly light rain and drizzle down this eastern seaboard of the country.
“Although with those colder conditions, some of that is also falling as a bit of a wintery mix chiefly across the tops of Pennines and the North York moors.
“As we move into the evening, remaining cloudy for many of us. We’re still seeing a fair few showers and outbreaks of rain packing in across this eastern fringe of the country.
“But elsewhere across the west, a few clearer skies developing. And as we see those clearer spells, overnight temperatures will actually dip away. Temperatures low enough for a touch of frost.
“Into tomorrow morning, we see some bands of thicker cloud and rain moving in across Devon and Cornwall.”
During the day, Dan said we could still expect showers across the north and east of the country, with chilly temperatures.
The Met Office’s five-day forecast cloud, patches and rain and a smattering of snow from Thursday through to Sunday.
MET OfficeShowers will continue into this evening[/caption]
PABrits battling the rain in Cambridge yesterday[/caption]
PATourists cowered from the rain while punting on the River Cam[/caption]
PASnow swept the country yesterday[/caption]
Heavier rains are then expected to return on Friday – with a cold breeze.
Yesterday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued cold health alerts due to a spell of freezing weather.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna said: “In the places with the clearest skies we could get down to minus 5C, minus 6C again tonight.
“But elsewhere any frosts could be quite patchy, because we’ve got the wind and the cloud around it’s stopping the temperatures getting too low.
“Most places away from the north west of the UK just about escaping the frost by the looks of things.”
In a post on X, the Office was forced to dispel fears the Beast from the East could make a return.
It said: “An easterly wind will develop over the coming days but it wont be as cold as the one in 2018 which brought the Beast from the East.”
5-day forecast
Today
Tuesday will bring another grey and cold day, with some rain and hill snow in the north and east. A few sunny spells developing across northwest England and western Scotland. Breezy.
Tonight
Rather cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle across much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. Some cloud breaks will allow frost and patchy fog to develop across the west.
Wednesday
Often cloudy on Wednesday with some patchy rain and hill snow continuing in the northeast. Drier in the west with some brighter intervals, but feeling cold with the easterly breeze.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Remaining rather cloudy with patchy rain and hill snow developing at times. An increasing risk of some heavier rain in the far west by Friday. A cold easterly breeze continuing.
February 11, 2025New York StateComments Off on Best online casinos: Top casino sites in the UK (2025)
CLAIMING the title of the best online casino in the UK is not an easy task, especially when there are so many high-quality gambling sites doing great things.
That being said, there are plenty of UK casinos that excel in certain areas. We closely examine each one of them and check if they can stand up to our rigorous testing for responsible gambling practices, customer service, offers, banking, and of course, games.
So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at the top casinos, what they do well, and, importantly, how you can get maximum value from your time online.
Best online casino sites in the UK
A closer look at the top casino sites for UK players
What are the best online casinos for UK players? That’s a tricky question to answer because some people place more emphasis on games than promotions, while other people put payment methods top of their list.
As an industry veteran, I know that everyone is different. That’s why I put my own preferences to one side when I’m reviewing UK casino sites. I have a checklist of features that I work through to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
That’s the science. The art of reviewing online casinos is my experience. There isn’t anything I’ve not seen or tried, which is why I’m able to provide honest takes on old and new UK casinos.
If it’s cutting-edge, I’ll point it out. If it’s an industry standard, I’ll tell you. If it’s below expectations, I won’t shy away from highlighting it. In short, the following casinos have gone through rigorous tests, which is why I can confidently call them the top casino sites for UK players right now.
Betway has been one of the biggest brands in gambling for over a decade, but that’s not why it’s on my list. The welcome bonus caught my attention because of the wager-free element. This penchant for promotions without wagering requirements extends to existing customers, so that’s a great reason to register.
The best reason I can give you, however, is Betway’s roulette lobby. Tap the sign-up link on this page, and you’ll have access to what I think is an unbeatable selection of roulette games. As expected, the classics are well covered. Alongside European, French and American roulette is a selection of low-stakes tables, including 20p Roulette and 10p Mini Roulette.
For those with bigger bankrolls, Live Prestige lets you wager upwards of £500 per spin. For a final flourish, Betway has dozens of novel variants and themed tables. I love Vinnie Jones Roulette because I’m a football fan, but don’t sleep on innovative offerings such as Roulette 9 Masks of Fire and Volcano Roulette.
I’ve called Mr Vegas the top online gambling site for slots, but I could have simply said games. All of my top picks cover the basics and more, but none come close to the 8,000+ slots and table games available at Mr Vegas.
For context, that’s approximately 8x more than the best online gambling platforms, including my current number #1, Virgin Games. Quality doesn’t always follow quantity, but in this case, it does. Mr Vegas works with an impressive list of software providers, including Yggdrasil, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play.
This means you get access to £4 million+ progressive jackpots, feature-rich video slots such as Tanked, and almighty Megaways slots. If I’m talking about slot games, I can’t ignore Encore and Rainbow Fridays. The former allows you to socialise and compete with other slot players, while the latter gives you guaranteed wins based on the spins you’ve made during the week.
People are often split when it comes to Duelz. Some people love the lively platform, while others see the animations as an unnecessary annoyance. I like the animated background but the sound effects (which can’t be muted) do become annoying after a while.
The virtual aspects of Duelz Casino might split the gaming community, but the live elements don’t. For me, Duelz has an impressive collection of live casino games. Blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat come in traditional and modern variants.
From this solid foundation, Duelz has built up a unique live games lobby. All of the latest live game shows are on display, including my favourite, Gonzo’s Treasure Map. Best of all are live casino games from OnAir Entertainment. Very few UK casino operators have partnered with this emerging software provider, which means Duelz has a unique selection of live games, including two exclusive branded roulette tables.
Why is Virgin Games among my top picks? There are two reasons: simplicity and entertainment. In my opinion, Virgin Games is the best online casino for newbies and novices because there aren’t any unnecessary or confusing features.
Don’t get me wrong, I like innovative features. However, I’ve seen a lot of online casino developers who want to be different. For me, the mark of a world-class casino isn’t in its aesthetics and design, it’s the products it offers.
That’s why I like Virgin Games. The software is reliable and safe. The interface is easy to navigate, and the platform isn’t overloaded with useless page elements. Removing distractions means you get instant access to over 900 games on any device.
That’s important in this context for two reasons:
1. Virgin Games not only offers slots, blackjack, roulette, and table games but a host of other options, including bingo and poker.
2. Unencumbered access to the varied games lobby makes it easier for you to enjoy the action and earn bonuses, many of which don’t have any wagering requirements!
In my view, all of these qualities make Virgin Games the best casino online for anyone who wants a pure gaming experience with plenty of added value.
My next recommendation for discerning UK casino players like you is Hot Streak Slots. This platform could easily be my top pick for slots because it has more spinners than most gambling sites. However, that’s too obvious.
The reason I rate this casino so highly is its payment methods. I love the fact that you can make instant deposits and withdrawals using PayPal. I’ve been using this eWallet for the best part of a decade because, quite simply, it’s efficient and safe.
I’m saying you can’t make fast payments with Hot Streak’s other options, including Visa, MasterCard, and MuchBetter. However, if you want to keep your money online, PayPal is the ideal solution. This, combined with the fact that withdrawals are completed within 24 hours, are the reasons why it’s my preferred payment method.
No wagering bonuses are the holy grail of online gambling. They’re sought after because you get bonus credits or free spins without any ongoing financial commitment. This means you don’t need to bet any money to convert your bonus to withdrawable cash.
MrQ has more no-wagering bonus offers than basically every other UK casino site out there. The promo code POTS200 gets you a generous welcome bonus worth 200 spins. After that, you’ll be able to claim reload bonuses, free spins and referral rewards on a daily basis.
I could carry on giving you my take on why MrQ is the best online casino for bonuses, but I don’t need to. The stats speak for themselves. In addition to awarding players more than 6.8 million free spins in 2024, MrQ gave away £3.1 million in free bonus cash.
Dream Vegas kicks things off with a £300 deposit match backed by 150 bonus spins. The spins part of the welcome offer excites me more than the deposit bonus, but it’s a solid package, nonetheless.
For me, the real reason Dream Vegas is one of the top UK online casinos right now is its daily deals. A lot of popular UK casino sites give you one way to get something extra on a daily basis, but very few go beyond that.
Dreams Vegas not only goes beyond the norm but, in my opinion, sets the standard. Loyalty rewards are flanked by daily perks. These mystery bonus packages are sent out via email each day and contain everything from spins and bonus bets to exclusive prizes.
You can also spin the Dream Vegas Bonus Wheel once per day. Sometimes, you’ll spin and miss, but other times, you’ll win prizes that range from small cash payments to branded underwear. Yes, it might be a novelty, but it makes things more exciting.
The final thing I’ll draw your attention to is the software. The grab-to-swipe menu has plenty of useful filters that allow you to find games based on their title, features, and developer. I’d also urge you to use the “Play a Random Game” button. Aside from forcing you to try new games, it adds another layer of excitement to the mix.
2. WinBooster promo that offers guaranteed weekly wins
3. Wheel of Riches in-house slot jackpots
Baccarat is a forgotten casino game online. Despite being the preferred choice for high rollers in places such as Las Vegas, the majority of UK online casino sites don’t cover it particularly well. Enter Mega Riches.
Bringing baccarat back into the limelight like a boss, Mega Riches has more than 50 tables to choose from. The usual lineup of traditional and Dragon Tiger variants are well-represented, as are speed games. What’s impressive about Mega Riches’ baccarat lobby is the addition of “super speed” and no commission speed tables.
Rounding out the biggest baccarat lobby I’ve seen are themed games, mini tables, and bonus-payout variants. Basically, if you love baccarat, Mega Riches is the best online casino in the UK right now.
Luckster is great for slot players because all newbies get 100 spins alongside their first deposit bonus. I’d prefer the spins to be credited instantly, but there’s value in releasing them in five increments, namely that it puts a limit on the amount you can play.
I’m a huge advocate of responsible gaming, and this certainly helps in this regard. Something else I noted during my time using Luckster Casino is that it’s a member of GamStop. I’ve never used this service, but it’s great for people who need to cool off and limit their access to online gambling sites. Moreover, it’s another example of Luckster’s commitment to customer care.
Getting back to slots, Luckster is linked to Pragmatic Play’s Jackpot Drop network. This means you can play for a share of £2 million in random rewards every month. I’m also a fan of Luckster’s Game of the Week promotion because it gives you a way to unlock mystery bonuses by playing the latest hot slots.
It’s ironic that Vegas Mobile Casino doesn’t have an app, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of delivering world-class gaming on the go. I’m not a huge fan of the website’s aesthetic, but that’s a matter of personal preference. When it comes to the nuts and bolts, Vegas Mobile Casino is perfectly constructed.
Naturally, it’s optimised for use on all devices, which means you can switch effortlessly from your desktop to your mobile without installing any apps. The benefit of being able to play on any device means you’ve got instant access to over 2,500 casino games.
That’s more than most of the top mobile UK casinos. This desire to give players more is also evident in the welcome bonus. A £1,000 deposit match is massive in today’s gaming climate. The only downside is the 50x playthrough, which is slightly above the industry average of 40x.
Rounding out this impressive package is a selection of mobile-specific payment options, including Apple Pay, Payz, and Pay by Phone Bill. This, above all else, is why Vegas Mobile Casino is an ideal choice for iOS and Android users.
How we picked the best casino sites in the UK
I don’t pick online casinos at random. None of the experts here at The Sun do that. We only recommend UK casino sites we’ve tested and believe in.
To prove my point, let’s walk you through the steps I take when reviewing UK casinos. I won’t call my process a magic formula. However, if a casino impresses in the following areas, I’ll back them to be a hit with you guys.
Casino licensing and security
If an online casino isn’t licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, it’s not legal in the UK. If that’s the case, I won’t endorse it. Not only that, but unlicensed online casinos are potentially dangerous.
So, to ensure you’re in line with UK gambling laws and not at risk in any way, I only review and recommend licensed casino sites. For me, UK online gambling licences are shortcuts. It tells me about the following things without having to check:
The casino’s games are fair because they’ve been tested by an independent company such as iTech Labs.
The casino uses the latest encryption technology to comply with data protection laws.
The casino offers safe and reputable payment processors, such as Visa and PayPal, to comply with UK financial laws.
Put simply, if an operator wants to be licensed by the Gambling Commission and offer its services to UK players, it has to comply with strict regulations. These regulations not only govern how gambling is conducted in the UK but mesh with other laws, such as data protection and financial security laws.
Adherence to responsible gaming standards
Online gambling operators need to care about your welfare as much as we do. Being licensed is the first and most important step in this process. Another way operators show me they care (and comply with UK gambling regulations) is by offering responsible gambling tools.
Every casino site has its own tools, but the minimum standards I expect are:
Deposit and betting controls that allow you to limit how much you risk.
Session limiters and reality checks so you can control how long you’re active.
Timeouts and self-exclusion options so you can take breaks whenever you need them.
Contact details for problem gambling organisations, such as GamCare.
In addition to the above, I like operators to provide responsible gambling advice and tips via an onsite FAQ. For top marks, I love to see constant reminders sent to players via email and social media.
GAMSTOP NEWS
GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported record registration numbers to kick off the new year.
The service experienced its highest daily sign-up figures since launching in 2018, with 415 registrations on 1 January, 413 on 2 January, and 396 on 6 January.
Licensed online casinos offer safe payment methods, so that’s the first thing to keep in mind. After that, you should select a payment method based on your preferences with regard to accessibility and processing times.
The main online casino deposit and withdrawal methods to look out for are:
Payment Method
Deposits
Withdrawals
Average Withdrawal Time
Best Feature
Debit Card (Visa and MasterCard)
Yes
Yes
3-5 Days
Used daily by the majority of people for offline and online transactions.
eWallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill)
Yes
Yes
1-3 Days
Designed for online transactions, so withdrawals are processed quickly.
Mobile Payments (Apple Pay and Google Pay)
Yes
Yes (not available at some online gambling sites)
1-2 Days
An efficient way to make mobile casino payments without switching to a desktop device or between apps.
Pay by Phone
Yes
No
N/A
Charge deposits to your phone bill so you don’t have to provide any bank details.
Prepaid Cards (PaysafeCard)
Yes
No
N/A
Purchase vouchers online or with cash at affiliated shops.
Best casino games
Quantity is great, but I’m looking for quality when I review online casinos. For me, quality is based on two things:
Variety
Game features
A varied selection of online casino games consists of something more than slots and classics such as blackjack and roulette. A casino needs the latest innovations, including live dealer games, scratchcards, crash games, and live slots, to get top marks from me.
The main types of casino games to look out for are:
Slots
Poker
Blackjack
Baccarat
Roulette
Crash games
Craps
Scratchcards
Live dealer table games
Live dealer game shows
Live slots
Bingo
Lotteries
Virtual sports betting
In terms of the games themselves, offering products from leading software providers is important to ensure you can enjoy exciting features. That’s why you want games from brands such as NetEnt, Evolution, Big Time Gaming and Pragmatic Play.
Casino welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions
Generous promotions are great from a marketing perspective because who doesn’t want a pocketful of free cash? However, the best casino bonuses are more than flashy offers.
The right bonuses can help offset negative variance. If you don’t know what that is, let’s just call it bad luck, which is something we all experience playing online casino games. Bonuses counteract bad luck because they offer guaranteed returns.
Basically, if you meet the wagering requirements (very important), you’ll be rewarded with bonuses. These requirements must be fair. This means the minimum deposit should be achievable for all players (e.g. £10), and you shouldn’t have to wager an excessive amount of money to convert bonus credits to cash (aka the playthrough target).
The best UK casino bonus offers with fair wagering requirements are:
Matched deposits – these offers give you bonus credit equal to the amount you deposit, e.g. if you deposit £50, you’ll receive a £50 bonus.
No deposit bonuses – the opposite of a deposit bonus is a no deposit bonus. Rewards are released when you perform an action that isn’t a deposit, such as completing the registration process.
Reload bonuses – first deposit bonuses are also known as welcome bonuses because they’re for new customers. Reload bonuses are for existing customers because you’re reloading your account.
Bonus free spins – you can play some of the top online slots, such as Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, without spending a penny by using bonus spins.
Cashback – losses won’t sting as much with cashback bonuses because you receive rebates when luck isn’t on your side.
Mobile experience
Today, the best mobile casinos are fully-stocked native apps for iOS and Android devices.
What’s neat about the top mobile casino apps is the fact that they contain features their desktop counterparts don’t have. For example, if you download the MrQ Casino iOS app, you’ll be able to swap your alphanumeric password for Face ID logins.
In addition to enhanced security, mobile casino apps can link directly to banking apps. This facilitates seamless transactions.
What if my favourite online casino operator doesn’t offer a mobile app? Don’t worry; mobile casino sites are just as slick as their app-based counterparts. What’s more, you can create a shortcut to the mobile site on your mobile’s home screen, which makes it as accessible as an app.
Customer support
The final quality I assess during my online casino reviews is customer service. For me, a top online casino needs to offer 24/7 support via an FAQ, email and live chat. If there’s a customer support phone number as well, that’s great.
A lot of UK online casino reviews simply list the available support methods. I don’t do that. I talk to customer service agents. I record response times and score agents based on how efficient, helpful, and polite they are. The top online casino operators have customer support agents who provide swift responses in a friendly manner.
Award-winning UK casino sites
I’m not the only person who rates online casino sites. Like any other thriving industry, gambling has its own awards ceremonies. In fact, there are a variety of respected organisations dedicated to naming the top online gambling operators.
By way of patting ourselves on the back for spotting quality, we’re proud to say that almost all of our partner casinos have won awards. I don’t have time to list them all, but here are a few of the accolades our recommended casinos have won in recent years:
Online Casino of the Year 2024 – LeoVegas (Global Gaming awards)
Digital Operator of the Year 2023 – BetMGM (Global Gaming Awards)
Rising Star of the Year 2024 – Mr Vegas (International Gaming Awards)
Best Customer Service Company of the year 2023 – Casumo (International Gaming Awards)
Mobile Operator of the Year 2023 – LeoVegas (International Gaming Awards)
Online Casino Operator of the Year 2023 – VideoSlots (International Gaming Awards)
Casino Operator of the Year 2024 (Bronze) – LeoVegas (EGR Operator Awards)
Poker Operator of the Year 2023 – PokerStars (EGR Operator Awards)
Online casino operators can’t do everything on their own. Even though companies such as PartyCasino make their own games, they don’t have the resources to launch new products on a weekly basis. That’s why they partner with independent software providers.
The best online casino software providers, as voted for by industry experts, work with our partner platforms, including Duelz, MrQ, and Virgin Games. Some of the notable winners are:
Online Casino Supplier of the Year 2024 – Pragmatic Play (Global Gaming Awards)
Online Slot of the Year 2024 – Money Train 4 by Relax Gaming (Global Gaming Awards)
Best Provider of the Year 2023 – Pragmatic Play (AskGamblers Awards)
Live Casino of the Year 2024 – Pragmatic Play (International Gaming Awards)
Innovator of the Year 2023 – Yggdrasil (International Gaming Awards)
FAQ about casino sites in the UK
That’s just about all I’ve got to say about the top online casinos, what they offer, and how you can find the right ones for your needs. However, before I go, I need to tie up a few loose ends. So, with that being said, here are the most frequently asked questions about online gambling in the UK and the correct answers.
1. Are casino sites legal in the UK?
Online casino gambling is legal in the UK as long as the platform in question is licensed by the Gambling Commission. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the official governing body of all gambling matters. From horse racing and poker to sports betting and casino games, the UKGC ensures the regulations, as defined by UK gambling law, are upheld by its licences. Therefore, as long as you use a UKGC-licensed online casino, such as Virgin Games, you can be confident it’s legal and safe.
2. Can I use my credit card to play at an online casino?
No, online gambling operators haven’t been able to accept credit card deposits since 2020. The ban on credit card transactions was part of the government’s safer gambling reforms. Banning credit card deposits is designed to reduce the risk of people gambling with borrowed money. Debit card payments are still accepted at the best online casino sites, as are eWallets transactions from processors such as PayPal and Skrill.
3. What wagering requirements to expect at the best online casinos?
The top casino bonuses have a wagering requirement (aka playthrough target) of 35x or lower. You’d need to bet £350 to clear a £10 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement. Clearing a bonus means you’ve converted it from site credit to cash that can be withdrawn. Any online casino bonus with a playthrough of 35x or lower is almost always claiming if you can do it responsibly.
4. What online casino has the fastest payouts?
Duelz and Hot Streak Slots are two of the fastest payout online casinos in the UK. These popular online casinos typically process withdrawals within 1-2 days. The average payout time for UK online gambling sites is 3-5 days. Therefore, if you want your winnings in less time, it’s worth checking out Duelz and Hot Streak.
About the author
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
