In the UK, we are fortunate to have access to some of the oldest online casinos in the industry. These sites distinguish themselves from newer platforms due to their rich heritage and strong reputation, making them a more satisfying choice for many players. In this guide, I will provide a brief history of some of the UK’s longest-standing gaming platforms and highlight some of the best ones worth exploring.
Where Heritage Meets Gameplay – The Story Behind the UK’s Oldest Online Casinos
The UK is renowned not only for its iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage but also for its significant influence on the world of online casino entertainment. By exploring platforms that have existed since the late 1990s and early 2000s, you can appreciate the evolution of this industry. Some of the first licensed casinos, like William Hill, were established in the UK and have maintained a strong presence by adapting to the rapid changes in the digital landscape and evolving regulations.
From Cobblestone Streets to Clicks – A British Journey of Gaming
One of the most fascinating aspects of British heritage is its unique duality. The country has remained loyal to its traditions and endeavours to preserve its culture. On the other hand, it’s also forward-thinking, especially in the digital domain. This is seen in the way they’ve embraced and set standards in the casino online market. The UK was one of the first countries in Europe to have a regulated online gaming industry, which in turn made playing these titles safer, more secure, and naturally, more enjoyable.
The Old Guard – A Look at the UK’s Oldest Online Casino Brands
Now, let’s have a closer look at some of the best online casinos in the UK, all of which have stood the test of time.
1. CasinoLuck (Since 1999)
The first site I must mention is the online casino CasinoLuck. This platform opened its doors over 20 years ago and has consistently upheld a positive reputation among its players. Recently, it underwent a significant rebranding and has incorporated nearly every feature you would expect from a modern gaming platform. The way this site effectively balances contemporary elements with its traditional touch is one of the main reasons it continues to be a popular choice among casino enthusiasts.
What you need to know:
- You’ve got over 2000 casino online games to explore here, with options for slots, jackpots, live games, and table games.
- You can expect a customer support team that works around the clock, which means you’ll always have someone to reach out to in case of any issues.
- Fully optimised to work on mobile
2. 888casino
Launched in 1997, 888 Casino is another respected gaming platform that has won multiple awards. This platform is a leader in the UK gaming market and is slowly but surely building a legacy in the US, too. Interestingly, this platform started out under the name Casino-on-Net, and then rebranded itself in 2003 to 888Casino, a name that the platform still adopts today. The casino is owned by 888 Holdings Group, which also owns 888 Ladies, William Hill, and Mr Green, amongst others.
What you need to know:
- You’ll find over 2000 casino games online, provided by both well-known developers in the gaming world, together with up-and-coming ones.
- The site has all the casino game sections you would expect: slots, jackpots, live casino, and table games.
- The customer support team is available around the clock.
3. William Hill Casino
The company William Hill was founded in 1934 as a telephone and postal betting service. They released their first online betting platform in 1998, while the online casino was launched in 2000. Soon after its launch, their gaming platform instantly became known as one of the best casinos online in the UK, a status it still holds today. In 2022, William Hill was acquired by 888 Holdings, the same company that owns 888 Casino, and this further helped mark its reputation in the UK gaming scene.
What you need to know:
- You’ll find access to the best casino online games in the market.
- It first started by offering slots, table games, and jackpots, and now, it even offers live titles.
- Has kept up with the times by offering modern features like mobile gaming.
4. Coral Casino
Another example of one of the best-rated online casinos is Coral Casino. The business was established in 1926 by Joe Coral; by 2015, they had over 1845 shops across the UK, making them a household name. With the gaming scene slowly broadening its horizons to the online world, the Coral business launched its casino website in 2011, which is still available to this day. Now operated by Entain PLC, Coral Casino keeps offering a premium gaming experience.
What you need to know:
- You’ve got over 2000 of the best casino games online to enjoy, provided by names like Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play.
- Access to games you might not find at other platforms, such as Slingo titles.
- Dozens of jackpot titles are available.
5. BetVictor Casino
The final platform I’d like to mention in this best UK casinos online list is BetVictor, which launched its casino and sportsbook in 2000. Just like most of the sites mentioned on this list, the brand boasts a long history. The business was originally founded in 1946 by William Chandler, who owned Walthamstow Stadium, a greyhound racing track in London. Over the decades, BetVictor earned a reputation as a trusted UK bookmaker, particularly under Victor Chandler, William’s son.
What you need to know:
- BetVictor offers over 1000 games from names such as NetEnt and Microgaming.
- You’ll find a selection of some of the best live casino games, provided by none other than Evolution Gaming.
- Offers quick withdrawals compared to other platforms
Travel Smart, Play Smart – What to Know About Online Casino Regulation in the UK
Before you start enjoying the best online casino games, it’s worth getting familiar with how online gambling is regulated in the UK:
| UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | Before signing up with a platform, make sure the UKGC licenses it. This ensures that your rights as a player are protected and that the site meets strict standards for fairness and security. Please note that the UKGC licenses all the platforms above. |
| Responsible Gaming | Any licensed platform must offer responsible gaming tools to encourage playing these games within limits. These include deposit limits, reality checks, and time limits. |
| Fair Play Testing | Look out for third-party seals like iTechLabs and eCOGRA. These groups regularly audit the games available to ensure they’re safe and offer fair results. |
Final Words – A New Kind of Journey Through the UK’s Online Legacy
All the online casinos mentioned on this list have helped the UK gaming landscape what it is today. Despite being around for a long time, these sites have continued to keep up with players’ needs and expectations while offering the traditional touch you won’t always find at new platforms.
