Whether you’re a proud Cymru, feel the Scottish Highlands in your blood, or couldn’t be parted from London traffic for the world, there’s one thing for certain- the UK loves its gambling. In fact, some of the biggest online casinos in the world call the UK their home. From brand name casinos you’ll find on the stock exchange to having a flutter on sports, it’s a beloved national pastime- but what games are we all enjoying? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular online casino games in the UK this year.
Slots
Playing slots in the UK is practically a national sport in itself. Slot machines are some of the biggest money makers for casinos across the board, online or in-person. It’s easy to see why, too. They’re exciting, simple to understand, and can be highly rewarding with the luck of averages on your side. They typically have nice welcome bonuses, too.
Most online slots in the UK are video slots, where there’s great attention to detail on soundtrack and graphics to boost the experience. They’re fun and thematic, and can have great bonus features if you choose the right casino, too. Plus, they have higher payouts then classic slots.
Poker
The UK isn’t unique on this one- Poker consistently ranks in the top three of casino card games worldwide. It’s also a great challenge, needing both luck and skill to master. Even without the strongest hand on the table, a smart player can turn it around and make the most of it. The UK enjoys a ton of variants, from Texas Hold ‘Em to 7-card stud.
What you might not realise is that many of the best poker players come from Wales. In fact, while Roberto Romanello’s name may seem less-than-local, he’s the top Welsh poker player of all time, and has earned more than £3.4 million in live games alone. While we’re not promising you can beat that record, it’s sure fun to try, right?
Blackjack
Another global favourite, this game pits you against the casino itself instead of the other players. The dealer steps into the role for the ‘house’. It has a simple objective- pull a hand close to 21 (exceeding it is called a bust, or automatic loss) before the dealer. If you draw, that’s called a push.
There’s a ton of different variants of blackjack to play, including the uniquely British Pontoon, but they all depend a lot more on luck than skill. All the same, it’s a game we love to play.
Roulette
Another common feature of live casino games, roulette has earned itself the moniker of ‘the devil’s game’, because all numbers on the wheel add up to the infamous 666. While there’s nothing supernatural about it, it is a tough game to beat- because it relies entirely on luck rather than skill.
For some players, however, that’s the exact drawcard they’re looking for. It’s fast-paced, dazzling, and risky. In the UK we typically play without the American extra slot (00), but the great thing about online gaming is you can choose your style, so you’ll find the American variant in many online casinos too. Oddly, the so-called European version has better odds, and gives the house less edge, so if you’re new to this game, you might want to stick with it.
Sports Betting
Ok, we’re cheating a little here- but many more modern online casinos now offer a sports betting subdivision. It just shows they know their market! Sports betting has become an iconic part of the British landscape, and the Welsh are certainly no exception. We just love a flutter on the horses (or anything else, really, as long as it’s exciting). Many online players won’t even touch a casino without sports bets on offer nowadays, so it’s well worth looking for if you enjoy mobile betting.
Wales legalised gambling in 1960, and since the 2005 Gambling Act made it easier for online casinos to join the fun, more and more people are turning to online sources to scratch their gambling itch. As long as it isn’t becoming a problem for you, it’s all fun and games after all. If you’re looking to try your hand online this year, these 5 popular games are a great place to start.