In the world of online gaming, there are certain brands that reign supreme, and others that are seen as nothing more than gap fillers. Anyone who frequents online casino sites, as well as trying out many slot machines, will know that labels such as NetEnt and Microgaming tend to show up a lot. But are they the most popular brands? The jury’s out on that one, mainly because although they’re big names, much like Quickspin, their titles don’t capture us quite as passionately as activities from the likes of Yggdrasil or Thunderkick, two of the more contemporary labels. All of these companies, and many others, keep trying to create more unique and quirky environments and games in which we can play, with our upcoming reviews to show you some of the best and newest this industry has to offer. We want you to see these games, know these slot casinos, to ensure that you’re always entertained.
How to Choose a New Online Casino
Unlike veteran internet casinos that have managed to establish a stellar word of mouth reputation, new online casinos are quite a gamble (oh, the irony!) and testing a newly launched venue will always entail a certain risk. Still, for most of us, this is exactly where the appeal lies and exploring a new gambling site is a small adventure of its own, which can be extremely rewarding – if you know what to look for.
When faced with a shiny, new casino in a flashy attire, it’s easy to forget the most important factors that constitute a decent casino; important as they are, the visual features can often hide plenty of red flags, which is why your search for the perfect online casino should be broken into the following preliminary steps:
- Ask around and keep your ears to the ground
- Test drive
- Read the fine print
Rumours spread quickly in the cyber neighbourhood and fortunately for the dwellers, people these days are easy on the trigger and more than willing to voice their dissatisfaction with the service, especially when money is concerned. Experienced casino clientele will not shy away from writing a lengthy and detailed review of every single casino feature and what better way to learn than to use other people’s mistakes. With a little help of social media, you will never, ever, have to make your own again.
On the other hand, even with an ever-increasing number of people willing to pour their heart and soul all over social media, there are still those who are firm believers in empiricism. The good news is that a vast number of casinos will be happy to provide a free taste of their services and you can always benefit from free-play or no-deposit bonuses that will allow you to spend time in a casino and experience their policy, customer treatment, and gaming offer first hand, without spending any money.
While most reputable casinos will have everything out in the open, fine print is an inevitable part of every agreement you form, especially when it comes to registering an account with a new online casino. The Term & Conditions is where you will find pretty much everything you need to know about the casino, starting with the welcome bonus and wagering requirements, all the way to the most enjoyable part – withdrawal of your winnings. Believe it or not, no more than a quick glance at the banking section and the casino’s promotional guideline will save you a lot of grief, especially when you are dealing with an online site that’s yet to be reviewed by others.
New Casino Welcome Bonuses
Once the boring part is out of the way, we can finally start having fun, and that’s pretty much guaranteed with brand new casinos. With the competitive edge getting sharper by the minute, operators must always find new ways to be noticed and welcome bonuses are the safest way to attract new members.
Being the first to register an account with a fresh-out-of-the-oven casino will often unlock extremely favourable bonuses that can be gone soon after the “honeymoon” is over. In other words, the trial period is a great way to take advantage of user-friendly offers and really get your money’s worth before the site becomes a hot tourist spot.
Latest Casinos for UK Players
Each of the brands below give you something slightly different, meaning you could test drive all of them to be doubly sure of which you like the most. Whichever way you decide to go with the suggestions made, you can at least be content in the knowledge that you can access them as a UK player, which is one of the main things. Do remember that this list isn’t of all the UK friendly casinos, just some of the latest ones to appear online.
Mr SuperPlay
We have another Mr to look at now, this time the teal aesthetics of Mr SuperPlay, another new site for 2017 UK players. This site comes with an extensive set of promotions and games, as well as an easy means of banking, which in turn makes it feel more experienced than what it actually is. So far, so good.
Most of the software you’ll see here comes from Microgaming, NetEnt, and Next Gen Gaming, three big players that know how to create stimulating games. Furthermore, there’s a wide selection of these to choose from, including that of instant wins, slots, table games, and Live Casino. All of which is easy to find from the homepage itself, simply tap the appropriate heading.
As for the promotions, their welcome package can award up to £1,000, which translated into three separate deposit bonuses, worth 100%, 25%, and 50%. However, the wagering requirement states that you’ll need to wager this amount over 50x before you can withdraw any cash. Should this, or any other part of the site, become an issue for you, you have live chat support available 24 hours a day. It isn’t as varied as we’d have liked, but it allows you to gain instant access to help.
Slots Devil
Created and owned by Nektan, this 2017 launched casino is one that not only provides you with a place to game, but is also a haven for slot machine lovers. Sporting a cheeky doodled devil as its logo, it has a childlike charm, in which the atmosphere is all about fun. This fun comes from the list of games, rather than an elaborate aesthetic, with Nektan having chosen a plain red and black colour palette. As for the software, the main reason for our review, it comes from all over, showcasing titles from Lightning Box, NextGen Gaming, Elk Studios, and so many others. What is more, all of these activities are neatly licensed under the governing body of the UK Gambling Commission, alongside a license from the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
Moving on from the safety and legality of the site now, we look at the promotions and other services which Slots Devil provides. Seeing as how this is Nektan operated, the promotions are the same as what you’ll get from there other sites, as too is the customer support. This support comes in the form of email, contact number, and live chat – the three main ports of call we like to see.
Mr Win Casino
Launched in April of 2017, this year, Mr Win is a young and upcoming brand that delivers a lively but masculine atmosphere. In spite of this though, all players, of any gender, are able to play here, ensuring that the brand has wider market appeal. Coupled with its sophisticated orange and black aesthetic, this brand delivers both casino and sports promotions, as well as an array of games, including that of Live Casino.
There’s an enormous amount of titles to choose from, most of which have been developed by NetEnt and Play’N Go, making this a more exclusive brand in terms of software. Not that that is an issue, as there’s over 200 plus games to choose from, proving that you have enough choice without the need for excessive amounts of software.
Following on from that, you then have the exciting 100% deposit bonus, as well as 50 free spins, once you’ve signed up. Though do keep in mind the 35x wagering requirement attached to this bonus. If you need to call upon the services of the customer service time, there’s an email address that you can access via the Help page. It’s limiting, to say the least, but at least we have an option should the need arise.
Arcade Spins
Moving onto Arcade Spins now, we have an 80s themed slot machine extagranaza that started out in 2016 by Cassava Enterprises. Busy with imagery, and titles, it impacts greatly on the senses, bombarding you with neon stylings and pokies galore; a stark contrast to Slots Devil. Another contrasting element is that there’s less brands to engage with, with the list being kept to no more than five brands, including Eyecon, NetEnt, and IGT. Even though the collection of different providers is smaller, the fact that they’re all well known ensures the quality of this site is maintained. In regards to the laws that command this casino, and its games, they come from the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission.
Housed inside those licenses, you have a small array of promotions, though they’re not detailed until you sign in. Furthermore, you need to join if you’re successfully access the customer services, which include a FAQs, as well as telephone and email. As you can see, the options are slightly more limited with Arcade Spins.
Spins Royale
From 2017 to 2016 and then back to the present again, this time in the form of another Nektan operated site, titled Spins Royale. As the name hints, this is a domain that is all about slot machines, from NetEnt, Blueprint, and Aristocrat. When compared with its sister site, Slots Devil, the design is much sleeker here, with the layout more user friendly as well. It feels more polished. Given that this is owned by Nektan too, you’ll likely have suspected that the licenses are the same, coming from the UK Gambling Commission and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
In regards to support, you have the same vagueness in reference to opening hours, with the support only listing the options available, not the times they operate. Should you need help you can call on email, contact number, or the live chat, as well as a standard help page. Given how easy to use the site is, with its promotions for new and old players among the easier to activate, we don’t think you’ll need support all that often.
Sloty Casino
We have another new casino for you now, only this time it was released in 2017 rather than 2016, with Genesis Global behind the website. Showcasing a light, airy blue aesthetic, with fluffy white clouds and an restricted interface, Sloty Casino looks very open and spacey. Furthermore, it doesn’t look like a new site, but rather one that’s been around for several years, with the licenses from the MGA and UK Gambling Commission supporting that. These licenses not only protect you, but they ensure that all the pokies you play, from the likes of Evolution Gaming and NetEnt, are fair. Therefore allowing you to play the games with greater peace of mind.
To keep this polished off site going, the support mirrors their dedication, with two contact numbers offered, alongside three different email options, a live chat, and then, finally, a FAQs page. Basically, Sloty Casino has covered every single point of contact. Much like the promotions, which are organised in such a way that you know which are for newbies and which are for returning players.
Slots Kingdom Casino
You can gain the keys to the kingdom when you play with this Jumpman Gaming owned casino, titled Slots Kingdom. Created for 2017, it’s another newcomer that has already made waves within the industry, having been seen as a hotspot for slot machine fans. Utilising a regal purple and blue aesthetic, it’s contemporary without being too overwhelming. This fun loving site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, to ensure that all services are adhering to regulations. This means that when you scan the titles, in which you see IGT and Microgaming, you’re able to play with ease, not concerned with any breaches are safety or lack of fairness.
In a similar move to Nektan, Jumpman reuse the same promotions, and so while the list is considerable, you may have seen them before. The same too can be said of their support, which tends to remain generic as well; offering a WhatsApp, email address, and contact number, as well as their Facebook account. Although the same across all their sites, their modern approach is a huge positive for the brand.
Spinland Casino
We finish up now with another new website, coming from the Imperium Network Solutions Limited, a label you may be familiar with. Their 2017 launched site has the same sort of boldness that the others we’ve covered have, only here it sports a crisp blue and white finish. Inside of this aesthetic, you have an array of games, coming from the likes of Quickspin, NYX, and Evolution Gaming, with them offering slots as well as a few other casino options. These are then, of course, licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, and Curacao.
As a player, you’ll be able to access a compact collection of promotions, with what’s on offer paling in comparison to the other casinos listed. Fortunately though, while the bonuses are lacking, Spinland’s support isn’t, with customers able to email and live chat with the team 24/7. True, their options are limiting, but at least the ones given are around the clock; it gives Spinland a standout customer service ethic that many older platforms could learn from.
Software Providers
A substantial casino offer is just as important as any other aspect of a newly launched casino, which is why a lot of the players go straight for the bottom of the casino page or the gaming catalogue, where the partnering software providers are listed. At the moment, three of the biggest names in the business are Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech.
Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the oldest gaming providers in the business, founded back in 1994 when the company developed their first software. Their offer includes live dealer games, poker, slots, bingo, B2B solutions and the provocative Playboy live tables edition. Two of their most popular branded slots are Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones, known for the excellent payout potential and engaging bonus features.
NetEnt
NetEnt is a slightly younger developer, launched in 1996. They are acknowledged as a highly creative and prolific provider, partnering with over 200 operators. NetEnt’s Live Dealer platform is a go-to software for all online casino operators who are in search of high video quality, sophisticated technology, and state of the art studio tables – not to mention the developer’s progressive jackpot slots which have had quite a few payouts recently, recording some of the highest jackpot wins in the industry (we are talking millions)…
Playtech
Youngest of the three, Playtech was founded in 1999, specialising in software for online casinos. At the moment, the company is considered to be one of the largest suppliers in the industry, with approximately 5,000 employees, 140 international licences and with offices across the globe. Playtech products are designed according to the latest technological advancements, which allows them to be integrated into a cross-platform solution that enables the players to access all of the gaming terminals from a single account.
Why is a Casino License so Important?
This part is actually an extension of reading the fine print since it concerns your legal welfare. The regulatory body that has issued the license is the player’s “in case of an emergency person” protecting you from any violation and breach of contract between you and the casino.
Should you find yourself in a position to file a formal complaint against the casino, the licensing authority will start the investigation and resolve the problem in accordance to the legal guidelines and the evidence submitted by both parties.
The UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority are considered to be the highest licensing authorities with the strictest set of requirements that an online casino needs to meet in order to obtain a license. Finding a new casino with MGA or UKGC license is usually a pretty good indication that you are dealing with a reputable and serious operator with a solid business ethics.
New Online Casinos Banking
Not providing a wide range of payout methods can be a deal breaker and a major drawback of any new online casino. The preferred payment tools are e-wallets, cards, and phone payment service, such as the ones listed below:
PayPal
Possibly the most widely spread e-wallet service, PayPal is a United States based company which enables their users to keep funds inside an e-wallet and use it to pay for goods, services or send it to other PayPal account holders. It is estimated that there are around 250 million Paypal registered members, and what makes the platform particularly suitable for online gambling is the processing speed as well as the safety measures designed to protect the users every step of the way.
Boku
Phone payment service is becoming an increasingly popular depositing option for all the players who need an extra layer of discretion. Using Boku is preferred by all those who would rather avoid using their card and bank accounts for any gambling-related transactions, with only one disadvantage – the amount that you can transfer to the casino is limited, although this can also be a great damage control in case of any unwanted activities or charges. To deposit with Boku, simply select it from the list of offered methods and the amount will be added to your next phone bill.
Pay by Phone
The pattern here is pretty much the same as the one described below, and the phone payment method can be provided by Boku, Pay for It or Zimpler. The advantage of using this service is never having to enter your personal information. UK registered phone number is all you need to complete the transaction and the entire process is finalised with a confirmation text message – no logins, account registrations, passwords, or sensitive data input.
Skrill
Next to PayPal, Skrill is another extremely popular e-wallet payment system that can be used both ways – for depositing and withdrawals (unlike the phone payment methods). Skrill has been on the market since 2001 and you’ll find it extremely difficult to come across an online casino that does not offer this option. It works pretty much the same as PayPal, offering an online storage for your money which can then be used for funding your online casino cashier.
Neteller
Launched only one year after PayPal (in 1999), Neteller has been on the market long enough to witness the expansion of online gambling industry and evolve alongside some of the best online casinos – which is precisely why no new online casino will forget to include it as a payment and withdrawal method. To use it, one will simply need to register an account and select the currency; only a minute later, you will be ready to submit your fist Neteller deposit.
Security and Privacy at New Online Casinos
According to consumer protection laws and the policy employed by online casinos, the personal data requested by the operator is not to be shared for any type of commercial (or other) purposes.
The communication that goes through the operator server is encrypted using the same technology as implemented by the banks and users can rest assured that card numbers or other sensitive information submitted to the casino are being stored in a safe and protected environment.
Conclusion
As you can see, finding an online casino or testing a new one to make sure it meets your needs can be quite excruciating, but only if you don’t know what you’re doing. With just a little bit of guidance, the search for a perfect gambling spot can turn into an adventure, and, just like any fun venture, it must start with a small amount of tedious preparation, which will, in turn, save you a lot of time and money.
Once you master the fine art of choosing an ideal gambling spot, you will be ready to let your hair down and relax – from then on, it’s pretty much a smooth sail…