Step 1: choose a casino

Pick one casino, not five. Here is how.

Key takeaways

  • Licence first.
  • Decide what you will play.
  • Compare on that.
  • Start with one.
  1. Choose
  2. Sign up
  3. Deposit
  4. Offer
  5. Play
  6. Withdraw

Quick answerChoose a casino licensed by the Gambling Commission that is strong in the game you want to play, with a welcome offer simple enough to understand in a minute.

First, the licence

Scroll to the bottom of the casino's site. You should see the name of the operating company and a Gambling Commission account number. Search that number on the Commission's public register and check the website address is listed. It takes two minutes and it is the one check that matters more than all the others: a licence means capped bonus terms, tested games, limits you can set and somewhere to complain.

Then, what you want to play

If you want to playLook forOf our five
SlotsA big libraryCasumo: 3,500 games or more reported
Live tablesSeveral live studiosCoral: three reported
A bit of everythingNo weak categoryCoral
The simplest startAn offer with no conditionsPlayOJO

Five licensed casinos

CasinoGood forWelcome offerMinimum deposit
PlayOJOA simple first offer80 free spins, no wagering£10
CoralAll-round playBet £10 on slots, get 100 free spins£5 (£10 for the welcome offer)
LadbrokesDaily playersPlay £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins£5 by debit card (£10 for the welcome offer)
CasumoSlots50% bonus up to £100£10 (£20 for the welcome offer)
10betSport and casino together100% bonus up to £25£10

Why only one

Opening several accounts at once means several sets of terms and several deposit limits to keep track of. Start with one casino, learn how it works, and add another later if you want to.

Ad 18+ only. We may earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure

PlayOJO logo

PlayOJO 4.2 out of 5

80 free spins, no wagering

No wageringFree spins

Claim at PlayOJO (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
See offer terms
Worked value
80 spins at £0.10 (£8 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the PlayOJO review Licence: Skill On Net Limited, UKGC account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Coral Casino logo

Coral Casino 4.3 out of 5

Bet £10 on slots, get 100 free spins

No wageringFree spins

Claim at Coral (advert, opens in a new tab)18+. New customers. T&Cs apply.
Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
48 hours to accept, then 7 days
Worked value
100 spins at £0.10 (£10 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Coral review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

Ladbrokes Casino logo

Ladbrokes Casino 4.2 out of 5

Play £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins

No wageringFree spins

Wagering
None
Minimum
£10
Time limit
Claim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked value
Up to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)

Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Read the Ladbrokes review Licence: LC International Limited, UKGC account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.

If you cannot decide

Pick the one whose welcome offer you understand completely after one read. For most people that is PlayOJO's or Coral's. You can always open a second account later; you cannot undo a first deposit made in a hurry.

Guides for this step

Keep reading: How to play roulette, How to play craps and Getting started at Coral Casino.

Keep handy: the one-page cheat sheet and the ready-to-play checklist.

Offer terms were read from each casino's published conditions and dated 5 October 2026. Game rules and house edges are standard published figures. Casino details other than offers come from independent reviews; we have not opened real-money accounts. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose my first online casino?

Check the licence, decide what you want to play and pick one.

How do I check a casino is licensed?

Search its account number on the Gambling Commission's public register.

Which casino is easiest for a beginner?

PlayOJO's welcome offer has the fewest conditions.

Should I join more than one?

Start with one.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.

Gambling can be addictive. Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Visit BeGambleAware.org and GamCare, or block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites with GAMSTOP.

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