The UK’s leading real money casinos 2024

The recent trend in real money casino games is on the rise. Players up and down the country love playing games and winning real cash. And with casinos and software developers bringing out bigger and better games all the time, the popularity of online casinos look set to continue.

So, if you love winning real money, then read on! We’re going to guide you through which games you can play and the best sites to play on. As well as the pros and cons of playing with real money.

Our team of expert reviewers love nothing more than putting real money casinos through their paces. And they follow a strict criteria when vetting these sites. So that you can get the very best from the UK’s top casinos and their games.

Here, we’ve listed our reviewers’ favourite sites. And each one has a great selection of real money titles. As well as great player bonuses and other benefits.

The pros of playing casino for real money

We all love the idea that you can make money gambling online. But, as with everything in life, there are upsides and downsides to playing games that use real money.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of real money gambling. Starting with the pros:

Makes the games more exciting

One of the main reasons that people love real money casino games is that they’re exciting. The thrill of winning real money is equal to the threat of potentially losing money. And it’s these exciting elements that make real money games more thrilling than others. For example, you can play slot games for free at a lot of sites. But winning giant stashes of coins isn’t as much fun if you can convert them into anything you can actually spend.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that people experience a rush when they win actual money. As it could equal enough to buy something wonderful for either yourself or your loved ones. Like a holiday or new car. And who wouldn’t love that?

Get access to all the games at the casino

All modern casinos have a great selection of games. Most of which you can play for free as well. Like when you select the demo version of a slots game. But, while it’s perfectly possible to play for free at a real money online casino, you won’t have access to every game unless you’re willing to spend a little.

For instance, most casinos will offer a free poker game. But, in order to access all the different variations of poker on offer, you will probably be asked to sign up and make a deposit with the casino first. Furthermore, by having access to every single title in the casino’s catalogue, you’ll also be able to access any upcoming tournaments and competitions. Which you definitely can’t do as a free player.

Get bonuses and promotions

Another great benefit of signing up to an online casino is the chance to collect all sorts of bonuses and promos. Casinos all over the UK want your business. And they’re prepared to offer tons of great deals in order for you to play with them.

These can include one or more of the following:

  • No deposit bonus: get free cash to play with, without making a deposit
  • Free spins: pick up bonus spins to use on fun slot games
  • Match deposit bonus: have the casino match your deposit by 100% or 200%

Aside from these sign-up offers, there are also plenty of bonuses extended to regular customers. Casinos like to reward their customers for returning to them. So you can pick up things like extra free spins and deposit bonuses if you return to the same site more than once.

Chance of winning big

Finally, probably the biggest upside to playing online casino games that pay out real money is the chance to win a life-changing prize! Some games offer up jackpots of up to and over a million pounds. So, for a handful of people, they have been turned into millionaires overnight.

However, for most of us, the prizes won tend to be a little more modest. That being said, you can still walk away with large sums that can buy holidays, clothes and countless other treats. And it’s this tantalising prospect that keeps us coming back to real money games time and time again. After all, whoever bought a new car by winning Scrabble?!

The cons of real money games

So, we’ve taken a good look and why people love real money casinos. And the reason why they play. Now it’s time to take a look at the downsides of these games. And consider why real money games might not be for everyone.

Can be addictive

As you probably already know, playing for real money can be highly addictive. And for some people, it can lead to problems like overspending. Which can land people in debt over time. Plus, while there are lots of platforms and organisations in the UK which offer help to people with problematic gambling habits, some gamblers still find themselves in situations where they are playing too much. And this can lead to mental health and other problems.

Therefore, when you play for real money, it’s important to know your limits. Setting a budget is a good way to keep track of your spending. As is taking regular breaks, which can help you not play for too long at one time. If you gamble too much, you can self-exclude through Gamstop, to block access to all UK licensed casino sites. 

Keep in mind however, that this exclusion does not apply to casino sites that are not on Gamstop

You can potentially lose money

Of course, if you can win money on casino games, then you can lose it too. And, while this is obvious to most people, it’s easy to get swept up ‘chasing a win’. And this can lead quickly to overspending.

Therefore, you should only ever play real money games with cash that you can afford to lose. Never play with your rent money. Or any money that’s been allocated for something important. Losing money can happen very quickly. So it’s super important that you set limits to what you can spend. So that your losses are manageable.

The odds are always in favour of the house

It’s pretty common knowledge that the odds at gambling sites, and land-based casinos, are against you. However, that’s not to say that you can’t win. But these sites have all put in place a slight ‘edge’ on each game. And this means that they have a slightly better chance of winning than you.

For example, there are 37 slots on a standard roulette wheel. 18 of these slots are red, 18 are black. Then there’s a green slot: the 0. The addition of this extra slot gives the house an edge. Otherwise, there would be a 50/50 chance of you choosing either red or black correctly. And this edge is present in all casino games, in some form or another. Therefore, you are always at a slight disadvantage when gambling against a casino. 

So, now you know all about the pros and cons of playing for cash. But, what are the most popular games that players love at online casinos? While it comes down to personal taste in the end, there are definitely some titles which people are drawn to more than others.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some favourite casino offerings, where you can win real money instantly.

Slots for real money

The popularity of online slot games is sky-rocketing. And with software developers bringing new games to market each month, there’s something for everyone with real money slot machines.

Take a trip to Ancient Greece. Or join a gang and go on a bank heist. There are even slots where you can play with kittens! With thousands of slot games available in the UK, there really isn’t any end to the amount of fun you can have at an online casino with real money slots. Not to mention, because slots are luck-based, it means that anyone can win on them! And of all the casino games out there, slots offer some of the biggest jackpots around. It’s no wonder players love them.

Roulette for real money

A staple of land-based casinos, roulette is beloved by players in all corners of the globe. And now, using some of the most cutting-edge technology available, online sites are able to bring all the glitz and glamour of roulette to the online world.

With its sparkling wheel and dynamic gameplay, online casinos for real money offer many variations of this classic game. Plus, with the addition of live roulette, you can now play with a real croupier on a real roulette wheel. All from the comfort of your own home!

Blackjack for real money

Another classic real money casino game. Blackjack still continues to appear in countless films and TV series. With people hypnotised by the turning of the cards, and phrases like ‘stick’ and ‘hit me’ becoming synonymous with casino imagery.

Try to get as close to 21 as possible, without going over. It’s simple yet nail-biting! And people continue to enjoy the many variations on the classic game at online casinos. Incidentally, blackjack also has the highest RTP (return to player) percentage of any casino game out there. So your chances of at least breaking even are better than with other real money titles.

Online baccarat for real money

Finally, we come to baccarat. You’ve probably seen this game in the movies or on TV. With its lush green table and strange betting paddles. Baccarat is another firm favourite in brick-and-mortar establishments. And nowadays, online players can enjoy all the fun of this game from home.

Contrary to popular belief, baccarat is easy to play. You just have to get your head around the basic rules first. And then, after that, you’ll be flying! Plus, with live casinos offering lots of different types of baccarat, there’s no end to the possibilities with this fun and immersive casino favourite.

There are plenty of games out there for winning money online. You don’t have to play classic casino games, like blackjack and roulette, if they’re not your cup of tea. There are tons of other exciting real money offerings from sites in the UK.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of these great alternatives to casino games. 

Sports betting

Probably the country’s other favourite way to play and win real money, sports betting is popular with people all over the UK. Plus, with matches and sports events starting all over the world at different times of day, there’s always something to put a cheeky wager on.

Also, as a new punter, you can pick up lots of great bonuses when you sign up to an online bookies. Just like with casinos! You could snap up bonus cash to bet with, enhanced odds, free bets and even free spins, to use on slot machines. Finally, with live streaming and in-play betting, UK bookmakers offer their clients the best betting experience on the market.

Poker

While you might expect to only see poker at a casino online with real money, there are lots of other places where you can play this game. Dedicated poker sites offer an amazing selection of games. And attract players from all over the world. Plus, due to its popularity, poker tournaments can offer some mouth-watering top prizes. And some are even televised and shown all over the planet!

Probably the best part of poker is that you aren’t going up against a dealer or croupier. Instead, you have to outwit your opponents, using your brain to always think ahead. It’s this skill-based element that makes poker so fun to play. And, if you’re good, there’s no reason you can’t walk away from a poker game with a win.

Bingo

Bingo is one of the UK’s most popular games. And in recent years, online bingo sites have helped disperse the myth that bingo is only for old ladies down the bingo hall! Online bingo is fun, sociable and offers some incredible cash prizes.

Plus, as with online casinos and bookies, as a new player at a bingo site, you can take advantage of tons of juicy bonus offers. These can include free bingo tickets. So that you can play free real money games without spending a penny! Plus, with great side games in dedicated chat rooms, you can make friends and win prizes for each other.

Mobile casinos with real money

In today’s world of convenience, most people have a smartphone or tablet. And for the last few years online casinos and other real money game sites have worked hard to bring all the fun and thrills of playing online to your mobile phone.

Gone are the days of squinting your eyes to see a whole website squeezed onto your phone’s screen. These days, sites have fully optimised their software to work on mobiles and tablets just as well as on a PC or laptop.

Additionally, with a real money mobile casinos app, you can access your favourite games at the touch of a button. And enjoy seamless gameplay and amazing graphics in the palm of your hand.

But, which is better? Accessing a casino through your browser? Or a dedicated casino app? Let’s take a look at both, and discuss which one is right for you.

Mobile apps

You probably already have a ton of apps on your phone for various things. And with mobile casinos with real money app, you can play games any time, any place. The great thing about apps is that, once downloaded, you can skip all the sign-in and password steps that you have to go through on a browser.

That being said, the downside to having an app is that they take up a lot of memory on your device. And can drain your phone’s battery more quickly than if you just use the internet. So, while super convenient, they might not be great if you’re trying to conserve battery life and storage on your phone or tablet.

Browser based casinos

Not as fast as opening an app, using your phone’s browser to access your favourite casino isn’t exactly slow. You can get your phone to remember your login details. So that you don’t have to input them every time. And using your browser won’t take up any of your phone’s internal memory or storage.

However, by using your browser, you might miss out on some special features offered on apps. Like notifications for bonuses and other deals.

Real money bonuses at casinos

As we’ve seen, at all real money sites there’s the chance to pick up some incredible bonuses. And at a real money casino, these bonuses can be the key to a fantastic big win. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular offers around.

Free spins on slots

Slot machines are by far the most popular offering at an online casino. With thousands of different themes, there’s a slot title to suit all tastes. And remember, anyone can win on slots! So your chances of scooping the top prize are just as good as anyone else’s.

So, it makes sense that free spins are a super popular bonus offer. With a no deposit bonus, you can pick up a few free spins. Which is a great way to try out new games for free. Or, if you’re willing to make a small deposit, then you could snatch up to 100 free spins on some sites. Just remember to always read the T&Cs attached to your bonus. And keep an eye out for any slot titles that may be excluded from the offer.

Bonuses with no deposit required

No deposit bonuses are a huge favourite with casino lovers. As you can play for real money without spending a penny of your own! But, while it’s true that no deposit games win real cash, don’t be disheartened to find that you only pick up between £10 and £20 to play with. This is because you’re essentially getting this money for free. So the casino will only give you so much.

Therefore, no deposit bonuses are great for trying a few games at a casino, to see if you like the site. But, your bonus won’t last very long. So, if you want lots of extra cash to play with, you’re better off looking at deposit bonuses instead. 

Bonuses with deposit

Deposit bonuses are far more generous than no deposit bonuses. Simply because you are taking on some financial risk. So the casino will reward you more. One of the most common types of deposit bonus is the ‘match deposit’ bonus. This is when the casino will match your deposit amount by a percentage (the average is 100% or 200%). So, with this deal, the more money you deposit, the more bonus cash you get.

For example, with a match deposit bonus of 200%, you can turn your £100 deposit into £300 to play with! But, as always, make sure to read the T&Cs, before signing up to play for real money with a bonus.

Reload bonuses

Not all bonuses are for new players only. As a loyal customer returning to the same site, you can look forward to a reload bonus. These bonuses are exactly what they sound like; you will get a reward for making another deposit. Or, ‘reloading’! These deals are extended to existing customers, as a thank-you from the casino for your continued custom. And they are usually the same as a deposit bonus.

To see if you’re eligible for a reload bonus, either sign up for the casino’s newsletter. Or go to the ‘promotions’ page of the casino’s site directly. This will have all the info about who can pick up their reload bonus and how.

Bonuses for specific deposit methods

Another way that casino’s reward their customers is by giving out bonuses when you use a specific payment method. For example, a site might offer you some extra slot spins if you make a deposit using your mobile phone.

This is a way for payment platforms to promote their services. And you may discover a new way to pay into the casino that you haven’t used before. So, if you see that you can get some free spins if you pay with your phone, this is great for the payment provider. And great for you!

Wagering requirements

If you’ve never heard of wagering requirements, they’re part of the T&Cs that you find attached to casino bonuses. A necessary evil, wagering refers to the amount of times you have to play through a game before you can convert your winnings into real cash. These requirements are marked with a number and a small ‘x’.

For example, if you see an offer with ‘x20’ next to it, then this means you have to play your bonus cash 20 times over, before you can cash out. This might not be a big deal for some. But, for a lot of people, wagering requirements sour their casino experience. And they never manage to convert their winnings into cash.

That’s why, here at Hityah.com, we recommend avoiding offers with heavy wagering requirements attached. As some offers have unrealistic wagering that make it impossible to walk away with any real money.

In fact, some sites recognise that players are getting fed up of wagering. And now there are no wagering casinos on the market. To find a no wagering casino site, check our lists of trusted and reviewed casinos.

Real money deposits

If you like playing real money games, at some point you’ll have to think about making a deposit with the casino site. Even gambling sites with free money will only offer the odd no deposit or free spin bonus. And then, if you want to continue to play, you will have to pay into the casino.

But, if you think that you have to spend a fortune, don’t worry! As little as £10 or £20 could see you pick up a nice deposit bonus. And then you’ll have plenty to play with.

Plus, casinos make it super easy to deposit with them. Years ago, you would have to do a bank transfer and wait up to 5 working days for it to be processed. Luckily, nowadays, there are tons of inexpensive and lightning-fast ways to pay.

A great casino will offer a good selection of the following ways to deposit:

  • Debit card
  • E-wallet
  • Paysafecard
  • Pay by mobile

Each of these options are fast, secure and easy to use. And having a selection is great, as you can choose the right platform for you at any given time. Perhaps one week your debit card will be the best method. And another week, you might like to pay with your mobile. The choice is yours!

Real money withdrawals

Obviously, we hope that you don’t only make deposits with casino sites. We want you to win, too! And that means having access to great withdrawal methods. With a lot of payment options, you can simply send your winnings back the other way. For example, you can pay into a casino using your debit card. And withdraw your winnings back to your debit card as well.

However, with some payment platforms, like pay-by-mobile, you can’t send winnings to your phone balance (and would you want to anyway?) So you will also need to set up an account where you can send your winnings to. This is a simple process. But, if you’re in any doubt, you can check which withdrawal methods are available by visiting your casino account.

FAQ

Still have questions about real money sites? Then take a look at some of our FAQs:

Where can I find the best online casino for real money?

Right here, of course! At Hityah.com, our experts review hundreds of UK casinos. Before bringing you the very best on the market. We’ll tell you which casinos have the widest selection of games. As well as which ones offer the best bonuses. Therefore, always check our lists of trusted and reviewed sites, to find your next great online casino.

Yes! If you are a UK resident, then it’s perfectly legal for you to gamble in the UK. All real money sites that operate in the country are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). So, not only are they perfectly legal, they’re also completely safe.

Where can I play slots for real money?

You can find plenty of online slots with real money at one of our listed casino sites. We love slot games. And our experts check each casino they review for the best selection of slot titles around. A great casino will offer players a huge catalogue of slots, from some of the best software developers on the planet. So, always check with us to find your next great slots adventure!

Is gambling a good way to win money online?

Gambling is fun, and can lead to some fantastic wins! But, you must remember that you can also lose money when you gamble online. We also recommend setting yourself a budget. So that you don’t overspend. And we remind you that you should never play with money that you can’t afford to lose. So, while you can win a lot of money gambling online, you can also lose a great deal too.

What are the best real cash payout games?

Most casino games offer good returns to players. But some of the biggest prizes around are the jackpots on slot games. In recent years, progressive jackpot titles have taken the world by storm. With games like Mega Fortune offering a top prize of well over £1 million. Plus, even if a game is not a progressive title, most slots offer a very tempting jackpot.

Which sites have the best casino bonuses?

Casino bonuses differ from site to site. Plus, they change frequently. So there aren’t one or two specific places to get the best bonuses. But, if you want to find the best offers on the market now, then check our lists of trusted and reviewed sites. The casinos we list consistently give away great bonuses. So check with us before you sign up anywhere else!

Can I win real money at casinos?

Absolutely! All real money sites and casinos are licensed and regulated by the UKGC. Meaning that they are safe and fair. So, you can win real money on sites that offer cash prizes. Just remember, if you pick up a casino bonus, to read and understand the T&Cs attached. As these will affect your winnings and how you can cash out. Or, if you don’t use a bonus, all winnings are yours, fair and square!

Is it safe to play casino games for real money?

Yes! In the UK, all casinos have to be licensed. This means that they are regulated by the UKGC. And part of the UKGC’s responsibilities is making casinos safe for players. Casinos themselves also offer great customer service. So, if you ever have a problem or query, it can often be resolved quickly by contacting the casino directly.