How games on online casinos in the UK work

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Online casinos in the UK host a variety of games, each offering unique mechanics and playstyles. 

With this in mind, we have gathered some of the most popular games—online Slots, Roulette, and Blackjack—to bring you an overview of how they work and what you can expect when you play.

Online Slots

Online Slots are among the most straightforward and accessible games. They consist of virtual reels and rows, with symbols arranged in a grid. The objective is to match symbols along specific paylines.

How to play:

  1. Set your preferences: Choose your coin size and, in some cases, the number of active paylines.
  2. Spin the reels: Press the spin button to start the reels.
  3. Check the results: Wins occur when matching symbols land on active paylines, as defined in the game’s paytable.

Special features:

  • Wild symbols: Replace other symbols to help form matching combinations.
  • Scatter symbols: Trigger bonus rounds or free spins, often regardless of their position.
  • Bonus rounds: Mini-games within the slot that could provide additional chances to win.

Online Slots display their RTP (Return to Player) percentage, indicating the average return to players over time. They also vary in volatility, with high-volatility games offering larger, less frequent payouts and low-volatility games delivering smaller, more frequent wins.

Roulette

Roulette is a table game based on predicting where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. The wheel contains numbered slots, alternating between red and black, and one or two green pockets for zero(s).

How to play:

  1. Place your bet: Select from a variety of betting options, such as:
    • A single number (straight-up bet).
    • A range of numbers (e.g., one to 12).
    • A colour (red or black).
    • Odd or even numbers.
  2. Spin the wheel: Once bets are placed, the wheel spins, and a ball is released in the opposite direction.
  3. Outcome: When the ball lands in a numbered slot, winning bets are paid based on the odds of the bet.

Roulette has several variations, including:

  • European Roulette: A single zero slot, offering better odds than other versions.
  • American Roulette: Includes an additional double zero slot.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game where the aim is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding it. The game uses standard decks of cards, and each card has a point value.

How to play:

  1. Place your bet: Decide how much you want to wager.
  2. Initial deal: Both the you and the dealer receive two cards. The dealer reveals one card, keeping the other face down.
  3. Player’s turn: You can:
    • Hit: Take another card to increase your total.
    • Stand: Keep your current hand.
    • Double down: Double your bet and receive one additional card (in specific scenarios).
    • Split: If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands.
  4. Dealer’s turn: The dealer must draw cards until their total reaches at least 17.
  5. Outcome:
    • If your total exceeds 21, you lose.
    • If your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win.
    • If the dealer’s total exceeds 21, you win.

Responsible play

All UK-regulated online casino games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and compliance with licensing requirements. Responsible play tools, such as deposit limits and session reminders, are also available to help you manage your time and spending effectively.