About Us

Online Casinos is an independent comparison resource dedicated to helping UK players make informed decisions about casinos that operate outside the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. This page explains who runs this site, how we research and rank the casinos we cover, and what standards we hold ourselves to.

Who We Are

We are a team of online gambling researchers and writers based in the UK. Our focus is narrow by design: we cover casinos not on GamStop, because that is where many players have genuine questions and very little reliable guidance. We do not operate any casino, process any payments, or hold any gambling licence. We are a publishing operation — we read the terms, test the navigation, check the licensing documentation and report what we find.

None of our editorial positions are for sale. Casinos may appear in our ranked lists only after passing our review process. Where we earn commission from a referral, that is disclosed on the relevant page, and it has no bearing on where a brand appears in our rankings. Position is determined by our editorial scoring, not by commercial arrangements.

What We Cover and Why

GamStop is a free UK self-exclusion service that allows players to restrict their access to UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Casinos not on GamStop are typically licensed in other jurisdictions — most commonly Curaçao — and are not enrolled in that scheme. They are a legal option for UK adults, and a growing number of players actively seek them out.

Our site exists because the information landscape around these casinos is often poor: inflated bonus claims, missing terms, and sites that recommend anything that pays commission. We try to be something different — specific, honest, and genuinely useful to someone deciding where to play.

For a full ranked list of the sites we currently recommend, visit our best casinos not on GamStop page, which is updated regularly as new brands launch and existing ones change their terms.

How We Research and Rate Casinos

Every casino we cover is reviewed against the same set of criteria. Here is what each assessment covers:

1. Licensing and ownership — We verify which jurisdiction issued the operating licence and who holds it. A Curaçao licence is the most common for non GamStop casinos; we check that it is current and that the listed operator matches the casino brand.
2. Bonus terms — We read the full terms attached to every welcome offer we mention: wagering requirements, game restrictions, maximum bet rules, time limits and withdrawal caps. A headline number means nothing without the conditions beside it.
3. Game library — We look at the range of slots, table games and live dealer rooms on offer, and which software studios supply them. Catalogue breadth matters, but so does quality and whether the games load reliably.
4. Payment methods — We check which deposit and withdrawal options are available to UK players, what the minimum and maximum transaction limits are, and what processing times are quoted. We pay attention to whether methods that are common in the UK — including debit cards, e-wallets and pay-by-phone options — are supported.
5. Customer support — We assess the channels available (live chat, email, phone), the hours of operation, and the quality of responses based on our research.
6. Responsible gambling tools — Even outside GamStop, reputable casinos offer deposit limits, session timers, cool-off periods and self-exclusion options. We note what is available and where to find it.

Our editorial ratings run from 1 to 10 and reflect all of the above, weighted by how much each factor matters to the typical player arriving at this site. Commission does not buy a higher score.

The Casinos We Currently Recommend

Below is a brief profile of the three highest-rated casinos in our current rankings. For write-ups of all the brands we cover, see our main casino listings page.

Betmica — Rated 9.9

Betmica sits at the top of our rankings and has held that position because it consistently performs well across every criterion we apply. Its welcome package — 570% up to £5,700 plus 270 free spins — is one of the most substantial we have reviewed, though players should read the wagering requirements carefully before opting in, as high-percentage bonuses of this size typically carry meaningful playthrough conditions. What earns Betmica its position is not just the headline offer but the breadth of its game library and the reliability of its payment processing for UK players. The limitation worth noting: the sheer size of the bonus can make it harder to clear, and players who prefer to withdraw quickly may find it easier to decline the bonus altogether.

Smash Casino — Rated 9.9

Smash Casino shares the 9.9 rating and distinguishes itself with a slots-focused welcome package: 600% up to €10,000. That headline figure is aimed squarely at high-volume slots players, and the casino's game library reflects that priority, with a particularly wide selection of reel titles from multiple software providers. It is worth noting that the welcome offer is denominated in euros, so UK players depositing in GBP should check the conversion terms before committing. As with any large-percentage bonus, the wagering requirements attached to this offer deserve close attention — we always recommend reading the full terms on the casino's own site before claiming.

Rivo — Rated 9.8

Rivo earns its 9.8 rating partly on the strength of a genuinely different structure: a 1,000% welcome package up to €10,000 plus 25% cashback. The cashback element is what sets it apart — a percentage of net losses returned to the player provides a cushion that pure deposit-match bonuses do not. That said, cashback terms vary: check the frequency (daily, weekly, or one-time), whether it is credited as cash or bonus funds, and any wagering attached. Rivo is a strong recommendation for players who want both an upfront boost and a degree of loss protection, but it is not the simplest offer to evaluate, which is a minor drawback for players who want straightforward terms.

A Note on Commercial Relationships

This site earns revenue through referral commissions when a reader signs up to a casino via a link on these pages. That is standard practice for comparison sites in this industry and allows us to publish free of charge. What it does not do is determine our rankings or our editorial conclusions. We have declined to list casinos that did not meet our standards regardless of the commercial terms on offer, and we have kept casinos at lower positions even where a higher-paying option existed. If you have questions about how we handle commercial relationships, you can reach us via our contact page.

Responsible Gambling

We are aware that some readers arriving at this site are in a complex relationship with gambling. We do not tell anyone what they should or should not do, but we do think it matters that anyone visiting a casino — GamStop-enrolled or not — understands the tools available to them. Most of the casinos we recommend offer their own deposit limits, session controls and self-exclusion options independent of GamStop.

If you would like more information on the responsible gambling resources available to you, our responsible gambling page sets out the main options clearly. 18+ only. Please gamble within your means.

Get in Touch

If you have found an error in one of our reviews, want to flag a change in a casino's terms, or have a general question, we want to hear from you. Accurate, current information is only possible if readers flag things we have missed. You can reach us at [email protected] or through our contact page. We aim to respond to all messages within 48 hours.