Independent Casinos
In the world of online gambling, independent casinos have always been a “thing” - but today, more than ever, they’re carving a niche for themselves - and for good reason. Unlike most online casinos, which are linked to large networks or white-label providers, independent casinos operate completely - yes, you guessed it; independently. They often use proprietary software, keep all staff in-house, and some even develop their own games! Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at independent casinos - showing you what to look for when choosing one and what to expect when signing up.
The Definition of Standalone Casinos
Independent casinos, also known as standalone casinos, are online gambling platforms that operate independently, without any affiliations to larger casino networks or sister sites. These casinos are often smaller in scale compared to their networked counterparts, but they often offer a more personalised gaming experience.
By operating independently, these online casinos have total freedom over their offering. Some are able to offer in-house game selections, while others have unique payment methods. Many standalone casinos even offer bonuses and promotions that you won’t find at conventional sites!
Best Independent Casinos
With many new standalone casinos UK launching each month, finding the best ones to play at can be slightly daunting. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered - and below, we’re going to walk you through some key considerations to keep in mind to help you find trusted independent casino platforms.
Instaspin Casino
Bonus: 100% up to £1,000 Welcome Bonus
Free Spins: 100 Free Spins
Wager Requirement: 30x (bonus + deposit)
Minimum Deposit: £20
Instaspin Casino Terms and Conditions: 1st Deposit Bonus Minimum deposit: £20 Wagering requirements: 30x (bonus + deposit) Live table games contribution to Wagering Requirements: 10% Deposit NOT LOCKED Maximum bet: £20 This bonus can be obtained in 30 days after registration New players only Full Terms apply Game weighting and exclusions apply T&C Apply | BeGambleAware #AD 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Rollino Casino
Bonus: 200% up to £3,000 Welcome Bonus
Promotions: High Roller Welcome Bonus
Free Spins: 100 Bonus Spins
Minimum Deposit: £20
Rollino Casino Terms and Conditions: For the first bonus, you need to deposit at least €20. For the next three bonuses, you need to deposit at least €50.The Welcome Bonus Pack includes:Welcome Bonus on First deposit: 200% bonus up to €1,000 + 100 Free Spins on the slot The Dog House (Pragmatic Play); OR Highroller Welcome Bonus on First deposit of €100 or more: 200% up to €3,000 + 100 Free Spins on the slot Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play); 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
MrQ Casino
Bonus: Deposit £20 Get 70 No Wager Free Spins
Promotions: no wager bonus
Free Spins: 70 Bonus Spins
Wager Requirement: None
Games Applicable: Fishin Frenzy Jackpot King
Bonus Code: FISHKING70
Minimum Deposit: £20
MrQ Casino Terms and Conditions: First deposit only. Min deposit & spend £20. Max 70 spins on Fishin Frenzy Jackpot King at 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £20. 18+ Full T&Cs apply. 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Fruity King Casino
Bonus: Deposit £10 Get 10 No Wager Free Spins
Promotions: no wager bonus
Free Spins: 10 Bonus Spins
Wager Requirement: None
Games Applicable: Reactoonz Slot
Bonus Code: FREEDEPOSIT
Minimum Deposit: £10
Fruity King Casino Terms and Conditions: New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus / no wager for the free spins. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. The maximum conversion amount on Free Spins £/€/$20. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits Full Terms Apply. 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Casushi Casino
Bonus: Deposit £10 and Get 20 No Wager Bonus Spins
Promotions: No Wager Bonus
Games Applicable: Big Bass Splash
Minimum Deposit: £10
Casushi Casino Terms and Conditions: 18+. Only available to new players. Minimum £10 first deposit required. 20 Bonus Spins on Big Bass Splash. No Wagering Requirements. Winnings credited directly to cash balance. Neteller and Skrill deposits excluded. Expiry: bonus spins expire 2 days after deposit. Further terms apply. 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Jackpot.com
Bonus: Deposit £15 & Get 50 No Wager Free Spins
Promotions: no wager bonus,cashback bonus
Free Spins: 50 Bonus Spins
Wager Requirement: None
Games Applicable: Bigger Bass Bonanza Slot
Minimum Deposit: £15
Jackpot.com Terms and Conditions: This one-time offer is only available here for new UK customers of Jackpot.com. To participate a minimum £15 bet is required. Any terms not specified in these Special Promotional Terms, the Promotional Terms shall apply and will be subject to Jackpot.com Terms and Conditions. 18+ T&C's | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Rolletto Casino
Bonus: Welcome Bonus Package to to £6,000
Promotions: welcome bonus,cashback bonus
Free Spins: 30 Bonus Spins
Bonus Code: discord30
Minimum Deposit: £20
Rolletto Casino Terms and Conditions: The minimum deposit eligible for the Bonus is 20 £/$. Casino Bonus applies for the Slot games. Bonus will be credited to your account immediately after your first deposit. Then you should activate the bonus manually. (You should activate the bonus first and then play casino, otherwise, you will not get the bonus). You can only benefit from this bonus once and only on your first deposit. This Bonus cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Casino Bonus and Deposit are subject to wagering requirements of thirty (30) times deposit plus bonus amount. 18+ | BeGambleAware® #AD.
Bonuses & Promotions
When choosing an independent casino, bonuses and promotions are one of the first things you’ll want to consider. Bonuses, when used correctly, can significantly enhance your gaming experience - giving you extra cash to play with.
One of the most appealing offers to look out for is the no-wagering bonus. Unlike traditional bonuses, which often require you to bet your winnings multiple times before you can withdraw them, no-wagering bonuses let you keep what you win straight away. This means you don’t need to worry about wagering requirements; anything you win can be withdrawn as cash, immediately.
Another type of bonus to look for is the welcome bonus. These are offered to new players, and often match your initial deposit (or deposits) by up to 100%! In addition to welcome bonuses, also consider playing at online casinos that offer free spins, cashback offers, and VIP schemes.
Licensing and Security
The licensing and security of an independent casino are also crucial factors to consider. A reputable casino should hold a licence from a recognised authority - and if you’re playing from the UK, the casino must hold a valid gaming licence from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
A gaming licence ensures the casino operates under strict regulations, offering fair play responsible gambling and player protection tools. Licensing information is typically found at the bottom of the casino’s homepage or within the 'About Us' section.
Security is equally important. Ensure the casino uses SSL encryption to safeguard your personal and financial information. You can quickly and easily see whether independent casinos use SSL technology by looking at the URL bar in your Internet browser. If you see a padlock icon, you’re good to go.
Another thing you may want to consider is checking casino reviews from other players. Forums, social media, and review sites can provide valuable insights into a casino's reputation. Look at what other players are saying about payout speeds, customer support facilities, and general usability.
Design and Usability
The design and usability of an independent casino can greatly affect your overall experience. A well-designed site with intuitive navigation helps you find your favourite games easily and enjoy a hassle-free gaming session. Look for casinos with a clean, responsive design that works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
A good game library is essential, but it’s equally important that the games load quickly and run smoothly. Thankfully, most standalone casinos allow you to try most games in demo mode - and this allows you to test them out without committing any of your own money.
Customer support is another factor you’ll want to consider. Before registering at a casino, ensure it offers multiple contact options, such as live chat, email, and phone support, and that its support team is accessible and helpful. You may also want to check that they offer an FAQ section, although this isn’t, in our opinion, a deal breaker.
Ultimately, the best independent casinos combine a user-friendly design with robust functionality, creating an enjoyable and efficient gaming environment. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure you find a site that suits your needs.
Banking Options
Another factor to consider when choosing trusted independent casino platforms is the banking options and payment methods. Of course, if you can’t make deposits and withdrawals in a way that suits you, there’s little point in joining a casino - so always check that your preferred payment methods are available.
Popular choices include VISA and MasterCard debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Some casinos even accept cryptocurrencies, although this is still relatively rare in the UK market due to compliance issues.
The speed of transactions is also important. Deposits should be instant, allowing you to start playing right away. Withdrawals should be processed quickly - and this is where you’ll want to research a casino’s withdrawal time frames. Try to look for independent casinos that process withdrawals within 24 hours, as this will ensure you’re able to receive your funds as quickly as possible.
Tip: We always recommend completing account verification fully before playing at an online casino. This will ensure your withdrawals aren’t subject to unnecessary delays.
Unique Features
Independent casinos often stand out by offering unique features that enhance the gaming experience. One of the most attractive features is exclusive games. Many independent casinos create or commission unique titles that you won’t find elsewhere, and this is great, especially if you’re a player who’s bored with many conventional titles being released.
Loyalty programmes and VIP clubs are also worth noting. These programmes reward regular players with points, bonuses, and exclusive perks, making your gaming experience more rewarding. Some independent casinos also offer social features like player communities, leaderboards, and tournaments, too, which can be nice additions.
Some independent casinos also offer additional online gambling products like poker or bingo rooms. While these are usually found at the larger, networked casinos, they can still be found at standalone casinos - and they’re usually built to a pretty high quality when they are.
Game Selection
The game selection is perhaps the most important factor for many players - and this is because these are the actual games that you’ll be playing! A diverse and extensive game library ensures you'll find something to suit your tastes, whether you prefer slots, table games, or live dealer experiences.
While many standalone casinos offer independent titles, you may also want to enjoy games from well-known software providers. If that’s the case, look for casinos that partner with well-known software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech, as this usually indicates a high-quality game selection.
Slot enthusiasts should seek out casinos with a wide variety of themes, features, and jackpots. Progressive slots with large jackpots can add extra excitement to your gaming sessions. For those who enjoy table games, ensure the casino offers a good range of options, including various versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Live dealer games are another essential aspect of a top-notch game selection. These games offer a realistic casino experience with real dealers and interactive features. Check if the casino has live versions of popular table games and unique live game shows.
Finally, consider the availability of speciality games like bingo, keno, and scratch cards for a varied gaming experience. By choosing an independent casino with a robust and diverse game selection, you can enjoy endless entertainment and find games that keep you engaged and entertained!
Pros and Cons of Independent Casinos
Independent casinos offer a unique gaming experience thanks to their freedom to innovate and provide tailored experiences. This freedom allows them to create more personalised customer service experiences and offer flexible bonuses, including highly sought-after no-wagering bonuses.
However, independent casinos can sometimes have a more limited game selection compared to larger networked casinos. This limitation may impact the variety of gaming options available to players. Additionally, independent casinos might not have the same level of brand recognition as larger networks, which can affect player trust and confidence.
Independent Casinos Vs Casino Sister Sites
When comparing independent casinos to casino sister sites, there are several notable differences. Independent casinos are typically developed around unique branding - and while many casino sister sites look unique from their partner casinos - the reality is that they’re usually just re-skins. The actual website functionality remains the same - there are just a few minor branding differences.
Independent casinos usually run on a proprietary platform, meaning it’s not shared between multiple sites. This means that, often, more time goes into making everything look good.
On the other hand, casino sister sites benefit from shared resources. These sites are part of a larger network operated by the same parent company, allowing them to pool resources, share gaming licences, and offer a wider variety of games and promotions. This can translate into a more robust overall gaming experience for players.
However, the downside of casino sister sites is that they may lack the unique identity and personality of independent casinos. Players often find that the gaming experience feels similar across multiple sister sites, with just those minor design differences we mentioned earlier.
Ultimately, the choice between independent casinos and casino sister sites comes down to player preferences. Some players may value the unique branding and personalised experience of independent casinos, while others may prefer the broader game selection and shared promotions offered by sister sites.
Casino Games at Independent Casinos
Independent casinos pride themselves on offering a diverse array of games that cater to all types of players. Here’s a closer look at the types of games you can find:
- Slots: From classic 3-reel slots to the latest video slots with cutting-edge graphics and features, the slot selection at independent casinos is vast and varied. Some standalone casinos even produce their own slots!
- Table Games: At most independent casinos, all classic table games are available, often with multiple variants to keep things interesting. This includes different versions of blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat.
- Live Casino Games: If an independent casino partners with a provider of live dealer games like Evolution (previously Evolution Gaming), you can expect to find a superb variety of titles - including table games and game shows!
- Jackpot Games: Progressive jackpot slots that offer the chance to win huge amounts of money - from small stakes. Some independent casinos have even developed their own jackpot games!
- Speciality Games: Independent casinos often offer a variety of speciality games, such as bingo, keno, and scratch cards, for those looking for something different.
Independent Casinos - FAQs
Our team put together this guide on Independent Casinos because we believe that the future is with casinos that stand out from the crowd. We hope we have helped you identify what an independent "standalone casino" is and also helped you find a new site to play at from our top list of the best 20 independent casinos in the UK above. For more reading, check out our FAQS section below to uncover even more to help you understand all there is to know about standalone and independent casinos.
Are Independent Casinos Safe To Play At?
Yes, as long as they are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities - the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) in the UK, for example. Always check for licensing information before signing up; this information can be found in a casino’s footer section.
What Are No Wagering Bonuses & Do Standalone Casinos Offer Them?
No wagering bonuses are bonuses that do not require you to wager your winnings before you can withdraw. Wager-free bonuses are fantastic, and, usually, have very few downsides. Most independent casinos offer a wide variety of bonuses and promotions, including wager-free bonuses, free spins, welcome bonuses, and more!
Do Independent Casinos Offer Mobile Gaming?
Yes, most independent casinos have mobile-optimised websites or dedicated apps that allow you to enjoy your favourite games on the go.
Can I Find The Same Games At Independent Casinos As At Larger Networked Casinos?
While independent casinos may not have the same extensive game libraries as larger networks, they often feature a wide variety of games from leading software providers and sometimes even exclusive titles.
What's The Biggest Perk of Playing at Independent Casinos?
Without a doubt, the biggest draw and perk of choosing to play at independent casinos is that the gaming experience will be totally unique because no other online casinos exist like it! Independent casinos offer a one-of-a-kind design and game selection and often are able to offer more robust and unique casino bonuses, including low wager and no-aging slots bonuses.