Welcome to bestfromthebets.com, where our goal is to be one of the most trusted casino ratings and review websites in the gaming industry. Created by a team of gambling enthusiasts with over a decade of experience working with and playing at casinos, Casino Rankings aims to rate and review every online casino in the world. Finding top-rated casinos online can be time-consuming and we understand that your time is valuable. So we want to make your decision about where to play casino games online a little easier.
How We Find Top-Rated Online Casinos
A lot of time and research goes into finding the best internet casinos. There are hundreds of online casino sites, but we only want to recommend the best online casinos to our visitors. So we thoroughly vet a number of factors to determine our online casino ratings, thus recommending only the highest-quality casinos. The key criteria that we consider include banking options, bonuses, customer service, game selections, licensing, and security.
Best Casino Game Providers
All of the casinos which we feature and recommend carry games providers by the companies listed below:
Microgaming Software is one of the most popular online casino software manufacturers amongst both players and operators alike
Established in 1994, Microgaming also powered the Net’s first online casino, The Gaming Club, and today powers over 150 online casinos.
Including the multiple award winning 32Red. Microgaming’s Casino Software platform features in excess of 600 games, including classic table games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps as well as newer table games like Pai Gow Poker, Cyberstud Poker (Caribbean Stud Poker), and Poker Ride (Let ‘Em Rid). Plus of course, video poker games are well catered for, with the Microgaming download client.
The casino product offering from Microgaming also features arguably the Net’s most popular video poker games such as Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces, and Deuces Wild.
Microgaming are also responsible for many of the slot games which we feature.
NetEnt or Net Entertainment is a Swedish Casino Software Development House which is based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Established in 1996, NetEnt is now responsible for providing some of the most innovative games in the iGaming Sector. NetEnt has produced over 130 slot machine games, many of which you can play for free.
Listed on the Swedish Stock Exchange, the company has been responsible for some of the most popular slot machine games to be found online. The slot machine games you can find include games like Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, and the Monsters Universe Series of slot games.
Playtech Casino Software powers some of the most respected names in the online gaming industry, with a client list of over 100 online casinos.
Established in 1999, its first casino came online in 2001, and today Playtech also provides poker, bingo, live gaming, and video terminal solutions. Indeed the Live Dealer games provided by Playtech are some of the best in iGaming.
The Playtech Casino Software platform currently features over 500 games. The standard blackjack, roulette, and blackjack table games can be found, in addition to exclusive table games such as Blackjack Switch and Wild Viking.
It also has a wide range of slots, including some of my personal favorites such as the Gladiator Slots, the first licensed theme slot in the Playtech stable.
Playtech is also behind the development of the Marvel-themed slots and other great slot games such as Great Blue, another favorite of mine.
Land-based slot machine manufacturer IGT is responsible for some of the most popular slot games in existence.
Ranging from the Egyptian themed Cleopatra Slots to the 40 payline Wolf Run Slot and it’s several clones. IGT has been in operation since the early 1950s but it is was only when the company went public back in 1981 that they started to become known on a global scale.
IGT was also the first casino software company to introduce a wide-area progressive jackpot system running across many land-based casinos simultaneously. The number of slot games developed by IGT is now in excess of 100.
As well as producing great innovative games, IGT has also stuck close to its core roots. Producing game cabinets and systems for land-based operators.
Like IGT, WMS’s background comes from the land-based casino industry, where WMS has been responsible for providing casinos with numerous games and more recently cutting-edge slot machines.
The first online casino to feature games developed by WMS was the WMS-owned Jackpot Party Casino which since its launch at the end of 2010 has proven to be a big hit with players.
Jackpot Party now of course known as Slots Magic. I have met some of the senior management behind WMS’s online operations and have to thank them for allowing us to showcase several of their games here in free play mode.
Games include the popular Zeus Slot, Bruce Lee, and Wizard of Oz. WMS’s history goes all the way back to 1943 when they devised the mechanism for pinball machines.
They adapted their business in the early 1990s to enter the casino market, which is now the core of their business.
As you can probably imagine, there are a multitude of companies that provide software platforms for the hundreds if not thousands of casinos to be found on the internet. Our very own casino software resource on bestfromthebets.com which we will be revisiting throughout June 2018, is an introductory guide for players.
However, as mentioned, we will be expanding on the casino ratings we currently provide our visitors with, to include many more software companies that power the games behind the online casinos that we play at. On this page, you will find information concerning all the big players in the industry who are responsible for providing the games for the online casinos we recommend on bestfromthebets.com.
Whilst certainly by no means extensive, the number of casino software companies listed on this page is continually growing, as more software companies enter the iGaming Industry. Many of the companies that made their name in land-based environments, now also provide their games at gaming sites, to be used online as well as in the standard bricks and mortar casino establishments, where they made their name.
In addition to our to offering the best casino ratings online, here’s what you’ll find on bestfromthebets.com
Why Choose Casino Rankings
As regular players ourselves at online casinos, the casinos listed throughout the site have to meet our high expectations and criteria.
Such as, do the casinos in question make you jump through a multitude of hoops when you go to cash out any winnings you may have accrued?
In short, for a casino property to be listed on bestfromthebets.com, the casino has to demonstrate that they are player-friendly. This means their player support is excellent, cashouts are processed promptly, and finally, and most importantly, your details are kept secure.
Below you will find an easy to navigate table of all the current casinos which are recommended. The information provided includes the casino bonus on offer for new players opening an account at the property, a link to our dedicated casino review page of each casino, and also the time on average it takes to process a withdrawal.
The above list of casinos reviewed on the site is by no means exhaustive. This is down to my criteria and the fact that I am incredibly selective as to where I play online. There are thousands of online casino properties to choose from. Unfortunately, the vast majority are NOT player-friendly.
The criteria I use to list a casino here on bestfromthebets.com include the type of casino software used. In this offshore jurisdiction, the casino operates from and cash out times for processing winnings.
For the player that likes to receive casino bonuses, I also provide information on new player bonuses available upon signing up to any of the casinos listed above.
I hope you find this page and the reviews within an excellent resource and help when choosing an online casino to sign up for. Have fun and best of luck!
Are Online Casinos Rigged?
So how safe and secure are most real money casinos? An excellent question and one that gets asked by many players who have never played at a real money online casino before.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with greater insight as to how online casinos work and how you can be sure you are playing at a fair, secure, and trustworthy casino.
First off, thankfully, at the end of 2017 ( The time this article was first published ), regulation in the UK is full steam ahead, with the UK Gambling Commission responsible for overseeing online operators. The UKGC issues licenses to all online casinos that want to accept players from within the UK.
Players playing at a UKGC licensed casino can be sure of fairness when playing the games at UKGC licensed casinos and also of security when it comes to casino banking, enabling you to deposit and withdraw funds.
The same can be said for those casinos which are licensed in reputable offshore jurisdictions, many of which also have bestowed on them a UKGC License. For an overview of many of the offshore jurisdictions where casino operators are based, please check our CR’s Licensing Pages.
For reputable operators and more info on them, check out the online casino reviews above. For the casinos we recommend, it is not in their interest to even think about ‘rigging’ their games. Not only will the Licensing Jurisdiction subject them to a massive fine, but they want their players to enjoy their casino experience and keep on returning.
Yes, while the house always has the edge, players do and can win, and an online casino is no different from a land-based casino in this regard.
This question as to whether online casinos are rigged also crops up when it comes to playing live casino games online.
Licensing Jurisdiction in Most Cases Gives Peace of Mind
If you sign up for a real money online casino which operates in a reputable licensing jurisdiction, this gives you the player peace of mind. As you know that the operator is subject to the licensing authorities’ conditions, and the games that they serve, you are audited for fairness.
Any decent online casino will also provide you with, in most cases, on their site, the ‘RTP’ of the games made available. For those who are not aware, RTP stands for Return to Player.
Likewise, as well as checking out where a casino is licensed, also check to see what casino software company or companies providing the games offered by the casino that you play at.
Many online casinos now offer a multitude of games from a variety of operators. Thus providing players with more choice and subsequently ensuring the player doesn’t have to open up multiple accounts at different providers who offer different games.
But be sure the casino you play at offers games from a well-known software company. For instance, if you are playing at a property that offers games from Microgaming or IGT, for example, then you are more than likely good to go.
However, if the casino offers games from an obscure software company, then your best bet is to avoid it. Check out our software pages linked at the top of the page for further information as to which companies are ‘kosha.’
Not all licensing jurisdictions offer or afford the same level of protection, however. For example, Curacao has come in for much criticism as it is by all intents and purposes as limp as a wet lettuce.
That said, you may find a couple of casinos reviewed and recommended on CR, which is licensed in Curacao. But this is because we know the operators and they also have a stellar reputation with relevant history in the industry.
Unfortunately, though, as I will discuss in the next section of this article, we have become aware of a growing number of operators with a Curacao license and elsewhere who, let’s just say, are a bit shady!
Rogue Casinos Beware!
Unfortunately, like anything that involves money online and in life in general, where there is money to be made, it also has the potential to attract the bad apples. bestfromthebets.com has an extensive list of online casinos to avoid, which all of our visitors should take a minute or two to read.
So back to the original question, are online casinos rigged? Well, several of the casinos which have found their way onto our casino blacklist, have been exposed for using pirated software. Yes, you read that right, pirated software!
The advice given further up the page to avoid those online casinos providing games from unknown or little known software companies rings very real. A good case in point is Jackpots Heaven, which was most certainly using rigged casino software. A poor attempt at ripping off popular software company games too.
However, rogue casino operators have also adapted and changed with the times. Many have been found in 2016 and 2017 to be serving pirated and rigged online casino games to unsuspecting players.
Indeed the websites of these rogue operators on the surface look slick and professional, and they have also pulled off some stunning pirating of games from popular developers such as NetEnt. This is why it is of paramount importance that you use an online casino guide such as bestfromthebets.com to research thoroughly the casino you wish to sign up to.
The first instance of online casinos using pirated games that we at CR became aware of using this sophisticated approach was back in 2016. It concerned the rogued, shamed, and blacklisted AffPower group of casinos.
Top Online Casinos by Country
Online gambling laws and regulations differ by jurisdiction. Understanding these laws is important with regard to finding legit online casinos in your country. Below you can see the legal situation on internet gaming in various nations.
United States
US federal laws don’t technically outlaw online gaming. However, the UIGEA prohibits any “person engaged in the business of betting or wagering” from knowingly accepting payments stemming from unlawful internet gambling. Given that American federal laws don’t ban online gaming, unlawful internet gambling is defined on a state-by-state basis. Many reputable internet casinos avoid the US market altogether due to the UIGEA. However, there are still a number of unregulated (i.e., offshore) gambling sites that serve Americans. Washington state is the only jurisdiction that imposes penalties on Americans for playing at offshore sites. No other state or US territory have any laws in place that punish online gamblers. Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania feature legalized and regulated online casinos. Each of these states has laws in place that bar offshore operators from participating in their markets. Nevada also has regulated iGaming, but they only offer online poker. Pennsylvania’s internet casino market is still in the early stages and isn’t operating at the time of this writing. Canada
Canadian federal laws ban land-based casino gambling. However, provincial and territorial governments are allowed to offer casino gaming if they have an established regulatory body for this purpose. The Canadian federal government doesn’t hold a definitive legal stance against offshore online casinos. Therefore, many offshore operators serve this country. Neither the federal government nor any provinces impose penalties on Canadians who play at internet casinos. There are locally approved and licensed internet casino operators in Canada, including PlayNow and Loto-Quebec. Both operations have small customer bases, which hampers them in terms of progressive jackpot sizes. Best Canadian online casinos:
- 888 Casino
- All Slots
- Betway
- Leo Vegas
United Kingdom
The UK offers a federally regulated online gambling market, whereby all forms of iGaming are legal across the country. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) — a highly prestigious licensing body — regulates the market and issues licenses. Any online casino that wishes to obtain a UKGC license must meet strict standards. Players don’t have to pay a consumption tax to gamble online because the federal government wants to encourage their citizens to play on local sites. The UK is arguably the gold standard in terms of how players are treated, online casino licensing standards, safety, and overall market quality. Best UK-licensed online casinos:
Australia
Online casinos used to enjoy free reign in Australia due to the ambiguous nature of the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. However, the Interactive Gambling Amendment (IGA) Bill of 2016, which took effect in September 2017, changed this situation. This bill threatens to level huge fines on unregulated internet gambling operators that offer services to Aussies. The only exceptions include Australian-owned online lotteries and sports betting sites that are partnered with local land-based gambling operators. Some smaller offshore casinos still continue serving Australians. These operators must rely on the assumption that they’re too small to merit action from Australia’s federal, state, or territorial governments. The IGA doesn’t apply to Australian citizens, meaning there are no punishments for anybody who gambles on illegal online casinos. Offshore online casinos that still accept Australians:
- 24Pokies
- Fair Go
- Joe Fortune
- Uptown Pokies
New Zealand
The Gambling Act of 2003 lays the legal framework for New Zealand’s gaming market. This legislation, which was amended in 2005 and 2015, bans the offering of “remote interactive gambling.” However, New Zealand hasn’t taken a firm stance against unregulated internet gaming. This lack of action has encouraged online casinos to continue serving Kiwis. Furthermore, New Zealand doesn’t impose any punishments for residents who play at internet casinos. Best offshore online casinos for New Zealand residents:
- 888
- Casumo
- Leo Vegas
- Mr Green
South Africa
The National Gambling Act of 2004 defines South Africa’s gaming market. This bill was amended in 2008 to prohibit the country’s residents from gambling at online gambling sites. Government officials have the right to confiscate unlawful winnings and donate them to the Unlawful Winnings Trust. The National Gambling Regulator can alert banks and payment processors about illegal internet gambling transactions. State-licensed horse race and sports betting are South Africa’s only legal forms of online gaming. Offshore casino sites are banned from serving this nation. Nevertheless, smaller black-market operators still continue offering iGaming to South Africans. Best offshore casinos that accept South Africans:
- Casino Midas
- SpringBok
- Yebo
India
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 defines India’s federal gaming laws. However, this legislation is overlooked due to its outdated nature. The Information Technology Act of 2000 makes references to iGaming-related offences without explicitly making the activity illegal. This bill’s main utility is granting the federal government the ability to block offshore gambling website ISPs. State and territorial governments are free to determine their own stances on gambling. The state of Sikkim has used this power to create a licensed iGaming market, while Maharashtra has banned all forms of online gambling within its borders. Outside of these two states, India features ambiguous internet gambling laws that don’t discourage the nation’s residents from playing at offshore sites. Best online casinos available in India:
- Betfair
- Casumo
- Jackpot City
- William Hill
Recommended Casino Websites
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our site, we recommend visiting the following casino review websites: