Reference

Glossary

Terms we use when comparing UK-licensed casinos and their game catalogues. Definitions are general — always check operator terms for specifics.

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UKGC licence: Permission from the UK Gambling Commission to offer gambling to customers in Great Britain. Licensed operators must meet strict standards on fairness, anti-money-laundering and player protection.
RTP (Return to Player): Theoretical long-term payback percentage built into a game. A 96% RTP slot returns £96 per £100 wagered on average over millions of spins — not a session guarantee.
Volatility: How swingy a slot's payouts are. Low-volatility games pay smaller amounts more often; high-volatility games can go long dry spells then hit larger wins.
Wagering requirement: Multiplier applied to bonus funds or free-spin winnings before you can withdraw them. A £10 bonus with 35× wagering needs £350 of qualifying bets cleared first.
Game studio / provider: The company that builds and licences the game software — NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Evolution are examples. Operators integrate studios into their lobbies rather than making every title in-house.
Live dealer: Table games streamed from a studio with human croupiers. You place bets through the digital interface while watching the physical cards or wheel.
RNG: Random Number Generator — software that determines slot and digital table outcomes. UK-licensed games must use tested RNGs audited by approved testing houses.
GamStop: Free UK self-exclusion scheme covering all participating UKGC-licensed online gambling. Once registered, operators must block your access for the period you choose.
ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution): Independent scheme an operator must belong to, giving players a route to escalate complaints the casino has not resolved satisfactorily.
No-wagering spins: Free spins whose winnings are paid as cash (subject to ordinary withdrawal rules) rather than bonus credit with playthrough attached. Still requires 18+ and operator T&Cs.
Megaways: Licensed reel mechanic from Big Time Gaming where the number of symbols per reel changes each spin, altering ways to win. Many studios license the engine for their own titles.
Affiliate link: A tracked URL that tells an operator or network which site referred you. Comparison sites like ours may earn commission without charging you extra.