Online Casino HQ

Honest Reviews, Top Slots, and Best Casinos

Welcome to Online Casino HQ your one stop source for Honest Reviews, Top Casinos, the Latest iGaming News, Weekly interviews with leading individuals in the iGaming World and literally thousands of free play slot games to enjoy. At the last count we feature over 20,000 free play slot games for our visitors to enjoy!

Online Casino HQ  prides ourselves on providing expert, unbiased and transparent reviews of online casinos, slots, game providers and more. OCHQ is owned and operated by two iGaming industry veterans in Alex Smith and Dave Sawyer, who have a combined 35 years experience and counting in working within the iGaming Industry.

Our team of experienced gamblers and iGaming experts personally play at all real money online casinos listed on our site, so you get comprehensive, accurate and honest evaluations.

Play Thousands Of Free Play Slots and Casino Games and dive into our vast collection of thousands of free play slots, casino games, and extensive game guides covering every aspect of online gaming. Whether you want to play the latest virtual casino games or the hottest online slots, Online Casino HQ has you covered.

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Best Rated Casinos for October 2024

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Best casinos, games and bonuses

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How we rate casinos

At Online Casino HQ, reviewing online casinos and separating the good from the bad is our core goal. In a world where most real money online casino review websites place profits over players, it’s increasingly difficult to find unbiased and transparent casino reviews that give you the facts. Here are some of the key factors we consider when reviewing online casinos sites:

★Licensing and Reputation
Online Casino HQ only lists regulated online casinos. The first step in any review is ensuring sites hold a valid online gambling license. However, as not all regulatory bodies are created equal, we don’t simply take licensing into account. We also examine a casino’s reputation – looking at how they treat players, whether they’ve been involved in any controversies, and, most importantly, what actual players say.
★Games and Providers
Access to a large and diverse range of real money casino games is paramount for most players today. Gone are the days where casinos could operate with one or two game providers, and when reviewing online casinos, we examine the range of games available, from slots to live dealer options, and the software providers offered.
★Banking Options
To play casino games, you need to be able to deposit – and hopefully, withdraw! That’s why, when reviewing real money online casino sites, we look at the availability of different banking options. Generally speaking, the more payment methods offered the better. We look at processing times, fees, limits, and more – so you can always play at casinos offering convenient and reliable banking options.

★Bonuses and Promotion
We always look at the bonuses and promotions offered at online casino sites. We look into the value of welcome offers, no-deposit bonuses, loyalty programs, and ongoing promotions, ensuring you can play at casinos that reward your business. We also look at the terms and wagering requirements to ensure that any bonuses listed on Online Casino HQ benefit players.
★Cashout Speeds
Today, more than ever, fast and hassle-free withdrawals are what all players expect. We personally sign-up and test online casinos anonymously, so we get first-hand data on withdrawal times and processing periods. We also have a large network of players who report back to us with their withdrawal experiences across brands.
★Mobile Casino
Research shows more casinos games are played on a mobile device than ever. The best online casino sites offer either a mobile casino app or a mobile-optimised website, and when reviewing online casinos, we do extensive mobile testing. We look at how many games are mobile-friendly and how accessible the site is, conduct speed tests, and review the overall mobile user interface.

★User Experience and Interface
Today, the design, user interface, and user experience are crucial to a casino’s usability. All online casinos listed on Online Casino HQ are user-friendly, easy to use and navigate, and have clearly emphasized design and usability.
★Security and Fair Play
Real money online casinos must employ state-of-the-art security software to ensure your sensitive information and financial details are safe. Any online casino listed on Online Casino HQ must ensure its SSL certificate is updated, licensing information is clearly displayed, and the correct security protocols are followed.
★Customer Support Facilities
Responsive and helpful customer service is the backbone of a great casino experience. We evaluate the efficiency, availability, and helpfulness of the casino’s customer support teams across multiple channels.

Interview with Henry McLean – 4ThePlayer.com

Dave Sawyer and Alex Smith from Online Casino HQ sit down with the Commercial and Marketing Director of the innovative UK based casino game studio 4Theplayer.com

In this near hour long interview Dave and Alex find out how 4ThePlayer.com came into being and how difficult it is for a game studio to break into a very competitive space that is the iGaming industry.

Since they were established back in 2018, 4ThePlayer.com have received praise for their innovative approach to creating compelling casino games

For more information on 4ThePlayer.com visit their site here

Latest Casino and Gambling News

Read the latest news concerning online and land based gambling

Online Casino HQ – Slot Game Reviews

As well as featuring over 20,000 free to play slot games, OCHQ also goes under the hood on many games, providing visitors to OCHQ with our first impressions in our in-depth slot game reviews.

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Best Online Casino Game Developers

Behind every online casino game is the expertise and creativity of software providers. These game developers are the backbone of the online gambling industry, and they’re responsible for designing and developing the real money games you play at casinos.

Today, the online casino industry is home to hundreds of game studios, each offering something different. Some studios concentrate on developing slots and table games, while others only offer live dealer games. Some studios even focus on specific currencies, so there really is something for every player.

Here’s a look at some the leading game providers you’ll find at online casinos:

4ThePlayer.com is an innovative online casino game developer that was founded in 2018 by Andrew Porter, Chris Ash and Henry McLean. The company is based in the UK and is dedicated to creating unique and entertaining games that prioritize player engagement and excitement. 4ThePlayer over the past six years have already made a name for themselves with their hit games such as “9k Yeti,” a high-volatility slot game with a massive 9,012x maximum win potentential, and @6 wild Sharks@, a thrilling slot that features a unique “Wild Spins” bonus round.

NetEnt, previously Net Entertainment, is one the world’s best-known casino game developers. Founded in 1996, NetEnt is a Swedish-based studio that offers a fantastic game selection, including slots, table games, and jackpots. Some of their most popular games include Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Dead or Alive, Narcos and Mega Fortune/ hey were one of the first developers to create mobile casino games and previously operated a small live dealer casino. NetEnt was acquired by Evolution in 2020, and their games continue to be enjoyed by players worldwide.

Microgaming is a pioneer in the online gaming industry, launching the first online casino platform in 1994. Based in the Isle of Man, Microgaming has an extensive portfolio of over 800 games, including iconic slots like Mega Moolah. Thunderstruck II, and Immortal Romance. They developed the industry-leading Quickfire and Viper platforms, and their progressive jackpot network is the world’s largest, paying out hundreds of millions in prizes. They now work with smaller studios like Foxium, All41 Studios, and Triple Edge Studios and have won numerous awards.

Playtech, founded in 1999 in Estonia, is today headquartered in the Isle of Man. They offer a vast range of products, including online casino games, sports betting platforms, live dealer games, and more. Popular Playtech slots include Age of the Gods, Gladiator, and Beach Life. Playtech is known for powering major sportsbookk like William Hill and Bet365. They have also acquired several game studios like Quickspin and Yo Yo Games.

Big Time Gaming (BTG) is an Australian software provider that became famous thanks to its Megaways mechanic. Founded in 2011, BTG released its first Megaways slot, Dragon Born, in 2015, although it wasn’t until the release of Bonanza Megaways that they gained widespread popularity. Other popular Big Time Gaming slots include White Rabbit, Danger High Voltage, and Extra Chilli. Their games are known for their high volatility and big win potential. In 2021, Evolution acquired them, though they continue to release games under the BTG branding.

Nolimit City is a relatively new player in the iGaming world, but they’ve enjoyed rapid growth thanks to their edgy, highly volatile games. Founded in 2014 in Sweden, Nolimit City pushes the boundaries with its unique themes and mechanics. Many Nolimit City slots offer potential wins of more than 100,000x, and popular games include San Quentin, Fire in the Hole, and Mental. They have also developed several innovative slot mechanics like xWays and xBomb.

Hacksaw Gaming is a Malta-based software provider that was founded in 2018. They quickly made a name for themselves, offering volatile slots with big win potential. Most Hacksaw Gaming slots contain several bonus buy options and Feature Spins, and popular games include Rotten, Wanted: Dead or a Wild, Stack ‘Em, and Chaos Crew.

Push Gaming is a London-based software provider that entered the iGaming market in 2010. They focus exclusively on developing real money slot games known for their creativity and high volatility. Popular Push Gaming slots include Jammin’ Jars, Razor Shark, Tiki Tumble, and Fat Rabbit.

Betsoft is a leading game studio known for its cinematic 3D slots, table games, and jackpots. Despite some controversies, Betsoft holds a decent reputation today and is one of the few developers who actively target the US market. Some popular Betsoft slots include the Slotfather, Greedy Goblins, Safari Sam, and Good Girl Bad Girl.

Realtime Gaming (RTG) is another casino developer with a strong presence in the US market. Established in 1998, RTG is based in Costa Rica and primarily serves gray markets. It offers various games, including slots, table games, and progressives. While its games aren’t generally known for big bonuses, most of its slots offer randomly triggered jackpots. Some popular RTG slots include Cash Bandits III, Shopping Spree II, Achilles, and Bubble Bubble.

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Different Types of Casino Bonuses

Online Casino HQ brings you the best online casino bonuses and promotions. Whether you’re looking for no deposit bonuses, free spins, or welcome bonuses, we only recommend bonuses that offer great value and fair terms. Check out the best online casino bonus offers available right now:

Welcome Bonus IconWelcome Bonuses

A welcome bonus – also known as a sign-up bonus – is a promotion offered to new players when they create an account and make their first deposit. These bonuses are usually pretty generous as they’re designed to incentivise new players to join an online casino. Welcome bonuses often match a percentage of a new player’s deposit. For example, many casinos offer a 100% matched deposit bonus. This means that if you deposit $200, the casino will give you an additional $200 to play with.

Free Spins IconFree Spins

Free spins are a popular type of bonus that allows players to spin the reels of selected video slots for free. Free spins may be awarded as part of a welcome bonus package, weekly promotion, or when a new slot game is released.

No-Deposit Bonuses IconNo-Deposit Bonuses

No-deposit bonuses are given to players without them needing to make a deposit. They can be offered to new players along with existing ones. No-deposit bonuses are usually delivered as free spins or a small amount of bonus cash, allowing players to try out a casino’s games without ricking their own money.

Reload Bonuses IconReload Bonuses

Reload bonuses are offered to existing players when additional deposits are made. Reload bonuses are often similar to welcome bonuses but usually have a lower matched percentage.

Cashback IconCashback

Cashback bonuses are common at crypto and Bitcoin casinos and typically return a percentage of a player’s losses over a specified period. For example, some online casinos offer 10% weekly cashback on losses, meaning if you lost $5400, the casino would give you $40 back.

Free Bets IconFree Bets

Free bets are offered at sportsbooks and, as the name suggest, allow punters to wager on sporting events without putting up any of their own money. Free bets can be offered to new and existing players. The free bet stake is not returned at most betting sites, only the winnings.

VIP and Loyalty Programs IconVIP and Loyalty Programs

Many online casinos offer VIP and loyalty programs, perfect for those planning to play at one site. These programs are designed to reward players for their continued play. Usually, they work on a points-based system; players earn points each time they wager on a casino game, which can later be redeemed for bonuses, free spins, and other perks.

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What to Know Before Claiming a Bonus

Casino bonuses usually come with terms and conditions that you must carefully follow. Online Casino HQ only recommends bonuses with fair terms, but we still recommend always reading and understanding these terms before accepting a bonus. Some standard bonus terms to be aware of include:

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Wagering Requirements:

Most casino bonuses come with wagering (playthrough) requirements, which dictate how many times you must play through bonus funds before you can withdraw. For example, if your receive a $100 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement, you’ll need to place $1,000 in bets before you can withdraw.

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Payment Method Restrictions:

To prevent fraud and bonus abuse, many online casinos will only award bonuses to players depositing using specific methods. Skrill and Neteller are often excluded from claiming a bonus, so always check that your preferred payment method is accepted before making your deposit.

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Game Exclusions:

Not all online casino games contribute equally (or at all) to wagering requirements. Online slots usually contribute 100% (meaning every $1 you wager is $1 knocked off the wagering requirements), but table games like blackjack or roulette might only contribute 20%. Live dealer casino games and progressive jackpot slots are often excluded entirely.

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Max Bet Rules:

When playing with bonus funds, there’s usually a limit on the maximum bet you can place. While all real money online casinos have different limits, this is usually between $2 and $5. You must ensure you don’t bet more than the maximum bet allowed, as doing so could void your bonus and any winnings you accumulated.

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Limited Per Household/IP:

Most casinos limit bonuses to one per household, IP address, or device. This is designed to prevent bonus abuse (one player joining the same casino multiple times to claim bonuses.) Avoid going a casino more than once, as this could lead to your account being shut – and any winnings forfeited. If more than one person from your household wants to play, contact the casino first to check if it’s OK.

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Maximum Cashout Limit:

Some bonuses , particularly those not requiring a deposit, may have a maximum cashout limit. This means you can only withdraw up to a certain amount of your bonus winnings, commonly $100. Any winning above the maximum limit will be forfeited, but thankfully, this is only usually seen with no-deposit bonuses.

 

What is a Casino Bonus?

Casino bonuses are incentives casinos offer to attract new players and keep existing ones happy. Casino bonuses come in various forms and are designed to provided players with extra value and enhance their gaming experience. Most casinos offer bonuses today, and when you know what to look for, they can significantly enhance your online gambling experience.

New Online Casino

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All British Casino is a new online casino to be featured here on Online Casino HQ. All British Casino as its name suggests is a UK facing online casino that offers new players a “Very British Welcome Bonus”.

Featured Casino

CasinoMax

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$9,750 Welcome Bonus

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For all new players opening an account at Casino Max an attractive welcome bonus is on offer. Players are able to claim a 325% match slots bonus of up to $9,750 on each of your first three deposits. For players that prefer table games the casino also has you covered as they are currently offering a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.

Online Casino HQ’s ‘Featured Casino’ is the well established, award winning and US facing CasinoMax. As well as readily accepting US Players, CasinoMax, since it opened its doors back in 2017 has been the recipient of several iGaming industry awards for their exceptional customer service.

Furthermore for new players opening an account with CasinoMax are able to take advantage of a jaw dropping welcome bonus of up to $9,750. Of course bear in mind wagering requirements when accepting any bonus, welcome or otherwise!

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Are Real Money Casino Games Fair?

Many new players at real money casinos worry about whether real money casino games are fair. This is only understandable; after all, you can’t see anything other than the graphics on your screen! Thankfully, the online gambling industry is heavily regulated, and online casinos and game developers must adhere to strict regulations and laws.

Any real money games must undergo extensive testing by a third-party company. These companies are known as testing houses, and they have access to the game’s source code. They run billions of simulations, and only when they’re convinced a game is fair will they approve it, at which point it can be offered at online casinos. Some of the major testing houses include GLI, iTech Labs, and eCOGRA.

Is Online Gambling Legal?

The legality of online gambling is a complex and ever-evolving landscape that varies significantly from one country or region to another. As the popularity of online casino continues to grow, governments and regulators continue to develop new legal frameworks, with regulations often changing quickly.

Some countries have fully legalized online gambling, creating a well-regulated market that prioritises player safety and fair play. Other have taken a more restrictive approach, either banning online gambling entirely or limiting it to specific state-owned or licensed operators.

Here at Online Casino HQ, we do our very best to bring you the latest regulatory news, but we cannot be held liable if you break gambling laws in your country. Subsequently, we strongly advise you to research your local laws and regulations and ensure it’s legal for you to gamble in your country before playing at online casinos.

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Who Regulates Online Casino Gambling?

In jurisdictions where online gaming is legal, the responsibility for licensing and monitoring operators and businesses usually falls with regulators. Gambling regulators play an important role in overseeing the online gambling industry, ensuring that operators adhere to laws and regulations, take responsible gambling seriously, and treat players fairly.

Regulators are responsible for issuing gaming licenses, monitoring licensees, and enforcing compliance with local law and regulations.

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Online Gambling FAQs

Below we have put together some of the most common questions visitors to Online Casino HQ have concerning the site and its features and of course the world of online casinos…

  • What is Online Casino HQ?
  • Do I need to sign up to play games?
  • How do I play free slots on Online Casino HQ?
  • How do I know if an online casino is safe and secure?
  • What are casino bonuses?
  • Can I win real money at an online casino?
  • What payment options do casinos offer?
  • Are online casino games fair?
  • What should I do if I have a gambling problem?
  • How do I choose the best online casino?
  • Can I trust Online Casino HQ reviews?
  • What are the most common types of online casino games?