Check the licence number
Every legitimate UK casino displays its UKGC licence number in the site footer. Cross-check it against the UK Gambling Commission's public register — if it doesn't match, or there's no number at all, walk away.
Look for GamStop integration
All UKGC licensed operators must integrate with GamStop, the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. If a site doesn't mention GamStop at all, that's a significant red flag.
Be wary of unrealistic bonuses
Unlicensed sites often advertise bonuses far larger than the market norm to attract deposits quickly. If an offer seems too good to be true relative to reputable brands like Betway or Grosvenor, treat it with suspicion.
Read independent reviews
Search for independent player reviews and complaint histories before depositing anywhere new. A consistent pattern of withheld withdrawals is the clearest warning sign of all.