When you consider a new online casino, the right questions save time and money. This guide gives a focused, practical checklist UK players can run through in ten minutes to decide if a site is usable, fair and safe for real play.

Quick verification (3 minutes)

• Check the license: is the operator regulated by the UK Gambling Commission or a recognised EU/International regulator? Licensing information should be obvious in the footer or terms.
• Payment methods: look for reputable UK-friendly options (UK bank transfer, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, trusted e-wallets). If a site lists obscure crypto-only options without mainstream ones, proceed cautiously.
• Contact and support: find live chat and an email address. Send a simple question and note response time and tone.

Bonus and T&Cs fast audit (5 minutes)

Promotions sound generous until you read the fine print. Prioritise: wagering requirements, max bet rules while a bonus is active, game-weighting for slots vs table games, and withdrawal restrictions. If the math on wagering makes a bonus impossible to clear under normal play, treat it as marketing rather than value.

Practical play checks (10 minutes)

• Try a small deposit and a low-stakes game to test stability and mobile behaviour. Note load times, game crashes, and whether the client forces a download or works in-browser.
• Request a withdrawal after a small win (even £10–£20) to verify verification requirements and processing time. Many disputes start when the withdrawal rules are unclear.
• Review RTP and fairness: the site should publish RTP ranges or independent audit badges (e.g., eCOGRA, iTech Labs). Lack of transparency here is a red flag.

Account safety and limits

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication if available. Set deposit and loss limits immediately if the operator supports them — that simple step reduces harm and keeps play sustainable.

If you want to compare these checks directly, visit F7 Casino and run the list below against that site: the operator’s footer, payment pages, responsible gambling tools, and the bonus terms.

Closing takeaway

Don’t rely on advertising or high bonus headlines. A disciplined five-step routine — confirm license, test payments, read T&Cs, trial deposit+withdrawal, and enable limits — gives a clear go/no-go decision in under 20 minutes. Use the embedded walkthrough video below for a live example, and save the checklist as a note on your phone before signing up.