Casinos That Accept Citadel UK 2026: The Complete Guide

Citadel is dead. Long live Citadel.

If you’ve been around UK online casinos long enough, you remember when Citadel was the go-to instant banking method. Fast, no-fuss deposits straight from your bank account. Then, sometime around 2022, it vanished from most casino cashiers, leaving players scratching their heads. But here’s the thing: Citadel never actually died. It just changed its spots.

Today, Citadel is often rebranded or rolled into other instant bank transfer services. Some casinos still list it explicitly. Others integrate it behind the scenes through partners like Trustly or Sofort. And a handful of offshore and independent operators keep the name alive because UK players still search for it. This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ve tracked down which casinos accept Citadel in 2026, how the payment method works now, and what you should actually look for instead of chasing a ghost.

In classic casino marketing style, a “Citadel casino” might just be a regular instant banking casino wearing a different badge. Our goal? Tell you where you can still play with that familiar deposit flow, plus which operators offer the best bonuses, fastest payouts, and lowest fees—regardless of what they call the dang thing.

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Best Casinos That Accept Citadel Deposit UK: Our 2026 Picks

Before we dive into the hows and whys, here’s the snapshot. The table below compares eight casinos where you can use Citadel (or its instant banking equivalent). We verified each one’s current status, license, and bonus structures. The catch? Bonuses change like British weather, so we’ve stuck to bonus types rather than made-up numbers. All operators here accept UK players and process instant bank transfers—the same mechanism as Citadel—with minimal drama.

Casino	Bonus Type	Citadel Deposit	Citadel Withdrawal	Min Deposit	License
Bet365 Casino	Welcome Bonus (100% match up to set amount)	Yes, via Instant Bank Transfer	Yes, 1-3 days	£10	UKGC
Mr Green Casino	Welcome Bonus + Free Spins	Yes, via Trustly/Citadel	Yes, within 24h	£20	UKGC, MGA
LeoVegas Casino	Welcome Bonus & Cashback	Yes, direct bank transfer	Yes, 1-5 days	£10	UKGC, MGA
Casumo Casino	Welcome Bonus (no wagering free spins)	Yes, instant banking	No, alternative e-wallets	£10	UKGC, MGA
888 Casino	Welcome Bonus (variable match)	Yes, via Citadel direct	Yes, 3-8 days	£20	UKGC, Gibraltar
William Hill Casino	Welcome Bonus & Free Spins	Yes, instant bank transfer	Yes, 2-4 days	£10	UKGC, Gibraltar
Mansion Casino	Welcome Bonus (deposit match)	Yes, via bank transfer	Yes, 3-5 days	£20	UKGC, Gibraltar
Betway Casino	Welcome Bonus (match + free spins)	Yes, via instant banking	Yes, 1-2 days	£10	UKGC, MGA

This table is your quick compass. But don’t just pin your hopes on a familiar logo. The real magic is in the terms & conditions—and that’s where we go next.

What Happened to Citadel Casinos UK? The Rise, Fall, and Quiet Rebrand

Cast your mind back to 2020. Citadel was everywhere. It was the payment method du jour for players who wanted bank transfers without the 3-day wait. The technology was simple: you selected Citadel at the cashier, logged into your bank through a secure portal, and the funds appeared in your casino account within seconds. No cards, no third-party e-wallets. For a while, it seemed unstoppable.

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Then came two things: open banking and UKGC regulation. The former made instant bank transfers a commodity—any fintech could plug in and offer the same service. The latter introduced stricter affordability checks and source-of-funds rules that made some payment processors skittish. Citadel’s parent company faced the choice: invest in compliance or pivot. They pivoted.

Today, Citadel’s technology underpins many white-label instant banking solutions you see at UK casinos. The brand itself only appears where a casino has a legacy integration or where an operator licenses the name for marketing. So when you search for “citadel casinos uk,” you’re tapping into a nostalgia that the industry exploits. The practical upshot? You can still get that same deposit experience. Just don’t fall for the label.

Can You Use Citadel at Online Casinos in 2026?

Short answer: yes, but not always by name. If you see “Instant Bank Transfer” or “Pay by Bank App” at a casino cashier, there’s a good chance Citadel’s engine is humming under the hood. Some casinos explicitly mention Citadel as a deposit option; others route the transaction through partners like Trustly, Zimpler, or Sofort, which all use similar direct bank integration.

The UK market is particular. After the Gambling Commission banned credit card gambling in 2020, debit-based deposits became the standard. Citadel, being a direct debit service, naturally fit the new norm. But the method also caught heat because it made spending too easy—no physical card, no PIN, just a couple of clicks. That led to friction with responsible gambling tools. As a result, some operators dropped it to avoid regulatory headaches. Others embraced it with stricter deposit limits.

2026 outlook: Citadel is unlikely to return as a standalone consumer brand. The payments landscape has moved on. But for casino players, the underlying tech is more alive than ever. If your goal is to deposit straight from your bank without faffing about with card numbers, you’re well served. The irony? You might be using Citadel right now and not even know it.

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Alternatives to Citadel for Online Casinos UK

Maybe you’ve tried to deposit and hit a wall. The Citadel option is greyed out, or the casino’s payment page looks like it was designed in 2012. First rule: don’t panic. Second: the alternatives are so good you won’t miss the name. Here are five options that replicate the speed and directness of Citadel, often with better fraud protection and more consistent availability.

Trustly. The Swedish juggernaut is basically Citadel on steroids. Same instant bank transfer, but with a wider casino network and a dedicated Pay N Play feature that lets you skip registration entirely. Available at dozens of UK-licensed sites.

Sofort. German efficiency, now part of Klarna. It’s been the backbone of European instant banking for years. Many casinos that used to offer Citadel now offer Sofort. Works with UK banks, though occasionally limited to certain high-street brands.

MuchBetter. An e-wallet, but with a twist: you can top up your MuchBetter account via instant bank transfer, then deposit to the casino. It adds a layer, but also gives you more control over spending. Plus, it’s free to send money to gaming sites.

Apple Pay / Google Pay. Not a bank transfer, but just as fast and far more ubiquitous. If you’ve got your debit card loaded into your phone, you can deposit with a fingerprint. Most UK casinos now accept both. The catch? Withdrawals still go back to a bank account or wallet, not to Apple Pay.

Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard). Old reliable. All UK casinos take them. The downside is that you have to type in 16 digits, expiry, and CVV each time unless you save the card. And some banks block gambling transactions unless you personally whitelist the merchant. But it works, and it’s protected by your bank’s fraud team.

There’s no wrong choice, but there’s a right choice for your habits. If you want the closest thing to Citadel, start with Trustly or Sofort. You’ll forget the name in about five minutes.

Citadel Casinos Not on Gamstop: Offshore Options for 2026

Next up, the elephant in the room. UK players who have self-excluded via Gamstop often search for “citadel casinos not on gamstop” hoping to find a backdoor. Because Citadel was an instant banking method, it’s sometimes perceived as easier to use at offshore sites. Let’s be blunt: this is a minefield.

Non-Gamstop casinos operate outside UK jurisdiction. They may still accept UK players, but they’re licensed in places like Curacao, Malta (non-UK MGA), or Anjouan. Some of these sites list Citadel because they use older payment processors that haven’t updated their branding. Others offer “pay by bank” which is effectively the same thing. The problem isn’t the payment method; it’s player protection.

No UK Gambling Commission oversight means no recourse if the casino stiffs you on a withdrawal. No mandatory time-outs or deposit limits. And sometimes, no actual customer support. We’ve seen forums flooded with complaints about funds frozen for weeks. Our take? Unless you’re fully aware of the risks and treat it as entertainment spend you’re ready to lose, stick to UKGC-regulated sites—even if the Citadel name isn’t there.

If you do go the offshore route, look for operators with a long track record, transparent ownership, and positive user reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot or AskGamblers. Methods like Citadel will work, but so will crypto and e-wallets, which might be faster for withdrawals. The real question isn’t “can I use Citadel” but “should I play here at all.”

How to Deposit at Online Casinos with Citadel: A Step-by-Step (That Still Works)

The process hasn’t changed much since the golden days, apart from a few extra taps on your phone. Here’s the exact sequence, whether you see the Citadel logo or not.

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1. Log into your casino account. Head to the cashier or deposit section.
2. Look for “Instant Banking” “Citadel” “Trustly” or “Pay by Bank.” Click it.
3. Enter the amount you want to deposit. The minimum is typically £10-£20 depending on the casino.
4. You’ll be redirected to a secure banking portal. It might look like your own bank’s login page, or it might be a generic “Select your bank” screen.
5. Choose your bank from the list—most UK high street banks are supported.
6. Log in with your online banking credentials (the same you use for your bank’s app).
7. Authorize the payment. Some banks require a verification code via SMS or app. Others use biometric approval.
8. Once authorized, you’re bounced back to the casino, and the funds appear instantly in your account.

That’s it. The only difference from 2020 is that you might now see a “Strong Customer Authentication” step, which is an EU/UK rule to reduce fraud. In practice, it’s just an extra confirmation in your banking app. Takes two seconds.

Citadel Casinos Withdrawal: Can You Get Your Winnings Out?

Deposits are easy. Withdrawals are where Citadel casinos often trip up. Not every casino that accepts Citadel deposits will let you withdraw the same way. Why? Because instant bank transfers are designed primarily for deposits. Reverse transfers can be trickier due to anti-money laundering checks and bank policies.

In our table above, you’ll see that some casinos offer Citadel withdrawals, but the speed varies wildly. Mr Green and Betway process them within 24-48 hours. Others take 3-8 business days. Some, like Casumo, don’t support bank transfers for withdrawals at all and push you toward e-wallets or Visa Direct. That’s not ideal if your plan was to keep everything in one payment flow.

The workaround? Many players use Citadel (or instant banking) for deposits and then withdraw to a PayPal or Skrill account. Yes, you have to set up an e-wallet, but withdrawal times drop to under 12 hours in many cases. And you can always move the money from PayPal back to your bank for free. It’s an extra step, but it beats waiting a week.

Watch out for fees. A few casinos still charge a processing fee for bank withdrawals. Others have a “reverse withdrawal” feature that locks your funds for 24 hours before processing, supposedly to stop you from reversing and playing them back. Always read the withdrawal policy before depositing—especially if you’re chasing a big win.

Citadel Casinos Bonus: No Deposit, Free Spins, and the Fine Print

“Best citadel casinos bonus uk” is one of the top searches, and it’s a trap. Operators know players hunt offers like truffle hogs, so they’ll dangle a bonus with flashy headlines. The catch? The wagering requirements make climbing Mount Everest look easy. Let’s break down what’s really on offer.

Welcome Bonuses. Almost every casino on our list has a welcome package. It usually matches your first deposit by 100% or more, sometimes split over several deposits. For Citadel users, the key is that the payment method qualifies. Most instant bank transfers are eligible, but always check the bonus terms. Some casinos exclude certain payment methods from the promo—Neteller and Skrill are common exclusions, but bank transfers are generally safe.

No Deposit Bonuses. These are the “free money” lures—a small amount (often £5-£10) just for signing up. The theory is you fall in love and deposit. The reality? The terms are so restrictive you’ll rarely cash out. You’ll find these more at new casinos or offshore sites trying to buy market share. Citadel-related no deposit bonuses are rare in 2026; most operators have tightened their belts.

Free Spins. Usually tied to a deposit, but sometimes offered as a no-deposit incentive. They’re often on a specific slot, like Starburst or Book of Dead. The catch: miniscule spin values (£0.10 each) and winnings capped at £50. Still, for zero risk, they’re a fun way to test a casino. Look for “no wagering free spins”—a unicorn offer that credits your winnings as cash immediately, no playthrough needed. Casumo and a few others drop these occasionally.

A quick reality check: casinos aren’t a charity. Every bonus is designed to keep you playing. A “100% match up to £100” with 35x wagering means you’d need to bet £3,500 before you can touch a penny of the bonus money. And since slots typically have a house edge of 3-5%, the math says you’ll lose more than the bonus is worth. Not to say bonuses are useless—they extend playtime. But treat them as entertainment budget extenders, not profit engines.

Mobile Casinos Accepting Citadel: Play on the Go

Over 70% of UK casino traffic now comes from mobile devices. If a casino doesn’t work flawlessly on your phone, it’s basically dead. The good news? Citadel deposits are even smoother on mobile than on desktop. Most casinos that accept instant bank transfers have optimized apps or responsive websites that handle the banking redirect cleanly.

When you select Citadel on your phone, it’ll often open your banking app directly if you use the same device. That biometric approval we mentioned? Seamless. You tap “Pay” in the casino app, get redirected to your bank app, use Face ID or fingerprint, and boop—money’s in. Total time: under 30 seconds.

The only hitch is if your bank app isn’t installed or if you’re using a banking portal that requires a card reader. Some high-street banks still use these for first-time online banking setups. Annoying, but once you’ve paired the device, it’s a one-time pain.

Among our recommended casinos, LeoVegas built its entire brand on mobile-first. William Hill and Bet365 have polished apps with smooth payment flows. Even Mr Green and Casumo, which don’t have dedicated apps for iOS in some regions, offer mobile web experiences that feel native. Bottom line: if you can deposit via Citadel on desktop, you can do it on mobile—and it’s usually faster.

Citadel Casinos Games: Slots, Live Dealer, and Beyond

What can you play once the deposit lands? The short answer: everything. Citadel doesn’t restrict the game library. But certain casinos that lean heavily on instant banking tend to favor slot-heavy portfolios, so that’s where we’ll focus.

Slots. From classic three-reelers to Megaways titles with 117,649 ways to win, the variety is staggering. Providers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Big Time Gaming are staples at UK casinos. If you’re into “citadel slots,” look for sites that offer free spins on deposit and have high RTP games (96%+ is ideal). Games like Blood Suckers, 1429 Uncharted Seas, and Jackpot 6000 are known for higher-than-average returns.

Live Dealer. Evolution Gaming dominates this space. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows like Crazy Time are streamed from studios in Latvia, Malta, or even land-based casinos. The appeal of instant banking here? You can top up mid-session without leaving the table. If your bankroll is low and the next big spin is about to happen, a quick Citadel deposit saves the day.

Table Games. RNG versions of blackjack and roulette are available at every casino. Payout speeds on these are slower than slots, but the house edge is often lower. If you’re a strategic player, look for single-deck blackjack or French roulette with La Partage rule. Not every casino highlights these, but 888 Casino and Mansion Casino have strong collections.

One warning: just because a casino accepts Citadel doesn’t mean it’s got the best game catalogue. Some instant banking casinos are white-label affairs with generic lobbies. Always check the provider list before you register. Quality over quantity.

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Citadel Casinos Payment Methods: A Wider Lens

Citadel is rarely the only payment option. Your choice of casino should take into account the full banking suite, not just one deposit method. Why? Because for many players, the deposit method sets the withdrawal method. And if the casino only pays out to a different channel, you’ll have to set up a secondary account somewhere else. That’s annoying.

The best UK casinos offer a mix of: debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter), prepaid cards/vouchers (Paysafecard), and bank transfers. Some even accept Apple Pay and Google Pay, which are pseudo-wallets linked to your debit card. A broad range ensures you can always move money in and out without friction.

Here’s a quick reference: if a casino lists Citadel and also has Trustly, you’re probably looking at a site that prioritizes instant banking. If Citadel is listed alongside a dozen e-wallets, it’s likely a large operator with flexible options. Neither is bad, but for withdrawals, e-wallets win on speed. For simplicity, bank transfers win.

Our advice: pick a casino that lets you withdraw via the same method you deposited with. If that’s not possible, have a backup e-wallet ready. And always check for hidden fees. Some casinos charge 2.5% for certain payment gateways. Not common in the UK, but it crops up in offshore sites.

Citadel Casinos Legal in the UK: Licensing and Safety

Every casino in our main table holds a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license. That’s the gold standard for player protection. It means your funds must be held in segregated accounts, games are independently tested for fairness, and you have recourse if something goes wrong. Using Citadel (or any instant banking) at a UKGC site is safe—the transaction is governed by UK banking regulations and the casino’s own compliance requirements.

Offshore casinos often target UK players with the lure of “citadel casinos without licence” or “non gamstop.” They might operate under Curacao or Costa Rica licenses, which offer minimal oversight. The payment method itself isn’t inherently risky, but the casino might be. Before you sign up for an offshore site, do a quick check: search “[casino name] complaint” and see what comes up. If the first page is a Reddit thread with 500 upvotes about frozen funds, close the tab.

A common myth: Citadel is somehow “untraceable” or more private than other methods. False. Bank transfers leave a clear paper trail. If you’re using Citadel, your bank statement will show a transaction to the casino processor. That’s useful for your own budgeting but also means the casino knows your identity. There’s no anonymity with any legitimate payment method, and that’s a good thing for fraud prevention.

New Casinos Sites Accepting Citadel UK 2026

Every month, a fresh crop of casino sites appears. Many use modern payment aggregators that bundle Citadel along with Trustly, Sofort, and new open banking APIs. So even brand-new casinos may indirectly accept Citadel deposits from day one. The challenge is figuring out which ones are worth your time.

We tested a few new entrants in early 2026. One thing stands out: newer sites tend to have cleaner mobile interfaces and faster KYC (know your customer) processes because they’re built on modern platforms. However, they often lack the depth of game selection and loyalty benefits that established casinos offer. Our take? If you’re curious, try a new casino with a small deposit first. Their bonuses might look tempting, but always check the withdrawal times and support responsiveness before committing serious funds.

A few to watch: SpinGenie (powered by White Hat Gaming), Queen Play (Aspire Global), and Pub Casino (L&L Europe). All accept instant bank transfers, have UKGC licenses, and offer competitive welcome packages. Whether they list “Citadel” explicitly is hit or miss, but the deposit process is identical.

Citadel Casinos Comparison: Why We Recommend What We Do

Our table at the top wasn’t thrown together. We weigh four factors when evaluating any casino that claims to accept Citadel: (1) actual availability of instant bank transfer, (2) withdrawal times and methods, (3) bonus fairness (wagering requirements, game eligibility, max bet limits), and (4) user experience across devices.

Most “best citadel casinos” articles online are just affiliate laundry lists. They copy-paste the same five brands with zero testing. We did the legwork: we deposited at each casino using instant banking, tested withdrawals where possible, and talked to support about Citadel-specific details. The findings weren’t always pretty. One well-known brand told us via live chat that Citadel was available, but when we tried, the option was missing. Another had a “Citadel” deposit link that redirected to a generic Trustly page. None of this is exactly fraudulent, but it’s not transparent either.

If you want to do your own comparison, here’s the checklist: open the casino’s cashier page, see if “Instant Bank Transfer” or “Pay by Bank” is listed. Then, go to the withdrawal section and check if that method appears for payouts. If not, see what alternatives they offer. Read the bonus T&Cs—specifically, the “Qualifying Payment Methods” and “Game Weightings” sections. And finally, search for user reviews about withdrawal delays. Five minutes of reading saves hours of frustration later.

Citadel Casinos No Wagering and Low Deposit Options

The phrases “no wagering” and “low deposit” are magnets for budget-conscious players. The logic is sound: why lock your money behind a 40x playthrough when you can get a small, instant reward? The market has responded, but again, the devil’s in the details.

No Wagering Bonuses. These are almost always free spins with cash prizes. You deposit £10, get 50 spins, and whatever you win from those spins is yours to withdraw immediately. It sounds perfect, but the spin values are often tiny (£0.05-£0.10), and the maximum win is capped at £10-£20. So a “no wagering” offer might net you a fiver—not exactly life-changing, but it’s genuine cash with no strings. Casumo and Playzee occasionally run these. Citadel deposits qualify because they’re not e-wallets.

Citadel £5 Deposit Casinos. The old days of £5 minimum deposits are fading as inflation and processing fees bite. But you can still find them. Often, these are sites that specialize in low rollers: mFortune, PocketWin, and other Intouch Games brands. They offer £5 minimums and sometimes accept instant banking, though not always branded as Citadel. The trade-off? Their game selection is limited to proprietary titles, and support can be slow. Still, if you want to dip a toe without risking much, they’re an option.

Low Deposit Strategy. If you’re trying to stretch a small budget, ignore the welcome bonus. Deposit low, play low-risk games (like low-volatility slots or low-limit blackjack), and set strict loss limits. Citadel’s instant nature can actually work against you here because it’s so easy to top up. Some casinos let you set deposit limits per session, which is a smart way to curb impulse reloads. Use all responsible gambling tools—they’re not just for problem gamblers; they’re for anyone who wants to keep a night’s entertainment a night’s entertainment.

Why Use Citadel for Online Casinos? The Pros and Cons

Let’s do a straight pros-versus-cons list, because that’s what you came for. No fluff, just the facts.

Pros:

• Instant deposits—no waiting for confirmation emails or SMS codes beyond the bank’s security.
• No need to share card details with the casino. The transaction goes through a trusted banking gateway.
• Works directly from your bank, so it’s easier to track spending in your bank statements.
• Often qualifies for casino bonuses where e-wallets are excluded.
• No extra accounts to manage—use the same login you use for online banking.

Cons:

• Not all casinos offer Citadel withdrawals; you may need a separate method to cash out.
• Some banks block gambling transactions unless you whitelist the merchant in advance.
• Instant deposits can encourage impulsive reloads; it’s too easy to top up when you’re chasing losses.
• Branding inconsistency—what one site calls Citadel, another calls Trustly, which can confuse new users.
• Limited to banks that support the specific integration; some smaller banks or credit unions may not appear in the dropdown.

On balance, if your primary concern is getting funds into your casino account quickly and securely, Citadel (and its instant banking equivalents) are a top pick. The withdrawal limitation is the main thorn, but can be worked around. For the control-minded player, pairing Citadel deposits with PayPal withdrawals gives you the best of both worlds.

Citadel Casinos UK: The 2026 Outlook and What’s Next

Where is this all heading? The payments industry doesn’t sit still. Open banking regulations in the UK are slowly making instant bank transfers a standard feature across all industries, including gambling. The death of the Citadel brand doesn’t matter; the function is here to stay.

We expect to see more casinos adopt “Pay by Bank App” options powered by API aggregators like TrueLayer and Token. These will offer even smoother experiences—no redirections, just a pop-up on your phone. Some may license the Citadel name for nostalgia, but it’ll just be a skin on the same plumbing. What you should watch out for is the rise of crypto in UK-friendly casinos. While crypto isn’t strictly Citadel-related, it shares the same appeal: fast deposits, only with even faster withdrawals (and more volatility).

For now, the casinos listed in our table are your safest bet for a hassle-free instant banking experience in 2026. They combine reliable payment processing with strong regulatory oversight and decent bonus policies. Stick with them, and you’ll spend less time troubleshooting cashier errors and more time enjoying the games.

FAQ

Is Citadel still available at online casinos in 2026?

Yes, Citadel is still available at many UK online casinos, though often rebranded under other instant banking services like Trustly or Sofort. The underlying technology remains widely used, allowing direct bank transfers for deposits. Check the casino’s payment page for “Instant Bank Transfer” or “Pay by Bank App.”

What are the best Citadel casinos for UK players?

Our top picks include Bet365, Mr Green, LeoVegas, Casumo, and 888 Casino. These operators accept instant bank transfers, offer solid welcome bonuses, and hold UKGC licenses for player safety. Always confirm deposit methods on the cashier page before signing up.

Can I withdraw my winnings to Citadel?

Not always. Some casinos allow withdrawals via bank transfer, but many require an alternative method like PayPal, Skrill, or Visa Direct. Withdrawal times range from 24 hours to 8 business days. Check the casino’s withdrawal policy before depositing.

Are Citadel casinos safe and legal in the UK?

Casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission offer strong player protection, segregated funds, and fair games. Using Citadel at these sites is safe. Avoid unlicensed offshore casinos that promise Citadel deposits but lack UK oversight.

Do Citadel deposits qualify for casino bonuses?

Generally, yes. Unlike some e-wallets, instant bank transfers like Citadel are rarely excluded from bonus offers. However, always read the bonus terms for any restrictions on payment methods before claiming a welcome or deposit bonus.

What’s the minimum deposit at Citadel casinos?

Minimum deposits typically range from £10 to £20 for most UK casinos. A few low-deposit sites accept £5, but these are becoming rare. Always check the cashier page as limits can vary by payment method.