We spoke with iGaming expert Sam Pearce, an editor at the popular comparison site Casino.co.uk, where he helps online casino players in the UK compare and research hundreds of top brands. With over six years of experience in the online gambling industry, Sam has produced content for a wide range of global markets, focusing on topics such as casino reviews, gameplay guides, payment methods, and responsible gambling. In this interview, he shares his perspective on current trends like mobile-first platforms and live dealer games, clears up common misconceptions about online gambling, and offers practical advice for new players.
“Introduce yourself and your background in the casino/gaming industry”.
I’ve worked in writing and marketing roles related to online gambling for the last 6 years. My first job in this front was at the casino site and sportsbook Pinnacle, where I wrote copy for its casino promotions, alongside guides and articles covering popular casino games and slot reviews.
Since 2022, I’ve worked as a writer and editor, producing content focused on online gambling for markets including the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, India, New Zealand and South Africa. For the last 12 months, my primary focus has been on Casino.co.uk, across important topics for British gamblers, including casino reviews, game guides, payment methods, and bonuses and promotions.
“What major trends are you currently seeing in online casinos?”
The main thing I’ve seen is an increasing number of UK casinos opting for a mobile-first approach. This makes sense as recent UKGC research highlighted that 53% of online casino players in the UK primarily use their smartphones to gamble. In other words, it’s more important than ever for operators to provide great apps with fast load times, smooth gameplay, and a responsive design.
The other trend I’ve noticed is the increased promotion of live dealer games and the immersive and social features they offer. I think in the age of social media, gamblers are searching for formats that offer authentic interaction, and naturally, the presence of human hosts and live chat options means that live casino titles are best equipped to offer that. I wasn’t surprised to see recently that the likes of Cash or Crash and Crazy Time regularly peak at over 15,000 players at once.
“What are the major red flags/ misconceptions that casino users need to be aware of that they wouldn’t usually expect”
I think a misconception that’s easy to fall foul of is over and underestimating how much money you’re likely to win gambling online, based on your most recent spins and bets. It can be tempting to think that gambling can provide a regular stream of extra money whenever you enjoy a big prize, or that a casino must be rigged against you if you’re struggling to land the jackpot.
The fact of the matter is that every game at legit online casinos has a fixed RTP, which determines how much money you can expect to win from playing it over a long period of time (and is designed to ensure that the casino always has a house edge). This is based on tens of thousands (if not more) of spins and game rounds, so drawing your own conclusions from a much smaller number will rarely be helpful.
“How do regulators in the UK and EU influence how online casinos must operate—and how does that affect players in Scotland or the UK more broadly? “
Online casinos in Scotland and the rest of the UK are licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission (UKGC). Set up in 2007, the UKGC is responsible for setting the guidelines that casino sites must meet, including measures to ensure that the games you can play offer fair outcomes, your money and personal information is properly protected, and bonuses and promotions aren’t misleading or exploit players.
This means the easiest way to ensure an online casino is trustworthy and safe to play at is to check that it has a valid UKGC licence. Normally, licensed casinos feature the Gambling Commission logo and its account number on every page of its site or app. At Casino.co.uk, we only recommend UKGC-approved casinos.
“What advice do you have for someone considering trying real‑money casino gaming for the first time?”
When playing at online casinos, your only aim should be to have fun. You can ensure this is the case by setting yourself a budget and taking advantage of responsible gambling tools to help yourself stick to it, so you don’t bet more money than you can afford to lose and end up chasing losses. You should also only gamble when you’re in the mood to do so, and not as a means to escape boredom or stress.
I’d also suggest trying a variety of games when you first start to see which you most enjoy. While at most online casinos the majority are slots, it could be the case that you prefer classic casino games like roulette and blackjack, or the more modern and immersive live dealer options.
