Gambling remains a significant leisure activity across Wales. The Gambling (National Survey for Wales): April 2022 to March 2023 — published by the Welsh Government — provides the most up-to-date robust overview of adult gambling behaviours in Wales.
According to the report:
- 63 % of people said they took part in some form of gambling in the last 12 months.
- 24 % said they had taken part in non-lottery or scratch-card gambling over the same period.
These figures demonstrate the wide-reach of gambling activity in Wales and the importance of understanding both online and offline sectors, as well as the types of games played.
Online Casinos & Slots: The UK Scene
With the growth of internet connectivity and mobile devices, online casinos have become a mainstream channel for gambling in the UK — including for people in Wales. This section reviews the online casino environment and highlights some of the top online slot games for UK players.
Overview of Online Casino Market
In the UK, licensed online casinos offer hundreds to thousands of slot games, sportsbook options, live dealer tables and more. Slot games in particular are a major driver of engagement. According to industry reviews, “online slots are the most popular casino games with players.
When choosing an online casino, UK gamers often look for features such as:
- A large library of slot games
- A trustworthy operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Clear RTP (Return to Player) figures and volatility levels
- Mobile-friendly design and secure payment/withdrawal options
Top Online Slots in the UK
While there are countless slots available, the following titles have emerged as particularly popular or noteworthy among UK players.
1. King Kong Cash
- Developed by Blueprint Gaming, King Kong Cash is a 5-reel, 20-payline slot (or in some versions 5×3 grid) themed around a jungle/“King Kong”-style gorilla.
- RTP: around 95.79 % in standard version.
- Variance: medium. Maximum payout: according to some sources up to 50,000× stake (in bonus versions).
- Why popular: strong bonus features (e.g., multiple free-spin rounds, modifiers), appealing thematic graphics.
2. Fishin’ Frenzy
- Also by Blueprint Gaming, Fishin’ Frenzy is a fishing-themed slot that has become iconic in the UK market.
- Basic version: 5 reels, 10 paylines; many sequels (Megaways, Big Catch, etc.). Some versions feature very high maximum wins (e.g., up to 50,000×).
- RTP: around 96.12 % for the original version (per one source).
- Popular for its simple mechanics, recognisable theme, and cash-collect bonus features.
3. Other Popular Online Slots
Beyond the two above, UK-players also often favour popular titles such as Starburst, Book of Dead and Megaways games (e.g., ones with up to 117,649 ways to win).
Although the Wales-specific breakdown for individual slot titles is not provided in the National Survey, we can use general UK data and the Welsh participation rates to infer:
- Given that 24 % of adults in Wales gamble via non-lottery/scratchcard forms (which includes casino, online betting) in the 12 months up to March 2023.
- Among online slot titles such as King Kong Cash and Fishin’ Frenzy, typical RTP values are around 95 %–96 % and volatility medium to high, meaning risk of frequent smaller wins vs larger but rarer payouts.
- The popularity of UK slot sites in 2025 shows that players are seeking a combination of game variety, mobile experience and safe licensing.
It is worth stressing: slot games are random-number-generator (RNG) based; results cannot be predicted and the house always holds an advantage in the long run.
Responsible Play and Regulation
The online casino market in the UK is regulated by the UKGC. Players in Wales must ensure that the sites they use hold a UKGC licence, comply with Age 18+ restrictions, and employ responsible-gambling tools (self-exclusion, deposit limits, reality checks).
Sites such as WhichBingo emphasise budgeting and treating play as entertainment, not a way to make money.
As an editorial note for wales247.co.uk readers: Encourage visitors to gamble for fun, set budgets, and use tools such as those from GambleAware or local Welsh helplines if needed.
Offline Casinos in Wales
While online play is growing, offline (brick-and-mortar) casinos and gambling venues remain part of the gambling landscape in Wales. These include land-based casinos, betting shops with slots/fruit machines, and bingo halls.
Typical Features of Welsh Offline Casinos
- Physical social environment: players visit a casino building, use slot machines (“one-armed bandits” or video-slots), table games (roulette, blackjack), bar/lounge facilities.
- Regulatory oversight: land-based venues must comply with licensing under the UK Gambling Act and local authority controls.
- Community presence: these venues are often part of social nightlife, especially in larger towns or tourism areas.
- Example types of slot machines: traditional slot/fruit machines in pubs and casinos are often narrower in choice compared to online.
Although the National Survey did not provide a breakdown of offline casino vs online casino slot machine play, it found that 11 % of people took part in “online betting” and 11 % in “bingo machine or table games” in the last year.
For readers in Wales: know locations of local casinos, check licensing, and remember that offline machines still carry house edges and risk of harm like any gambling product.
Conclusion
The National Survey for Wales shows that gambling remains common in Wales, with 63 % of adults reporting some form of gambling in the past year. The growth of online casinos and slot-games means that UK players — including those in Wales — have more options than ever, but also more reason to stay aware of risk.
Online slots like King Kong Cash and Fishin’ Frenzy are among the top titles enjoyed by UK players — combining entertainment and bonus complexity — but they should be approached responsibly. Offline casinos continue to serve a role in Welsh leisure despite the growth of online alternatives.
For wales247.co.uk readers: it’s important to enjoy gambling as entertainment, to choose licensed operators, set budgets, and be aware of the signs of harm (e.g., chasing losses, gambling impacts mood or finances).
Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble.
Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.
Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.
For more information on the tools available to help to keep you safe or if you want advice or support you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).
