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KA Gaming Freeplay SlotsCasinos etc. Origins
Casinos etc. is the brainchild of Xavier Cross, a seasoned gambler with over 35 years of hands-on experience in slot machines and casinos. His journey began in the late 1980s, feeding coins into classic British fruit machines in arcades and pubs, long before online gambling was even a concept.
As the industry evolved, Xavier was there every step of the way – from the introduction of video slots and the growth of land-based casinos to the dawn of online gambling in the UK during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
A keen observer of trends and a passionate advocate for fair play, Xavier launched several gambling-related websites throughout the 2000s and 2010s, each aimed at helping players navigate the fast-changing world of online casinos. Over time, these earlier projects were refined, consolidated, and reimagined – ultimately becoming Casinos etc., a modern, UK-focused review platform grounded in decades of real experience.
Xavier’s mission remains simple: to offer honest, practical advice and highlight only the safest, UK-regulated casino sites. With Casinos etc., you’re not just reading another review site – you’re tapping into a lifetime of gambling insight.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to help UK players find trusted casinos, fair bonuses, and great games without the confusion. We research, review, and compare hundreds of casinos to deliver clear, up-to-date advice you can actually use. Every casino listed on Casinos etc. holds a valid UK Gambling Commission licence and passes our strict quality checks for fairness, safety, and transparency.
What We Stand For
At Casinos etc., we’re passionate about safe gambling, honest reporting, and putting players first. We never recommend a casino we wouldn’t play at ourselves. Our aim is to create a one-stop resource for online casino fans – from freeplay slots and bonus comparisons to the latest industry news. We hope you’ll find insights, support, and honest advice at every step.
Casinos etc. is independently owned and reader-supported. We only recommend UK-licensed casinos that meet our expert standards for fairness, safety, and playability.
Meet the Team Behind Casinos etc.
Xavier Cross is the founder of Casinos etc. and a veteran of the gambling world with over 30 years of experience. His passion began in the late 1980s with traditional slot machines and evolved alongside the industry through the rise of land-based casinos and the emergence of online gambling in the late 1990s. Having created several casino review sites over the years, Xavier distilled his knowledge and experience into Casinos etc.
James Donaghue (Jim) with his 14 years’ experience, is a seasoned casino player and sports betting enthusiast with a passion for slots, blackjack, and poker. He has been gambling as a hobby since 1996, starting out on classic British 3-reel fruit machines. As the industry evolved, James embraced online gaming during the early desktop-only era, diving into poker, sports betting, and a wide range of casino games. Socials: LinkedIn
Michelle Marwick is a dedicated expert with over 10 years’ experience in the UK iGaming industry. Her passion lies in online slots, backed by a strong understanding of how online casinos operate. As a core member of the Casinos etc. team, Michelle is known for her clear, honest, and well-informed reviews. She brings a sharp eye for detail and a player-first mindset. Socials: LinkedIn
Jordan Conroy is an accomplished iGaming content writer with more than 5 years of experience in the industry. He combines his passion for iGaming with his love of sharing knowledge to create highly informative and engaging content. Over the years, Jordan has collaborated with many of the biggest names in the industry, including Casino Guru, Casino.com, MansionBet, and GiG. Socials: LinkedIn
Iain West brings over 5 years of hands-on experience in the iGaming industry, earning a reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable expert in the field. His expertise covers a wide range of areas, including online casinos, sportsbooks, and UK gambling legislation. Iain is passionate about keeping up with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies. He’s always eager to share his insights, offering readers clear, accurate, and up-to-date information they can trust. Socials: LinkedIn
Nermal Cat is the purring powerhouse behind the scenes at Casinos etc. – and quite possibly the fluffiest member of the team. A seasoned lap-warmer and keyboard critic, Nermal specialises in sitting on important documents, knocking pens off desks, and providing moral support during long review sessions. Though not officially licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (or anyone, really), Nermal’s instincts are razor-sharp – especially when it comes to spotting dodgy bonus terms.
Casinos etc. Review Methods
At Casinos etc., we believe in delivering reviews that are honest, detailed, and genuinely useful. To do this, our expert reviewers sign up and play at each UK-licensed casino we feature. They deposit real money and interact with the platform just like any player would – allowing us to assess the full experience first-hand.
Each site is rated using a structured checklist of 10 key criteria, ensuring consistent and transparent reviews:
- Licensing & Regulation – Confirming the casino holds a valid UK Gambling Commission licence.
- Registration Experience – Evaluating how quick and user-friendly the sign-up and ID verification process is.
- Payment Methods – Checking the availability and variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including PayPal and other e-wallets.
- Withdrawal Times – Testing how fast the site processes cashouts.
- New Player Bonuses – Analysing welcome offers, terms, wagering conditions, and payout limits.
- Ongoing Promotions – Reviewing ongoing deals such as reload bonuses, free spins, and prize draws.
- Loyalty Schemes – Assessing VIP programmes and player rewards.
- Game Selection – Exploring the range of slots, table games, and live casino options.
- Platform Performance – Reviewing site layout, speed, and mobile usability.
- Customer Support – Measuring response times, availability, and quality of assistance.
All reviews are independently verified, frequently updated, and written in line with our strict editorial standards – so you can trust what you read.
Casinos etc. Closing Thoughts
At Casinos etc., we believe online gambling should be safe, rewarding and genuinely enjoyable. With expert insights, honest reviews, and a strong commitment to player wellbeing, we’re proud to support UK players in making smarter choices. Thanks for visiting – and if you ever have questions, feedback or just want to say hello, feel free to get in touch.
