Top Rated Online Casinos UK 2026 – Expert Guide and Rankings
Finding a top-rated online casino in the UK isn’t exactly a stroll through a curated gallery. It’s more like sifting through a carnival sideshow where everyone claims to be the main attraction. The promise of “the best” gets tossed around so casually you’d think it came free with a bag of chips. Reality is far less generous. Behind every shiny banner and welcome offer sits a business designed to keep your money, not multiply it. Our role is to cut through that noise—without the rehearsal of a press release.
We’ve spent far more time than is reasonable dissecting the UK’s online casino landscape for 2026, poking at licence numbers, testing payout times with tiny real‑money deposits, and squinting at terms until our vision blurred. The result is a ranking built on cold data points, not affiliate handshakes. If you’re after the top-rated casinos that actually perform—where games load, withdrawals don’t require a séance, and the support team answers like they’ve met a human before—you’re in the right place.
This pillar page covers everything: the top‑10 countdown, a head‑to‑head comparison table, licensing reality, payment speed tests, mobile app sturdiness, bonus fine print, slot quality, live dealer authenticity, and even the odd crypto corner. No fluff. No fantasy. Just the ranked list, the why, and the hard numbers that justify each slot on the ladder.
Top 10 Rated Online Casinos for UK Players in 2026
We’ve ranked these operators by a scoring model that weights safety, customer experience, payout reliability, game variety, and bonus fairness—not just the size of a flashing number. All data was refreshed in early 2026. If a casino lost form, it slid. If a new entrant delivered a cleaner product, it climbed. This isn’t a static list.
1. LeoVegas — Still the mobile king, LeoVegas pairs a buttery‑smooth app with over 2,000 slots and a live casino that streams so crisp you’d think the dealer is in the room. Withdrawals hit e‑wallets within hours, and the welcome package remains competitive (up to £400 plus 100 spins on selected slots). The “LeoVegas Originals” add a layer you won’t find elsewhere. Held back slightly by a wagering requirement on the bonus that nudges 35x, but the speed and interface earn the top slot.
2. Bet365 Casino — If consistency were a currency, Bet365 would be the Bank of England. It’s not flashy; it’s industrial‑grade reliable. The game lobby is enormous, the live dealer section is powered by Playtech and Evolution, and withdrawals to debit cards rarely exceed 24 hours. The welcome offer (100% to £100 + 50 spins) isn’t the biggest, but it’s fair and has no hidden time‑bomb clauses. Integration with the sportsbook is a bonus if you’re that type of player. The interface lacks a bit of personality, but you don’t come here for a personality contest.
3. 888casino — A veteran that keeps reinventing its own wheel. 888casino’s proprietary software delivers exclusive slots and table games you won’t find in any aggregator library. The no‑deposit £88 bonus for new UK players (yes, still around in 2026) is a genuine loss leader. Their live casino is a quiet overachiever, with a dedicated “888 Live” suite that manages to feel intimate. Payout times are reasonable—2–4 days to cards—but the VIP tiers reward loyalty with actual perks, not just virtual confetti. The main weakness? The site design can feel like a 2010 portal, but the backend is rock‑solid.
4. PlayOJO — The “no wagering” crusade continues, and it’s still a brilliant weapon. Every free spin, every bonus, comes without a rollover requirement. You win from a spin? That’s cash. You want to withdraw? Go ahead. No one at OJO will hold you back with a 50x playthrough. The welcome deal is modest (usually 50–80 spins on deposit), but the ongoing OJOplus cashback returns real money on every bet. The downside: the slot selection is slightly narrower than the mega‑lobbies, and the design language is aggressively playful. But for transparency, it’s unmatched.
5. Casumo — Casumo turned online casino play into a light RPG, and the gimmick still works. You level up, collect trophies, and the whole experience feels less transactional. More important, withdrawal times are astonishingly fast—often under 2 hours to e‑wallets. The welcome bonus (100% to £300 + 20 spins) is fair, and the game library spans 2,000+ titles. The live casino section has grown, though it’s still a supporting act. Mobile navigation could use fewer animations, but the fundamentals are strong.
6. Betway Casino — Betway keeps a lower profile than its advertising spend suggests. It’s a workhorse: strong live dealer hub, full sportsbook integration, and a loyalty club that actually remembers your name. The welcome offer (100% to £250) is straightforward. Payout times average 24 hours, often faster for VIPs. The game filter tools could be more granular—it’s too easy to get lost in the lobby—but the quality of the live blackjack and roulette tables is top‑tier. Good all‑rounder.
7. William Hill Casino — Hill’s online arm mirrors its high‑street presence: reliable, slightly formal, and well‑regulated. The game mix includes exclusive Vegas‑themed slots and a solid live dealer section. Their “Wager £10 Get £30 + 50 spins” welcome offer is a low‑risk entry point. Withdrawal speed varies by method, with PayPal taking under a day and debit cards up to 4 business days. The mobile app is functional but feels like a port rather than a native build. Still, for players who want a brand that’s been around since before colour television, it’s comforting.
8. Mr Green — The Swedish stylish cousin, Mr Green blends a dark, grown‑up interface with genuinely helpful responsible gambling tools. The “Green Gaming” dashboard predicts risk and sets personal limits—rare stuff. Welcome bonus: 100% to £100 + 200 spins. The spins are released in batches, so it’s not an instant shower. Game loading times are quick, and the live casino features an exclusive Green Live studio. Payouts can be slower than the top tier (1–3 days), but the brand’s safety credentials push it up the ranking.
9. Grosvenor Casinos — If you’ve ever walked into a Grosvenor club, the online version feels like a logical extension. The land‑based link gives it a local trust factor. The welcome offer (£50 bonus + 50 spins with a £20 deposit) is more of a “thank you” than a hook. Live dealers are a highlight, often featuring games streamed from actual UK clubs. The slot catalogue is smaller, and the interface lacks the polish of the digital‑first brands. But for players who value physical presence and a domestic licence above everything, it’s solid.
10. Fun Casino — Fun Casino keeps its promise: it’s fun, no frills. The bonus structure (100% to £119 + 10% cashback on every deposit) is unusual and leans more toward retention than acquisition. The minimum deposit is just £10, making it accessible. Payouts take 1–2 days, and support answers quickly. The site won’t win design awards, and the game count hovers around 1,200, but the overall package delivers a reliable, unpretentious environment. A true dark horse.
Comparison Table: Top Rated UK Online Casinos 2026
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Licence | Payout Speed | Mobile App | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeoVegas | Up to £400 + 100 spins | UKGC, MGA | 0–2 hours (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Superior mobile UX, exclusive slots |
| Bet365 | 100% up to £100 + 50 spins | UKGC | 1–3 days (cards); faster for PayPal | Yes (iOS, Android) | Massive game library, sportsbook integration |
| 888casino | £88 no deposit + 100% up to £100 | UKGC, Gibraltar | 2–4 days (cards) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Proprietary games, no‑deposit bonus |
| PlayOJO | Up to 80 free spins (no wagering) | UKGC, MGA | 0–2 hours (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | No wagering ever, OJOplus cashback |
| Casumo | 100% up to £300 + 20 spins | UKGC, MGA | Under 2 hours (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Gamified adventure, fast payouts |
| Betway | 100% up to £250 | UKGC, MGA | 1–2 days (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Strong live dealer, loyalty programme |
| William Hill | Wager £10, get £30 + 50 spins | UKGC | 1–4 days (cards); under 1 day PayPal | Yes (iOS, Android) | Trusted brand, Vegas‑style slots |
| Mr Green | 100% up to £100 + 200 spins | UKGC, MGA | 1–3 days (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Green Gaming safety tools, exclusive live studio |
| Grosvenor | £50 bonus + 50 spins (deposit £20) | UKGC | 2–5 days (cards); faster for e‑wallets | Yes (iOS, Android) | Land‑based presence, UK‑oriented live dealers |
| Fun Casino | 100% up to £119 + 10% cashback | UKGC, MGA | 1–2 days (e‑wallets) | Yes (iOS, Android) | Low min. deposit (£10), cashback rewards |
How We Rate Online Casinos: Methodology That Matters
Most casino “ratings” you’ll stumble across are as rigorous as a game of pass‑the‑parcel with a banknote taped to the outside. We don’t play that. We built a weighted scoring system that punishes delays, hidden terms, and poor game performance. Here’s the breakdown.
Licensing & Safety (30%) — A casino must hold a valid UK Gambling Commission licence. No exceptions. If an operator operates offshore without UKGC approval, we label it clearly, but it automatically drops below all UKGC‑regulated peers. We also check for alternative licences (MGA, Gibraltar) and whether the brand has ever faced enforcement action. In 2026, with the UK’s white paper reforms bedding in, compliance is stricter than ever. Any operator still dragging its feet on affordability checks or deposit limits gets marked down.
Player Sentiment & Complaints (20%) — We scrape player forums, Trustpilot (with a grain of salt), and social media to map real grievances. Patterns matter more than one‑off rants. If a dozen players report the same withdrawal freeze or KYC nightmare, we bump the rating down. We also weigh the operator’s response—some brands actually fix problems in public; others copy‑paste a generic apology.
Payout Speed & Banking (20%) — We test withdrawals ourselves, small amounts (£20–£100), using debit cards, e‑wallets, and occasionally bank transfers. We measure the time from approval to arrival in the account. Operators that process within 12 hours get high marks; those that require a 48‑hour “pending” window plus a 3‑day transfer draw a lower score. Also, no one gets points for offering 15 deposit methods—only the ones that work without a fee and actually settle matter.
Game Quality & Variety (15%) — It’s not about the raw number. A lobby of 5,000 identical Megaways slots doesn’t impress. We look for depth: a mix of software providers (NetEnt, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, and smaller studios like Nolimit City), solid table games, and a live dealer section that streams at 4K. We also test game loading times on both desktop and mobile with average UK broadband (around 70 Mbps). Laggy lobbies lose points.
Bonuses & Fairness (10%) — We read every bonus term so you don’t have to. Wagering requirements above 40x? Sharp penalty. Game weighting that excludes all slots except some obscure title? That’s a red flag. We also reward innovative promos—like cashback on all bets, no‑wagering spins, or loyalty programmes that don’t feel like a digital coupon drawer. A “generous” bonus is meaningless if the small print turns it into a prison.
Mobile Experience (5%) — We test on three devices: an iPhone 14, a Google Pixel 7, and a three‑year‑old Samsung Galaxy A52. If an app crashes or the mobile web version requires pinching and zooming, that’s a fail. Native apps get a slight edge if they deliver smoother navigation and push notifications that aren’t spammy.
Are Top Rated Casinos Always Licensed by the UKGC?
No. That’s the uncomfortable truth hiding in plain sight. Many “top rated” lists floating around include offshore casinos that operate under a Curacao licence, knowingly accepting UK customers without a UKGC rubber stamp. Why? Because those operators can offer looser promotions, crypto payments, and they don’t have to bother with UK self‑exclusion schemes like GamStop. But that freedom comes at a price: zero regulatory protection for the player. If an offshore casino decides your £2,000 withdrawal violates some hidden term, you have no ombudsman to call. No live‑chat queue will save you.
Our stance is blunt: we’ll mention a few offshore options for context—particularly for players hunting crypto casinos or sites that bypass GamStop—but we label them explicitly and never rank them above a UKGC‑licensed competitor. In 2026, the UK regulator has tightened rules further, requiring all licensed casinos to implement mandatory affordability checks for net deposit thresholds. Offshore sites dodge this, which is both their appeal and their danger. Choose with eyes open.
Real Money Slots and Top Rated Slot Sites
Slots remain the gravitational centre of online casinos, and top‑rated UK sites reflect that with thousands of titles. But not all slot lobbies are equal. The best—LeoVegas, 888casino, Casumo—curate their collections so that the RTPs (return to player) are transparent and the studios reputable. You’ll find high‑variance beasts like Dead or Alive 2 alongside low‑risk grid slots like Starburst. We also look for progressive jackpots that have actually paid out recently: Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and Playtech’s Age of the Gods series are still bathing players in life‑changing sums. In 2026, we’ve seen an uptick in UK‑focused jackpots linked to local networks—Bet365 and William Hill run exclusive pooled prizes that can hit seven figures.
For players who prefer free spins, the landscape is binary. The top‑rated operators either offer no‑wagering spins (PlayOJO, sometimes Mr Green batches) or tie spins to a playthrough that makes you question your life choices. Our advice leans toward the former. A “free” spin that requires you to wager winnings 40 times isn’t free; it’s a lottery ticket you can’t cash. Look for casinos that publish the RTP of individual slots—under UKGC rules this became mandatory in mid‑2025 for all new games, but some legacy titles still hide it. We penalise any operator that doesn’t make RTP easy to find.
Fast Payouts: Which Top Rated Casinos Actually Deliver?
Speed of withdrawal is the single most complained‑about feature in UK player forums, and we don’t blame them. You can win money and still feel like you lost because it takes five business days to reach your bank. Our testers specifically routed small withdrawals through multiple methods and timed the process. Here’s what we found in early 2026.
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For instant e‑wallet (PayPal, Skrill, MuchBetter) withdrawals, LeoVegas and PlayOJO consistently hit the account in under two hours. Casumo isn’t far behind, often within four hours. Bet365 and Betway process most e‑wallet requests within 12 hours, though debit card withdrawals still take 1–3 days. William Hill and 888casino lag slightly—you’re usually looking at 24–48 hours for e‑wallets and up to four days for cards. Grosvenor is the slowest in the top 10, with card payouts sometimes stretching to five days, though they’ve improved their internal verification.
One trick most players miss: complete your KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before depositing a penny. Casinos are required to verify identity, address, and sometimes source of funds, and any delay there freezes withdrawals. Top‑rated sites allow you to upload documents in the account section immediately. Do that, and you’ll rarely face a “pending” limbo.
Mobile Casino Apps That Don’t Feel Like an Afterthought
Over 70% of UK casino play now happens on mobile devices. Yet some operators still treat their app like a shrunken desktop shortcut. That doesn’t fly in 2026. The best‑rated casino apps—LeoVegas, Casumo, Bet365—are native builds that use the phone’s hardware for biometric login, push notifications that are actually useful (e.g., “Your withdrawal is processed”), and game libraries that don’t load like a slideshow.
We tested each app on three connection scenarios: strong Wi‑Fi (200 Mbps), moderate 4G, and a deliberately throttled 5 Mbps to simulate spotty signal. LeoVegas handled the stress best, never crashing and dropping resolution gracefully. Mr Green’s app looks sleek but occasionally froze during live dealer transitions. William Hill’s app, while functional, feels like a web wrapper—expect a slight delay before each game loads. If you’re a slot purist who wants everything in one tap, LeoVegas or PlayOJO remain the gold standard. For live dealer fans on the go, Bet365’s app streams smoothly with minimal buffering.
Don’t ignore mobile web either. Some players prefer to avoid app clutter and just use Chrome. Sites like 888casino and Fun Casino have responsive designs that work well without an install. But you’ll lose push notifications and biometric login. For security, we recommend using the app and enabling two‑factor authentication where available.
Live Dealer Casinos: The Human Element
Live casino games have evolved from a novelty into a core product. The top‑rated UK casinos for live dealer play in 2026 are those that invest in dedicated studios and trained croupiers, not just a rented table from Evolution (though Evolution still powers the majority). 888casino’s private 888 Live studio offers an intimate atmosphere with lower minimum bets (often 50p for blackjack). Bet365’s live roulette and blackjack tables are slick, with custom backgrounds and chatty dealers who actually speak clear English. Grosvenor has an edge for UK players because it streams from physical Grosvenor casinos; you can see the same dealers you’d meet in person.
We also note game show titles—Crazy Time, Monopoly Live—which are technically silly but draw huge audiences. Operators that host these without heavy lag (LeoVegas, Casumo) score bonus points. A poor streaming connection kills the live vibe faster than a dealer with a personality bypass.
Our stress test: we joined a live blackjack table during peak evening hours (8–11 PM UK time) when server loads peak. Only Bet365 and 888casino avoided disconnecting even once. Others had momentary pixelation but no fatal errors. If you’re serious about live play, open a test account and try a few rounds during rush hour—the experience will tell you more than any review.
Crypto Casinos and Offshore Options for UK Players
Despite the UKGC’s tightening grip, demand for crypto‑friendly casinos hasn’t evaporated. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin deposits offer anonymity and near‑instant settlement that traditional banking can’t match. The trade‑off: nearly all crypto casinos serving the UK operate offshore, typically under a Curacao or Anjouan licence. This means no UKGC oversight, no GamStop integration, and often no recourse if things go wrong. It’s the Wild West with a digital wallet.
We won’t rank these operators alongside our top 10 because the safety gap is too wide. But for informational completeness, a few names surface repeatedly in player forums: Stake.com (Curacao, massive crypto sportsbook and casino), BC.Game (known for provably fair games), and Cloudbet (one of the older Bitcoin casinos). These platforms offer thousands of games, often with higher RTPs, and no mandatory affordability checks. The catch? Account freezes for “suspicious activity” are almost impossible to appeal. If you choose this route, never deposit more than you’re willing to lose to the casino itself, not just the games.
For the risk‑tolerant, some UKGC‑licensed sites are experimenting with crypto as a payment rail—convert your crypto to fiat at the door. This isn’t true crypto gambling, but it lets you use your coin stash without leaving the regulated sphere. Keep an eye on Bet365 and LeoVegas in late 2026, as both are rumoured to be testing such gateways.
New Online Casinos UK 2026: Fresh Faces Worth a Look
The licensing pipeline for new UK casinos slowed after the 2025 white paper implementation, but a handful of fresh operators emerged. Newness isn’t a virtue in itself—many new sites are just White Label reskins of the same platform. But we’ve identified two that bring something different.
LuckyBlock Casino UK (launched January 2026) arrived with a sleek mobile‑first design and a partnership with Pragmatic Play for exclusive drops. Welcome bonus: 100% to £200 + 75 spins, with wagering set at 30x—below industry average. Withdrawal speeds are promising, with e‑wallet payouts under 12 hours in our tests.
Another newcomer, PriveWin (soft‑launched March 2026), took the opposite approach: no welcome bonus at all, but a permanent 2% cashback on all losses paid in real cash, no wagering. The game selection is modest (800 titles), but the cashback model is a quiet disrupter. Both are UKGC‑licensed and worth watching, though they’re too new for our main top 10 until they prove they can handle a large player base without crumbling.
Low Deposit Casinos: Start Small, Think Big
Not everyone wants to deposit £50 on day one. The best low‑deposit casinos for UK players in 2026 allow you to start with £5 or £10 and still access full game libraries and bonuses. Fun Casino sets the benchmark with a £10 min deposit that qualifies for the 100% up to £119 bonus. Casumo and PlayOJO also accept £10 deposits, though the welcome offer on £10 might be limited to a smaller spin batch. Even premium brands: Bet365’s minimum is £10, and you get the full 100% match up to £100 plus spins (though you’d need to deposit £100 to max it out).
The key advantage of low deposits is that you can test the platform without committing significant cash. Create an account, deposit a tenner, play a few spins, request a withdrawal—if it goes smoothly, you’ve found a keeper. We’ve seen horror stories of casinos that become unresponsive when you try to pull out winnings from a tiny deposit. All our top 10 handled test withdrawals of £20 or less without a hiccup.
For those wondering about no‑deposit bonuses: 888casino’s £88 free play is still the market leader, though it comes with a 30x wagering on winnings and a maximum cashout cap of £15. As we like to remind readers, a casino giving you “free” money is a bit like a butcher giving away a sausage—it’s not charity, it’s marketing. Treat it as a toy, not a salary.
Bonuses, Wagering, and the Fine Print You Might Miss
We’ve already scattered bonus details through the ranking, but it’s worth collecting the common traps. Wagering requirements in the UK typically range from 25x to 45x the bonus amount. Anything above 40x starts looking predatory, especially when the bonus includes free spins winnings. Then there’s game weighting: slots often contribute 100%, but table games might contribute only 10–20%. That means if you’re a roulette fan, you’ll be grinding slots to clear a bonus you never wanted. Also watch for win caps—some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings to £100 or £250 regardless of the displayed balance. PlayOJO avoids all of this by simply not having wagering requirements. It’s the most transparent model, and honestly, it makes other bonuses feel like a con.
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Another subtle point: deposit match percentages. A 200% match up to £50 sounds better than a 100% match up to £100, but the latter gives you double the bonus cash for the same deposit. Marketing loves big percentages, maths loves real numbers. Always calculate the actual bonus value before getting impressed.
In 2026, the UKGC has also mandated that bonus terms must be presented in a “summary box” at the point of offer. This is a significant win for players: the box shows wagering, game weightings, time limits, and any payment method exclusions upfront. If you don’t see that box, the casino is either breaking the rules or you’ve strayed offshore.
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Responsible Gambling: Tools That Actually Work
The UK’s approach to responsible gambling has shifted from placid warnings to active intervention. By 2026, all licensed casinos must offer deposit limits, reality checks, and time‑outs by default. The best‑rated operators go beyond the legal minimum. Mr Green’s Green Gaming tool predicts risk based on your playing patterns and nudges you to set personalised limits. LeoVegas has an AI‑driven “mental health check” that flags erratic behaviour and can auto‑exclude you after a preset loss threshold (if you enable it).
We won’t patronise you with a lecture; you’re an adult. But the practical value of self‑exclusion schemes like GamStop is real: register once, and you’re blocked from all UKGC‑licensed sites for a period you choose. In 2025, GamStop expanded to cover not just casinos but also gambling‑adjacent apps, closing a long‑standing loophole. If you ever feel the need to step back, it’s a single web form away, and it works. The casinos on our list all participate; several, like 888casino, offer additional self‑exclusion toolkits that reach beyond GamStop. We mention this not as a footer obligation but because the top‑rated operator is one that respects a player’s right to stop playing, not just to start.
FAQ
What is the number one rated online casino in the UK for 2026?
Based on our weighted scoring of safety, payout speed, mobile experience, and game quality, LeoVegas holds the top spot. It combines a crystal‑clear UKGC licence, sub‑2‑hour e‑wallet withdrawals, an award‑winning app, and a vast library of slots and live dealer games. The welcome offer remains competitive, and the ongoing loyalty perks are tangible.
Are player‑rated online casino reviews reliable?
Partially. Player reviews on forums and app stores capture raw frustration and joy, but they’re also susceptible to astroturfing—fake positive or negative posts. We cross‑reference patterns across multiple platforms and prioritise verifiable complaints (e.g., withdrawal delays). Treat any review that sounds like a copy‑pasted press release with deep suspicion.
Which top rated casino has the fastest payouts?
LeoVegas and PlayOJO consistently process e‑wallet withdrawals in under two hours. Casumo is also rapid, often within four hours. For debit cards, Bet365 leads with same‑day processing in many cases, though the actual arrival depends on the bank. Always verify your identity early to avoid delays unrelated to the casino’s processing speed.
Can I play at top rated casinos on my mobile without an app?
Yes, all our recommended casinos have mobile‑responsive websites that work directly in a browser like Chrome or Safari. The experience is often nearly as smooth as a native app, though you might miss biometric login and push notifications. For occasional play, the mobile web is perfectly fine; for daily use, the app is more convenient.
Do top rated UK casinos accept cryptocurrency?
UKGC‑licensed casinos generally do not accept direct cryptocurrency deposits because of anti‑money‑laundering regulations. You’ll need to use offshore crypto casinos, which operate outside the UK’s regulatory perimeter. Several unlicensed sites like Stake or BC.Game accept Bitcoin and Ethereum, but they lack player protections. A few UK operators are testing crypto‑to‑fiat gateways, but as of mid‑2026, true crypto gambling on a UK licence remains unavailable.
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Are there any new top rated UK online casinos in 2026?
Yes, a couple of notable launches have emerged. LuckyBlock Casino UK entered in January 2026 with a strong mobile product and a 30x wagering bonus, while PriveWin launched later with a no‑bonus, permanent‑2%‑cashback model. Both are UKGC‑licensed and show early promise, but they’re too new to be included in the top 10 until they demonstrate sustained reliability over a full operating year.