A cat runs out in front of Marco Pantani as he descends the Valico di Chiunzi during the eighth stage of the Giro d’Italia.
Pantani, as so often in his career, crashes and abandons the race. It is May 24, 1997.
But few riders in the history of the sport have embarked on as many comebacks as the Italian climber. On July 19, 57 days after his crash, he produces the finest performance of his troubled career, springing clear of his rivals and ascending Alpe d’Huez’s storied bends in 37 minutes and 35 seconds.
It is still the fastest any human being has climbed the mountain.
Marco Pantani, alone, makes his way up Alpe d’Huez on July 19, 1997. (Pascal Rondeau/Allsport)
When the route for the 2026 Tour de France was announced in October, the double day in Alpe d’Huez was the most striking aspect. Stage 20 on Saturday is the queen stage.
with ascents of the Col de la Croix-de-Fer; the Col du Télégraphe/Col du Galibier double (anyone who has ridden here knows it’s effectively one 35 km climb); and a finish up the Col de Sarenne, the backdoor route up to Huez — steeper, narrower, and prone to landslides.
Stage 19 on Friday takes the more traditional route to Huez, with not too much climbing for the peloton to tackle beforehand. Recent visits, such as Tom Pidcock’s breakaway win in 2022, have made the Alpe the final challenge in a brutal stage.
This week, the riders should reach it in a relatively fresh state, thanks to modern training methods, fuelling and aerodynamics. Pantani’s 37:35 dangles in front of them as the most tantalising of sporting carrots.
In the week that Josh Kerr broke the mile record, which had stood since 1999, could cycling see one of its blue riband times fall?
As stage 13 of the 1997 Tour de France got underway, no one was thinking about Pantani much. The day before, 22-year-old Jan Ullrich had eviscerated his opponents in a 55km time trial in and around Saint-Etienne.
The young German was already in the yellow jersey, but his margin of victory in the time trial — three minutes and four seconds over second-placed Richard Virenque — made his lead virtually unassailable. The focus among the press the next morning was on how many Tours Ullrich would win in his career. Five? Seven? 10?
Pantani had finished second to Ullrich on stage 10, a 252km monster with 6,000m of climbing that finished on the Arcalis climb in Andorra.
Ullrich, clad in the German national champions’ jersey, looked unstoppable, his seated attacks demonstrating the raw power that made him the most realistic candidate to be the “new Eddy Merckx.” Pantani, still regaining fitness after his Giro crash, was best of the rest.
Jan Ullrich climbs to victory and the yellow jersey in Andorra on stage 10 of the 1997 Tour de France. (Gero Breloer / picture alliance via Getty Images)
But Pantani’s relationship with Alpe d’Huez was bigger than form, or talent. He only won 24 races in his career, but two of them were on the Alpe. In 1995 he defeated the yellow jersey and eventual race winner Miguel Indurain on its slopes. Two years later he does the same to Ullrich.
Pantani had targeted this stage from the start of the tour, and his Mercatone Uno team helped set the pace as the peloton made its way from Saint-Étienne to the foot of the Alpe, but even once there, Pantani bided his time in the early skirmishes.
The start of Alpe d’Huez is always a complicated moment for any rider, as the road goes from pan flat through the village of Le Bourg-d’Oisans to the steepest part of the climb, from the famous left-hand turn up to the first hairpin.
Go too hard there and your whole effort can be ruined. In 1997, it was Ullrich’s Team Telekom squad and Virenque’s Festina team who took up the furious pacesetting, with one rider from GAN, Cédric Vasseur, taking a flier off the front before getting engulfed by the peloton.
Speaking to French television after the stage, Pantani confirmed he had struggled on the early hairpins: “We started the climb a bit fast; I fell back a bit in the first few kilometres, but once I reached the head of the group, I started to pace myself, and in the end, I was right.”
Marco Pantani, back right, follows Jan Ullrich and Richard Virenque on the lower slopes of Alpe d’Huez. (Patrick Kovarik / AFP via Getty Images)
Soon the race had thinned down to four elite competitors. Ullrich in yellow; Virenque in polka dots; Pantani (who had thrown his yellow cap to the crowd just after the first hairpin – always a sign he meant business;
He would sometimes hold and symbolically discard his diamond nose stud too; and Tour de France champion Bjarne Riis, who had had to cede leadership of Team Telekom to Ullrich.
Pantani was climbing, as ever, with his hands in the drops and out of the saddle, while the powerful Ullrich was able to stay in his seat and keep up, happy to let Virenque close gaps when Pantani upped the pace, turning a giant gear by modern standards. “I always use a 39 (front chainring); yes, 39. I was a 39 x 19, 17, or 16; it depends a bit on the climbs, let’s say. Anyway, 39, 19, 17, and 16 – those are gear ratios,” Pantani said after this stage, ratios that would horrify riders in the 2020s.
Present Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe DS Patxi Vila, who rode as a professional in the 2000s, told The Athletic this week that “Back in the day I used to put on a 25 or 30 (rear cassette) when it was like an impossible mountain, like I remember myself climbing the first time Mortirolo (in Italy) with a 39×25.
Then we put on a 35, and it was like: ‘Woah.’ I think science and cycling science have much more knowledge nowadays, and we just make better choices, and that’s faster, no?”
Riis was the first to lose contact with the group with five of the 21 hairpins ticked off. Six turns later and Virenque reached his limit and dropped back, leaving Pantani and Ullrich alone.
But even Ullrich, on his way to winning the yellow jersey and in the best form of his career, could hold Pantani’s wheel for only a few hundred metres more. The little Italian quickly built up a lead of more than 20 seconds, with a typically exuberant crowd the biggest danger to his chances of victory. At one point Pantani was forced to angrily shove a fan in a headdress who got too close.
It’s striking too, just how many racing motorcycles are around Pantani as he climbs to victory. It’s not particularly good for the lungs, but it’s almost certainly useful for going up the climb slightly quicker.
Marco Pantani shoves an over-exuberant fan on his way to victory in 1997. (Patrick Kovarick / AFP via Getty Images)
Pantani’s time of 37:35 for the 14.5 km route was 25 seconds quicker than he had managed in 1994 — he was the fastest rider that day, but Roberto Conti won the stage from a breakaway — and 30 seconds faster than he had managed in 1995, his breakthrough global win.
It’s worth noting here that some regard the 1995 ascent as the quickest: based on the modern, slightly shorter, 13.8 km route, Pantani was five seconds faster in 1995 than in 1997, with his 1994 ascent being 20 seconds further back. But those are the three fastest times; however you cut it, Alpe d’Huez is Pantani’s mountain.
He looked set to dominate mountain stages from 1995 onwards, but a horrific head-on crash with a car at Milano-Torino in October of that year nearly ended his career. It took him almost a year to return to the peloton.
The 1997 win at the Alpe was Pantani’s first victory since the crash in Turin. It was proof he could still win at this level, and he could one day win the Tour de France. It remains, even on grainy 1990s video, a masterclass of going uphill on a bicycle.
But proof in the context of 1990s cycling is a loaded word. The 1997 Tour was the end of the sport’s long age of innocence. A year later, the 1998 Tour (won by Pantani) almost collapsed in on itself under the weight of the Festina Affair, when its team helper Willy Voet was stopped by customs officers on his way to the race’s start in Dublin with a car full of doping products.
It began a chain of events that quickly revealed the reality of cycling, a sport that had fully embraced systematic team-led doping.
Pantani never tested positive in his career, although he was removed from the 1999 Giro d’Italia — while leading the race with just two stages remaining — for having a too-high red blood cell count (to protect their health, riders were not permitted to have a haematocrit of more than 50 per cent; Pantani’s, when tested on the morning of stage 21, was 52 per cent).
At that point, Pantani was the Giro and Tour de France champion, yet he would win just two more races (both Tour de France stages in the 2000 edition) in his career. He died of a cocaine overdose in a hotel room in Rimini on February 14, 2004, aged 34.
Marco Pantani won the 1998 Tour de France — the high point of a troubled life. (Joel Saget / AFP via Getty Images)
There are plenty who can’t rewatch this era of cycling, but others can still recognise the efforts made, however they were constructed. As Matt Rendell writes in his book The Death of Marco Pantani, “Watching contemporary sport means acknowledging surface reality as an interim state, prone to reevaluation, even far in the future.”
The three other protagonists on the Alpe on that afternoon in 1997 — Ullrich, Riis and Virenque — all confessed to doping during their careers. Riis’s 1996 Tour win and Ullrich’s 1997 victory remain in the record books, unlike Lance Armstrong’s seven successive Tour wins between 1999 and 2005.
Pantani, like Ullrich, was connected with the Operación Puerto case that broke in 2006, the bookend to a decade of turmoil for the sport.
But 37 minutes and 35 seconds lives on as a high-water mark of the places 1990s cycling took itself to. Knowledge of the era’s low points can’t erase the aesthetics of Pantani dancing up Alpe d’Huez. Even people cast as sporting villains can perform heroics.
immediate tightening of security after reports of some people being physically assaulted
Staff used by MPs are calling for an immediate tightening of security after reports of some people being physically assaulted and receiving hundreds of threatening calls and messages.
A survey of more than 500 members of Parliament’s staff found that 78 per cent had received threatening communications, and nearly one in three feared for their own or colleagues’ safety.
Andy Burnham, the prime minister, plans to announce a review of MPs’ security this month following the murder of Anne Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. Joshua Carey, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder.
In a survey of more than 500 staff working for MPs, 30% said they “often, often or always” fear for their safety or that of colleagues – up from 18.7% five years ago.
73 MPs’ staff said they “very or often” encountered racist or bigoted language from visitors, while 188 said they had experienced it occasionally. One in four said they had at least sometimes felt pressured to comply with requests that could compromise their safety.
While many said parliamentary authorities had listened to their safety concerns, others felt they were still treated worse than their MPs.
The Westminster-based Wellbeing Working Group (WWG), which represents and surveys MPs’ staff, said there was an “urgent” need for more protection for frontline staff who often act “as proxies for their MPs.”
The study, by Dr Ashley Weinberg, a psychologist at the University of Salford, found that one in two parliamentary staff are experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress, the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2021.
Describing the increase as “significant and sudden”, the WWG said: “It is clear that the most pressing problems at the present moment come from unsustainable workloads and that staff routinely face abuse, racist and sexist language, suicide threats, traumatic disclosures and threats of violence.”
Seventeen staff members said that none of the safety recommendations given to their MP had been implemented, while 59 (11% of 530 respondents) said that only “some” had.
He called on Commons officials to be empowered to impose tighter security when MPs or their office managers fail to comply. Many people feel threatened because security personnel often attend only in the presence of their MP, sometimes leaving office staff alone at official events organised in the MP’s name.
The WWG said, “Security arrangements should routinely be extended to MPs’ staff as if the MP were present… The urgency of this provision emphasises the role of staff members who are already acting as proxies for their MPs.“
A staff member said he had been physically assaulted twice in the past year, while another staffer said: “It has been made clear that the security operatives are only there to protect the MP.”
Another staff member said, “It is very wrong to be denied security unless an MP is present.” “Staff are out in the community representing the MP.
“Most people don’t know what an MP looks like and often think that staff members are MPs. We have to have security clearance when doing outreach sessions in the community.”
A spokesman for the House of Commons said it acknowledged the concerns raised by staff and was working with the WWG to strengthen the support available to them.
He added: “The qualifications of the members [MPs] are fundamental to our democracy, as they ensure that staff can safely carry out their role both inside and outside the parliamentary estate. Abuse and threats are completely unacceptable.”
Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by adding us as a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google Search settings
The French Riviera takes on a different character after the height of summer. The coastline becomes calmer and favourite restaurants are easier to enjoy. Local life also returns at an unhurried pace. If you’d rather have meaningful experiences over busy itineraries, this is the perfect time to discover a more refined side of one of Europe’s most celebrated destinations.
The Riviera Few Visitors Ever Truly Experience
When you hear someone talk about the French Riviera, most of you may immediately picture promenades, jam-packed marinas and exotic beach clubs under the sun. This image has shaped the region for decades, but it only tells part of the story.
If you visit once the busiest weeks have faded, you’ll quickly notice a different atmosphere. The streets that felt frantic in August become delightful to walk through, and conversations in cafes are no longer overwhelmed by the continuous movement of visitors.
The Riviera, more prominently during this quieter period, feels less like a destination curated for tourists and more like a place where people genuinely reside. This time is when you can actually observe the rhythm of everyday life instead of rushing from one landmark to another.
If you’re planning a holiday and travelling on a luxury yacht charter to the French Riviera, this season offers a more relaxed way to experience the coastline. Popular anchorages become quieter and service feels more personal. You’ll also have more freedom to explore each stop without feeling tied to peak-season schedules. Your job is to simply enjoy being here and take in the beauty of the Riviera.
Begin your day before the seaside fully wakes up
Among the many delights of visiting the Riviera in this season is waking up early to see the morning before everyone else does. The light feels softer, it’s less humid, and the waterfront is only for the locals beginning their day.
You can walk along the port in Antibes, where fishing boats bring in their morning catch, or just sip coffee in a quiet square until the shopkeepers set up their displays. It may seem that these aren’t major attractions, but they will become your best memories of the trip.
You can take in everything, from old buildings and fresh-baked goods to church bells ringing in a narrow street, all of which make your stay even more enjoyable.
If you can, visit Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Paul de Vence. These are the locations that make you want to stay a bit longer, rather than rushing from one photo opportunity to the next. This same kind of feeling is difficult to recreate during the busier months.
Linger longer over your lunch
There’s also never a shortage of excellent restaurants on the Riviera, but it’s all about timing here. When you visit during off-peak seasons, getting a table is much easier. You’ll have more time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon lunch while taking in the view.
It’s also easier to have engaging discussions with the local restaurateurs, who will gladly share tips on where to eat. You’ll learn more about everything from a little-known regional wine you have never tasted before to seasonal dishes you won’t see on tourist menus during the busy summer.
You’ll start to realise that dining out isn’t just about the food, but about taking your time and enjoying your surroundings. Having an unhurried lunch and taking a relaxing walk around town are better than trying to cram in multiple places in one day’s itinerary.
It’s what the Riviera has always been about, and this is the perfect time for it.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026
Discover the coast by sea
There is no better way to explore the Riviera than by boat, as everything looks quite different here. There are some hidden spots that you would probably never find from the shore.
The period of your visit makes this trip absolutely pleasant. Harbours are not as busy as usual, and you can freely anchor wherever you want.
Travelling along the coast by sea can also give you a glimpse of stunning scenery that may not be visible by road. You’ll see elegant villas hidden behind pine-covered hills, high cliffs replaced by bays, and picturesque seaside towns that seem to naturally grow out of the coast.
There’s no need to hurry from place to place. It’s much more pleasant if you take the time to stop somewhere, take a plunge into the sea or have lunch in some quiet bays.
There’s no doubt that places like Cannes, Nice and Monaco deserve the fame they get, but there is more to discover beyond the tourist spots along this stretch of the coastline.
The best activities take place in smaller cities where real life happens. Walk along the narrow streets of Menton, visit the galleries of Saint-Paul de Vence or just waste time in Beaulieu-sur-Mer without any particular schedule.
This is the time to explore and discover new spots without the need to stick to the prearranged itinerary. You might just come across interesting places, such as quaint bookshops or local cafes hidden from the general public, as well as viewpoints where there’s no crowd standing around.
With fewer tourists, it also becomes easier to communicate with the locals. Shopkeepers can advise you where to go, and restaurant workers will tell you what to eat.
All of this makes your trip even more unique, as you’re unlikely to find such personalised advice in guidebooks.
Evenings have their own unique charm
Towards the end of the day, the Riviera takes on a unique character that you have to experience to understand.
As the sun starts to soften and the terraces start filling up, there’s a beautiful change of colour over the Mediterranean Sea, which transitions from the bluish colour of daytime to gold and pink tones. There’s no rush to do something else since the evening becomes the event itself.
One could choose to spend some time at a quiet table, looking out at the harbour, drinking local rosé wine, or even taking a leisurely walk by the seaside as the lights reflect on the water.
Without the hustle of the busy period, everything around seems peaceful. It’s also much easier to converse and receive service during this time.
To sum up
The French Riviera is always an engaging place to visit, no matter the season. Once the summer holidays start to come to an end, another side of the French Riviera remains unknown to many travellers.
Walking on relatively quiet roads, dining in restaurants with ease and exploring the area in your own style make you understand why the region is more than just the well-known coast. It becomes a place of peaceful pleasures, sincere encounters and unexpected memories.
If you like to travel without haste, observing details and visiting places outside their peak season, perhaps this is the best time to visit the French Riviera. There’s nothing more sophisticated than travelling to places when no one else does.
Could eating many chilli peppers affect your risk of cancer? Scientists have been debating that question for years, and the answer remains far from simple. While chilli peppers contain compounds that have shown anti-inflammatory and even anticancer effects in laboratory experiments, some human studies have linked very high consumption to a greater risk of certain cancers of the digestive tract.
A large review published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined the available evidence and found that people who consumed the most chilli peppers were more likely to develop certain gastrointestinal cancers, especially oesophageal cancer. At the same time, researchers emphasised that the evidence does not prove chilli peppers cause cancer and that more rigorous studies are still needed.
A Closer Look at Chili Peppers and Cancer Risk
Gastrointestinal cancers include cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, and colon or rectum. Together, they account for millions of new cancer diagnoses worldwide each year and remain among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Because these cancers are often discovered after they have already advanced, scientists continue searching for dietary and lifestyle factors that might influence risk.
Chilli peppers are eaten every day by billions of people and are an essential ingredient in cuisines across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and many other parts of the world. Their signature heat comes from capsaicin, a natural compound that activates heat- and pain-sensing nerve receptors.
Capsaicin has attracted considerable scientific interest. Laboratory studies have suggested it may reduce inflammation, influence metabolism, and even kill certain cancer cells under specific conditions. However, other experiments have found that under different circumstances it could promote tumour growth or contribute to tissue irritation. That conflicting evidence has made its overall effect on cancer difficult to pin down.
What the Analysis Found
To better understand the relationship, researchers combined data from 14 observational studies involving more than 11,000 participants, including over 5,000 people diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers.
Compared with people who consumed the least chilli peppers, those with the highest intake were about 64% more likely to develop gastrointestinal cancers overall.
The strongest association involved oesophageal cancer. People in the highest consumption group were nearly three times more likely to develop this cancer than those in the lowest intake group.
The picture was less clear for other digestive cancers. Researchers did not observe a statistically significant increase in the risk of stomach or colorectal cancer. Although stomach cancer showed a trend toward higher risk, about 77% higher among heavy chilli pepper consumers, the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that the evidence “suggests that chilli pepper is a risk factor for certain GI cancers (e.g., EC).”
Why Results Differ Around the World
The findings also varied by region.
Studies from Asia, Africa, and North America generally found higher cancer risks among people with the greatest chilli pepper consumption. By contrast, studies from Europe and South America found either no increased risk or reduced risks.
Researchers believe several factors could explain these differences. Average chilli pepper intake varies dramatically around the world, and cooking methods, pepper varieties, genetics, smoking, alcohol use, and other dietary habits may all influence the results. The researchers noted that “geographical regions influence the risk of GI cancers”, suggesting that regional differences should be considered when making dietary recommendations.
Why the Esophagus May Be Especially Vulnerable
Scientists have proposed several explanations for why the oesophagus appears more strongly affected than other parts of the digestive tract.
Capsaicin activates receptors known as TRPV1 receptors, producing the familiar burning sensation associated with spicy foods. Some researchers suspect that repeated exposure to extremely spicy foods could contribute to chronic irritation of the oesophageal lining in susceptible individuals. Differences in how quickly cells are repaired and replaced throughout the digestive tract may also influence how tissues respond over time. These ideas remain hypotheses and have not been proven.
The Bigger Picture
Although these findings may sound concerning, they should be interpreted with caution.
Every study included in the review was observational. That means the researchers could identify associations, but they could not determine whether chilli peppers themselves caused the higher cancer risk. Other factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic differences, infections, or overall dietary patterns, could also contribute.
Since the review was published, broader analyses have continued to show mixed results. An umbrella review of several systematic reviews found that spicy foods and capsaicin may have both health benefits and risks, depending on the disease being studied, the amount eaten, and the people involved. Some evidence links spicy food to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death, while studies of digestive cancers remain inconsistent.
For now, researchers say one of the most significant unanswered questions is dose. It is still unclear whether moderate chilli pepper consumption carries the same risks observed among the heaviest consumers or whether there is a threshold above which risk begins to increase.
Future studies that follow people over many years will be needed to determine whether chilli peppers themselves play a direct role in cancer development or whether the observed associations are driven by other lifestyle and environmental factors.
Trump agrees to a nuclear deal with the Saudis in a landmark agreement that could reshape energy cooperation and strategic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The agreement establishes a framework for U.S. support of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy programme and could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium under agreed safeguards, although it still faces congressional review.
The deal is being described as one of the most significant U.S.–Saudi agreements in years, carrying major implications for energy security, regional geopolitics, and nuclear non-proliferation.
Trump agrees to a nuclear deal with the Saudis
What Is the Nuclear Deal?
The agreement is a civil nuclear cooperation pact, commonly known as a “123 Agreement” under U.S. law. It provides the legal framework for American companies to help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear power infrastructure, including reactors, technology, and related services.
The agreement aims to:
Support Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy ambitions.
Expand U.S.–Saudi economic cooperation.
Allow American companies to compete for major nuclear energy contracts.
Strengthen long-term strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Why Does Saudi Arabia Want Nuclear Energy?
Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 and reduce its dependence on oil for domestic electricity generation.
Its goals include:
Meeting rising electricity demand.
Reducing carbon emissions.
Freeing more oil for export.
Developing advanced energy technology.
This will create skilled jobs in the energy sector.
Officials say nuclear power will complement renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Uranium Enrichment Raises Questions
One of the most debated aspects of the agreement is that it could eventually permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium for civilian nuclear fuel.
While enrichment for peaceful energy purposes is permitted under international rules, the same technology can potentially be adapted for weapons production if safeguards fail. Critics argue that allowing domestic enrichment could increase nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East.
The U.S. administration says the agreement contains safeguards intended to prevent military use of the technology.
Benefits for the United States
The agreement could provide several advantages for the United States.
Economic Opportunities
American companies, including nuclear technology providers, may receive contracts worth tens of billions of dollars to supply reactors, equipment, and engineering services.
Strategic Partnership
The deal strengthens long-standing security and economic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Energy Leadership
By supporting Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions, the United States aims to remain a leading supplier of advanced civilian nuclear technology.
Why the Deal Is Controversial
Despite its economic benefits, the agreement has generated political debate.
Critics argue that:
Uranium enrichment technology could increase proliferation risks.
The agreement does not require the highest level of international nuclear safeguards.
Other countries in the region may seek similar capabilities.
Congress should closely examine the agreement before it takes effect.
Supporters, however, argue that U.S. involvement provides stronger oversight than allowing Saudi Arabia to seek assistance from rival powers.
Congressional Review
The agreement is not yet fully in force. Under U.S. law, it will undergo a 90-day congressional review, during which lawmakers can examine its terms and raise objections.
The outcome of that review will determine whether the agreement proceeds as planned.
Regional Impact
The agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Analysts believe it could influence:
Regional security.
Relations with Iran.
Global energy markets.
Nuclear policy across the Gulf region.
Future diplomatic negotiations.
Supporters say peaceful nuclear cooperation can strengthen energy security, while critics worry it may encourage regional competition in sensitive nuclear technologies.
What Happens Next?
The next steps include:
Congressional review in the United States.
Final implementation of the agreement if approved.
Negotiations with American nuclear companies.
Planning and construction of Saudi nuclear facilities.
Continued international monitoring of nuclear safeguards.
The agreement is expected to shape U.S.–Saudi relations and regional energy policy for decades.
Conclusion
Trump agrees to a nuclear deal with the Saudis in a major step toward expanding civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The agreement could support Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy diversification while creating significant opportunities for U.S. companies.
At the same time, questions surrounding uranium enrichment and nuclear safeguards ensure the agreement will remain the subject of close scrutiny by lawmakers, non-proliferation experts, and international observers. As Congress reviews the deal, its outcome is likely to have lasting implications for energy security and geopolitical stability in the Middle East.
It is a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that provides a legal framework for the United States to assist Saudi Arabia in developing nuclear energy.
Will Saudi Arabia be allowed to enrich uranium?
The agreement could allow domestic uranium enrichment under agreed safeguards, though the details remain subject to review and have prompted debate.
Why is the agreement controversial?
Critics fear enrichment technology could increase the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, while supporters argue the agreement includes safeguards and keeps Saudi Arabia aligned with U.S. oversight.
Does the agreement take effect immediately?
No. It must first complete the U.S. congressional review process before it can be fully implemented.
The House on Thursday approved the Democratic leadership’s proposal to end the Iran war.
directing President Donald Trump to withdraw the armed forces from hostilities
However, the resolution is non-binding. The House voted 214-208, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in casting the deciding vote for the measure: Reps. Thomas Massey, R-Ky., Tom Barrett, R-Mic., Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Later in the day, the Senate voted 47-49 to reject a “joint resolution” to end the Iran war that, unlike the House version, would have the force of law but would be subject to a presidential veto. A Republican, Sen Susan Collins, R-Maine, joined every Democrat except Sen John Fetterman, D-Pa., who voted to advance the measure.
Four Republicans did not vote: Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rand Paul, R-Ky.
The votes in both chambers were pushed by Democrats eager to get Republicans on the record about an unpopular war ahead of the midterm elections and reassert Congress’s role as the branch of government responsible for declaring war.
Several Senate Republicans have said the war should not last more than 60 days without congressional approval to comply with federal law. Among them are Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah. But both men voted against a measure to end the Iran war on Thursday.
Asked why, Tillis said the 60-day clock started this month, not back in February when Trump and Israel first attacked Iran. “July 10, to my knowledge, is the first time I’ve heard anyone in the administration mention it as war,” Tillis said, adding that it would be important for Congress to authorise war after the 60 days are up.
“The clock is ticking. We have to get serious about this,” Tillis said. “I think politically, we can help the president fight an unpopular war right now if we give him some legitimacy.”
House Republicans have also expressed willingness to allow Trump some leeway on the 60-day deadline. Still, four GOP members voted with Democrats to pass the resolution rejecting the war through the Republican-controlled House, reflecting the unpopularity of the conflict.
“The vote today shows that Congress is starting to join the 70 per cent of the American people who are against this war, which is clearly a war of choice, and Congress has to step up and demand our constitutional responsibility,” Rep Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the House Foreign Relations Committee, told NBC News.
Meeks added that Democrats have more tools to force Trump to end the war, such as “power of the purse” ahead of Congress’ Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government, including the military. He added that he is introducing a resolution to “sue the administration” for opposing Congress on the Iran war, which he plans to vote on when the House returns from its summer recess in five weeks.
Public opposition to the Iran war has put Republicans in a difficult position in competitive areas.
Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa., who represents a swing district and is a top target for Democrats in November, voted against the resolution. He said he recognised the economic impact of war but stressed that Iran could not have nuclear weapons.
“I think people look at fuel prices and they immediately get attached. But I think we all agree that there needs to be an immediate solution. Under no circumstances should Iran have nuclear weapons,” Bresnahan said Thursday. “Iran is not America’s friend, but there needs to be a final solution urgently.”
He said he wants the Strait of Hormuz to open as soon as possible so that gas and fertiliser prices can return to normal. “The sooner, the better,” he said. “But at the same time, you can’t allow a foreign adversary to go rogue and hold American supply chains hostage because they’re just basically operating.”
Seven Republicans and two Democrats voted no on the House Iran measure on Thursday.
This is not the first time that Congress has formally rejected war. The House passed a similar war powers resolution in early June on a 215-208 vote, supported by the same Republicans who voted for the measure on Thursday. The Senate later passed the same non-binding measure.
Democrats continue to force votes to get Republicans on the record about a war that the majority of Americans oppose. Senator Chris Van Hollen, DMD, led the failed Senate initiative.
“Not only do the majority of Americans oppose this war; it’s the most unpopular war we’ve fought in a very, very long time,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., noting that even self-identified “MAGA” voters are sceptical of it.
“These are people who support Donald Trump deeply, but they actually liked it when he was talking about ending wars forever instead of getting into them,” he said.
Andy Burnham has blocked an early release scheme for 6,000 prisoners.
which was due to start in September, after an outcry from crime victims.
The prime minister said an “immediate review” was aimed at “minimising the risk to the public” amid fears that murderers, rapists and sex offenders would be left on the tags.
Probation officers have warned that a “sense of chaos” has spread across the prison service, with staff unable to prepare for mass releases.
The mother of police officer Andrew Harper said Thursday that the proposed early release of her son’s killers was “another disappointment” for her family.
In a statement, Burnham said: “I have been working closely with the new justice secretary and have directed my team to hold off on the changes that were scheduled to begin in September.
“Under this policy no inmate will be released until we have made an immediate assessment and done everything possible to minimise the risk to the public.
Under the early release proposals, murderers, rapists and sex offenders would be released early into the community and monitored with tags.
NAPO national officer Tanya Bassett told the Guardian that the union had asked prison managers whether all preparations for early release in England and Wales should continue but had received no response.
He said, “The Prime Minister’s statement that he will review early release plans for September has created a sense of chaos within Her Majesty’s prison and probation service.
“Napo has asked HMPPS what the plan is and, so far, they don’t know. This is distressing for our members who are currently working hard on pre-release work for people coming in September. It was already an incredibly short time to meet the implementation date.
“This review could potentially reduce the timeframe further, which could put further pressure on our already overworked members. We request clarification from the Prime Minister as soon as possible.”
Preparations for release require extensive work by probation staff that typically takes at least six to eight weeks, according to the union. Jesse Cole (left) and Albert Bowers, two of the killers of police officer Andrew Harper, may be eligible for early parole. Photo: Thames Valley Police/PA
This includes conducting risk assessments, making referrals for housing, conducting home visits, coordinating with victim liaison officers and domestic abuse support officers and developing multi-agency protection plans.
It may take several weeks to ensure that tagging measures are in place before the offender is placed in residence. Until probation staff get “easy, concrete direction” on who will be considered, the established release plans could end, a union official said.
The review has caused chaos at the prisons, where managers have been responsible for calculating release dates for several weeks since Sept. 2.
The Sentencing Act 2026 introduces an “earned progression model” that replaces automatic halfway release for prisoners serving standard fixed sentences in England and Wales with a tiered, behaviour-based system.
It would allow most inmates to be released after serving a third of their sentence behind bars instead of 50%, with the remainder of the sentence being spent under strict supervision in the community with the help of electronic tagging.
Prisoners serving time for sexual or violent offences where the automatic release phase is set at two-thirds will be eligible for release at the halfway point, provided they have not committed serious violations of prison rules.
This applies to two of Harper’s killers, Albert Bowers and Jesse Cole, who were sentenced in 2020 to 13 years in prison for manslaughter. Burnham confirmed that Henry Long, the main culprit, “shall not be subject to any early release” under the scheme.
Burnham has been urged to end early release for all serious felons.
Mark Fairhurst, national head of the POA union for prison officers, said: “He needs to seriously revise the policy to allow for exemptions that allow him to keep serious offenders behind bars, including violent offenders, sex offenders and those convicted of domestic abuse so that victims can at least have a sense of justice.
We can free up capacity by releasing people guilty of less serious crimes who can be supervised in the community. But this prime minister must try to win public support.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Burnham wanted to see the early release policy implemented. Asked if that meant it might not happen, he replied: “That’s something he and the justice secretary will sort out in the coming weeks.”
Nobody likes to be kept waiting when it comes to receiving a payment, which means fast withdrawal casinos are highly valued in the current UK gambling sector.
Instant Pay By Bank withdrawals.
Over the years, UK online casinos have moved from 3-5 day debit card withdrawals to under-15-minute payouts by adopting methods such as Pay by Bank, Apple Pay, and Visa Fast Funds.
As such, the fastest UKGC-licensed casino sites now pay out in hours rather than days.
We have verified payout times across a range of casinos, checking and testing each one on this page to create a guide to the truly fast withdrawal casinos.
Top 10 fast withdrawal casinos – July 2026
Ranking
Casino
Fastest payout method
Payout speed
Minimum withdrawal
1
Bet365 Casino
Apple Pay
Instant (Apple Pay); under 4 hours (PayPal, Trustly, Paysafecard)
£5
2
Ladbrokes Casino
Pay By Bank
Instant Pay By Bank: 4 hours Visa Fast Funds: 24-hour e-wallets
£5
3
Grosvenor Casino
Pay By Bank, Apple Pay, PayPal, debit cards
Within 15 minutes
£5
4
888 Casino
Debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal
Same day (best case)
£10
5
Mecca Games
PayPal, debit cards with fast funds
Within 15 minutes
£5
6
MrQ Casino
All methods (guaranteed)
Instant – £10 cash comp if delayed
£10
7
Mr Vegas Casino
E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
Under 24 hours
£20
8
Sky Vegas Casino
Debit cards
Instant to bank; 1-4 hours to appear
£5
9
Magical Vegas Casino
Trustly
2 hours (verified in testing)
£10
10
Betfred Casino
E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Open Banking)
Minutes once KYC complete; 5 days cards
£10
Our betting experts have considered a variety of factors when constructing our list of fast withdrawal casinos. We looked at verified payout speed, breadth of instant-supported payment methods, welcome offer value, ongoing promotions and the overall mobile experience.
All 10 sites are UKGC-licensed and compliant with the January 2026 wagering and bonus rules.
Bet365 doesn’t do slow withdrawals. Apple Pay requests are processed instantly, and all other methods are cleared within four hours during our testing. Withdrawals start from £5, which suits low-stakes players, and the Apple Pay cap runs to £20,000 for bigger cash-outs.
Apple Pay is the standout option with bet365, requiring just two taps in the iOS app and landing funds in seconds. But there isn’t a bad choice among the seven banking methods offered.
The wider bank stack covers debit cards, PayPal, Paysafecard, Trustly and bank transfer – broader than nearly all UK rivals. I’ve made real withdrawals to test it and Apple Pay lands in seconds every time, while PayPal averages around an hour.
Beyond the payout speeds, bet365 backs it up with one of the best-rated casino apps on iOS (4.5 stars across 16,750+ reviews). The welcome offer is 500 no-wagering free spins spread across the first 10 days, while existing users can enjoy regular casino bonus offers.
Instant Apple Pay withdrawals up to £20,000
All other payment methods cleared under 4 hours
£5 minimum withdrawal – one of the lowest on the market
Broadest range of fast-withdrawal methods in the UK market
iOS app rated 4.5 stars (16,750+ reviews)
Google Pay not accepted for withdrawals
PayPay withdrawal minimum is £10
Pay By Bank with Ladbrokes produces instant withdrawals and is Ladbrokes’ fastest payout method.
Lower-stakes players will appreciate the £5 minimum withdrawal, and there is a good selection of withdrawal options available.
Visa Fast Funds withdrawals are completed within 4 hours, making it the fastest debit route; PayPal and other e-wallets within eight hours; and standard debit cards can take up to 3 business days.
However, it must be said that there is no true and consistent instant option outside Pay By Bank. For example, e-wallet payouts trail Bet365’s sub-4-hour benchmark.
It must be said that Ladbrokes has a strong reputation thanks to its status as a decades-old UK retail bookmaker with the deepest casino library, featuring 5,700+ games. This reputation extends to offers as well with some type of casino bonus available for nearly every type of casino game.
Instant Pay By Bank withdrawals
Visa Fast Funds within 4 hours
£5 minimum withdrawal
Broad e-wallet support (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
Large collection of casino offers
No instant option outside Pay By Bank
Standard debit card withdrawals up to 3 business days
Grosvenor boasts one of the fastest verified payout times across UK online casinos, thanks to its 15-minute rapid withdrawals feature.
These rapid withdrawals are the reason Grosvenor sits above casinos with bigger libraries of online slots and other games.
Fast withdrawals are available via debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal and instant bank transfer from all major UK banks.
Minimum withdrawals are £5, meaning Grosvenor Casino joins Bet365 and Ladbrokes on the low-minimum tier
Outside of payment speeds, Grosvenor’s big draw is its exclusive live dealer tables streamed from Grosvenor’s UK land-based venues in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Nottingham and Sheffield.
Verified 15-minute fast withdrawals
Four instant-supported payment methods: debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, instant bank transfer
£5 minimum withdrawal
Highly regarded live casino provider
Smaller library of games than some casinos on this list
Android app rated only 2.6 stars
Most payouts from Mecca Games Casino land within 15 minutes, and they provide one of the best PayPal casino experiences for users of the e-wallet.
However, Mecca Games offers tiered banking. Fast withdrawal-enabled Visa and Mastercard clear in 15 minutes, while non-fast-withdrawal card providers can take between 1 and 3 working days, a huge and noticeable difference. Apple Pay and PayPal both clear within an hour, which provides another rapid withdrawal method.
The £5 minimum withdrawal places Mecca Games Casino alongside Bet365, Ladbrokes, Grosvenor and Sky Vegas on the low-minimum tier for UK casino minimum withdrawals.
It is worth noting the same-method withdrawal requirement, which means players must withdraw to the payment method they deposited with or to the refundable method with the highest exposure. Furthermore, take note that non-refundable deposit methods trigger extra ID checks.
Mecca Games provides a bright, user-friendly-to-use slots-only offshoot of the well-known Mecca Bingo brand, with 130+ progressive jackpots and 40+ Slingo titles. There are no live casino or table games.
15-minute withdrawals to most major UK banks and PayPal
Apple Pay and PayPal both under 1 hour
£5 minimum withdrawal
Mecca Bingo brand crossover with slots-only positioning
The Vic provides instant PayPal and Visa Direct withdrawals.
Debit cards, Skrill, and Paysafecard are also options, but this is a narrower payment range than rivals’ – with no Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neteller, or bank transfer listed.
The Vic offers a high RTP (Return to Player) of 96.38%, making it one of the best payout casinos.
The Vic website is the digital arm of the Grosvenor Victoria Casino in London, with live tables streamed directly from the physical casino floor.
Instant PayPal and debit card withdrawals
96.38% published operator-wide payout percentage
Faster than any other Rank Interactive sister brand
24/7 live chat (recently upgraded)
Narrower payment range – no Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neteller or bank transfer listed
Android-only mobile app with a small review sample
MrQ Casino makes a bold promise with their speedy withdrawals, pledging to pay out instantly or credit bettors with £10 in cash if the payment fails to clear.
No other UK casino puts its money where its mouth is like MrQ, making it a genuine market-leading differentiator. During our testing, we confirmed a verified payout time of just four minutes.
Banking methods include debit cards, instant bank transfer, Apple Pay, and PayPal, all of which are processed instantly.
The £10 minimum deposit and withdrawal is higher than those of other casinos listed on this page.
MrQ is the original no-wagering casino, giving it a trusted and standalone reputation rather than being part of a wider group.
Instant withdrawal guarantee with £10 cash compensation if delayed
Four payment methods all processed instantly (cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal)
Verified 4-minute payout in reviewer testing
Independent UK operator – not part of a wider group
£10 minimum withdrawal – higher than the £5 threshold at rivals
Fewer payment options than some casinos
Mr Vegas Casino has fast e-walletoptions that typically clear in under 24 hours and coverg the full banking stack.
That includes debit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, PayByPhone, Paysafecard, and bank transfers. But in reality, e-wallets clear the fastest, in under 24 hours; debit cards, up to three working days; and bank transfers, the slowest, taking up to seven days.
As such, Mr Vegas is not truly instant, explaining why it ranks below bet365, MrQ and Grosvenor on speed.
There are also the curious and frustrating fees for same-day withdrawals. The first same-day withdrawal is free, but additional same-day withdrawals cost a further £2.50, making Mr Vegas the only brand on this page with a withdrawal fee.
The minimum withdrawal is not much better, as it is set at £20, which is significantly higher than the commonly seen amounts of £10 and £5 at other casinos.
However, with 9,600+ games available, Mr Vegas Casino has the deepest library of any rapid withdrawal casino.
Fast e-wallet withdrawals (under 24 hours)
Broad payment stack (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, PayByPhone, Paysafecard, bank transfer)
Huge casino games library
£2.50 fee on additional same-day withdrawals
£20 minimum withdrawal – highest on this page
Sky Vegas provides fast debit card withdrawals, with most processed instantly to a bank account within one to four hours. Both deposit and withdrawal minimums are set at £5.
However, the lack of e-wallet support is frustrating, as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are not accepted. That means debit cards, Apple Pay and instant bank transfer are the only routes of withdrawal.
Outside of debit card withdrawals, other method payouts take 2-5 business days, creating a genuine two-tier system.
Sky Vegas has a highly rated casino app, and we like the filters on Sky that help bettors sort through its library of games.
Instant debit card withdrawals (1-4 hours to bank)
£5 minimum withdrawal
Apple Pay and instant bank transfer supported
No e-wallets accepted (no PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard)
Magical Vegas Casino can boast exceptionally quick Trustly withdrawals, with a 2-hour withdrawal verified in reviewer testing. This makes it one of the only UK casinos on this page to actually specify a Trustly speed.
You can also use Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, and Apple Pay. There is a £10 minimum deposit, which is higher than the £5 threshold at sister brand Grosvenor.
Both Magical Vegas and The Vic operate under the Rank Interactive banner, but The Vic pays out via PayPal instantly, whereas Magical Vegas’s fastest payout time is 2 hours via Trustly. As such, you may prefer The Vic, particularly if planning to use PayPal.
Magical Vegas Casino has 220+ progressive jackpots across Jackpot King, Mega Moolah and WowPot, a major selling point for the brand. There are also daily casino bonuses from the Mystery Chips promotion.
2-hour Trustly withdrawals in reviewer testing
220+ progressive jackpot slots
£10 minimum deposit higher than sister brand Grosvenor’s £5
Betfred has cut down its list of payment options to prioritise speed. That means the brand no longer supports any e-wallets, Paysafecard or Google Pay, but all withdrawals are processed within six hours, except for traditional bank transfers.
Debit cards offer the fastest withdrawals, taking around four hours to process, while Apple Pay and instant bank transfers take a maximum of six hours.
With over 20 years of UK retail heritage and known among betting sites as the bonus king, Betfred is a well-known face in the UK betting space. Bettors will usually find two or three free spin promotions, with the line-up changed regularly.
All payments processed within six hours, except traditional bank transfers
Debit card withdrawals are completed within four hours as standard
Large selection of free spin offers
No e-wallet payment options
No instant withdrawals
What to look for in a fast withdrawal casino
There are five things that matter most when choosing a speedy withdrawal casino.
Payment method matched to speed: Don’t presume to know which is the fastest method based on reputation or past performance. Pay By Bank and Visa Direct now beat PayPal and Apple Pay for speed at some operators, which completely reshapes the withdrawal landscape.
Verified vs claimed times: Operators throw the word ‘instant’ around a lot, but a verified 15-minute payout at Grosvenor is worth more than an unspecified ‘instant options’ claim elsewhere.
Minimum withdrawal amount: Casinos such as Grosvenor, Ladbrokes, Sky Vegas, Bet365, and Betfair offer £5 minimums, which suit low-stakes players.
Same-method deposit and withdrawal: Most UK casinos require withdrawals through the same method used to deposit, otherwise known as a closed loop, so pick your deposit method with the withdrawal in mind.
KYC readiness: Even the fastest casino sites still need to run identity checks before releasing funds. A casino that makes it easy to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification during signup helps delays vanish.
How we rank fast withdrawal casinos
We only feature UKGC-licensed casino sites. If a site can’t show its licence, it doesn’t make the list. We will never include an unlicensed operator. After verifying a site is UKGC-licensed, we then look at the following five criteria.
Verified payout speed: We make a real withdrawal where possible, timing it from request to when funds arrive in the bank account. Verified times beat claimed figures every time.
Breadth of instant-supported methods: The best fast withdrawal casinos support Pay By Bank, Visa Direct, PayPal and Apple Pay as instant options and don’t just rely on one method.
Ongoing promotions for existing players: Whether a casino provides regular offers and promotions for existing customers can be just as important as a strong welcome bonus. We prioritise operators that give bettors a little extra value.
Deposits and withdrawals: We check which methods casinos accept, the withdrawal speed by payment type, and the minimum deposit and withdrawal limits.
Mobile experience: We compare the ease and speed of site navigation on desktop and mobile, app availability, ratings on iOS and Android, loading times and stability during play.
Responsible gambling tooling: We consider how easy casino sites make it to find and use their safer gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, and self-exclusion options. We also check for visible signposting to GamStop, GamCare and GambleAware.
Fastest withdrawal methods at UK casinos
Pay-by-bank withdrawals are one of the fastest payment methods, with transactions completed instantly or within 1 hour. There’s a slightly higher but not uncommon minimum withdrawal of £10, with a max limit set at £100,000
Pay by Bank is the fastest and safest method for large withdrawals at UK casinos. Ladbrokes, Betfair and Paddy Power now offer it as their default instant option.
Visa and Mastercard Fast Funds
Visa and Mastercard Fast Funds live up to the name, with processing times ranging from instant to 4 hours. There’s a minimum withdrawal of £5 and a max of £20,000 when using Visa and Mastercard Fast Funds.
However, if Fast Funds are not enabled, debit card withdrawals can take between three and five working days, one of the slowest processing times out of the available payment methods.
Fast Funds processes most payouts in under an hour. Nearly all Visa card providers and most Mastercard providers now offer Fast Funds.
Withdrawals with Apple Pay are processed instantly or, at the very least, within 24 hours. Withdrawal limits range from a minimum of £5 to a £40,000 max.
Mobile casino users get the fastest cash-out with Apple Pay on Bet365 and Grosvenor, with two-tap withdrawals from within the app.
PayPal withdrawals can be instant and are typically completed within 24 hours. The minimum withdrawal with PayPal is £5, with a maximum of £30,000.
PayPal is the most widely accepted e-wallet, especially compared to Skrill or Neteller. Some casinos, such as Grosvenor and The Vic, process PayPal withdrawals instantly.
Strongly associated with making online payments, some operators, such as Betfred, have removed PayPal from their list of banking options, while others have increased the minimum payment when using PayPal.
Bank transfer (traditional)
Traditional bank transfers have the slowest processing times, taking anywhere between one and five business days.
Pay by Bank has superseded bank transfers, with most bettors now preferring the speed it offers. Both methods offer the same security, but Pay by Bank takes minutes, rather than days.
The only advantage bank transfer has over Pay by Bank – and a myriad of other payment methods – is the high withdrawal limit. However, it is quite niche to require a withdrawal of £100,000+.
Paysafecard and pay-by-mobile casinos tend to be deposit only. For pay-by-mobile, there are no UK casinos offering withdrawals.
There are a handful of operators who do offer withdrawals for Paysafe, including bet365, which pledges to complete any payments within one to four hours.
Fast vs instant withdrawal casinos – what’s the actual difference?
As you can imagine, an instant withdrawal casino is more desirable than a rapid withdrawal casino.
Instant withdrawals are processed in 15 minutes or less, while fast withdrawals are transactions that take under an hour
The average UK casino withdrawal speed still sits between 12 and 24 hours, so both instant and fast withdrawals currently put a casino in the top quartile.
UKGC-licensed casinos must still complete KYC and anti-fraud checks before releasing any funds, which explains why an instant withdrawal casino isn’t exactly instant on your first payout. If you were to complete the KYC process at sign-up, instant withdrawals would be exactly that – instant.
Are fast withdrawal casinos safe?
Yes, provided the casino is UKGC-licensed. All the casinos mentioned on this page are licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The UKGC’s overview means that licensed operators must complete identity and anti-fraud checks before releasing funds. The process is now largely automated, which is why payouts have moved from days to minutes without compromising security.
UKGC-licensed casinos are required to hold funds in segregated accounts and comply with UK GDPR. A fast withdrawal does not compromise security or data protection.
Fast withdrawal casino FAQs
Which online casino pays out the fastest?
Bet365 offers instant Apple Pay, and MrQ offers an instant guarantee that pays £10 in compensation if payment is delayed, but Grosvenor currently leads the UK market with proven 15-minute withdrawals. For overall best reliability across multiple methods, bet365 is the standout.
How long does a fast-withdrawal casino take to pay out?
Fast withdrawal casinos process payouts from anywhere between a few seconds to under an hour, depending on the payment method used. Pay By Bank and Visa Direct will clear in a matter of minutes at leading operators. Complete the KYC process at sign-up to receive the fastest experience.
What is the best instant withdrawal casino in the UK?
MrQ is the only UK casino to guarantee instant withdrawals, with a £10 cash compensation if funds don’t arrive immediately. If you want a different range of withdrawal methods, Bet365 and Grosvenor both offer instant withdrawals via Pay by Bank, Apple Pay and PayPal.
Which withdrawal method is fastest at UK online casinos?
Pay By Bank and Visa Direct are now the fastest withdrawal methods across most UK casinos, clearing in minutes rather than hours. Apple Pay and PayPal remain the fastest methods at Bet365 and Grosvenor, specifically. Traditional bank transfers are typically slower, taking several days.
Do rapid withdrawal casinos still need KYC checks?
UKGC-licensed operators must verify a customer’s identity before releasing funds. Know Your Customer (KYC) is a one-off process, so once you are verified, subsequent withdrawals are dealt with at the operator’s stated speed. Instant withdrawal casinos can pay out instantly by completing KYC during sign-up.
What is the minimum withdrawal at UK rapid payout casinos?
Most top UK fast withdrawal casinos accept withdrawals beginning at £5, including Bet365, Ladbrokes, Grosvenor and Sky Vegas.
MrQ requires a £10 minimum. Higher-value withdrawals may trigger additional source-of-funds checks under UK anti-money-laundering rules.
We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.
Gambling can be addictive; always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time-outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support are available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
Ali Slagle is a recipe developer and a regular contributor to NYT Cooking, specialising in low-effort, high-reward recipes. She is also the author of the cookbook “I Dream of Dinner (So You Don’t Have To).”
Tomatoes don’t need any more promotion, and that’s precisely why I wanted to write about how to improve them.
Every month for more than a year, this series has shared seven ways to upgrade common ingredients and dishes. Occasionally, it’s a space to sing about the unsung (see canned tuna and zucchini). Other times, it ensures beloved foods meet your expectations: tonight’s salmon is silky, the pasta salad is lively, and the tomatoes are as satisfying as you hoped.
And yet, fresh tomatoes are one of the most beguiling ingredients for me to cook with, as someone who professionally creates recipes. (To the tomato avoidant, I see you.) While I crave their tangy juices, the flavour of tomatoes can be unpredictable.
They can be bland, bitter or even as sugary as an overripe strawberry. It’s difficult to know what kind you have until it’s home, and you’re committed to using it.
But over the course of creating about 40 recipes that feature fresh tomatoes for New York Times Cooking, I’ve come to rely on certain moves that catapult their quality. These seven recommendations make each bite that much better. So read up, and then return to feasting on your tomatoes.
1. Consider their size
Christian Reynoso’s tomato basil chicken breasts. Credit…Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
When it comes to tomatoes, size matters, both in the size you buy and cut. Tomatoes that resemble gumballs, like cherries, grapes or Sungolds, will be more consistently sweet because they have less space for water to dilute their juices.
They also have a higher peel-to-flesh ratio, which helps them maintain their shape when cooked or marinated. If you cut larger tomatoes into pieces the size of a cherry tomato, they have a tendency to turn mushy. But keep those cuts chunky — say, 1- to 2-inch pieces or fat wedges — and they’ll stay intact better, so you can save their juices for your bite instead of the bowl.
Need some recipes to start? Tomato-Lentil Salad With Spicy Tahini | Tomato-Basil Chicken Breasts | Furikake Tomato Sandwich | Dumpling Tomato Salad With Chile Crisp Vinaigrette | Tuna and Tomato Salad | Curry Tomatoes and Chickpeas With Cucumber Yogurt | Marinated Cherry Tomatoes on Toast
2. Amplify the acid with lemon
Kay Chun’s huevos rancheros. Credit…Sang An for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks.
While tomatoes are often dressed with vinegars, go for lemon juice instead. The gentler acid enhances the brightness of tomatoes without announcing itself as loudly, which means the tomato’s essence keeps the focus.
Need some recipes to start? Tomato Salad | Cottage Cheese Pasta With Tomatoes, Scallions and Currants | Kachumbari (Tomato and Onion Relish) | Puttanesca Chickpea-Tomato Salad | Huevos Rancheros
3. Pair with other fruit
Gabrielle E.W. Carter’s country panzanella, adapted by Nicole Taylor and Yewande Komolafe. Credit…Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
While often used as a vegetable, tomatoes can also be used in fruity applications. (Botanically, tomatoes are a fruit.) Think of it as a win-win situation: peaches, pomegranates and melons bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes, while tomatoes’ acidity gives them some zing.
Need some recipes to start? Yotam Ottolenghi’s Tomato and Pomegranate Salad | Tomato and Peach Salad With Whipped Goat Cheese | Tomato and Watermelon Salad | Country Panzanella With Watermelon Dressing | Melon, Cucumber and Cherry Tomato Salad
4. Add dairy
Alexa Weibel’s roasted tomato tart. Credit…Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
There’s power in tomatoes and dairy. When their acid and fat, sweet and tang meet up, watch out. The two balance each other beautifully, and their potential for greatness is possible no matter the type of cheese, whether it’s milkier fresh options like mozzarella, ricotta, and burrata or nuttier aged cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar.
Need some recipes to start? Tomato Cheddar Toasts | Classic Caprese Salad | Creamed Tomatoes on Toast | Roasted Tomato Tart With Ricotta and Pesto | Spiced Tomato and Eggplant Pasta
5. Eat with chilli crisp
Hetty Liu McKinnon’s dumpling tomato salad. Credit…Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Chile crisp’s fatty, crunchy and spicy nature is a lush counterpart to tomatoes’ acidic juiciness. Salt the cut tomatoes and let their juices spill into a bowl or onto a platter, then drizzle them with chilli crisp. The liquid that accumulates beneath the tomatoes will be a combination of spritzy juices and fiery oil. You’ll want to slurp every drop.
Need some recipes to start? Tomato-Lentil Salad With Spicy Tahini | Tomato and Burrata Salad With Chile Crisp | Chile Crisp Chickpea Rice Bowls | Chile Crisp Tofu, Tomatoes and Cucumbers | Dumpling Tomato Salad With Chile Crisp Vinaigrette
6. Grate them
David Tanis’s pan con tomate. Credit… Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
“Grating a tomato somehow emphasises everything delicious about it,” my colleague Tejal Rao wrote in 2021. See what she means by halving a large, ripe tomato through its belly, like a burger bun.
Then, swipe the cut sides on the large holes of a box grater into a bowl. Sip what collects. If it doesn’t excite you, add salt and maybe a little sugar or lemon juice until it does. Then spoon it over toasted bread, yoghurt, pasta and more.
Need some recipes to start? Pan con Tomate | Fresh Tomato and Yogurt Dip | Tomato-Butter Pasta | Paneer con Tomate
7. Bake low and slow
Edna Lewis’s baked summer tomatoes. Credit…David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Tomatoes have a lot of water in them, and water doesn’t taste like much. Get rid of that moisture, and you’ll have a tomato that’s more savoury and silky. When you bake the tomatoes slowly in a generous amount of butter or oil, the water goes away, and the tomato’s flavour concentrates.
The low temperature means the fruit’s sugars won’t burn; instead, they’ll caramelise and even get sticky in places, like candy.
Iran’s challenge to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran’s challenge to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz threatened not only global trade but also risked setting a dangerous precedent for Asia’s contested maritime routes.
Addressing foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila on July 22, Rubio said the US was prepared to negotiate with Iran but accused Tehran of failing to honour previous commitments and of lacking seriousness in its diplomatic approach.
“The United States is always committed to diplomacy,” Rubio said on July 22. “We’re open-minded and always willing to engage and negotiate settlements and differences, and that remains true in the case of Iran.”
“The problem we’re having right now is that they’re not serious about talks. If they’re serious, we’re serious,” he added. “If they’re not, we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and those of our allies.””
Rubio’s remarks came amid renewed military exchanges and US strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure linked to threats against commercial shipping.
His central message to Southeast Asian governments was that Iran’s actions extend well beyond the Persian Gulf.
He argued that allowing Tehran to dictate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would undermine one of the fundamental principles underpinning international commerce: freedom of navigation.
“Iran demands the right, which they do not have under any existing legal mechanism, to control the transit of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz,” Rubio said.
Calling the waterway an international passage protected by international law, Rubio warned that acquiescing to Iranian demands would encourage similar behaviour elsewhere.
“If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide that it is going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and, if you don’t pay it, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent that will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including this region.”
Rubio argued that the Strait of Hormuz dispute had direct implications for Asia.
“I don’t need to teach this region about the importance of freedom of navigation,” Rubio said. “What is at stake here is not simply the issue of what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz.”
He said the crisis threatened “the global economy” and warned that “the rules that have underpinned 150 years of international trade and commerce are also threatened, and that cannot be allowed to happen.”
Without action, Rubio said, “20 per cent of the world’s energy supply is being held hostage by a rogue regime” that is seeking authority “they do not have under any definition of international law.”
Beyond Iran, Rubio sought to reassure Southeast Asian governments that Washington’s engagement in the region would remain a priority despite conflicts elsewhere.
He described ASEAN as America’s “primary mechanism” for regional engagement and said Washington’s “partnership with each of your countries and the region at large is in the national interest of the United States. We will never abandon it.”
Rubio also pledged that US relations with other major powers would “never come at the expense of our alliances” or regional partners.
He announced plans to deepen engagement through $2.5 billion in strategic US government investments and another $1.5 billion through the US Development Finance Corporation for aviation infrastructure, energy security, secure supply chains and other key sectors.
He also promised nearly $130 million in regional assistance for demining efforts and the removal of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts in Southeast Asia.
Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by adding us as a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google Search settings
