How We Rate Online Casinos
Our transparent 12-step methodology for reviewing casinos, testing bonuses, and ensuring player safety. Every rating is backed by hands-on testing and expert analysis.
Our Mission
We exist to help players make informed gambling decisions. Unlike casino-owned review sites, we maintain editorial independence and prioritize player protection over affiliate commissions. If a casino has unfair terms, slow payouts, or poor support — we say so.
Our team has 8+ years of combined gambling industry experience, including former casino employees, professional gamblers, and regulatory compliance experts.
Our 12-Step Review Process
Every casino we review undergoes this comprehensive evaluation. We don't cut corners, and we test everything ourselves.
1License Verification
We verify every casino holds a valid license from recognized authorities (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao eGaming). We check license numbers against official databases, confirm expiry dates, and ensure the operator meets regulatory standards. Unlicensed casinos receive automatic zero ratings.
What we check: License number, issuing authority, expiry date, regulatory compliance reports
2Security Audit
We confirm the casino uses SSL encryption (HTTPS protocol), complies with GDPR data protection laws, and offers responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks. We also verify two-factor authentication availability.
What we check: SSL certificate, privacy policy, responsible gambling tools, 2FA support
3Bonus Terms Analysis
We decode wagering requirements, game contribution percentages, max bet limits, and time restrictions. We flag unfair terms (e.g., 60x wagering, low game contributions) and highlight player-friendly bonuses. We calculate the actual value of each offer.
What we check: Wagering requirements, game weights, max bet rules, time limits, restricted games
4Game Selection Evaluation
We catalog the casino's game library including slots, table games, live dealer options, and game shows. We verify software providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution), test game loading speeds, and check forRTP transparency (does the casino publish payout percentages?).
What we check: Total games, software providers, live dealer selection, RTP disclosure, game filters
5Payment Method Testing
We verify all supported deposit and withdrawal methods including credit cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. We document minimum/maximum limits, verify fee structures, and test deposit speeds.
What we check: Payment options, deposit limits, withdrawal limits, fees, supported currencies
6Withdrawal Speed Testing
We submit real withdrawal requests to measure actual payout times. We track pending periods, verification delays (KYC document checks), and payment processing times. Fast payouts (under 24 hours) score higher.
What we check: Pending period, verification time, actual payout time, withdrawal limits per transaction
7Customer Support Evaluation
We test live chat response times (we expect under 2 minutes), email support quality, and phone availability. We ask complex questions about bonuses, withdrawals, and account issues to evaluate agent expertise and helpfulness.
What we check: Live chat availability, response times, agent knowledge, email turnaround, phone support
8Mobile Experience Testing
We test the mobile casino on iOS and Android devices. We evaluate site speed, touch navigation, game compatibility, and app availability (native apps vs. mobile web). We measure page load times and gameplay smoothness.
What we check: Mobile site performance, app availability, game library on mobile, touch UX, load times
9VIP Program Assessment
We analyze loyalty rewards, cashback percentages, VIP level progression systems, and exclusive benefits for high-rollers (dedicated account managers, higher withdrawal limits, faster payouts). We calculate the real value of VIP perks.
What we check: Loyalty program tiers, cashback rates, reward redemption, VIP benefits, progression requirements
10Terms & Conditions Review
We read the fine print to identify problematic clauses like “casino reserves the right to void winnings,” unreasonable withdrawal restrictions, or account closure policies that may harm players. We flag predatory terms.
What we check: Withdrawal restrictions, win limits, account closure policies, bonus abuse clauses, dispute resolution
11Reputation Research
We check player reviews on third-party sites (Trustpilot, AskGamblers, CasinoMeister), investigate unresolved complaints, and monitor blacklist databases. Casinos with patterns of non-payment or unfair practices receive negative ratings.
What we check: Third-party reviews, complaint history, blacklist status, forum discussions, social media feedback
12Overall Rating Calculation
We combine all criteria into a weighted score (1-5 scale). Licensing, security, and payout speed carry the highest weight (30% combined). Bonuses and game selection are important but secondary. We round to the nearest 0.5.
Weighting: License (15%), Security (10%), Payouts (10%), Support (10%), Games (10%), Bonuses (10%), Mobile (10%), VIP (10%), Terms (10%), Reputation (5%)
Why Trust Our Reviews?
- Editorial Independence: We're not owned by any casino operator. Our reviews are honest, even if it costs us affiliate commissions.
- Hands-On Testing: We create real accounts, deposit real money, and test withdrawals. We don't rely on casino-provided marketing materials.
- Transparency: We disclose our methodology publicly. If you disagree with a rating, you can see exactly how we calculated it.
- Regular Updates: We re-review casinos quarterly to catch changes in terms, payment speeds, or service quality.
- Player-First Approach: We prioritize safety, fair terms, and fast payouts over flashy bonuses. A slow-paying casino never gets a high rating, regardless of bonus size.
Explore Reviewed Casinos
All casinos on our site have been evaluated using this methodology. Browse our recommendations:
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you update casino reviews?
We re-review casinos every 3-6 months to catch changes in bonus terms, payment speeds, or customer support quality. If we receive multiple player complaints, we expedite the re-review process.
Do casinos pay for higher ratings?
No. Our ratings are based solely on our testing methodology. While we earn affiliate commissions, payment does not influence review scores. A poor casino gets a low rating regardless of commission potential.
What makes a casino get a 5-star rating?
To earn 5 stars, a casino must excel in all areas: valid MGA/UKGC license, 24-hour withdrawals, 24/7 live chat, fair bonus terms (under 35x wagering), 1000+ games, mobile app, and zero unresolved complaints. Very few casinos achieve this.