How We Rank Online Casinos

If you’re wondering what goes into our casino reviews, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll walk you through our strict review process. Our goal is to help you find the safest casinos that give you the most rewarding experience possible.  

One of the reasons why thousands of players trust our reviews is that we never choose an online casino at random. You know that when we recommend an iGaming platform, it has been through our exhaustive review process. We use a rating system that puts all casinos through a multi-step test that covers security, banking, user experience, bonuses, games, and customer support.  

Our industry experts are also always hands-on. We register with each casino, deposit funds, play games, claim bonuses, and withdraw winnings. This process allows us to provide impartial feedback and give every casino a fair rating.  

1. Security and Trust

Our first goal is to ensure the security and privacy of our readers. Because you share your financial and personal information when registering and depositing at online casinos, it is important to choose a trustworthy site. All our reviews start by looking at the factors below.  

Licensing and Regulation 

We have a simple commitment that every casino we list must have a license from a known gambling regulator. Notable authorities include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and individual state regulators in the US. Casinos should have clickable access to their license in the page footer, highlighting compliance with responsible gambling and security laws.  

Fair Play & RNG Testing 

We all know that casino games are based on luck, and there are no guarantees of winning. Even so, it is good to know you at least have a fair shot of making a profit. That is why we look for online casinos that use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair outcomes. Top sites will work with auditors such as iTech Labs or eCOGRA to test their RNG to highlight fairness and transparency.  

Security Protocols 

Data protection is always a hot topic in the online world, with threats always finding sophisticated ways to breach networks and steal user data. It’s no different at casinos, so it is important that operators use industry standards such as SSL encryption and strong firewalls. Compliance with data protection laws like the GDPR is also something we like to see.  

Reputation & Customer Trust 

Other players are a fantastic source of honest information about any casino sites. That is why we check review aggregators like Trustpilot and look for disputes and complaints against a casino. While problems sometimes happen, we always avoid platforms with known scams, fraudulent payments, or persistent issues. If we see a casino site has been blacklisted, we simply won’t recommend it to our readers. On the other hand, casino brands known for ethical conduct and with strong reputations will get our seal of approval.  

2. Payments and Banking 

Reliable banking options are essential to a smooth online casino experience. Modern players also demand flexibility and the ability to deposit and withdraw their money easily and securely.   

Payment Methods 

Any top-class modern online casino will give players a range of payment options to cater to their specific needs. At a minimum, you should see credit/debit cards, e-wallets, banking options, and prepaid options. Some casinos may have more options in each category, while you may also see extra methods like cryptocurrencies, depending on the jurisdiction.  

Payout Speed 

Fast withdrawals are cool, but more important to us is that a casino can be consistent with its withdrawal times. If the platform promises withdrawals within 1-3 days, we expect it to deliver on that promise. Of course, if the site can cash out winnings on the same day, that’s even better. Casinos with slow withdrawals indicate that they may not be trustworthy.  

Depositing Process 

Depositing money into your casino account should be seamless and instant. Operators should also make the process clear, usually with a big “Deposit” button for players. We run through the deposit process in each review to make the experience easier for you.  

Withdrawal Process 

It is a similar story with withdrawals, which should be easy to set up with clear instructions. While we know casinos must verify customers, the process should be smooth and quick. We always give higher rankings to casinos that are clear about their withdrawal process, including cash-out times and possible fees.  

Fees and Limits 

The reality is we don’t like it when a casino charges any fees for deposits or withdrawals. And the good news is the top iGaming brands allow free transactions. Hidden fees are a definite red flag, so if a casino does charge for payments, we expect this to be made clear. Our team also gives more points to sites that have information about minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits.  

3. User Experience and Platform Performance 

There’s nothing like using a casino that has a smooth UI that works across all your devices. You can find the games you love, get bonuses in a click (or a tap), and setting up payments is a breeze. We always test both desktop and mobile versions of casinos we review to provide a complete picture for users.  

Mobile Usability 

Did you know that most people now play online casinos exclusively on their mobile devices? In our reviews, we use casinos on different smartphones and tablets, both iOS and Android. We look at whether the casino has a dedicated app or only a browser-based experience. Important factors we look at include fast loading times, ease of use, and game availability.  

Platform Design and Navigation 

We think a good casino experience should be almost invisible, like it is just an intuitive way to interact with the platform. A UI should be well-organized with clear menus and navigation that help you filter games, find bonuses, and make payments with just a few clicks.  

Accessibility and Localization 

These factors can vary depending on which casino we review. Some brands are only available in certain regions, while others are international. We like it when brands offer multiple languages and support for local currencies and payment methods.  

4. Game Selection and Software Providers 

When all is said and done, the reason we visit online casinos is to play games. That means this is perhaps the most important consideration when we review iGaming sites.  

Game Variety 

There are lots of casino game categories, and strong platforms cover them all. That means you’ll be able to play slots, table games, live dealers, jackpots, instant wins, game shows, and specialty options like bingo all on one site.  

Play for Free (Demo Mode) 

A demo version of a game allows you to play for free without risking your own money. This feature is good for newcomers who want to test a casino, players who want to check a new variant, or users who want to hone a gameplay strategy.  

Jackpot Games and Prizes 

A progressive jackpot can pay out life-changing wins on a single spin, while daily prize drops and tournaments provide extra excitement and competitive elements to the casino experience. Casinos that offer these features are more appealing and flexible to players.  

Exclusive Games and Branded Content 

Some select casino brands have the resources to offer their own exclusive titles that are made in-house. This can be a real way for one casino to stand out from the crowd. Branded games also give casinos options that use popular IP, such as bands and movies.  

Game Innovation and Features 

Players want fresh takes on popular games, so having access to unique features is a good thing. Cluster Pays and Megaways give slots dynamic new gameplay, while multipliers and side bets can breathe new life into classics like blackjack and roulette.  

Live Dealer Games 

We know that players love live casino games that add more realism to roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, while also offering TV-style game shows. Our reviews include the total number of live games, notable studios the casino works with, and the variety of games available.  

Software Providers and Game Quality 

We aim for quality over quantity but give extra points to casinos that can combine both. This means having hundreds or thousands of games from top software providers like NetEnt, Games Global, Evolution Gaming, IGT, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO. 

RTP (Return to Player) and House Edge 

You should play every game knowing you have a fair chance of winning. In our reviews, we look at a casino’s overall RTP and explain the house edge. This helps you understand that the casino is not rigging its software.  

5. Bonuses and Promotions 

Promotions give you a way to kick your bankroll up a notch or extend the amount of time you have to play. We know not all bonuses are as good as they may seem, so we always test promotions to ensure they are fair and have clear terms.  

Welcome Bonus 

Our reviews provide a complete overview of a welcome bonus, allowing you to compare it with other brands. We look at the overall value of the offer and how accessible it is to players. Common bonuses we often see are matched deposits and free spins.  

No Deposit Bonuses 

No deposit bonuses are excellent because you get a reward without risking your own finances. They are popular but rare, so when we find a casino with a no deposit deal, we often look at this favorably.  

Free Spins and Free Play Offers 

We review the number of free spins, alongside the wagering requirements, win caps, and eligible games to ensure you can find the best free spins packages.  

Ongoing Promotions and Reload Bonuses 

Once you become a regular player, you should have bonuses that keep rewarding you. Examples of promos include reload bonuses, cashback, and refer-a-friend promotions. We like to see casinos that have frequent offers to reward loyal players.  

VIP Programs and Loyalty Rewards 

Multi-tiered loyalty programs provide increasing benefits as players advance through levels. In our casino reviews, we look at these programs to see how fair they are, whether the terms are clear, and what benefits players can expect.   

Wagering Requirements and Terms 

Fair wagering requirements and transparent rules are important. It is not good if a casino offers blockbuster bonuses with very restrictive terms, making the offer impossible to claim.  

Bonus Transparency and Availability 

Clear communication regarding bonus terms and eligibility ensures players know what to expect. Regional availability of offers is something we pay attention to. 

6. Customer Support and Assistance 

Knowing a casino has your back when there is an issue is a sure sign of a trustworthy platform. Problems can happen on even the best sites, but being able to solve these issues is what sets the best operators apart.  

Availability and Response Time 

Live chat is an absolute must for us and casinos without this basic feature will lose rating points. The chat support should preferably be available 24/7, along with email access. Another factor we consider is response times to ensure you can receive help as quickly as possible.  

Multilingual Support 

Some casinos are available in different global markets, so support for multiple languages is a sign that a brand takes its customer responsibilities seriously.  

Help Center and FAQ 

An FAQ section gives you access to information on bonuses, payments, and general terms and conditions. Our team always checks the help center to ensure it is easy to use and accessible.  

One of the reasons our reviews are so complete is that we are players at heart. While we are professional online gambling experts, our first passion is simply playing casino games. We believe the only way to properly test an iGaming platform is to get our hands on the casino and become paying and playing members.  

To help you understand the multiple testing stages we use, below is a breakdown of our whole process: 

Step-by-Step Process 

It is important to us that every casino is given a fair chance. That’s why we use a repeatable process that guarantees fairness for all reviews.  

1. Registration and Verification 

Our first step is always to register with the online casino to see how the platform balances an efficient sign-up process with proper Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and account verification. 

2. Depositing Funds 

Once our account is open, we make a first deposit to see how the casino’s banking system works. The first check is to see which payment methods are available, but we also look into deposit times and limits.  

3. Claiming Bonuses 

We claim the welcome bonus to see if it matches the value the casino advertises. Our team checks the T&Cs to see eligible games, expiry times, and the wagering requirements.  

4. Gameplay and Game Selection 

The next step is to check the game lobby and browse through the selection of slots, live dealers, table games, and other categories. Our reviews test multiple games to evaluate performance, but we also report on the lobby UI, such as game filtering and search options.  

5. Mobile Experience 

Our team will also use the casino extensively on mobile through browser play and on an app when available. We look for performance, responsiveness, and the ease of navigating menus and games.  

6. Customer Support Interaction 

Throughout every review, we reach out to customer support on all available channels. That includes live chat to see how fast the response times are and how helpful agents are.  

7. Withdrawal Process 

Once we tilt our balance into profit, we’ll start a withdraw to test payout times, reliability, verification efficiency, and potential fees.  

8. Ongoing Monitoring and Updates 

Here’s one of our secrets to success… no casino review is ever really complete. Our rating is always flexible and can change if a casino makes improvements or gets worse. We keep checking back and update our ratings to reflect changes such as new bonuses, additional games/providers, and licensing updates.  

Our testing process is based on trust and transparency. By going hands-on, we can ensure that only the top casinos make it to our list of recommendations. Each brand on our site really earns its position by matching our strict demands. By using a structured and impartial process, we give you the confidence to rely on our reviews to choose your next iGaming destination.

All of the casinos you see on our website are given a multi-factor score that we base on multiple categories. This provides a breakdown of individual things that players find important, while also adding an overall total. While we may tweak the scoring model sometimes, the general structure looks like this: 

• Games: 25% 
• Bonuses: 20% 
• Payout Speed: 15% 
• Security: 20% 
• Customer Support: 10% 
• Mobile Experience: 10% 

Plenty of brands fail to meet our standards and don’t appear on this website. Some may be missed out because of quality issues, but some are casinos that we think players should avoid. If a casino fails to meet our benchmarks for safety, transparency, and fairness, you will never see it on our site.  

Reasons for Exclusion 

Unlicensed or Poorly Regulated Casinos 

This is a no-compromise factor! We never list an online casino that does not hold a license from a known global regulator, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) are automatically excluded.  

Unfair or Manipulative Practices 

Casinos that clearly have red flags like withholding winnings, changing bonus T&Cs randomly, or having rigged games will get a permanent blacklist from our review team.  

Poor Payment Processes 

We don’t list casinos that delay payments regularly, have unfair withdrawal limits, or have hidden fees. It is also essential that the brands we recommend have secure payments.  

Unresponsive or Unreliable Customer Support 

Access to good customer support is crucial on a casino site. We avoid casinos with poor response times, unprofessional agents, or no contact channels. 

Negative Player Feedback and Complaints 

Our team checks feedback from other players to see how casinos perform. If a casino is getting consistent bad player reviews, we investigate and don’t list casinos that have ongoing issues.   

Lack of Game Variety and Quality Providers 

While we may not entirely blacklist a casino for this, we do expect top casinos to offer a wide selection of games from known reputable software providers.  

Failure to Support Responsible Gambling 

If a casino does not offer responsible gambling tools, this tells us the site does not adhere to proper licensing standards. Top casinos provide resources such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, or links to support organizations. 

Our mission is simple: we aim to list only casinos that are transparent, trustworthy, and that focus on giving players a good time. If our reviews show any signs of an iGaming site failing to meet these standards, we will not recommend the brand to our readers.  

Our website may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase or deposit at a partnered casino. These commissions help support the maintenance and development of our site, but do not influence our reviews, rankings, or recommendations in any way. All evaluations are conducted independently and based on real testing and objective criteria.