How We Rate and Review Casinos

A valid gambling license sets the rules for how money is handled, how identity checks (KYC/AML) are done, how games are kept fair, and how disputes get resolved.

We verify the license the same way a compliance officer would:

1. Capture the license number from the site footer and find the matching entry in the regulator’s public register.
2. Confirm the license status and the exact legal entity behind the brand.
3. Match trading names and covered domains to the live casino URL you are using.
4. Review the license type, scope, and issue/expiry dates to see what the permit actually allows.
5. Check for sanctions, warnings, or enforcement actions on record.
6. Follow the regulator seal to a live listing, verify the countries the permit covers, and confirm the site blocks restricted regions.
7. Note mandatory player protections tied to that regulator, such as ADR (alternative dispute resolution), an ombudsman route, and the self-exclusion scheme, so players know where to get help outside the casino.

After that, we assess the quality of the license itself because regulators do not enforce the same level of control.

Top-tier authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Danish Gambling Authority demand proof of game integrity, audited RNG systems, transparent payout reporting, and they back this with frequent audits, clear dispute resolution, and real penalties for violations.

Mid-tier regulators like Curaçao or Kahnawake provide a legal framework but with lighter, more hands-off oversight, while lower-tier jurisdictions such as Comoros or Costa Rica mostly offer registration without ongoing control.

To keep things fair and transparent, we assign each regulator a credibility tier that directly determines the license score.

Hard rule: If there’s no license, the casino’s overall site rating is capped at 6/10, no matter how it performs elsewhere.

In our methodology, a casino earns points for provable game fairness only when we can verify independent RNG certifications. We accept lab reports and seals from recognized auditors, and we count both platform-level and provider-level certificates as long as the certified games are actually offered at the casino.

The names we want to see are:

• BMM Testlabs
• GLI
• iTech Labs
• eCOGRA
• TST
• QUINEL
• NMi
• Gaming Associates (GA)

We score this by how many current, verifiable RNG/fairness certificates the casino (or its providers) holds:

To qualify, the evidence must be current, publicly verifiable (e.g., a live certificate page or registry entry), and explicitly cover RNG/game fairness rather than unrelated areas like pure security or general QA.

Points in this category are awarded only when the casino provides working, account-level player-protection tools that we can verify. An information page about playing responsibly or a footer notice without real controls does not count.

We confirm that tools are available in the player account for the relevant jurisdiction, can be activated without contacting support, and are described in the site rules.

Recognized standards we count (any one qualifies):

• EGBA
• IBIA
• G4

Player-protection tools we look for (the more, the better):

• Financial limits: deposit, loss, wager, and session caps you can set yourself
• Cool-off/timeout: short breaks for hours or days without closing your account
• Self-assessment: a quick check to spot early signs of risky play
• Links to help organizations: clear, working links to independent support
• Self-exclusion: longer locks for months or indefinitely that you cannot undo instantly
• Reality checks: on-screen reminders of time spent and amount wagered

Points are assigned strictly by the number of working tools and the presence of a recognized standard, as follows:

Note:

If a casino has all 6 tools but no certificate, it still scores 1 point.
If it has one certificate but only 2 tools, it also scores 1 point.

In our system, this credit is given only when the casino shows live, verifiable protection of player data and payments. We accept any one of the following, with a working verification link or an operator/processor statement:

• SSL/TLS: valid certificate and forced HTTPS across the site, especially the cashier
• PCI DSS: operator or payment processor states compliance level for card processing
• Security audit/attestation: from PECB, CIL, or CEG, with a public verification path

Points are assigned based on the presence of at least one verified control:

Let’s walk through a few examples to see, step by step, how casinos earn or lose Legitimacy & Safety points.

Picture a best-in-class casino: it holds a UKGC license worth 4 points, publishes two independent RNG audits (say eCOGRA and GLI) for +3, offers all six player-protection tools and carries an EGBA affiliation for +2, and runs on verified SSL/PCI for +1.

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Now consider a solid, middle-of-the-road option. It’s licensed in Curaçao (3 points), lists one RNG certificate such as iTech Labs (+2), provides three tools, for example limits, a timeout, and self-exclusion, but has no certificate (+1), and uses SSL (+1).

🙂 Total: 7/10.

Finally, imagine a site that looks “secure” but isn’t licensed. With no license, it starts at 0 and triggers a category cap of 6/10. Even if it shows two lab seals (e.g., GLI and BMM) for +3, offers four tools without a certificate for +1, and uses SSL for +1, the raw 😐 5/10 remains capped at ≤6/10 until a valid license is in place.

We score what you can actually claim after signup and a first deposit. If a casino publishes only spins or only a match, we score on the visible part and note any missing detail in the review.

Based on what we can actually claim in our test sign-up, we assign points as follows:

For tiered or multi-deposit welcome offers, we use the arithmetic average of all clearly advertised deposit tiers in the package and assign the score based on that average.

We verify the real wager by claiming the welcome bonus.

Points are assigned by the stated rollover on the welcome bonus:

If different pages list different figures, we use the higher effective requirement (after game contributions) from our live test.

We check whether the casino keeps rewarding you after the welcome offer by counting distinct, currently active promos with clear terms (e.g., reloads, free-spin bundles, cashback, tournaments, loyalty perks). 

We don’t double-count near-duplicates, and VIP-only or heavily restricted offers don’t qualify.

We confirm the lowest deposit that truly triggers the welcome bonus. Our testers open a fresh account in the review jurisdiction, uses an eligible mainstream payment method, applies any required code, and deposits the stated minimum.

Points are assigned based on the lowest deposit that actually triggers the bonus:

If the bonus doesn’t credit, we raise to the first amount that does and score that effective minimum.

We ignore high-roller tiers and excluded methods; if minimums vary by country or method, we use the figure for our test location and note any limits.

To make it clearer how the rating comes together, here are three quick, hypothetical examples.

High-value and fair

Suppose a casino advertises 250% up to $500 plus 120 free spins. That earns 4 points for size. The terms show 30x wagering, which adds 3 points. The promos page lists three ongoing deals (a reload, cashback, and a free-spin bundle), worth 2 points. The $20 minimum deposit adds 1 point. 

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Solid but not perfect

At another casino, the welcome is 100% up to $200 and 50 free spins for 3 points. The wagering sits at 45x, good for 2 points. There’s one extra promo beyond the welcome, so 1 point there. The $25 minimum deposit doesn’t earn a point. 

😐 Total: 6/10.

Flashy but tough

Then there’s the casino that looks big on marketing but light on value: a 40% match with no spins is only 1 point. A steep 60x wagering rule adds just 1 point. No ongoing promos means 0 points. A low $10 minimum deposit adds 1 point. 

😞 Total: 3/10.

This part measures size: how many unique, working titles you can actually play in the test location on the review date (no reskins, broken launches, or region-blocked entries).

Counts come from the in-account games list after login; if the desktop and mobile catalogs differ, the lower playable count sets the score.

Variety of casino games is scored as follows:

Side products (sports, crash/instant, lottery) don’t replace missing casino categories; only casino game types listed above count.

Here are four quick snapshots that translate lobby size and variety into a clear Casino Games score:

Big and balanced

Picture a casino with 4,200+ titles. That size earns 5 points for total games. The lobby also covers 9 distinct types (slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, live casino, bingo, keno, craps), which earns 5 points for variety.

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Large but narrow

Another site lists about 3,500 games, good for 4 points on size, but offers only three types (mostly slots, plus blackjack and roulette). That mix earns 3 points for variety.

🙂 Total: 7/10.

Smaller yet well-rounded

Now flip it: a lobby with 1,600 games scores 2 points for size, but it covers eight types with live casino and several table classics, which earns 5 points for variety.

🙂 Total: 7/10.

Small and limited

At the low end, a casino with 900 titles gets 1 point for size and offers only slots for 2 points on variety.

😞 Total: 3/10.

A wider studio lineup brings different mechanics, volatility profiles, features, and table rules, so the library feels varied and less dependent on any single supplier. The count reflects the confirmed list of studios available to players in the test region on the review date.

Provider availability can differ by market, so this score tracks the region under review.

In our view, the highest-quality and most reliable studios are: NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, Big Time Gaming, Evolution, Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, Playtech, Quickspin, IGT, Betsoft, Thunderkick, Push Gaming, Novomatic, BGaming, Hacksaw Gaming.

Quality is determined by how many of these leaders appear in the provider lineup:

We review this top-tier set regularly to keep it aligned with current quality and reliability.

Consider four contrasting brand profiles that show how the Software score takes shape.

Big roster with many leaders

A platform integrates 33 studios, which earns 5 points for count. It also features 11 recognized leaders, worth 5 points for quality.

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Plenty of studios, few headliners

Another setup lists 26 providers for 4 points, but only 4 of them are from the leaders set, so quality adds 3 points.

🙂 Total: 7/10.

Tight lineup, high pedigree

Here the catalog stays lean at 14 studios, giving 3 points on count, yet 10 of those are leaders, so quality reaches 5 points.

🙂 Total: 8/10.

Small pool, no standouts

The library shows 8 providers for 2 points and none qualify as leaders, which is 2 points on quality.

😐 Total: 4/10.

A bigger live lineup means easier seat availability at peak hours, more parallel tables per format (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, game shows), wider betting limits for different bankrolls, and often multiple language rooms. It also cushions downtime: if one table is full or temporarily closed, others stay open, so play doesn’t stall.

Points for volume are assigned as follows:

For fairness, the count focuses on regularly available tables and shows rather than short-lived or private sessions.

Our benchmark and favorite is Evolution. It runs the largest network of tables and game shows, keeps uptime high, staffs multilingual dealers, and maintains clear operating standards. Because it consistently delivers across these fronts, the presence of Evolution alone earns the maximum in this component.

Another top-tier live providers we recognize include Pragmatic Play Live, Playtech Live, Ezugi, Vivo Gaming.

Here is how we score provider presence:

White-label skins of another studio, unstable promo streams, or tables with inconsistent rules do not receive credit.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how we score different live catalogs, using typical casino setups as examples.

Full house, the best operators present

At this casino, first we count the lineup: about 140 unique live tables, which earns 6 points for volume. Next we check who runs the action: Evolution and Pragmatic Play Live are both present, so provider quality adds 4 points.

Total comes to 🤩 10/10, and it’s easy to find a seat across blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker-style tables, and game shows.

Busy catalog, limited pedigree

Another casino shows around 55 tables, good for 5 points on size. Only Ezugi appears from the leaders list, which adds 3 points. 

The result is 🙂 8/10: plenty to play, though the operator mix could be stronger.

Small shelf, credible operators

A third casino has just 9 live games, so volume lands at 2 points. Two top providers run those tables, adding 4 points.

Final score 😐 6/10: the selection is tight, but the tables that exist are handled well.

Light offering, no key studios

At the last casino, 18 live games earn 3 points for count. None of the recognized leaders show up, so provider presence adds 0.

That leaves 😞 3/10, with limited choice and weak quality signals.

A broad mix of payment options matters because it increases approval rates, gives a fallback if one route is down, shortens time to cash out, and helps reduce fees and card declines.

Here are the core methods we check:

• E-wallets
• Bank cards (credit and debit)
• Cryptocurrencies
• Prepaid cards
• Vouchers
• Bank transfers
• Online banking options such as Trustly, Sofort, Interac, Revolut, POLi, Zimpler
• Mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay

We translate the number of covered categories into points as shown below.

Method count matters for practical reasons: approval rates vary by bank and card network, some rails are deposit-only while others support payouts, and PSP outages or maintenance windows do happen.

We convert the count of distinct, usable methods into points as shown below.

A low minimum lets new players start with a small amount, try the cashier, and see how games run without overcommitting. It also helps with bankroll control during bonus play.

High minimums do the opposite, shutting out small-stake deposits and pushing casual users away. The number should match what most supported rails allow. Not the cheapest outlier.

Points are assigned using the threshold below.

A sensible minimum withdrawal lets players empty small balances, leave after a short session, or pull test winnings without padding the request. High thresholds trap money in the account and force larger-than-needed cash-outs, which slows routine payouts and adds friction.

We use a simple threshold for the score.

Fees reduce playable balance on the way in and winnings on the way out, and even small percentages add up over time. We review the cashier and terms for deposit or withdrawal charges, payout surcharges, and currency conversion markups. A clear zero-fee policy keeps costs predictable for players.

The fee policy converts to points as shown below.

We treat payout speed as access to your money and a trust signal. Tests run across different methods and days to capture batching and weekend pauses, and repeated overruns against the stated window lower the result.

We convert the advertised and observed timeframe into points as follows.

Here are a few clear scenarios that show how the Payments score can look in real casinos.

Complete toolbox, quick payouts

At this casino we start in the cashier and map the rails. It covers cards, e-wallets, crypto, bank transfer, online banking, vouchers, and mobile pay, so variety earns 3 points. We count 12 distinct methods for another 2. Minimums check out at $10 to deposit and $30 to withdraw, adding 1 and 1. No fees appear on either side, worth 1. Test cashouts land within 0 to 24 hours on supported rails, worth 2.

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Plenty of choice, one weak spot

This casino offers six method categories, so variety scores 3. We find 8 usable options, which is 1. Minimums meet the thresholds at $20 deposit and $30 withdrawal, adding 1 and 1. No fees add 1. Payouts reach accounts the next day on average, so withdrawal time scores 1.

😐 Total: 7/10.

Limited options, added costs

The last casino supports only cards and bank transfer, so variety is 1. Four total methods earn 0. Minimums are set at $25 to deposit and $50 to withdraw, adding 0 and 0. A withdrawal fee appears in the cashier, so fees score 0. Cashouts take about two days, so timing is 1.

😞 Total: 2/10.

Round-the-clock support is crucial because players often encounter issues outside business hours, such as payout reviews, verification delays, or failed deposits.

Scoring uses the availability window below.

Live chat offers the fastest route to real help. It’s especially valuable for quick issues like declined deposits or bonus activations where timing matters.

Points are assigned based on the presence of true agent chat.

Email support is essential for cases that require attachments or detailed explanations, such as ID verification or transaction disputes. It also provides a written record of communication that players can refer back to if needed.

We award points as follows.

Phone support allows direct conversation with an agent, useful when handling sensitive account or payment issues that need confirmation in real time. It’s also the most transparent way to check how competent and professional the support team truly is.

Scoring reflects the presence of a staffed support number.

A contact form routes requests straight to the right department and captures needed details without players guessing what to include. It’s often the fallback when chat or email aren’t available.

We map the site’s form to points as shown.

Multilingual support prevents misunderstandings during verification, payment, or dispute cases. Players should be able to communicate in their preferred language, especially when legal or financial details are involved.

We score language coverage below.

Here are a few straightforward scenarios so you can see how a casino’s support setup turns into a score.

Always-on and easy to reach

At this casino, support is open all day and night, so 24/7 gets 2 points. Live chat connects to a human quickly, adding 2. A working support email is listed for 1, and a staffed phone line adds 2. There’s also a contact form for 1, and the site serves three languages for 2. 

🤩 Total: 10/10.

Office-hours support with good coverage

Here the help desk keeps daytime hours, so 24/7 gets 0. Live chat is real and helpful for 2. Email works for 1. A phone line is staffed during those hours, which still counts 2. No contact form, 0. Three languages on the site add 2. 

😐 Total: 7/10.

Bot wall and slow inbox

On this casino, there’s no round-the-clock human handoff, so 0 for 24/7. The “chat” is only a bot with no agent transfer, 0. Email replies eventually, so 1. No phone line, 0. A basic contact form adds 1. The website offers four languages, adding 2. 

😞 Total: 4/10.

Native apps usually mean faster loading, better notifications, and fewer browser quirks. We confirm store availability or a safe direct download, open the app, and run a full flow (login, game launch, cashier).

Based on our hands-on checks, we award up to 6 points for mobile app coverage; the scoring breaks down as follows.

Some casinos don’t need an app if the site works well on small screens. We check touch targets, filters and search, portrait/landscape support, game performance (including live games), bonus claiming, KYC, and the cashier on real devices.

Our on-phone testing translates into a four-point score; the breakdown is just below.

Here are a few clear examples of how different casinos can score for Mobile Usability so you can see what the numbers mean in practice.

Both apps and a polished mobile site

At this casino, we first confirm the apps. iOS and Android are both available, which gives 6 points. Next we use the mobile site. Navigation, game launch, live tables, KYC, and the cashier all work cleanly, which gives 4 points.

🤩 Total: 10/10.

One app and a strong mobile site

This casino lists only an Android app, which gives 4 points. The mobile website still feels complete and smooth across search, filters, bonuses, live games, and payments, which gives 4 points.

🙂 Total: 8/10.

No app but an excellent mobile site

Here we find no app, so we move to the site. The mobile version is fully adapted and handles gameplay and payments without hiccups, which gives 4 points on the site component and qualifies the app component for 2 points under our rules.

😐 Total: 6/10.

No app and a patchy mobile site

This casino has no app, so we rely on the site. The mobile version is only partly adapted, with small touch targets and a clunky cashier. That earns 2 points for the site and, because it is still adapted, 2 points for the app component.

😞 Total: 4/10.

No app and a poor mobile site

Here there is no app. The mobile site breaks layouts and times out during payments, so it does not qualify as mobile-friendly. That yields 0 for the app component and 0 for the site.

😞 Total: 0/10.