How We Rate Casinos → What We Check

In our research process, we employ an extensive set of criteria, each assigned specific point values, to identify top online casinos. Factors considered include how high RTP games the casino offers, how many bonuses are available to players, how fast payouts and customer support responses are.

We assess each category independently, combining the individual scores into a comprehensive expert rating. In the final calculation, each section carries equal weight to ensure that online casinos excelling in one aspect but lacking in others cannot artificially boost their overall score.

Below, we dissect the rating criteria for each segment to provide clarity on the basis of our scores.

Ease of Access to the Bonus

Is the Casino Bonus Section Easy to Find

We check whether the bonus section is easily accessible and visible to players. If this section is difficult to find, it is considered a disadvantage of the casino, since for the player bonuses are an essential part of a pleasant gambling experience. Two common bonus section placements that we consider to be the best are:

1. Main navigation bar. Including a direct link to the bonus section in the main navigation bar at the top of the casino's homepage is a straightforward and user-friendly approach. This ensures that players can quickly find and access the bonuses without having to navigate through multiple pages.
2. Homepage banner or promotional area. If the casino bonus section is not placed in the main navigation bar, we hope to see a banner or promotional area. Placing information about current bonuses and promotions in this banner immediately captures the attention of visitors.
   

We consider it a disadvantage if the bonus section is:

1. Buried in submenus. Putting the bonus section deep within submenus or requiring players to navigate through several layers of the website can be problematic. Players may become frustrated or lose interest if they have to search extensively to find information about bonuses.
2. Footer of the website. Hiding the bonus section in the footer of the website, especially without clear labeling, can be a poor choice. Footers are often associated with less crucial information, and users may not naturally look there for promotional content. Players may miss out on valuable offers and we don’t want that.
   

Categorization of bonuses

We consider it an advantage that the bonuses are divided into appropriate categories. It is easier for the player to find a relevant bonus by choosing the most suitable category, rather than searching among all the bonuses thrown in one pile. At least casino and sports bonuses should be in separate categories. It is ideal if the new player bonuses are also in a separate section.

Bonus Types

It might seem that the most important thing is that the casino offers a wide variety of bonuses. However, the number of bonuses that an online casino should offer depends on various factors. When evaluating whether the casino's bonus offer is sufficiently large and diverse, we take into account the following factors:

• Quality over quantity. It's not just about the number of bonuses but also about their quality. A few well-designed and attractive bonuses that resonate with players can be more effective than a large number of mediocre ones. So if a casino offers a lot of bonuses but they have practically no value, the offer is not considered good just because there are a lot of bonuses. A bonus offer with fewer but valuable bonuses will receive a better rating.
• Diversity of players. We take into account the diversity of players. If a casino has been in the industry for a long time, it should definitely offer more bonuses to existing players as it has already established its customer base over the years. On the other hand, for brand new casinos, we expect to see good bonuses for new players.
  
• Seasonal and special events. If the casino is evaluated, for example, during the christmas holidays, we evaluate what the bonus offer is during the holidays. However, it is also checked what the bonus offer is during non-holidays. It would be biased to say that a casino offers a lot of bonuses if they are only available during the holidays, but everyday bonuses are very limited.
  
• Bonuses for both new and existing players. Casinos must offer bonuses to both new and existing players. Even if the bonus offer is diverse, the offer will not be considered good if the bonuses only apply to one group of players.
  

Welcome Bonus

Since the signup bonus is one of the most important casino bonuses for any new player, it is analyzed according to several criteria, including how much the bonus is worth, how easy it is to meet the wagering requirements, and how easy it is to activate the bonus.

Welcome bonus size

The ideal size for a good casino welcome bonus can vary. However, there are a few factors to consider when evaluating the size of a welcome bonus:

1. Percentage match. We look for a high percentage match on initial deposit. A common range is 100% to 300%. For example, a 100% match on a €100 deposit would give you an additional €100, making your total balance €200.
2. Maximum bonus amount. We consider the maximum bonus amount a player can receive. Higher maximums mean more potential bonus funds. For instance, a 100% match up to €500 is more generous than a 100% match up to €100.
   

Welcome bonus terms and conditions

Experts evaluate how adequate the bonus terms and conditions are for a welcome bonus. All the most popular rules are taken into account.

1. Welcome bonus wagering requirements. We pay attention to the wagering requirements. A lower wagering requirement is generally more favorable. This is the amount of money you must wager before you can withdraw any winnings from the bonus.

2. Welcome bonus time limit. We check if there's a time limit to fulfill the wagering requirements. A reasonable time frame gives players the flexibility to enjoy the games without feeling rushed.

3. Welcome bonus game contribution. Different games may contribute differently to the wagering requirements. We check to ensure that the most popular casino games contribute appropriately or are not excluded.

4. Welcome bonus minimum deposit amount. A lower minimum deposit makes the bonus more accessible to a broader range of players.

5. Promo code requirement. Some bonuses require a promo code during registration or deposit. We check if this code is easily accessible on the casino's website or promotional materials.

6. Deposit methods. We evaluate the available deposit methods for bonus deposit. If a player cannot make the minimum deposit using one of the most popular payment methods, it will be considered a disadvantage.

How easy it was to activate welcome bonus

The last thing that is analyzed regarding the welcome bonus is whether the bonus is easy to activate. It is determined by the following factors:

1. Activation type. The method of bonus activation can significantly impact the player experience. We've listed what we think are the best and worst ways to activate bonuses below.

• Ideally, the welcome bonus should be activated automatically upon meeting the necessary criteria, such as making the qualifying deposit. This eliminates the need for additional steps.
• Manual activation is acceptable if accompanied by clear and straightforward instructions. In this case, players need to take a specific action, such as entering a bonus code or clicking a button, to activate the bonus.
  
• Requiring players to contact customer support to activate a bonus is generally considered a less favorable approach. This can be inconvenient for players and may lead to delays in accessing the bonus.
  

2. Customer support help. A reliable support system can help address any issues or questions related to bonus activation promptly. We check that the customer support team is able to answer questions about the welcome bonus and its activation to ensure that the player receives an answer in case of confusion.

• High-class customer support involves prompt and clear communication. Clear and concise explanations about the activation process, requirements, and any necessary steps contribute to a positive experience.
• Poor customer support for bonus activation involves delayed or slow responses to player inquiries. This can lead to frustration, especially if players are eager to activate their welcome bonus or have time-sensitive concerns.
  

3. Fast email confirmation. Some casinos may require users to confirm their email addresses to activate the bonus. We ensure that the confirmation email is sent promptly and that the activation process is straightforward.

4. The time required.

• Fast bonus activation typically involves instant or near-instant activation upon meeting the qualifying criteria.
• Average bonus activation times fall within a timeframe of up to 5 minutes. A waiting period of up to 5 minutes is generally acceptable to many players.
  
• Slow bonus activation times fall within a timeframe of up to 24 hours. In this scenario, players may need to wait for a brief period after meeting the bonus requirements before the bonus is credited to their accounts.
  

No Deposit Bonus

Since the no deposit bonus is one of the players' favorite bonuses, we evaluate whether the casino offers this type of bonus and whether it is worth it for the player to use this bonus.

Overall terms and conditions

We check the wagering requirements associated with the no deposit bonus. Lower wagering requirements are more favorable as they indicate that you need to wager the bonus amount fewer times before withdrawing any winnings.

Some no deposit bonuses come with a maximum withdrawal limit on winnings. We evaluate this limit to ensure it's reasonable and doesn't place overly restrictive conditions on players' potential earnings.

While a no deposit bonus is free, the actual bonus amount or value can vary. We evaluate the generosity of the bonus and whether it aligns with average player expectations.

According to previously mentioned:

• A valuable registration bonus is characterized by: 20x wagering requirement on bonus amount, no maximum withdrawal limit on winnings, the bonus can be used on a variety of popular slots and table games, 30 days validity period, providing ample time to meet wagering requirements, bonus is automatically credited upon registration, at least €20.
• Mediocre no deposit bonus: 30x wagering requirement on bonus amount, limited maximum withdrawal limit, limited selection of eligible games, with a focus on slots, 15 days validity period, bonus code required for activation, provided on the casino's website, at least €15.
  
• Bad no deposit bonus: 50x wagering requirement on bonus amount, limited maximum withdrawal limit, limited to a single slot game with no variety, 7 days validity period, making it challenging to meet wagering requirements, multiple steps for activation, less than €10.
  

Reload Bonus

The reload bonus is one of the most popular bonuses for existing players, offered in almost every casino. We evaluate whether these bonuses are valuable and beneficial to the player.

For the most part, the same terms and conditions apply to every bonus, but in the context of the reload bonus, we focus on reload bonus percentage that helps determine the value of this bonus.

For example, if the reload bonus is 50%, a €100 deposit would result in an additional €50 bonus. The higher the percentage, the more value the reload bonus provides. However, it's essential to consider this percentage relative to the maximum bonus amount to understand the potential benefit fully.

Cashback Bonus

Cashback bonus is one of the “nice to have '' bonuses because it does not require much effort from the player. When evaluating the available cashback bonuses, it is important for us:

1. Cashback regularity. We value weekly cashback bonuses. Less attractive are one-time cashback bonuses, such as the cashback bonus, which compensates for losses one week after registration.
2. Percentage of cashback offered. A higher cashback percentage generally provides more value to the player, as it means a greater proportion of their losses will be refunded. Additionally, understanding whether the cashback is calculated on net losses or total losses can also impact its overall value.
   

Free Spins

In order to evaluate whether the free spins bonus offered by the casino is valuable, we take into account specific conditions suitable for this type of bonus:

1. Number of free spins. The specific number of free spins granted as part of the bonus is a crucial term. We expect a bonus of at least 100 free spins.
2. Distribution of free spins. We check whether free spins are credited to the player's account all at once or in smaller increments over a specified duration.
   

Special Bonuses (Refer Friend, Birthday Bonus etc)

We evaluate whether specific bonuses are also available in the casino. For example, a personalized birthday bonus or a refer friend bonus. The availability of such bonuses is considered an advantage.

Bonus Conditions

As we mentioned before, every casino bonus has terms and conditions. It is essential that the player can find and understand them, so we pay attention to this when evaluating the casino's bonus offer.

Are the bonus terms and conditions easily accessible to the user

We expect the terms and conditions of each bonus to be found next to the specific bonus.

• Easily available: terms and conditions are located next to the specific bonus.
• Moderately accessible: terms and conditions should be searched in general terms and conditions.
  
• Difficult to access: it is not clear where they can be found, the information is incomplete.
  

Are bonus terms and conditions written in a language the user understands

We expect that the terms and conditions are written in understandable language, everything is structured, the most important bonus rules can be found (minimum deposit, availability of games, wagering requirements, etc.)

Does the terms and conditions include all the bonus rules

We check that the bonus terms and conditions cover all important bonus rules:

• Wagering requirements
• Validity period
  
• Game restrictions
  
• Maximum bet limit
  
• Deposit methods
  
• Withdrawal restrictions
  
• Bonus codes
  
• Expiration date
  
• Country restrictions
  

Types of Payment Methods Offered

We evaluate whether the casino offers a variety of payment methods. This is an essential factor that ensures that every player finds the payment method that suits them best. The more limited the number of payment methods, the lower the offer. We expect the casino to offer the most popular payment methods:

1. Credit and debitcCards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other major credit and debit cards
2. E-wallets. Popular e-wallets include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and others
   
3. Bank transfers. Direct bank transfers or wire transfers directly from their bank accounts
   
4. Prepaid cards. Prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard
   
5. Mobile payments. Mobile payment methods, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
   
6. Cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin
   
7. Buy now, pay later services. Services like Klarna and Afterpay
   

Minimum and Maximum Limits

We check what the minimum and maximum deposits and payouts players can make using each of the payment methods are.

Speed of Deposits and Withdrawals

One of the most important factors that are very important to a player is the speed of payments.

Deposits

When analyzing the speed of the deposit, the following factors are taken into account:

1. Instant processing. We evaluate if the online casino offers instant processing for deposits. The ideal scenario is when deposits are processed immediately, allowing players to start playing without delays.
2. Payment method impact. We analyze how different payment methods influence deposit speed. If such information is available in the casino terms and conditions, it is also reflected in the review, so the player knows what to expect.
   

Withdrawals

When analyzing the speed of the withdrawals, the following factors are taken into account:

1. Withdrawal processing time. We are looking for information on withdrawal processing time. Ideally, an online casino should have a fast processing time.
2. Payment method influence. Different payment methods may affect withdrawal speed. It is important for the player to know how quickly he will receive his winnings using the preferred payment method.
   

Fees and Limits

It is essential for us that the player does not have to pay commissions for making transactions in the casino. Even if a commission is applied, we evaluate whether it is adequate. We are looking for:

• Deposit fees
• Withdrawal fees
  
• Currency conversion fees
  

Currency Options

We check what currencies are available in the casino. If it is an international casino, multiple currencies should be available.

Security Measures

We check that the casino provides secure payments. We look for features such as:

1. SSL encryption
2. Secure payment gateways
   
3. Two-factor authentication
   
4. Identity verification
   
5. Secure storage of player data
   

Game Variety

We assess the overall variety of games offered, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and specialty games. We expect the casino to offer all of these game categories.

Slot Game Selection

We evaluate the slots section according to the following criteria: variety of slot types (classic slots, 3D slots, progressive jackpots), number of slot titles, popular and top-rated titles, game themes and graphics, return to player (RTP) rates.

Table Games Variety

We evaluate the table game section according to the following criteria: variety of table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker and other variants), number of games available, providers associated with the casino's table games, game variations and side bets, table limits.

Live Dealer Games

We evaluate the live casino games according to the following criteria: variety of live games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, game shows), number of live tables, live casino providers, streaming quality, interactive features, dealer professionalism, exclusive live tables.

Game Search and Filtering Options

The game search and filtering options are important features that ensure that the player can quickly find a game that interests him. We also pay attention to the parameters by which games can be filtered and whether the filter is working correctly.

Mobile Game Compatibility

We pay attention to whether the casino games are optimized for playing on mobile devices. This includes: responsive design, cross-platform compatibility, game selection on mobile, loading speed and performance, compatibility with older devices.

Demo or Free Play Options

We check if the casino offers DEMO mode of the games. If they are offered, it is a great advantage.

Communication Channels

We check what communication channels the casino offers. It is preferable to have more than one channel available.

• Live chat
• Email
  
• Phone support
  
• Contact forms
  
• FAQ (frequently asked questions) section
  
• Social media platforms
  
• Community forums
  
• Telegram or WhatsApp
  
• Callback requests
  

Working Hours

We take a look at what the customer support hours are. We expect customer support to be open 24/7. However, this is not possible in all cases.

Response Time

We test how quickly it is possible to get a response from customer support in each of the communication channels offered. Customer support working hours are taken into account so that the evaluation is objective and correct.

After analyzing several casinos, we created an industry standard for the response speed of different communication channels. We analyze whether the response speed of the casino in different channels meets the given standard.

Response Quality

It is important not only that the casino offers a customer support team and that it is available 24/7, but also that it provides accurate, informative and high-quality answers. We contact the customer service team and evaluate their response according to the following criteria:

• Did the support agent provide correct and accurate information?
• Was the response easy to understand?
  
• Did the response directly address the customer's question or concern?
  
• Was the tone considerate and respectful?
  
• Did the support agent anticipate and address potential follow-up questions?
  
• Was there an invitation for further questions or concerns?
  

Multilingual Support

We check if customer support is available in multiple languages. Multilingual support is essential for catering to an international player base and ensuring effective communication.

Social Media Interaction

We check if the casino engages with players on social media platforms. Responsiveness on social media can be an additional channel for communication and support.

Licensing and Regulation

We check if the casino holds a valid gambling license from a reputable regulatory authority. Licensing ensures that the casino operates within legal frameworks and is subject to regulatory oversight. We also collect information about who owns the casino, registration number, address, etc.

Security Measures

We evaluate the security measures implemented by the casino, such as SSL encryption technology. This encryption ensures that players' personal and financial information is transmitted securely over the internet.

Fairness and Randomness

We verify that the casino's games are regularly tested for fairness and randomness by independent auditing agencies, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. This ensures that players have a fair chance of winning.

Responsible Gaming Practices

We check if the casino promotes responsible gaming practices. This includes providing tools for players to set deposit limits, self-exclude, or seek support for gambling-related issues. We look for:

• Loss limit tool
• Withdrawal lock
  
• Wager limit tool
  
• Deposit limit tool
  
• Reality check tool
  
• Self-exclusion tool
  
• Self-assessment tool
  
• Cool off/ time out tool
  
• Time/session limit tool
  

Age Verification

A reputable casino ensures that players are of legal gambling age and implements stringent measures to prevent underage gambling.

Anti-Fraud Measures

We assess the casino's anti-fraud measures, including identity verification procedures.

Quality of Game Providers

Game providers play a big role not only in the quality of the games, but in building the credibility of the player. We check what game providers are and evaluate them according to the following factors:

• We research the reputation of the game providers offered by casino. Well-established and reputable providers are more likely to offer fair, reliable, and high-quality games.
• We verify that the game provider holds the necessary licenses and adheres to regulatory standards.
  
• We assess the variety of games offered by the provider.
  
• We check graphics and user interface.
  
• We check if software is powered by a legit RNG.
  

A good online casino might offer games from a range of 30 to 50 reputable and well-known software providers. An average online casino may have games from around 20 to 30 software providers. A casino with a poor offer might have games from only a few software providers.

Considering that many players play casino games from mobile devices, we check if the casino is optimized for mobile use. The following factors are taken into account:

1. Responsive design. Does the casino website adapt to different screen sizes? A responsive design ensures that whether you're on a smartphone or tablet, the casino looks and feels top-notch.
2. Loading speed on mobile. We check if the mobile casino loads games and pages swiftly. Waiting for a slot to spin should be the most patience you need.
   
3. Intuitive navigation. The menu, buttons, and games should be a breeze to locate and play.
   
4. Game selection on mobile. Are all the games available on desktop also accessible on mobile?
   
5. Mobile-exclusive features. Does the mobile version bring something extra to the table? Exclusive promotions, bonuses, or even mobile-only games add that extra dash of excitement.
   

Let's break down the criteria for evaluating casino usability.

• Intuitive navigation. Intuitive navigation is the backbone of usability. The menu, buttons, and links should be where you expect them.
• Search functionality. We check whether players can easily search for their favorite games.
  
• Game categorization. Are games organized logically? Slots, table games, live dealers – they should have their own cozy corners.
  
• Filtering options. Can players filter games based on providers, popularity, or themes?
  
• Account management. Can players easily access their account, check balance, and manage settings?
  
• Responsive design. Responsive design ensures that the casino looks and functions flawlessly, no matter the screen size.