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How do We Rate Online Casinos?

Houston O’Keefe

Updated: 17.08.2021

Are you looking for honest online casino reviews that you can trust? We’re constantly checking up on the most popular casinos around as well as newcomers to the industry. Rather than promote or sell a brand, we look at each operator through a player’s eyes. This allows us to get a feel for the online casino and provide you with better information before you access its site.

Each review follows a strict checklist whereby we take a look at the operator’s features and services. Some of these aspects include trustworthiness, game variety, software, and payment options available. Our team also looks at the casino’s design, layout, what bonuses you can expect, if there’s a mobile app, and where the operator falls short.

Thanks to our robust reporting methods, we can rank these online platforms according to our personal experience. In turn, helping you find the best possible options without wasting your money or time. If you’re interested in understanding exactly what our procedure involves, keep reading.

Casino Safety and Reputation

One of the very first steps taken when reviewing an online casino is confirming its trustworthiness.

🔹 Checking Online Casino License

Any online operator offering gambling for real money needs to possess and display a license from a reputable body. You’ll usually find its license at the bottom of its website or in “about us” section.

The most common licenses to look out for are:

  • Malta Gaming Authority
  • UK Gambling Commission
  • Curacao Gaming Control Board

🔹 Are Casinos Regulated by a Reputable Independent Player Protection Authority?

The next aspect to check is if the casino adheres to fair-play guidelines and security standards set out by an independent authority. The authority ensures the operator isn’t taking advantage of you in any way. Usually, the operator confirms this by stating it along with its license.

The most common regulatory body is eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Gambling Regulations and Assurance). Regardless of whether the operator confirms it’s reputable, we test every game, ensuring the RNG works correctly and is fair.

🔹 Availability of a Current SSL Certificate

Your personal information is invaluable, and the last thing you want is for it to get leaked. That’s why it’s crucial to confirm the operator has a valid SSL encryption certificate. This guarantees players’ data is secure, so they can rest assured knowing the platform is safe.

🔹 What Do Players on Independent Review Platforms and Forums Say?

Another aspect to take into consideration is reviews from past or existing players. Independent review platforms, like ours, give you an insight into any issues with the operator.

You’ll also get an idea of how effective the casino’s customer support is, helping you pick the best method when an issue arises.

Games and Software

The next step we take when reviewing any online operator is examining its selection of casino games.

🔹 The Variety of Games

Everyone’s taste is different, so an online casino must cater to a variety of players. You’re looking for a large selection of slot titles and table games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette. Ideally, it should offer both classic and exciting variations of popular card games.

Furthermore, players now expect to have access to a live casino. This popular feature brings an exciting new dynamic to casino games, making it a must if you’ve never tried it.

Another game category worth mentioning is the operator’s selection of progressive jackpots. Many slot enthusiasts prefer this alternative due to its massive potential winnings. Particular titles to look out for are some of the Age of Gods’ installments and Mega Moolah.

🔹 Is There a Free Game Mode?

Many online casinos allow players to try some of their games for free. It’s an easy way of testing out a platform before signing up, enabling you to play new games without any financial risk. Once you’ve grasped the basics, you can play for real money. Regardless of your intentions, it’s a feature we recommend looking out for.

🔹 Which Software Developers are Available on the Site?

One of the most distinguishing features of any online operator is the software it uses. The best performing games, both on return and quality, come from leading software providers. You’ll want to see various top developers like Playtech, NetEnt, and Play’n Go.

Becoming a member of any online casino utilizing top software developers guarantees you can play popular new releases. It also means you can enjoy unique game categories, such as the live casino feature we mentioned before.

🔹 Are There Games to Download, and What are Their Features?

Some online operators give you the option of downloading its stand-alone software rather than playing via the web. As part of every review, we make sure to test this offering extensively. Investigating the casino’s performance and what limitations it has is a vital step in our procedure.

It also means you can familiarize yourself with any additional software requirements, like what operating system you’ll need. Similarly, most online casino games require you to have the latest version of Flash Player installed. You can sometimes find a link for this software on the operator’s webpage.

🔹 Is it Convenient to Play in a Web Browser?

Another crucial element to examine is how games perform when using a web browser. Since it’s the most popular method of accessing an online casino’s platform, it must provide a user-friendly experience. We investigate this by testing how efficient the casino’s sign-up procedure is and how intuitive it’s to navigate.

Payment Methods

Without any question, the payment procedures available at any online casino play a massive role in its attractiveness. We take an in-depth look at how every operator manages its payment facilities.

🔹 What Deposit/Withdrawal Methods are Available?

You’ll need a clear understanding of what payment methods you can use for depositing and withdrawing funds. This is so you can pick the most convenient option for your needs. You’ll also get an idea of what currencies the operator accepts and its terms of use.

The most popular options available today are:

  • Credit/ debit cards
  • E-wallet services
  • Prepaid cards
  • Bank transfers
  • Cryptocurrencies

🔹 How Quickly Can I Deposit/Withdraw Funds?

The time it takes for funds to reflect in an account vary depending on the payment provider. By knowing which method provides the fastest time, players can save themself the unnecessary wait. We also compare these transaction times to other operators to confirm there aren’t any irregularities.

We’ve noticed most e-wallet services outperform credit cards in terms of fund processing times. If you don’t hold an e-wallet account, consider opening one. Similarly, cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, also provide quick transfer times.

🔹 How Easy is it to Withdraw Money to Your Personal Account?

Drawing your winnings is an exciting moment. The last thing you want is for that feeling to turn to worry. The speed and efficiency of a provider’s withdrawal process is an aspect we investigate thoroughly.

Selecting the most convenient payment service will ensure you don’t run into any issues down the line. Also, many operators will insist you use the same method for both deposits and withdrawals. Keep this in mind before confirming your choice.

🔹 Are Financial Transactions Safe?

Payment safety is paramount regardless of what casino operator a player chooses. We always check that the payment processes are trustworthy. Our review team looks at which encryption solutions the casino provides for your payment information.

Furthermore, we analyze how the operator holds onto player funds. We do this by making sure it uses an independent authority to operate its financial transactions. This ensures everything is above board, and your money is safe.

🔹 What are the Withdrawal and Deposit Limits?

Another vital aspect we take into consideration when reviewing an online operator is its deposit and withdrawal terms. We look at what qualifies as a minimum deposit amount and the maximum you can transfer to your account on any given day.

We do the same for withdrawal limits, as you’ll need to know when you’ll have access to your winnings. Operators can limit the number of transactions you make on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

We also research what fees the operator charges for these services, if any. While many don’t require any extra fees, some payment solutions like banks still charge a transaction fee.

The Appearance of the Website

We don’t downplay the importance of a casino’s appearance. After all, it’s the first thing you notice when visiting an online platform.

🔹 Clear and Simple Navigation on the Site

Finding relevant information plays a pivotal role in how we rank any online casino. We look at how the casino guides you through the registration phase and how efficiently it displays its layout.

Many operators welcome you with an invitation to a valuable bonus and continue to list its popular games after that. User-friendly designs ensure you can see the main section listed on your screen. Some operators offer a collapsible menu, in an attempt to unclutter your screen, simplifying navigation.

🔹 Availability of Different Language Versions

Due to the accessibility of the internet, a wide variety of players worldwide can visit a website. To guarantee the best experience for all players, the operator must give players a choice of different languages.

We examine how many languages are available and how easily you can change to your preferred selection. Also, we confirm if the operator extends its language selection to its customer support section. Some online casinos only provide support in English, even though it gives players the option of selecting another language to view its platform.

🔹 Graphics and Design

Nobody wants to use a bland-looking online platform. We’ve seen a plethora of different themes and graphic styles, each promoting something unique. Our review teams always consider how visually appealing a casino is. You’ll want to enter your preferred operator excited about your prospects, and an attractive looking online casino is how that starts.

🔹 Quality of the Game

Even if an online operator offers exciting games, we need to make sure any titles perform as the developer intended. This means testing out its games to ensure you don’t experience any quality drops.

A reliable and robust internet connection will improve your experience. However, there’s no excuse for any operator to provide games that aren’t optimized for your device.

Bonuses and Promotions

Who doesn’t love an extra reward? A key factor to consider at any online casino is its bonuses and promotions for new and existing players.

🔹 Does the Casino Provide a Welcome Bonus?

Most online operators entice new players with a generous welcome bonus. Our team looks at your chances of earning from any welcome bonus. We also stay up to date with the latest promotions, allowing us to compare rewards to other online casinos to assist you in your decision.

Most welcome promotions offer to match your first deposit to get your gaming wallet rolling. Other rewards can come in the guise of no deposit free spins and even cashback if you lose your initial deposit.

🔹 What are the Conditions for Receiving the Bonus?

Every promotion comes with terms that you’ll need to meet before gaining access to any winnings. Our team examines all of these conditions thoroughly so that you have an understanding of what’s expected.

We start by identifying the minimum qualifying deposit. Next, we look at the wagering requirements. These conditions include how many times you must bet your bonus and which selected games will count towards your reward.

🔹 Are There Any Bonuses for Regular Players in the Casino?

While welcome promotions provide massive benefits to new players, regular bonuses do the same for existing customers. Our review team always checks what the operator has on offer. These bonuses can give you an idea of what you can expect regularly.

🔹 Is There a VIP and Regular Player Bonus Program?

Another way online casinos offer value to loyal players is through VIP programs. These programs give you additional prizes for playing your favorite games. Furthermore, the rewards increase as you move higher up in the levels of the program.

You can also benefit from additional features like faster withdrawal times and even a personal account manager.

Playing on Mobile Phones

Accessing an online casino on your phone is fast becoming a popular choice amongst gamers. We focus on the platform’s performance when using your favorite mobile device.

🔹 Is There a Mobile Version of the Site?

Most online casinos either provide a mobile version of its platform or optimize it for smaller screens. The easiest way to determine which option the operator has chosen is by looking at the platform's URL. Mobile versions are separate from the desktop version, and they redirect you to another site on your phone.

Other operators have optimized its website for mobile users, transforming its platform to fit your device’s screen. Regardless of what is available, we test to see if there are any limits to its features. Our team also checks that the platform runs smoothly on your mobile or tablet.

🔹 Does the Casino have its own Mobile Application?

The best way to enjoy playing at any online casino using your phone is through a dedicated mobile application. This version of the operator’s platform requires an additional download. Many online casino mobile apps are available through the app store. If this isn’t the case, the operator will give you a downloadable link on its website.

What Don't We Do when Writing Casino Reviews?

Disclosing what we don’t do in our reviews is just as important as explaining what we include.

⛔ We Don't Sell Rankings

Firstly, we don’t rank our casinos according to who is willing to pay the most. We don’t receive any financial compensation from online platforms. All our rankings come from the performance and effectiveness of each operator, and nothing else.

⛔ We Don't Ignore the Negative

We don’t shy away from exposing negatives. If anything, our team of experts looks for issues to give you a balanced opinion. Knowing what is and isn’t possible will put you in the best position to decide which option suits you.

⛔ We Don't Forget to Update Our Rankings

Part of guaranteeing that our information is valuable is by keeping up to date with our ranked platforms. We’re continually revisiting each listed online casino, checking to see if anything has changed. Additionally, our review team continuously updates the bonuses available.

Summary

As you can see, our procedure to rank any online casino platform is extensive. We examine every possible feature, giving our honest opinion on each. Furthermore, we’re proud to provide independent reviews you can trust. Why not take a look through our ranked online casinos yourself? You’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

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