2. Introduction to Our Rating System
Every casino reviewed on [domain] receives a score out of 10. This score is the weighted result of structured testing across seven categories, each designed to answer a practical question that UK players care about. This page explains exactly what we test, how we score it, and why each category carries the weight it does.
Our methodology was built specifically for evaluating payout performance at online casinos. We refined it over years of testing both UKGC-licensed and offshore operators. Standard review criteria often under-weight withdrawal speed and RTP quality. Ours puts them front and centre because that is what fast-payout casino players care about most.
3. Category One: Payout Speed Testing
This is the highest-weighted category at 25% of the overall score. We test withdrawal speeds with real money across every payment method each casino supports. For every method, we time the withdrawal from request submission to confirmed receipt in our account.
We conduct at least three withdrawal tests per method over the review period. Tests run at different times of day and on different days of the week to check for consistency. We also vary withdrawal amounts to verify whether processing times change with size.
We specifically test for hidden payout friction: pending periods, reverse withdrawal windows, re-verification on repeat cashouts, and daily or weekly caps. Sites that process withdrawals within or faster than their stated times, with no hidden delays, score highest. Any site that held a withdrawal beyond its published timeframe without clear communication received major penalties.
4. Category Two: RTP and Game Fairness
This category accounts for 15% of the overall score. We verify the stated RTP of featured games against each provider’s published data. We check whether the casino displays RTP information clearly and whether players can filter or sort games by payout percentage.
Sites that stock a wide range of high-RTP titles from established providers, make RTP data accessible, and feature games above 96% RTP prominently in their lobby score highest. Sites that bury RTP information, promote low-RTP titles in featured positions, or offer games from unverified providers score lowest.
We also note the availability of provably fair games for crypto-focused casinos, as these allow players to independently verify the fairness of each round.
5. Category Three: Licensing Verification
Licensing accounts for 15% of the score. We verify every claimed licence through the regulator’s official public registry. If a licence cannot be independently confirmed, the site is excluded. We assess the reputation and enforcement standards of the licensing authority. A Malta Gaming Authority licence carries more weight than a Curaçao licence due to stricter operator requirements.
We never fabricate or assume licence numbers. Our reviews state the licensing jurisdiction and authority name only where we have confirmed the licence directly.
6. Category Four: Bonus Terms Scrutiny
Bonus evaluation accounts for 10% of the score. We claim every welcome offer and play through the complete wagering requirement to verify terms match what is advertised. We assess wagering requirements, game contribution rates, maximum bet limits, time limits, and win caps.
Sites with 30x or below wagering, clear terms, and no hidden restrictions score highest. Sites with 40x+ wagering, misleading claims, or buried terms score lowest. We also evaluate the quality and frequency of ongoing promotions.
7. Category Five: Customer Support Testing
Support accounts for 10% of the score. We contact each site at least three times during the review period with queries of varying complexity. We measure response time, accuracy, and whether agents resolve issues without escalation. We test both live chat and email.
Sites with genuine 24/7 chat, sub-three-minute response times, and knowledgeable agents score highest. Sites with inconsistent availability, slow responses, or inaccurate information score lowest.
8. Category Six: Security and Player Protection
Security accounts for 10% of the score. We check for SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, verification procedures, and published data protection policies. We assess available responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, loss limits, session limits, and self-exclusion options.
We review public forums for reports of security incidents, data breaches, or unresolved disputes. A clean operational record contributes positively to this score.
9. Category Seven: User Experience and Mobile Performance
User experience accounts for 15% of the score. We test site design, navigation, page speed, mobile optimisation, and cashier functionality across desktop Chrome, Firefox, iOS Safari, and Android Chrome. Special attention goes to the withdrawal interface, as friction in the cashout process directly undermines the payout experience.
Sites that deliver a fast, intuitive experience with smooth cashier functionality across all platforms score highest. Sites with slow loading, confusing navigation, or poor mobile performance score lowest.
10. Long-Term Monitoring
Our reviews are not static. We revisit every reviewed casino quarterly to retest payout speeds, verify licensing status, check for changes in bonus terms, and reassess support and user experience. If a site improves, we update the score upward. If it declines, we lower it and explain what changed.
If a site loses its licence, fails to pay legitimate withdrawals, or engages in practices harmful to players, we remove it from our recommendations and publish a warning. Every operator must continue earning its rating through ongoing performance. A high score today does not guarantee a high score tomorrow.