How We Rate Online Casinos

At Scams.info, we approach our casino reviews with unwavering seriousness and commitment. We have designed a meticulous set of criteria that all online casinos must meet before they are featured on our site. Here’s how we calculate our ratings:

What’s Behind Our Ratings?

In our comprehensive gambling guides and reviews, you’ll notice a distinct rating element. This numerical representation is pivotal, offering readers an immediate understanding of the platform’s standing in our estimation.

To arrive at these ratings, our team meticulously assesses each category relevant to the platform. They allocate a score ranging from 1 to 5 based on detailed evaluation criteria. This ensures that every aspect of the platform is fairly represented in our final verdict.

To derive the final rating you see, we combine the individual scores of every reviewed category. This sum is then divided by the total number of categories assessed, giving us an average. This all-encompassing approach ensures a balanced and reliable rating for our readers. Here’s what the numerical value behind each rating stands for:

Technical Security & Fairness

The foundation of our reviews and operator ranking lies in fairness and technical security. This aspect doesn’t influence the overall rating within our secure online casino guide. Simply put, if an operator isn’t evaluated as safe and fair, it’s excluded from our articles and recommendations.

Main Safety Criteria

• Valid Gambling Licence
• Independent Audits
• Data Protection

Valid Gambling Licence from the Local Authority

Gamblers must only play at licensed casinos to ensure their safety and the security of their funds. Licensing acts as a testament to the casino’s credibility and commitment to fair play. Many jurisdictions have strict rules, recognising only local licensing bodies to ensure close monitoring and adherence to local regulations.

Conversely, some regions permit offshore licensing, extending trust to international regulatory bodies. Renowned international organisations such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority play pivotal roles in the oversight and regulation of online casinos, assuring players of a standardised and secure gambling environment.

RNG Audits & Independent Payout Reports

Independent testing agencies play a crucial role in the online gambling landscape, ensuring that games are fair, unbiased, and operate transparently. They scrutinise the Random Number Generator (RNG) software used by casinos to guarantee unpredictability in game outcomes. An annual review of this software is standard practice to uphold integrity and fairness.

Furthermore, these agencies issue payout reports, confirming a casino’s stated payout rates and ensuring they align with actual player winnings. Esteemed international organisations, such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI, stand at the forefront of these assessments, providing players with an added layer of confidence in their chosen online casino.

SSL Encryption Certificates

To verify the validity of a website’s SSL encryption certificate, start by locating the padlock symbol in the address bar of your web browser. Right-click on the padlock and select “View Certificates” or a similar option. This action will open a window displaying details about the site’s SSL certificate, including its issuing authority and expiration date.

Several well-known organizations issue these certificates, ensuring the security of data exchanges between users and websites. Among the top issuers are DigiCert, Comodo, Cloudflare and GoDaddy. When you spot certificates from these entities, it’s an indicator of a robust encryption standard in place.

Game Range & Software Developers

For any avid casino player, games hold paramount importance. Even if a casino excels in every other department, it risks losing customers if its game library doesn’t stand out. Quality and variety in offerings are essential, and a mediocre collection could deter players from coming back.

Furthermore, not just the sheer number, but the features and diversity in the games matter. An expansive range from renowned software providers ensures players experience the latest innovations and reliable gameplay. Casinos should aim for a balance to guarantee player satisfaction and retention.

Game Selection

A 5-star casino should provide a well-rounded gaming experience, which means offering a diverse portfolio that encompasses both RNG and live dealer games. RNG ensures fairness in games like slots and electronic table games, giving every player an equal shot at winning.

On the other hand, live dealer games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, offer a real-time casino experience from the comfort of one’s home. A casino’s true strength lies in covering as many game types as possible, ensuring every gambler finds their niche and preferred style of play.

Game Features & Jackpots

When assessing casinos, modern-day features and game variations are crucial. High-quality graphics and interactive design are not just aesthetic additions, they define the overall user satisfaction. Casinos that highlight games with these attributes tend to score higher in our reviews.

Additionally, the option of demo modes is significant, provided there are no legal restrictions like in the UK. These modes allow players to explore games without any financial risk. Our evaluation also encompasses the diversity within the jackpot section, acknowledging that a broad spectrum of potential winnings can entice and engage players.

Software Providers

Software providers play an integral role in our online casino rankings. They are responsible for crafting the games, ensuring their fairness, and delivering a seamless experience. Recognising their importance, we meticulously review the selection of providers each casino collaborates with, emphasising both their reputation and the quality of their offerings.

Furthermore, we’re aware that many seasoned players have preferences for specific software providers based on their past experiences or game styles. Therefore, in our reviews, we always clearly outline which providers are present at a given casino, ensuring players can make informed decisions about where they’d like to play.

• Microgaming – Best known for the record-breaking progressive slot, Mega Moolah.
• NetEnt – Celebrated for its visually stunning slots like Starburst.
• Playtech – Notable for its extensive range of live dealer games.
• Evolution Gaming – Dominates with innovative live casino game variants.
• IGT – Acclaimed for its diverse range of slot machines

Casino Bonuses & Regular Promotions

When assessing an online casino’s bonus offerings, it’s not just the sheer welcome bonus amount that grabs our attention. Wagering requirements play a crucial role in determining the real value of a bonus. Factors such as validity duration, eligible games, and any win caps also shape our perspective.

Beyond the welcome bonus, we dig deeper into the casino’s promotional structure. Analysing recurring offers and special promotions gives us insight into how the casino rewards its regular players. Our thorough examination ensures players get a comprehensive understanding before opting for any bonus.

Welcome Bonuses for New Players

Our star system for casino bonuses outlined in the table provides a comprehensive view, far beyond just the bonus amount. A 1-star signals no welcome bonus, while 2 stars indicate challenges in claiming rewards. A 3-star casino provides alternative incentives, with 4 stars awarded for a generous, fair bonus. The coveted 5 stars go to casinos combining both cash and spins with low wagering terms.

A standard deposit bonus typically matches the player’s initial deposit, often around 100%, with some offers even more generous. To avail of these, an initial deposit is crucial. The feasibility of claiming these in local currencies also significantly influences our ratings.

Bonus Terms & Conditions

When navigating online casino bonuses, clarity and transparency are key. The terms associated with any offer should be not only clear but also easily accessible. If these terms are hidden or overly complex, it may signal potential challenges or unfavourable conditions for the player.

Important terms to be aware of include the wagering requirement, which dictates the number of times bonus money must be played before it can be withdrawn. Additionally, the validity period specifies how long the bonus is active, while game eligibility reveals which titles can be played with bonus funds. Some bonuses might also be restricted and based on the payment method used.

Another crucial term is game weighting. This refers to the percentage contribution of bets on different games towards the wagering requirement. For instance, slots might contribute 100%, while table games only 10%. Being aware of these nuances ensures players can make informed decisions on where to place their bets to fulfil bonus conditions effectively.

Other Promotions & Offers

Loyal players deserve consistent rewards, and in our evaluations, we ensure online platforms recognise this. We look for regular promotions that can be seasonal, daily, or weekly, as well as timeless offers like a refer a friend bonus. These incentives show a casino’s commitment to its long-term players.

The nature of promotions can vary, offering cash rewards, bonus credits, or tournament entries. Additionally, some casinos venture beyond monetary incentives, presenting opportunities for tangible gifts through giveaways and prize draws. Such diverse promotions signify a top-tier gaming platform. See below for typical types of promos.

• Loyalty Points Programmes
• Cashback Offers
• VIP/High Roller Benefits
• Monthly Reload Bonuses
• Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
• Weekly Game-specific Promotions
• Prize Draws for Regular Players
• Personalised Bonus Offers
• Anniversary or Account Milestone Rewards
• Exclusive Access to New Games or Features

Payment Options, Processing Times & Cashier Safety

When engaging in real money gambling, financial considerations take centre stage. It’s essential to assess the variety of deposit methods a platform offers, ensuring players have access to convenient and secure transaction methods tailored to their preferences and location.

Furthermore, the efficiency of withdrawal procedures plays a pivotal role. Speedy cashouts, paired with a transparent timeframe, elevate a casino’s credibility. Equally vital is the technical security of the platform’s cashier section, ensuring players’ financial data remains safeguarded against any potential breaches or unauthorised access.

Deposit Methods

Depositing at online casinos is typically straightforward and immediate. However, before initiating a deposit, it’s wise to verify a few key details. Players should check for any set deposit limits and ensure that their chosen payment method qualifies them for the welcome bonus they desire.

It’s also important to check if the chosen deposit method is also available for withdrawals. This consideration is especially significant for those who prioritise consistency in their transaction methods, ensuring hassle-free cash-outs when it’s time to collect their winnings.

• PayPal
• Debit Card
• paysafecard
• Payz
• Trustly
• Bitcoin
• Google Pay
• Bank Transfer
• Pay by Mobile
• Neosurf

Withdrawal Process & Timeframe

Withdrawals from online casinos might require more time than deposits, but players should not expect additional verification processes once their account is set. While the verification at signup ensures security, any subsequent delays during withdrawals typically arise from internal casino processing.

Additionally, the speed at which players receive their funds can vary depending on the chosen payment method. While some payment processors facilitate near-instant transactions, others might inherently take longer. It’s crucial for players to be aware of these timeframes to manage their expectations.

Banking Security

Beyond SSL encryption, which ensures transaction security, online casinos deploy several measures to guarantee player safety. One primary mechanism is the ID check, often part of a broader verification process. This ensures that players are genuine and helps prevent fraudulent activity.

Another crucial component is the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) scheme. This involves verifying a player’s identity and often extends to checking the source of their funds. These rigorous checks are typically a mandatory aspect of being a licensed, regulated operator.

Mobile Compatibility & Functionality

As the mobile gaming trend continues to rise, most online players opt to gamble on their smartphones. Thus, it’s essential for online casinos to provide an excellent mobile experience. This means not only having a site optimised for mobile browsers but also offering dedicated apps for various devices.

When assessing a casino’s mobile offerings, we prioritise compatibility across both Android and iOS platforms. It’s crucial that the mobile browser version retains its functionality and user-friendly interface, while any accompanying apps should be stable and easy to use.

Mobile Casino Sites

Most casino sites nowadays are designed with mobile optimisation in mind, ensuring accessibility through a device’s built-in browser. When reviewing these platforms, our primary focus is on the operational smoothness of the mobile site, determining if players can expect a great experience on the go.

Additionally, we examine the specific features supported on the mobile version. This involves checking for game variety, payment methods, and other essential functionalities. A robust mobile site should not only replicate the desktop experience but also offer convenience features tailored to mobile users.

Native Casino Apps

While many online casinos provide optimised browser platforms, possessing a dedicated app is certainly an advantage. These apps often bring forward enhanced features and streamlined gameplay. However, it’s observed that some casinos opt to bypass app store policies by providing direct app downloads on their websites.

If players choose this path and accept third-party app installations, caution is paramount. Affirming the casino’s legitimacy is crucial to prevent potential security threats. Before any downloads, players should double-check the casino’s licensing and overall reputation to ensure a secure mobile gaming session.

Android and iOS Performance

For both Android and iOS platforms, we evaluate several key aspects to ensure top-tier performance. Specifically, we monitor loading times, available game features, mobile payment methods, and the responsiveness of support channels. The aim is to ascertain the mobile platform’s efficiency and convenience.

In essence, our evaluation seeks to ensure that mobile users receive an on-the-go experience akin to that of a PC client. It’s imperative that the casino’s mobile platform retains all functionalities and features, mirroring the robustness and user-friendliness found in their desktop counterparts.

Customer Service Options

Reliable customer support is indispensable for online casinos, especially for international players. They often have unique inquiries about local currency, regional payment methods, and other location-specific matters. Having multiple contact methods, such as live chat, email, or phone, is advantageous.

Additionally, support in various languages is vital to ensure clear communication and effective problem-solving. Quick response times across these platforms further enhance the player’s experience. When a casino offers comprehensive support with diverse contact methods, it generally scores higher in our ratings.

Various Contact Methods

Contact channels play a pivotal role in ensuring effective customer support. Players often have the option of phone, email, live chat, and enquiry forms. However, one consideration is whether phone support is toll-free, as international calls can incur charges for players.

The availability of 24/7 support can significantly elevate a player’s confidence in a casino. In addition to direct communication channels, a comprehensive FAQ section with detailed guides is invaluable. Such resources enable players to find quick solutions to common queries.

Multilingual Support

Navigating a concern in a non-native language can be challenging and frustrating for many. The nuances of language can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, complicating even straightforward issues. For players, expressing their concerns clearly and being understood is vital to a positive resolution experience.

For international casino operators, offering multi-lingual support is not just a perk but a necessity. By ensuring that players can communicate in their preferred language, casinos will likely increase their potential rating score.

Quick & Competent Responses

Timely responses from customer support are undeniably vital for players seeking immediate solutions. Quick turnaround times can enhance the overall user experience, creating a sense of reliability and trust in the casino’s support system.

However, when evaluating response times, it’s essential to weigh them against the complexity of the issues raised. In our reviews, we balance quick responses with the ability to handle intricate matters, ensuring that quality isn’t sacrificed for speed. This provides a balanced perspective on a casino’s customer service.

Localised Content & Services

In today’s globalised market, many online casinos operate internationally. Yet, to resonate with specific regions, they must frequently adjust their content and services. Factors such as local regulations, currency preferences, and cultural nuances often dictate these changes, ensuring offerings are regionally aligned.

Consequently, a single casino operator’s ratings can differ across regions. This variability can stem from multiple elements, like the provision for local currency transactions or region-specific responsible gambling initiatives.

Locally Regulated and Compliant

Several operators, while legally secure and trustworthy, may not always cater to regional nuances. They might be compliant on an international scale but overlook the specific demands and preferences of localised markets, potentially affecting user satisfaction.

Our ratings capture this spectrum: from operators that are internationally licensed yet may not fully resonate with a local audience, to those meticulously adhering to every local regulation. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of how well each casino aligns with regional requirements and player expectations.

Regional Currency Localisation

Casinos that prioritise local preferences tend to stand out in our assessments. Offering services in the native language not only enhances user-friendliness but also demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of the local culture, fostering a closer connection with players.

Additionally, support for local currency is a pivotal factor. It simplifies transactions, removes conversion hassles, and reduces potential extra costs. Casinos that incorporate such features score higher in our evaluations, as they indicate a genuine commitment to catering to the specific needs of their regional clientele.

Committed to Responsible Gambling

It’s essential for casinos to demonstrate a proactive stance on responsible gambling, especially by providing locally relevant resources. We evaluate whether they’ve listed local problem gambling helplines, showing their commitment to player well-being within a specific region.

Furthermore, partnerships with regional responsible gambling organisations signifies deeper engagement. Our ratings reflect this range: from casinos offering no responsible gambling resources to those exemplifying an outstanding commitment to championing responsible gambling practices.

Expert Rating: Experience, Trust & Feedback

When assessing online operators, even if they tick all the right boxes, sometimes an element of trust feels amiss. This is where our extensive experience and insight become crucial. While we rely on objective criteria, the final rating is also influenced by our gut feeling and trustworthiness assessment of the site.

Trust is paramount in the online gaming world, and our experienced team has developed an instinct for discerning genuine quality from mere appearance. We’re dedicated to ensuring our ratings aren’t just systematic, but also reflective of the trust and reliability players seek. You can find out more about us and our areas of expertise.

User Experience & Intuitiveness

A player-focused design is paramount when evaluating online platforms. Intuitive and responsive navigation is a clear indication that the casino prioritizes its users’ experience. High-quality graphics combined with readily accessible game information enrich the gaming journey.

Moreover, no one wants delays or hiccups. Smooth gameplay and quick loading times are essential, ensuring players don’t lose interest or become frustrated. An optimal platform seamlessly merges functionality with aesthetics, guaranteeing a hassle-free and enjoyable gaming session every time.

Credibility & Trust

A casino’s reputation, though intangible, speaks volumes about its standing in the industry. Prestigious accolades like EGR, GGA, and IGA awards provide insight into a platform’s performance and dedication to its players and services.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the voice of the gaming community. By combing through iGaming forums and social media platforms, we gather real-time feedback from players. This helps us understand their experiences, both positive and negative, offering a comprehensive view of the casino’s overall reputation.

Scams – Blacklisted Online Casinos

Only after rigorous evaluations do we feature a casino on our platform. Any online casino deemed hazardous is immediately blacklisted on our site to protect our readers. Here’s how to spot rogue casino sites.

• No Licence – The casino operates without proper regulatory approval or oversight, making it untrustworthy.
• Rigged Games – The games are manipulated to ensure unfair outcomes, rather than relying on chance.
• Non-Payment – The operator consistently refuses to release player winnings, or delays payment processes unduly.
• Hidden Terms – The platform has unclear, misleading, or concealed terms and conditions that can deceive players.
• Poor Support – Provides inadequate or non-responsive customer assistance, making problem resolution challenging.
• Spammy – Players receive unsolicited and excessive promotional messages, indicating intrusive marketing practices.
• Copycat Games and Piracy – Features games mimicking original titles or uses copyrighted content without permission, indicating potential intellectual property infringements.

If you ever encounter a suspicious casino or suspect a scam, please reach out to our team. We’re here to investigate and ensure the safety of our gaming community.

Never Trust a Rating Blindly: Double-Check & Gamble Responsibly

Safety should always be paramount when diving into the world of online gambling. Our dedicated team ensures our online gambling guide remains current, but it’s still crucial for players to take a moment to verify information independently. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

On another note, the allure of online casinos should never overshadow the importance of responsible gambling. While the thrill can be enticing, it’s essential to approach gaming with a clear mind, always prioritise fun over financial gain. Remember to gamble responsibly and stay informed.