How We Rate Casinos
Every casino on Best Casino Directory is judged against the same checklist, in the same order, so the scores mean the same thing from one review to the next. We start with the things that decide whether you actually get paid, and only then look at the things that make a site pleasant to use. Here is exactly what we check.
What we score
| Factor | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & safety | High | Who holds the licence (MGA, UKGC and similar carry real obligations; a vague offshore registration does not), ownership transparency, and independent game testing. |
| Payout speed & limits | High | Real withdrawal times, pending periods, monthly cashout caps, and whether KYC is reasonable or used to stall payouts. |
| Bonus fairness | High | Wagering multiplier, game weighting, max-bet clause, maximum conversion, and how the real value compares to the headline. |
| Game range & providers | Medium | Quality and breadth of studios, live casino, and whether RTP versions are disclosed. |
| Support | Medium | Availability, response time, and whether agents help during a verification dispute rather than going quiet. |
| Mobile & usability | Lower | Mobile performance, clarity of terms, and how easy the cashier is to use. |
Our scoring scale
| Rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| 4.5 – 5.0 | Excellent. Strong licence, fast payouts, fair terms. Recommended without reservations. |
| 3.5 – 4.4 | Good. Solid overall with minor drawbacks we spell out in the review. |
| 2.5 – 3.4 | Average. Usable, but with trade-offs (slower payouts or stricter terms) worth weighing. |
| Below 2.5 | Weak. Real problems with licensing, payouts or terms. We tell you to look elsewhere. |
Our review process
- Verify the licence on the regulator’s own register, not the casino’s footer.
- Read the full terms, especially the bonus and withdrawal sections, and record the clauses that quietly limit winnings.
- Test the cashier and, where possible, time a real withdrawal.
- Check the games and providers, including disclosed RTP.
- Score and write, and re-check the rating later because operators change terms without notice.
Do casinos pay to be rated higher?
No. Commission funds the site but does not influence scores. The criteria above are applied identically to every operator, and we publish negative reviews.
How often are reviews updated?
We revisit ratings when an operator changes its terms, licence status or payout behaviour. A rating that is never re-checked is just an old opinion.
Who writes the reviews?
Casino and bonus reviews are written by Elena Cassar; games and strategy guides by Erik Sundberg.
What if I disagree with a rating?
Tell us. If you have evidence a review is out of date or wrong, contact us and we will re-check it against the source.