Methodology
How We Compare Casinos
A plain explanation of the criteria we apply when reviewing UK online casino operators and how editorial scores are formed.
When we compare casino operators, we apply the same criteria to every site we review. This page explains what those criteria are, how much weight each carries, and why.
Our goal is to give visitors useful, balanced information — not to rank operators in a way that maximises affiliate revenue or promotes any particular site. Scores reflect genuine editorial judgement, applied consistently.
UK Gambling Commission licence
RequiredWe only compare operators that hold a valid UKGC licence. This is a non-negotiable starting point. A UK licence means the operator is subject to UK consumer protection rules, responsible gambling requirements, and dispute resolution obligations.
Terms and conditions clarity
High weightWe read the operator's terms before reviewing them. We note whether key information — wagering requirements, withdrawal conditions, verification timelines — is easy to find and written plainly. Long, buried, or contradictory terms score lower.
Responsible gambling tools
High weightWe check for deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, self-exclusion, and cooling-off periods. We also assess how visible and accessible these tools are. An operator that places responsible gambling features three menus deep scores lower than one where they are front and centre.
Site and registration usability
Moderate weightWe assess how long registration takes, how clearly the steps are explained, and whether any parts of the flow are confusing or poorly designed. We also look at general site navigation and how easy it is to find what you're looking for.
Mobile experience
Moderate weightMost UK players use mobile. We assess whether the site works well on a smartphone — including load speed, touch navigation, game availability, and whether account features (including responsible gambling tools) are accessible on mobile.
Payment transparency
Moderate weightWe check what payment methods are listed, whether minimum and maximum limits are clearly shown, and whether withdrawal timelines are disclosed. We do not verify actual processing times, but we note where the information is absent or vague.
Game variety
Lower weightWe note the breadth of the game catalogue — slots from multiple studios, live casino, table games, and any distinctive content. We do not review individual games. Game variety matters, but it is weighted lower than compliance and transparency criteria.
How we calculate scores
Each operator receives an editorial score from 1 to 5 (one decimal place). This score represents our overall assessment of the operator based on the criteria above. Responsible gambling tool accessibility and terms clarity carry the most weight in that overall score.
Scores are editorial opinions — they are not calculated by algorithm, not based on user submission counts, and not influenced by commercial relationships. An operator with a strong game catalogue but poor terms clarity will not score well overall. An operator that makes responsible gambling tools genuinely easy to use will score better on that criterion than one that meets the minimum requirement and hides the tools.
Not every operator scores the same, and we do not inflate scores to make every listing look equally appealing. If an operator has weaknesses, we note them.
What we do not review
We do not review individual games. We do not verify bonus clearing rates or actual withdrawal speeds by testing deposits. We do not compile customer complaint statistics. Where we cannot directly verify a claim, we say so.
We also do not make guarantees about an operator's reliability, payout speed, or the outcome of any gambling activity. Reviews are editorial summaries, not certifications.
Keeping it current
Operators change their terms, promotions, and platforms. We aim to update reviews when we become aware of significant changes. However, the information shown on this site may lag behind the current position at any operator. Always check the operator's own site before registering.