Methodology
How a score gets made.
The method: open a real account, deposit, request a withdrawal and read every term. Then score what was measured, in public, and date it.
The method
Seven steps.
No shortcuts.
Every operator goes through the same seven checks in the same order. The score is the sum of what we measured, and the measurements are printed on every review.
- 01
Licence check
We look the licence number up with the regulator itself. A logo in the footer is not a licence.
- 02
Real deposit
Our own card, our own money. Minimum deposit, fees and processing time are logged.
- 03
Terms, read in full
Wagering, max bet, game weighting, withdrawal caps. Every clause that can void a bonus.
- 04
Play the wagering
We clear the playthrough on the games the terms allow and note what counts and what does not.
- 05
Timed withdrawal
Request to money-in-account, measured in hours. KYC surprises are recorded as failures.
- 06
Support, three ways
The same three questions over live chat, email and phone. Response time and accuracy both scored.
- 07
Re-test and date
Every score is dated and re-checked; desk reviews are labelled until a real-money test replaces them.
The weighting
Six categories. One score.
Each category is scored out of five, then weighted. Payments weigh as much as bonuses because a bonus you cannot withdraw is worth nothing.
- Bonuses
- 20%
Welcome value, wagering requirements, ongoing promotions
- Games
- 20%
Variety, providers and quality
- Payments
- 20%
Deposit and withdrawal options, speed and fees
- Support
- 15%
Response time, channels and accuracy
- Mobile
- 15%
App and mobile site experience
- Licensing
- 10%
Regulator and player-protection measures
How we get paid.
Some operators pay us a commission when a reader signs up through our link.
Commission never moves a score or a position. If an operator fails our checks, it stays listed and is marked as failed, whether or not it pays us.
The people testing.
Jonas Meyer
Senior Editor 路 12 years experience
Jonas has tested hundreds of online casinos and slots, specialising in fair-play audits and bonus terms. He leads CasinoTips.io's 7-step vetting process.
Bojana O.
Casino analyst
Bojana analyzes online casinos, focusing on game variety, bonus offers, payment methods, and overall player experience to help readers make informed decisions.
Alex Johnson
Senior Casino Analyst 路 8 years experience
Alex leads our hands-on casino testing, opening real accounts and timing real withdrawals at every operator we rank.
Sara Blake
Regulation Correspondent
Sara covers licensing and player-protection rules across the UK, Malta and the EU.
Devin Cole
Industry Reporter
Devin tracks operator revenue, market launches and consolidation across North America.
Priya Nair
Bonus Analyst
Priya reads the fine print so players don't have to, comparing wagering terms across hundreds of offers.
Marco Lindt
Games Editor
Marco reviews new slot and live-dealer releases, with a focus on RTP and volatility maths.