How We Review Online Casinos
Scoring Methodology Version 1.0Our team put a ton of time into crafting, tweaking, and enhancing our system for reviewing and scoring online casinos. Our goal? To give you a straightforward and honest way to compare them, focusing on what matters most to players.
With our detailed reviews and comparisons, you can quickly find the online casinos that fit your play style and priorities. Additionally, we’ve introduced a unique “Market Average” score that will allow you to see how a particular casino performs in a certain market.
Our Audit Methodology
Let’s walk you through our process. We’ll share how we dissect and rate each casino, considering key factors like security measures, the range of games available, the quality of customer service, and the value of their bonuses.
This way, you’ll get a clear picture of how we ensure you’re getting the real scoop on the best places to play online.
Terms to Understand:
- Factor: There are six major categories that we use to organize our audit process. These factors serve as the primary divisions for evaluating online casinos. Think of them as the high-level topics we focus on during our assessment.
- Criteria: Within each factor, we delve deeper into specific aspects. We’ve identified over 200 criteria that help us evaluate online casinos comprehensively. These criteria break down the factors into more detailed components. For example, under the “Games and Providers” factor, criteria might include game variety, software providers, and performance.
- Weight: Each factor and its associated criteria are not equally important. Some carry more significance than others. We assign a weight to each factor and criterion based on its relative importance in determining the overall quality of a casino. Think of it as giving more emphasis to critical aspects.
- Scoring: When we assess a specific criterion, we assign it a numerical score on a scale of 1 to 100. This score reflects how well the casino performs in that particular area. Higher scores indicate better performance, while lower scores highlight areas for improvement.
- Rating: To make it easier for you to understand how good a particular online casino is, we express the numerical scores as ratings. These ratings are simple terms that convey the overall quality. For example, an 80-100 score might be labeled as “Excellent,” while a 20-39 score could be termed “Fair.”
- Market Average: The market average represents the collective performance of all casinos within a specific market. It’s the average score across all factors and criteria. Comparing individual casinos to this average helps us understand how they stand relative to their peers.
We Focus on 6 Main Factors
Our methodology covers the areas of an online casino that you, the user, are most interested in. Each Factor has a weight attached based on its level of importance.
In our reviews, bonuses get more emphasis than mobile usability because, for newcomers, an attractive Welcome Offer often outweighs how easy the casino is to use. This approach reflects the significant impact that generous bonuses can have on a new player’s choice of casino
Translating Scoring into Ratings
We appreciate the importance of numbers and data, but we recognize that they can sometimes be overwhelming, especially during a detailed evaluation. To simplify things for you, we express scores in more straightforward terms. Essentially, the higher the score, the better the rating.
Score | Corresponding Rating |
---|---|
80-100 | Excellent |
60-79 | Very Good |
40-59 | Good |
20-39 | Fair |
1-19 | Poor |
We Evaluate Over 200 Criteria
To calculate scores for various factors, we evaluate them using multiple criteria. For instance, the Mobile and Usability factor breaks down into responsiveness, mobile app availability, and general usability, among other things.
Overall, we assess online casinos against more than 200 weighted criteria. Below, you’ll find details on the criteria used in our scoring.
After dissecting each factor, we rate each criterion on a 1-100 point scale. Finally, we tally these scores and round them to the nearest whole number.
Here’s a breakdown of each Factor and its corresponding Criteria
Bonuses and Promotions
The ideal casino offers generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and transparent terms, ensuring players feel valued and rewarded.
Bonus Criteria we Analyze:
- Welcome Bonuses: Are they generous and fair? We analyze the size of the bonus, wagering requirements, and any restrictions.
- Ongoing Promotions: Do casinos offer regular promotions for existing players? We consider reload bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and loyalty programs.
- Bonus Terms: Are terms and conditions transparent? We scrutinize playthrough requirements and time limits.
- Free Spins: How many free spins are offered, and on which games? We evaluate their value and usability.
- Types of Bonuses Offered:
- Deposit Match Bonus: Casinos match a percentage of your deposit amount (e.g., 100% match up to $200).
- No Deposit Bonus: Free bonus funds or spins without requiring a deposit.
- Reload Bonus: Additional bonuses for subsequent deposits.
- Cashback: Refunds a percentage of losses over a specific period.
- VIP/ Loyalty Bonuses: Exclusive rewards for loyal players.
- Bonus Validity: How long are bonuses valid? We check expiration dates.
Understanding the Bonus Rating:
- Excellent (80-100): Outstanding bonuses and promotions that benefit players.
- Very Good (60-79): Attractive offers with reasonable terms.
- Good (40-59): Decent promotions, but room for improvement.
- Fair (20-39): Basic offers, but nothing exceptional.
- Poor (1-19): Lackluster or unfair promotions.
Games and Providers
A top-notch casino boasts an extensive game library with diverse options from reputable providers, ensuring players find their favorite games easily.
Games and Providers Criteria:
- Game Variety: Is there a diverse selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options? We explore the range of titles available.
- Software Providers: Are reputable providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming featured? We assess the quality of games.
- Games Quality and Performance: How smooth is the gaming experience? We consider load times, graphics, and responsiveness.
Understanding the Games & Providers Rating:
- Excellent (80-100): Extensive game library with top-tier providers.
- Very Good (60-79): Solid variety and reliable software.
- Good (40-59): Adequate selection, but needs improvement.
- Fair (20-39): Limited games or subpar performance.
- Poor (1-19): Uninspiring game collection.
Payments and Banking
The perfect casino provides efficient, fee-free payment methods, quick processing times, and a variety of options for hassle-free transactions.
Payments and Banking Criteria
- Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Are there convenient options? We examine the availability of credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Can you use these widely accepted and familiar options.
- E-wallets (e.g., PayPal, NETELLER, Skrill): Do they offer secure digital wallets for seamless transactions.
- Prepaid Cards (e.g., Paysafecard): Can you anonymously fund your account.
- Bank Transfers (ACH Transfer): Can you perform direct transfers from your bank account.
- Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin): Do they accept digital currencies for privacy-conscious players.
- Processing Times: How quickly are transactions processed? We consider both deposits and withdrawals.
- Fees: Are there hidden charges? We assess any additional costs.
Understanding the Payments & Banking Rating
- Excellent (80-100): Efficient, diverse payment methods with good fees.
- Very Good (60-79): Smooth transactions, minor room for improvement.
- Good (40-59): Adequate options, but some delays or fees.
- Fair (20-39): Limited methods or significant delays.
- Poor (1-19): Unreliable or costly banking.
Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is available 24/7, responds promptly, and offers multiple communication channels, ensuring players feel supported and heard.
Customer Support Criteria we Evaluate:
- Availability: Is support accessible 24/7? We check if live chat, email, and phone support are readily available.
- Responsiveness: How quickly do they address queries? We evaluate response times.
- Channels: What communication channels are offered? We consider multiple options.
Understanding the Customer Support Rating:
- Excellent (80-100): Prompt, helpful, and available around the clock.
- Very Good (60-79): Responsive, but minor areas for improvement.
- Good (40-59): Adequate support, occasional delays.
- Fair (20-39): Limited availability or slow responses.
- Poor (0-19): Frustrating or nonexistent support.
Mobile and Usability
An excellent casino optimizes its website for mobile devices, providing a seamless, user-friendly experience for players on the go.
Mobile and Usability Criteria
- Mobile Compatibility: Is the casino optimized for smartphones and tablets? We test the mobile site.
- User Experience: Is the website intuitive and easy to navigate? We assess layout and functionality.
- Mobile Apps: Does the casino offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android? We consider the availability and performance of these apps.
Understanding the Mobile and Usability Rating
- Excellent (80-100): Seamless mobile experience and user-friendly design. Apps Available
- Very Good (60-79): Functional mobile site, minor improvements possible.
- Good (40-59): Usable but lacks finesse.
- Fair (20-39): Clunky or inconvenient on mobile.
- Poor (1-19): Unusable or frustrating interface. No Apps
Safety and Security
The best casino holds valid licenses, prioritizes fair play, and safeguards player data through encryption, creating a secure environment for all.
Safety and Security Criteria:
- Licensing: Does the casino hold valid licenses from reputable authorities? We verify regulatory compliance to ensure that the casino operates legally and ethically.
- Fair Play: Is the Random Number Generator (RNG) tested? We ensure that games are unbiased and provide a fair chance to all players.
- Encryption: Is player data protected with SSL encryption? We prioritize security to safeguard sensitive information.
- Responsible Gambling: Does the casino promote responsible gambling practices? We assess whether they provide tools for self-exclusion, set deposit limits, and offer resources for players facing gambling-related issues.
Understanding the Safety and Security Rating:
- Excellent (80-100): Fully licensed, transparent, and secure. Maintains a Responsible Gambling portal.
- Very Good (60-79): Trustworthy, but minor areas for improvement.
- Good (40-59): Adequate safety measures.
- Fair (20-39): Some concerns or lack of transparency.
- Poor (1-19): Risky or questionable practices.
Reviews Built with Transparency
As we evaluate online casinos, we continuously refine our testing process to enhance accuracy and relevance. Our commitment to transparency means that we may adjust scoring criteria, add or remove factors, and revise our methodology over time.
As mentioned at the top of the page, we are currently using the Scoring Methodology Version 1.0
If we make any updates to our scoring methodology, we will also revisit and update our casino reviews accordingly.
On every casino review page, you’ll find the specific scoring methodology version under which that casino was evaluated.
At OnlineCasinosHub, we uphold the following core values to ensure our reviews are reliable and trustworthy:
Independence:
- Our reviews are completely independent. We maintain an objective stance and do not allow external influences to sway our assessments. No casino can pay us to alter our ratings or prioritize their interests.
- We do not accept any form of payment, incentives, or sponsorships from casinos. Our commitment is solely to our readers.
- You can read more about our Core Mission and Values in our About Page
Unbiased Evaluation:
- Our team of experts conducts thorough evaluations without bias. We assess each casino based on factual data, performance, and user experience.
- We do not favor any specific casino brand or operator. Our goal is to provide accurate insights to help you make informed decisions.
- Here’s more about our Editorial Policy
No Hidden Agendas:
- We are transparent about our methodology and evaluation process. You should know how we arrive at our conclusions.
- We openly share our criteria, scoring system, and the reasoning behind our ratings.
- Some of the links on our website may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase or sign up at the casino, we may receive a commission. Rest assured, this does not impact our reviews or ratings. Our commitment to transparency remains unwavering. You can read more about this in our Advertising Disclosure.
User Safety and Empowerement:
- Our primary objective is to empower you with accurate information. We believe informed players make better choices.
- Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer, our reviews equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the online casino landscape.
- We prioritize responsible gambling. We encourage players to set limits, take breaks, and seek help if needed.
- If you need help, check our Responsible Gambling page for resources and support.