2. Introduction to Our Rating System
Every site reviewed on [domain] receives a score out of 10. This score is not an opinion or a gut feeling. It is the weighted result of structured testing across seven specific categories, each designed to answer a practical question that UK players care about. This page explains exactly how we arrive at each score, what we test, and why each category matters.
Our methodology was developed over years of testing both UKGC-licensed and offshore gambling operators. We refined it specifically for Non UKGC Casinos because these sites operate under different regulatory frameworks and require different evaluation criteria. A site that would score well under UKGC standards might score poorly by our criteria, and vice versa. Context matters.
3. Category One: Licensing Verification
Every site we review must hold a valid licence from a recognised gambling regulator. We verify this by checking the regulator’s official public registry, not by taking the operator’s word for it. We check Curaçao, Malta Gaming Authority, Kahnawake, Isle of Man, and other jurisdictions as applicable.
We assess the reputation and enforcement record of the licensing authority. A Malta Gaming Authority licence carries more weight in our scoring than a Curaçao licence because the MGA imposes stricter requirements on operators. We do not fabricate or assume licence numbers. If we cannot independently verify a claimed licence, the site is excluded from our reviews entirely.
This category accounts for 15% of the overall score. A verified licence from a reputable authority is the minimum threshold for inclusion. Sites with stronger regulatory oversight score higher.
4. Category Two: Payout Speed Testing
This is the single most important category in our methodology, accounting for 20% of the overall score. We test withdrawal speeds using real money across every payment method the site supports. For each method, we time the withdrawal from the moment of request to the moment funds are confirmed in our account.
We conduct a minimum of three withdrawal tests per payment method over our review period. We test at different times of day and on different days of the week to check for consistency. We also test whether processing times change with withdrawal amount, requesting both small cashouts near the minimum and medium-sized withdrawals.
Sites that consistently process withdrawals within or faster than their stated timeframes score highest. Sites that exceed stated processing times without explanation receive significant penalties. Any site that held a withdrawal without communication scored poorly regardless of eventual payout. Speed and reliability are equally important in this category.
5. Category Three: Sportsbook and Market Depth
For sportsbook evaluation, we assess three components: breadth of sports covered, depth of markets per event, and odds quality. This category accounts for 15% of the overall score.
Breadth is measured by counting the number of distinct sports available. We check for coverage of football, tennis, basketball, cricket, rugby, darts, esports, and niche markets. We verify that listed sports actually have active markets rather than simply appearing in the navigation.
Depth is assessed by counting the number of markets available for a standard fixture. We use a Premier League match as our benchmark. Sites offering 150 or more markets per fixture score highest. Sites offering fewer than 50 markets score lowest.
Odds quality is benchmarked against Pinnacle. We record the odds on 20 randomly selected markets across different sports over our review period and calculate the average margin compared to Pinnacle’s prices. Sites with margins within two percentage points score highest.
6. Category Four: Bonus Terms Scrutiny
We evaluate bonuses not by their headline value but by their practical, clearable value. This category accounts for 10% of the overall score. We claim every welcome bonus and play through the wagering requirements completely to verify the terms match what is advertised.
We assess wagering requirements relative to the bonus amount, game contribution rates, maximum bet limits during bonus play, time limits for clearing the requirement, and any caps on maximum winnings from bonus play. We also note whether the bonus terms are clearly displayed and easy to understand before claiming.
Sites with wagering requirements of 30x or below and transparent, easy-to-find terms score highest. Sites with 40x or above wagering, hidden restrictions, or misleading promotional claims score lowest. We also factor in the quality and frequency of ongoing promotions beyond the welcome offer.
7. Category Five: Customer Support Testing
Support testing accounts for 10% of the overall score. We contact each site’s customer support at least three times during our review period using different query types: a simple general question, a moderately complex bonus query, and a withdrawal-related question designed to test the agent’s knowledge and authority.
We measure response time from initial contact to first meaningful reply. We assess accuracy by comparing the agent’s answer to the site’s published terms. We note whether the agent can resolve the query independently or needs to escalate. We also test email support response times and availability of alternative contact methods.
Sites with genuine 24/7 live chat, average response times under three minutes, and knowledgeable agents who resolve queries without escalation score highest. Sites with inconsistent availability, slow responses, or agents who provide incorrect information score lowest.
8. Category Six: Security and Player Protection
This category accounts for 15% of the score and evaluates the technical and operational security measures each site implements. We check for SSL encryption, two-factor authentication availability, account verification procedures, and published data protection policies.
We also assess the responsible gambling tools available. Sites that offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options score higher than those with minimal or no player protection tools. While offshore operators are not required to match UKGC standards, the presence of these features demonstrates a commitment to player welfare.
We review public complaint forums and player communities for any reports of security incidents, data breaches, or unresolved disputes. A clean operational record contributes positively to this category score.
9. Category Seven: User Experience and Mobile Performance
The final category accounts for 15% of the score. We evaluate site design, navigation clarity, page load speed, mobile optimisation, and overall usability across desktop and mobile platforms. Testing is conducted on Chrome and Firefox for desktop, Safari on iOS, and Chrome on Android.
We assess how easily a new player can navigate the site, find the sportsbook or casino section they want, place a bet, and manage their account. We note any bugs, broken features, or design issues that impair the user experience. Mobile performance is weighted heavily given that the majority of UK players bet on mobile devices.
Sites that deliver a fast, clean, intuitive experience across all platforms score highest. Sites with cluttered designs, slow loading, or mobile interfaces that compromise functionality score lowest.
10. Long-Term Monitoring
Our reviews are living documents. After the initial review is published, we revisit and retest each site on a quarterly basis. We re-check licensing status, repeat withdrawal tests, verify that bonus terms have not changed unfavourably, and reassess customer support quality.
If a site’s performance improves, we update the review and adjust the score upward. If performance deteriorates, we lower the score and note what has changed. If a site loses its licence, fails to pay withdrawals, or engages in practices we consider harmful to players, we remove it from our recommendations entirely and publish a warning.
This ongoing monitoring ensures that the information on [domain] remains accurate and current. A high score today does not guarantee a high score tomorrow. Every operator must continue earning its rating through consistent performance.