How we rank online casinos
Our review process
200–300 words, British English. Describe only what you actually do: open a real account, complete ID verification, deposit our own money, play across slots and tables, request a withdrawal and time it, test live chat with set questions, check the licence on the UKGC public register, then re-review on a fixed schedule. Say who funds the testing.
Ranking criteria and weightings
| Criterion | Weighting | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & safety | 20% | Active Gambling Commission licence checked on the public register, company details, account security and fair play. |
| Withdrawals | 20% | Payout speed, withdrawal limits, fees and verification checks, timed using our own accounts. |
| Bonus fairness | 15% | Value of the offer, wagering (capped at 10x under UKGC rules from 19 January 2026), game weighting and how clearly significant terms are shown. |
| Games & software | 15% | Size of the slot and table library, studios supplied, RTP transparency and live dealer range. |
| Safer gambling tools | 10% | Deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs, GAMSTOP integration and signposting to support. |
| Customer service | 10% | Live chat hours, response times and the quality of answers to our test questions. |
| Mobile experience | 10% | App and mobile browser performance, navigation and account management on a phone. |
How scores become a rating
60–100 words. Each criterion is scored 0–10 by the reviewer; the overall rating shown in the tables is the weighted average. Explain what moves a score.
How we check licences
UKGC #00000
Licensed by Gambling Commission. Check licence on the UKGC register.
80–120 words. How to read a licence number on the UKGC public register, what an inactive or surrendered licence means, and your policy on sites without a UK licence (they are not listed).
Editorial independence
80–120 words. How commercial arrangements work, that they do not buy position, who can change a ranking, and what happens when an operator fails a re-review.
Who writes these reviews
Director of Casino
Nick has spent a decade in iGaming, working predominantly with regulated UK casino operators and offshore casino platforms. He writes the reviews on this site, tests...
Keeping reviews current
60–90 words. Review cadence, what triggers an out-of-cycle update (offer changes, regulatory action, rule changes), and how the dates on each page work.
Corrections
40–60 words. How to report an error, the address hello@casinojournal.co.uk, and your correction turnaround.