Our Rating Criteria

We do not publish league tables of casinos or sportsbooks, and we do not hand out star ratings. When an article does assess a game, a type of bet or a kind of gambling site, it uses the same set of criteria every time. This page lists them, so you can apply them yourself.

For games and bet types

1. How large is the built-in cost?

We look first at the house edge, the vig or the rake. A product where the cost is lower and clearly stated scores better than one where it is high or hidden. Our guide on the parlay shows how a cost can grow without being obvious on the betting slip.

2. Are the rules clear and published?

Good games publish their rules, pay tables and, for slots, their return to player. If the information is hard to find or vaguely worded, we say so.

3. How volatile is it?

Some products produce frequent small results, others long dry spells broken by rare large ones. Neither is better in itself, but readers should know which they are choosing, because volatility shapes how fast a budget can disappear.

4. Does the design push for more play?

Features such as very fast spins, near-miss animations or constant prompts to bet again make it harder to stop. We note them plainly.

For gambling sites and operators

5. Licensing

Does the operator name its regulator and licence number, and can that licence be confirmed on the regulator's own website? Without that, nothing else matters.

6. Fair, readable terms

We read the terms for bonus conditions, withdrawal limits, account closures and how unclear cases are settled. Terms that are short, specific and consistent count in an operator's favour.

7. Safer-play tools

We check for deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion, and whether they are easy to find and easy to switch on.

8. Payment clarity

Clear information about withdrawal times, fees and identity checks is a good sign. Vague promises of "instant" payouts without conditions are not.

What never affects an assessment

• Marketing claims made by an operator or game studio.
• The size of a welcome bonus on its own.
• How exciting a jackpot or advertised win looks.

How we check

We work from published rules, terms and regulator records, and we show any calculation we rely on. If you think one of our assessments has missed something, our corrections promise explains how to tell us. Whatever an assessment says, gambling remains an 18+ activity with a cost, and it should only be paid for from a budget set aside for entertainment.