The Criteria We Look For
To make our online casino reviews genuinely useful, we assess the fundamentals behind the glossy homepage—licensing, payment security, clear RTP/RNG, transparent bonuses and wagering, and realistic withdrawal flows. Below is the framework we use to separate reliable casinos from short‑lived clones.
Trustworthiness, Integrity, and Reliability
If an operator isn’t trustworthy, nothing else matters. We research ownership, history, and how the casino handles disputes and big wins—because real money players deserve predictable rules and fair outcomes.
Our reviewers monitor reputation across verified forums and ADR bodies. Any sign of withheld payments, retroactive rule changes, or predatory terms results in a poor score.
When assessing trust, we examine:
- Company history and ownership
- Licence and jurisdiction
- Third‑party auditing (RNG/RTP)
- Payout practices and dispute handling
- Player complaint patterns
- Responsible gambling controls
- Transparency of terms and limits
Safety and Security
We expect modern encryption, segregated funds where applicable, and strong authentication for logins and withdrawals.
Casinos should never sell your data. Payment pages must be secured and PCI‑aware, and crypto processing—if offered—should include clear on‑chain confirmation policies.
Security shouldn’t add friction at every step, but it must protect your balance and identity.
We also value transparent KYC/AML procedures that are proportionate, fast, and well documented.
Payout Speed and Options
Winning is exciting; waiting weeks to be paid isn’t. We measure typical processing times and the clarity of cashout rules.
Strong casinos provide multiple methods—cards, bank transfer, e‑wallets, and sometimes crypto—along with realistic limits and low or disclosed fees.
Consistency matters: published timelines should match real‑world results.
Deposit Options
Deposits should be straightforward with cards, e‑wallets, bank transfers, and occasionally crypto. We check minimums, fees, and whether AUD is supported.
Game Options and Quality
A deep slot library—including Megaways and progressives—plus fair blackjack and roulette rules is a baseline. We also look for reputable providers and published RTP where possible.
Beyond quantity, we assess polish: smooth gameplay, fair limits, and mobile optimisation so features like cascading reels and bonus buy work as intended.
If games look dated, lag, or crash on mobile, we mark it down.
We also consider responsible design, like clear volatility labels and session tools.
User Interface and Overall Experience
Navigation should be intuitive: find games, claim a bonus, verify, and withdraw without guesswork.
We time key flows—registration, deposit, and cashout—and check error handling and help prompts.
Online play should be relaxing, not a maze of pop‑ups and mystery fees.
Customer Support Quality and Options
Quality support resolves issues, it doesn’t just log tickets. We look for 24/7 live chat and email, with phone as a plus.
Agents should be polite, accurate, and empowered to fix common problems like stuck KYC or delayed withdrawals.
We prefer clearly published SLAs for response and resolution times.
Comprehensive help centres and in‑product guidance also score points.
Bonuses, Promotions, and VIP Programs
Bonuses can add value if the rules are fair. We read the fine print: wagering, game contribution, caps, max bet, and any withdrawal locks.
We favour realistic wagering and transparent free spins terms over flashy headline numbers.
VIP schemes should reward loyalty without nudging unsafe play. Clear opt‑outs and limits are essential.