At Sister Casino Guide, we don’t just slap a rating on a casino and call it a day. Our review process is meticulous, transparent, and built from the ground up to reflect what players like you actually care about. We assess every sister casino against a detailed set of criteria, testing each one hands-on to ensure it meets our high standards. Here’s the full breakdown of how we rate casinos, so you know exactly what goes into our recommendations.
1. Licensing and Security
- Why It Matters: Your safety is our top priority. We confirm that every casino is licensed by a respected authority, like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority, ensuring it’s legally accountable.
- What We Check: We look for SSL encryption, secure payment systems, and privacy policies that protect your data. We also verify fairness through certifications like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, which test game randomness and payout rates.
- Red Flags: Unlicensed sites or those with a history of security breaches get an immediate pass from us.
2. Game Selection
- Why It Matters: Variety keeps things fun. A great casino should cater to all tastes, from slots to live dealer tables.
- What We Check: We count the number of games, explore categories (slots, blackjack, roulette, etc.), and spotlight partnerships with top providers like NetEnt, Playtech, or Evolution Gaming. We also look for exclusive titles or progressive jackpots that add extra excitement.
- Extra Points: Mobile-friendly libraries and demo modes for trying games risk-free boost a casino’s score.
3. Bonuses and Promotions
- Why It Matters: Bonuses can stretch your bankroll, but only if they’re fair.
- What We Check: We dissect welcome offers, free spins, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs, focusing on value (e.g., match percentages) and terms like wagering requirements (we prefer 35x or lower), game eligibility, and time limits.
- Our Approach: We calculate real-world value—e.g., a £100 bonus with 50x wagering isn’t as good as it looks—and flag misleading “too good to be true” deals.
4. Payment Methods
- Why It Matters: Fast, secure banking makes or breaks your experience.
- What We Check: We review deposit and withdrawal options (cards, PayPal, Skrill, crypto, etc.), processing times (we love instant deposits and payouts within 48 hours), fees (lower is better), and limits (higher withdrawal caps win).
- Player Focus: We test transactions ourselves to ensure they’re smooth and hassle-free.
5. Customer Support
- Why It Matters: Problems happen—good support fixes them fast.
- What We Check: We test live chat (aiming for replies within 5 minutes), email response times (within 24 hours is ideal), and phone support if available. We also assess 24/7 availability and multilingual options.
- Real Tests: We ask tricky questions—like bonus clarification or withdrawal disputes—to see how helpful and knowledgeable the team is.
6. User Experience
- Why It Matters: A clunky site kills the fun.
- What We Check: We evaluate design (clean and modern wins), navigation (easy access to games and account tools), and mobile performance (apps or responsive sites). We time page loads and test stability across devices.
- Bonus Points: Features like searchable game filters or dark mode add extra polish.
7. Player Feedback and Reputation
- Why It Matters: Real players tell the unfiltered truth.
- What We Check: We scour forums, Trustpilot, and social media for patterns—praise for fast payouts or complaints about delayed withdrawals. We also track how casinos resolve disputes and their standing in the industry (e.g., awards or sanctions).
- Long-Term View: A consistent track record over years matters more than short-term hype.
How We Score
Each criterion gets a weighted score based on its impact. Licensing and security carry the most weight (you can’t compromise on trust), followed by game selection and bonuses (they define your enjoyment). We combine these into an overall rating, but we also highlight standout strengths or weaknesses so you can decide what matters most to you—say, a killer game library over a flashy bonus.
Staying Up to Date
Casinos change—new games drop, bonuses evolve, and policies shift. We revisit every review every 3-6 months, or sooner if big news breaks (like a sister casino merger or regulatory update). Our team subscribes to industry newsletters, tracks UKGC announcements, and tests casinos repeatedly to keep our info spot-on.
Why Trust Our Ratings?
We’re not here to sell you on any casino—we’re here to guide you to the best ones. Our process is rooted in real testing, player priorities, and a no-nonsense approach to separating the great from the gimmicky. Use our ratings to find a sister casino that matches your style, whether you’re after big wins, endless games, or top-tier service.