How we rate

How We Rate Non-GamStop Casinos: Our Complete Testing Methodology

At our site, we don’t just compile lists from press releases or regurgitate marketing materials. Every non-GamStop casino we recommend has been tested with real money, real gameplay, and real withdrawal requests. This page explains exactly how we evaluate casinos, what we prioritize, and why you can trust our recommendations.

Unlike UK-licensed casinos that must meet UKGC standards, non-GamStop casinos operate in a less regulated environment. That makes our independent testing even more critical. Here’s our complete methodology.

1. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

Why It’s Critical for Non-GamStop Casinos:

Without UKGC oversight, licensing is your only guarantee that a casino follows any rules at all. But not all licenses are equal. A Curaçao license isn’t as stringent as Malta or Gibraltar, but it’s still vastly better than no license.

What We Verify:

✓ License Existence & Validity

• We find the license number on the casino’s website (footer, About page)
• We verify it in the licensing authority’s registry (Curaçao Gaming Control Board, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Licensing Authority)
• We check the license issue date and whether it’s active or suspended

✓ License Holder Verification

• We confirm the company name matches registry records
• We verify the parent company and any sister casinos under the same license
• We check for past violations or sanctions

✓ Security Infrastructure

• SSL certificate verification (128-bit minimum, 256-bit preferred)
• We test the certificate issuer (Comodo, DigiCert, Let’s Encrypt)
• We verify encryption is active on deposit/withdrawal pages

✓ Game Fairness Certification

• RNG (Random Number Generator) testing by third parties (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI)
• Game provider certifications (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution all have their own testing)
• Published RTP (Return to Player) percentages available

Our Testing Process:

1. Screenshot license information from casino website
2. Visit licensing authority website and search registry
3. Verify license number and holder match
4. Check browser security certificate (click padlock icon)
5. Review game provider certifications
6. Search for any regulatory violations or warnings

Red Flags That Fail Our Review:

No license displayed anywhere
License number doesn’t verify in official registry
Recently suspended or revoked license
Multiple casinos using identical fake license numbers
No SSL encryption on payment pages
Unlicensed game providers or pirated games

Scoring Weight: 25% of overall rating

Licensing is our highest-weighted criterion because everything else is meaningless if the casino isn’t legitimate.

2. Real-Money Testing: Deposits, Gameplay & Withdrawals

Why We Do This:

Many review sites never deposit a penny. They rate casinos based on what the casino claims, not what actually happens. We test every recommended casino with our own money.

What We Test:

✓ Registration Process

• Time to complete signup (we track minutes)
• Information required (email only vs. full KYC upfront)
• Email verification speed
• Any forced upsells or misleading checkboxes

✓ Deposit Testing

• We deposit using multiple methods (e-wallets, crypto, cards when accepted)
• Minimum amounts tested (do they honor stated minimums?)
• Processing speed measured (instant vs. actual time)
• Any hidden fees discovered
• Bonus crediting (instant vs. delayed)

✓ Gameplay Experience

• We play 50+ spins on various slot games
• Live dealer sessions (blackjack, roulette) for 30+ minutes
• Game loading speeds and stability
• Mobile gameplay on iOS and Android
• Any crashes or technical issues

✓ Bonus Wagering Reality

• We claim bonuses and track wagering progress
• We verify game contribution percentages (slots 100%, live casino 10%)
• We test wagering requirement accuracy (does £100 bet = £100 progress?)
• We identify any terms violations (max bet limits, restricted games)

✓ Withdrawal Testing (Most Important)

• We complete wagering and request withdrawals
• We document exact request time (timestamp)
• We track KYC document requests and approval times
• We note any unexpected delays or additional requirements
• We measure actual time from request to funds received
• We photograph/screenshot confirmation of payment received

Our Standard Test Deposits:

• Small Test: £10-£20 (minimum deposit test)
• Medium Test: £50-£100 (typical player deposit)
• Bonus Test: Amount to maximize welcome bonus
• Withdrawal Test: Real gameplay leading to cashout request

Example Test Documentation:

Velobet Test (October 2024):

• Deposited: £100 via Skrill at 10:34 AM
• Bonus: £150 (150%) credited instantly
• Wagering: 30x = £7,500 required
• Gameplay: 6 hours across Sweet Bonanza, Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus
• Wagering Completed: £185 withdrawable balance
• Withdrawal Requested: 3:47 PM next day
• KYC: Already verified during registration
• Funds Received: 3:10 AM following day (11 hours, 23 minutes total)

Red Flags During Testing:

Deposits don’t process or take hours
Games crash frequently or don’t load
Bonuses have hidden terms not mentioned in T&Cs
Wagering doesn’t track accurately
Withdrawal requests rejected without valid reason
KYC approval takes 7+ days
Funds don’t arrive within stated timeframes
Support can’t explain delays or gives conflicting information

Scoring Weight: 30% of overall rating

Real-money testing is our highest-weighted factor because it reveals the truth behind marketing claims.

3. Game Selection & Software Quality

Why It Matters:

Non-GamStop casinos often advertise “thousands of games,” but quantity means nothing if they’re low-quality titles from unknown providers. We evaluate both breadth and quality.

What We Assess:

✓ Game Quantity

• Total number of slots (we verify manually, not just site claims)
• Live dealer tables and game shows
• Table games (RNG versions)
• Specialty games (crash, Plinko, mines)
• Progressive jackpots

✓ Software Providers

• Tier 1 providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Play’n GO, Microgaming)
• Tier 2 providers (Red Tiger, Push Gaming, Hacksaw, NoLimit City)
• Unknown/unlicensed providers (red flag if too many)
• Exclusive or proprietary games

✓ Game Categories

• Slot variety (Megaways, cluster pays, bonus buy, classic)
• Live casino quality (HD streaming, professional dealers)
• RTP transparency (are percentages published?)
• Demo mode availability

✓ Mobile Gaming

• Percentage of games mobile-compatible
• Dedicated app vs. browser optimization
• Touch controls and interface design
• Performance on different devices

Our Testing Method:

1. We count games manually by category
2. We play 10+ slots from different providers
3. We test live casino on desktop and mobile
4. We verify provider partnerships are legitimate
5. We check RTP percentages where published

What Separates Great from Good:

Great Casino Game Selection:

• 3,000+ games from 50+ providers
• All major providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic, Evolution)
• Full live casino suite with game shows
• 50+ progressive jackpots
• RTP percentages displayed
• 95%+ games work on mobile

Average Casino Game Selection:

• 1,000-2,000 games from 20-30 providers
• Mix of known and unknown providers
• Basic live casino (blackjack, roulette)
• 10-20 jackpots
• Some RTP info available
• 80%+ mobile compatible

Red Flags: Mostly unknown providers
Pirated versions of popular games
RTP information hidden or unavailable
Live casino has no recognized providers
Many games don’t work on mobile

Scoring Weight: 15% of overall rating

4. Bonuses & Promotions: Real Value Analysis

Why Our Approach Differs:

Most review sites just list bonus amounts. We calculate actual playthrough value and identify misleading terms.

What We Evaluate:

✓ Welcome Bonus Structure

• Match percentage and maximum amount
• Bonus split (single deposit vs. package)
• Free spins quantity and slot restrictions
• Minimum deposit required

✓ Wagering Requirements Reality

• Multiplier (20x, 35x, 50x, etc.)
• What’s included (bonus only vs. bonus + deposit)
• Game contribution percentages
• Time limit to complete

✓ Terms & Restrictions

• Maximum bet limit during wagering
• Restricted games (what can’t you play?)
• Maximum cashout caps
• Country restrictions

✓ Ongoing Promotions

• Reload bonuses (frequency and value)
• Cashback offers (percentage and wagering)
• VIP/loyalty programs (tiers and benefits)
• Tournament frequency and prize pools

Our Bonus Value Calculator:

We use a formula to assess real value:

Bonus Value Score = (Bonus Amount × Realistic Clear Rate) ÷ Time Investment

Example Calculations:

Casino A: £100 bonus with 30x wagering

• Total wagering: £3,000
• Estimated clear rate: 60% (based on typical RTP)
• Expected return: £60
• Time required: 5-8 hours
• Value: Moderate

Casino B: £500 bonus with 50x wagering

• Total wagering: £25,000
• Estimated clear rate: 40%
• Expected return: £200
• Time required: 20-30 hours
• Value: Poor (high wagering makes it unlikely to clear)

Casino C: £150 bonus with 35x wagering + wager-free cashback

• Total wagering: £5,250
• Estimated clear rate: 55%
• Expected return: £82.50 + cashback value
• Time required: 8-12 hours
• Value: Good

Red Flags in Bonus Terms:

Wagering over 50x
Max bet limit under £2 (too restrictive)
Time limit under 7 days (too tight)
Max cashout below 5x bonus amount
Live casino contributes 0% (excludes major game category)
Bonus terms hidden or deliberately vague

Scoring Weight: 12% of overall rating

5. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speeds

Why This Is Critical for Non-GamStop Casinos:

UKGC casinos have strict payout rules. Non-GamStop casinos don’t. That’s why we test withdrawals extensively.

What We Evaluate:

✓ Deposit Options

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter)
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, etc.)
• Bank transfers
• Prepaid cards (Paysafecard)
• Alternative methods (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

✓ Withdrawal Options

• Same methods as deposits available?
• Withdrawal-only restrictions?
• Minimum and maximum limits
• Currency options (GBP, EUR, USD, crypto)

✓ Processing Times (Real Testing)

• Stated processing time vs. actual
• KYC verification impact
• First withdrawal vs. subsequent
• Weekend/holiday effects
• VIP priority processing

✓ Fees & Costs

• Casino-imposed fees
• Payment processor fees
• Currency conversion costs
• Network fees (for crypto)

Our Withdrawal Testing Results:

We document every withdrawal with timestamps:

What We Look For:

✓ Actual times meet or beat stated times
✓ Multiple payment options available
✓ No hidden fees from casino
✓ Reasonable limits (min £10-£20, max £5,000+)
✓ Same-day crypto withdrawals
✓ No unnecessary verification delays

Red Flags:

Only one withdrawal method available
Processing times exceed 5 business days
Excessive fees (5%+ of withdrawal)
Low maximum limits (under £1,000)
Withdrawal requests frequently rejected
KYC verification takes weeks

Scoring Weight: 18% of overall rating

Fast, reliable payouts are essential for player trust.

6. Customer Support Quality

Why We Test This Thoroughly:

Support quality reveals how much a casino values players. We test with real questions and problems.

What We Assess:

✓ Availability

• 24/7 vs. limited hours
• Time zones covered
• Holiday/weekend support

✓ Contact Methods

• Live chat (most important)
• Email support
• Phone support (rare but valuable)
• Social media responsiveness
• Contact form alternatives

✓ Response Quality

• Speed of first response
• Knowledge level of agents
• Problem-solving ability
• Language proficiency
• Empathy and professionalism

Our Testing Protocol:

We ask three types of questions:

1. Simple Inquiry (Tests Response Time):

• “What’s the minimum withdrawal amount?”
• “What payment methods do you accept?”
• Target: Response within 5 minutes

2. Technical Question (Tests Knowledge):

• “How do I track my bonus wagering progress?”
• “Why was my withdrawal request declined?”
• Target: Accurate answer, no canned responses

3. Complex Scenario (Tests Problem-Solving):

• “I deposited but bonus wasn’t credited”
• “My withdrawal is delayed beyond stated timeframe”
• Target: Escalation process, actual resolution

Support Response Times (Our Tests):

What Great Support Looks Like:

✓ Live chat responds within 5 minutes
✓ Agents understand complex questions
✓ They can access your account details
✓ They escalate when necessary
✓ They follow up to ensure resolution
✓ Email responses within 24 hours
✓ Multiple language options available

Red Flags:

No live chat available
Response times exceed 30 minutes
Agents use only generic copy-paste responses
Can’t answer basic questions about bonuses or payments
Rude or dismissive tone
No escalation path for serious issues

Scoring Weight: 10% of overall rating

7. User Experience & Interface Design

Why It Matters:

Even great games and bonuses are frustrating if the website is clunky. We evaluate practical usability.

What We Test:

✓ Navigation & Site Structure

• Homepage clarity
• Game filtering and search
• Account management access
• Deposit/withdrawal page design
• Terms & conditions accessibility

✓ Performance

• Page load speeds (we use PageSpeed Insights)
• Mobile responsiveness
• App functionality (if available)
• Stability under load
• Cross-browser compatibility

✓ Design Quality

• Visual appeal (modern vs. outdated)
• Color scheme and readability
• Typography and font sizing
• Icon clarity
• Overall polish

✓ Features & Functionality

• Game search filters (provider, type, RTP)
• Favorites/wishlist system
• Transaction history clarity
• Responsible gambling tools placement
• Language options

Our Testing Devices:

• Desktop: Chrome, Firefox, Safari
• Mobile: iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S21
• Tablet: iPad Pro
• Connection speeds: Broadband and 4G

Performance Benchmarks:

Excellent UX:

• Homepage loads in under 2 seconds
• Games launch in under 3 seconds
• No crashes during 2-hour session
• All features work on mobile
• Intuitive navigation (find games in under 30 seconds)

Average UX:

• Homepage loads in 2-4 seconds
• Games launch in 3-5 seconds
• Minor bugs but nothing game-breaking
• Most features work on mobile
• Navigation requires some searching

Red Flags:

Pages take 5+ seconds to load
Frequent crashes or freezes
Mobile site is desktop site shrunk down
Can’t find important pages (T&Cs, payment info)
Design looks outdated (pre-2015 era)
Pop-ups block gameplay

Scoring Weight: 5% of overall rating

8. Reputation & Track Record

Why This Matters for Non-GamStop Casinos:

Without UKGC oversight, reputation is everything. We research extensively to understand each casino’s history.

What We Research:

✓ Operating History

• Year established
• Ownership changes
• Sister casino relationships
• Regulatory history (sanctions, fines)

✓ Player Feedback Analysis

• Trustpilot reviews (verified purchases)
• AskGamblers ratings and complaints
• Reddit discussions (r/gambling, r/onlinegambling)
• Casino forums (Casinomeister, ThePogg)
• Social media sentiment

✓ Complaint Patterns

• Common issues mentioned repeatedly
• Withdrawal dispute resolution
• Bonus term disputes
• Support quality complaints
• Payment processing problems

✓ Industry Standing

• Awards or recognition
• Partnerships with major providers
• Affiliate program reputation
• Blacklists or warning databases

Our Research Process:

1. Search casino name + “review”
2. Search casino name + “scam” or “complaint”
3. Review 100+ player feedback posts
4. Identify patterns (isolated incidents vs. systemic issues)
5. Check resolution rates (do casinos fix problems?)
6. Compare to competitors
7. Monitor ongoing developments

Red Flags in Reputation:

Consistent withdrawal complaints unresolved
License revoked or suspended
Sister casinos with poor reputations
Multiple name changes (trying to escape bad rep)
Blacklisted on major review sites
No player feedback at all (too new or too unknown)

What Good Reputation Looks Like:

✓ 3+ years operating history
✓ Average rating 3.5/5 or higher across platforms
✓ Complaints resolved publicly
✓ Partnerships with tier-1 providers
✓ Active community of players
✓ Transparent ownership information

Scoring Weight: 10% of overall rating

9. Responsible Gambling Tools

Why We Prioritize This:

Non-GamStop casinos don’t participate in GamStop, which means their voluntary responsible gambling tools become critical.

What We Evaluate:

✓ Self-Limitation Tools

• Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss limits
• Wagering limits
• Session time limits
• Reality check reminders

✓ Self-Exclusion Options

• Temporary timeouts (24 hours, 1 week, 1 month)
• Long-term self-exclusion (6 months, 1 year, permanent)
• Ease of activation
• Reversal process (should be difficult)

✓ Information & Resources

• Links to GamCare, BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous
• Gambling addiction self-assessment tools
• Responsible gambling information page
• Age verification processes
• Staff training on problem gambling

✓ Implementation Quality

• Are tools easy to find?
• Do limits actually work when tested?
• Can they be easily bypassed?
• Does customer support understand them?

Our Testing:

We test every responsible gambling feature:

• Set a £50 deposit limit → Try to deposit £100 (should be blocked)
• Request 24-hour timeout → Try to login (should be locked out)
• Find help resources → Evaluate accessibility and quality

What Good Looks Like:

✓ Limits accessible in account settings
✓ Limits apply immediately or within 24 hours
✓ Increasing limits has 24-72 hour delay
✓ Self-exclusion is honored completely
✓ Multiple resources linked prominently
✓ Support team can assist with tool setup

Red Flags:

No responsible gambling tools at all
Tools are hidden or hard to find
Limits can be increased instantly
Self-exclusion easily reversed
No links to support organizations
Support discourages use of tools

Scoring Weight: 5% of overall rating

How We Calculate Final Ratings

Each casino receives scores across all nine criteria, weighted by importance:

Rating Scale:

• 9.5-10.0: Exceptional (virtually flawless)
• 9.0-9.4: Excellent (highly recommended)
• 8.5-8.9: Very Good (solid choice)
• 8.0-8.4: Good (minor issues)
• 7.5-7.9: Above Average (some concerns)
• 7.0-7.4: Average (use with caution)
• Below 7.0: Not recommended

Example: Velobet’s Rating Breakdown

• Real-Money Testing: 29/30 (96.7%) – Fast withdrawal, smooth gameplay
• Licensing & Security: 24/25 (96%) – Valid Curaçao license, SSL encryption
• Payment Methods: 17/18 (94.4%) – Multiple options, 11-hour withdrawal
• Game Selection: 14/15 (93.3%) – 6,000+ games, all major providers
• Bonuses: 11/12 (91.7%) – 150% bonus with achievable 30x wagering
• Support: 9/10 (90%) – 3-minute response, knowledgeable agents
• Reputation: 9/10 (90%) – 2+ years, positive feedback
• User Experience: 5/5 (100%) – Clean design, fast loading
• Responsible Gambling: 4/5 (80%) – Tools present but not prominent

Final Score: 9.6/10 (Excellent)

Our Testing Schedule & Updates

Initial Review:

• 2-4 weeks of testing before publication
• Minimum £100 deposited and withdrawn
• 50+ hours of gameplay and research
• 100+ player reviews analyzed

Ongoing Monitoring:

• Major reviews updated every 3 months
• Withdrawal testing repeated every 6 months
• Immediate updates for:
  
  • License revocation or suspension
  • Major player complaints (10+ similar issues)
  • Significant policy changes
  • Ownership changes
  • Regulatory actions

Red Flag Response: If we discover serious issues after publication, we:

1. Add prominent warning to review immediately
2. Retest to confirm the issue
3. Contact casino for response
4. Update rating or remove recommendation if unresolved

What Disqualifies a Casino

We won’t recommend casinos that:

Have no valid license
Have recently revoked licenses
Consistently refuse legitimate withdrawals
Use pirated games from unlicensed providers
Have ownership linked to known scam operations
Refuse to implement any responsible gambling tools
Have unresolved systemic complaints (50+ similar issues)
Engage in predatory bonus terms (100x+ wagering)
Use misleading marketing or fake testimonials

Why Our Methodology Is Different

Most Review Sites:

• Copy information from press releases
• Never deposit real money
• Rate based on affiliate commission potential
• List 30+ casinos without real testing
• Avoid mentioning real risks

Our Approach:

• Test every casino with real deposits
• Prioritize withdrawal success over everything
• Rate based on actual player experience
• Recommend only 5-7 best casinos
• Honest about risks and limitations

Transparency Statement

Our Funding:

We earn affiliate commissions when you sign up at casinos through our links. This means if you register at Velobet using our link and deposit, we receive a percentage.

Does This Affect Our Reviews?

No. Here’s why:

1. We test before partnering – Casinos must pass our testing before we’ll even take affiliate links
2. Bad casinos hurt our reputation – Recommending scams destroys reader trust
3. We prioritize long-term credibility – One bad recommendation costs more than dozens of commissions
4. We publicly update reviews – If a casino deteriorates, we remove it regardless of commission loss

We’ve Removed Casinos That Paid Us:

In 2024, we removed two casino recommendations despite active affiliate relationships because:

• One delayed withdrawals systematically after initially paying quickly
• One changed bonus terms to be deliberately misleading

Our credibility with you matters more than any single partnership.

How to Use Our Ratings

If you’re new to non-GamStop casinos: Choose our highest-rated casino (9.5+) to minimize risk. Our top picks have proven track records.

If you’re experienced: Use our detailed breakdowns to find what matters to you:

• Fast withdrawals? Check our payment method scores
• Huge bonuses? Review our bonus value analysis
• Game variety? Compare game selection scores

If you have concerns: Read our “Red Flags” sections. We don’t hide problems – we explain them clearly so you can decide if they matter for your situation.

Questions About Our Methodology?

We welcome questions about how we test casinos. Contact us if you’d like:

• Clarification on any testing procedure
• To report issues with a recommended casino
• To suggest improvements to our methodology
• Details on specific test results

Our commitment: Every casino we recommend has been personally tested by our team with real money. We stand behind our ratings with our reputation.