How We Review & Rate Casinos

Our mission is to provide UK players with objective, trustworthy information about online casinos. Every casino on our best non GamStop casinos list is scored across 7 weighted categories before receiving a rating.

James Wilson Rachel Dunn Danny Callahan
The Digital Austen Team
February 2026 12 min read

How We Score Each Casino

Our rating is calculated from 7 key categories. Click any segment to learn more about that criteria.

100% Total Score

Our Review Process

We don't just read about casinos – we play at them. Our expert team deposits real money, plays real games, contacts support, and withdraws winnings to give you the most accurate picture of what to expect.

Independent & Unbiased

Our reviews are never influenced by casino operators. We decline payment for positive reviews and maintain complete editorial independence.

Security & Licensing

20%

We verify every casino holds valid licensing, uses strong encryption, and provides responsible gambling tools to protect players.

Valid Gambling License

  • Curacao eGaming - Established since 1996, the most widely used licence for international casinos
  • MGA - Respected EU regulator
  • Gibraltar - Strong player protection

SSL Encryption & Data Protection

  • 256-bit SSL encryption verified
  • GDPR compliance confirmed
  • Responsible data handling practices

KYC & Responsible Gambling Tools

  • Deposit limits & loss limits
  • Session timers available
  • Self-exclusion options

Our Rating Scale

After evaluating all 7 criteria (security, bonuses, banking, localization, support, compatibility, and games), we assign an overall score from 0 to 5. Here's what each rating means:

0 1 2 3 4 5

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test online casinos?
Our experts create real accounts, deposit real money, play games, and request withdrawals at every casino we review. We test customer support response times, verify licensing, and evaluate the overall user experience across desktop and mobile devices.

How often are your reviews updated?
We continuously monitor all reviewed casinos and update our ratings whenever significant changes occur. Full re-reviews are conducted at least every 6 months, or immediately if a casino changes ownership, licensing status, or terms and conditions.

What makes a casino get a 5-star rating?
A 5-star rating requires excellence across all categories: valid licensing from a recognised authority (Curacao eGaming, UKGC, MGA), instant or same-day withdrawals, 24/7 responsive support, 2000+ games from premium providers, and generous bonuses with fair wagering requirements under 35x.

Do you accept payment for reviews?
No. Our reviews are completely independent. While we may earn affiliate commissions when players sign up through our links, this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Casinos cannot pay for better scores.

Why do you only review licensed casinos?
Player safety is our top priority. Licensed casinos must meet regulatory requirements for fair gaming, responsible gambling tools, data protection, and financial security. We only recommend casinos licensed by reputable authorities — primarily Curacao eGaming, one of the world's longest-running gaming regulators, as well as the MGA and Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.

How do you calculate the overall casino score?
Our overall score is a weighted average of 7 categories: Security (20%), Support (15%), Games (15%), Bonuses (15%), Banking (15%), Localization (10%), and Compatibility (10%). Each category is scored from 1-5 based on our testing criteria.

Ready to Find Your Casino?

Browse our expert-rated casinos and find the perfect match for your playing style. All casinos are evaluated using the methodology outlined above.

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