How We Rate Casinos

At On a Promise, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate betting sites and casinos operating in the UK market. Our ratings are designed to help players make informed decisions based on safety, fairness, and user experience. Here's exactly how we assess each casino:

1. Licensing & Regulation

This is our top priority. We only review casinos that hold valid gaming licenses from reputable regulatory bodies. We verify licenses from:

• UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) - Our primary standard for UK-based operators
• MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) - Widely respected European regulator
• Curaçao eGaming License - For operators serving GB players with alternative licensing
• Other local GB approvals - Additional regulatory compliance

We verify that licenses are current, check for any regulatory sanctions, and ensure the casino meets all compliance requirements. Unlicensed operators receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other factors.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available:

• Slots Library - Variety, number of titles, and quality of graphics/gameplay
• Live Casino - Availability of live dealers, game variety, and streaming quality
• Table Games - Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other classic games
• Software Providers - Partnership with industry leaders (NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, etc.)

Casinos with exclusive games, frequent new releases, and partnerships with multiple premium providers receive higher ratings.

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We carefully analyse the fine print of all promotional offers:

• Transparency of Terms & Conditions - Clear, easy-to-understand bonus conditions
• Wagering Requirements - We favour operators with lower rollover multiples (25x or less is preferred)
• Maximum Cashout Limits - We check if winnings from bonuses are capped
• Game Weighting - Whether all games contribute equally or certain games are restricted
• Validity Periods - Reasonable timeframes to complete requirements

Hidden terms, excessive wagering requirements, or unrealistic bonus conditions result in lower ratings.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We assess the full payment ecosystem:

• Deposit Options - Debit/credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
• Withdrawal Methods - Variety of cashout options for player convenience
• Processing Times - We test withdrawal speed; same-day processing is preferred
• Fees - Whether the casino charges withdrawal fees (we penalise this)
• Minimum/Maximum Limits - Reasonable limits that suit casual and high-value players

Casinos with fast, fee-free withdrawals and multiple payment options receive higher ratings.

5. Customer Support

We evaluate the quality and accessibility of customer service:

• 24/7 Availability - Round-the-clock support is expected
• Live Chat - Responsive, helpful live chat support
• Email Support - Professional responses within 24 hours
• Phone Support - Availability for urgent issues
• Response Quality - We test support with sample queries and rate based on helpfulness and expertise

Casinos with slow, unhelpful, or limited customer support options receive lower ratings.

6. Mobile Experience

We assess the casino's mobile offering across multiple devices:

• Responsive Design - Seamless experience on smartphones and tablets
• Dedicated Apps - iOS and/or Android apps (bonus for availability)
• Game Library on Mobile - Full or near-full range of games accessible
• Navigation & Speed - Intuitive design and fast loading times
• Payment Processing - Deposits and withdrawals work smoothly on mobile

We penalise casinos with poor mobile experiences or apps with frequent crashes.

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

Player protection is essential. We verify the availability of:

• Deposit Limits - Daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps
• Self-Exclusion - Ability to voluntarily exclude for set periods
• Cooling-Off Periods - Mandatory breaks from gambling
• Reality Checks - Session reminders about time and money spent
• Responsible Gaming Resources - Links to support organisations like Gamble Aware and National Problem Gambling Clinic

Casinos without robust responsible gaming options receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other factors.

8. Our Rating Scale

We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, where:

• 9-10 (Excellent) - Top-tier casino with exceptional standards across all categories. Fully licensed, transparent, player-friendly, and trustworthy.
• 7-8 (Very Good) - High-quality operator with strong regulatory compliance, good game selection, and fair terms. Minor areas for improvement.
• 5-6 (Good) - Solid, licensed casino meeting minimum standards. Some weaknesses in bonuses, support, or mobile experience.
• 3-4 (Fair) - Licensed but with notable concerns. Poor bonus terms, limited support, or restricted game selection.
• 1-2 (Poor) - Significant regulatory, security, or fairness concerns. Not recommended for most players.

Note: Casinos without valid UKGC or equivalent licenses cannot score higher than 4, regardless of other factors. We prioritise player safety and legal compliance above all else.

Our ratings are updated regularly as we receive new information about operator conduct, regulatory changes, and user feedback. We remain independent and do not accept payment for positive reviews.