Step 1 — Check the UKGC license
Every casino gets looked up on the UKGC public register before I list it. No active license, no listing. Doesn't matter how good the bonus looks.
Step 2 — Read the full terms
I go through every significant term in the bonus conditions: wagering multiplier, what it applies to, game contribution percentages, max bet limit, max win cap, time limits, eligible payment methods, KYC requirements, withdrawal conditions. Anything that could affect a real player gets documented.
Step 3 — Calculate expected value
I apply the EV formula to the specific bonus at a typical deposit level:
I use 96% as the benchmark RTP, representing typical high-RTP slots available in the UK. The EV calculation drives the rating grade.
Step 4 — Actually deposit and play
I put my own money in, claim the bonus, play through the wagering, and time the withdrawal. The testing log on every review shows actual results, not guesses. This tests payment processing, bonus crediting, wagering tracking, withdrawal speed, and customer support if something goes wrong.
Step 5 — Monthly re-checks
Terms change. Bonuses expire. Casinos get bought. I re-check every listing on the 1st of each month. If wagering goes up, the EV gets recalculated. If a casino changes from no-wagering to standard wagering, it moves category. If a UKGC license lapses, it comes off immediately.
Rating grades
| Grade | Wagering | EV at 96% RTP | My take |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0x | +100% (no loss) | Always worth claiming |
| B | 1–20x | Positive | Claim if you want to play |
| C | 21–35x | Break-even to slightly negative | Fine for entertainment |
| D | 36x+ | Negative EV | Skip it, find something better |
What gets a casino removed
- UKGC license lapses or gets suspended
- Wagering increases above 40x without notice
- Withdrawal complaints unresolved after 30 days
- Terms changed retroactively without clear communication
- My own test withdrawal gets delayed beyond stated timeframes without explanation
What I look for in testing
Beyond the maths, real-world testing catches things the terms don't tell you:
- Bonus credit timing: Does the bonus appear instantly or take hours?
- Wagering tracker accuracy: Does the progress bar match actual playthrough?
- Withdrawal speed: How long from request to money in my account?
- Verification friction: Is KYC straightforward or a multi-day ordeal?
- Support quality: Do they answer accurately? How long does it take?
- Mobile experience: Does the site work properly on phones?
How affiliate commission works
Transparency matters. Here's exactly how the business model works:
- Casinos pay affiliate commission when a reader clicks through and signs up
- Commission varies by casino — typically a percentage of player losses or a one-time CPA fee
- Higher commission doesn't mean higher rating. A 0x wagering casino always beats 35x, regardless of what they pay
- I disclose affiliate relationships on every page with casino links
This model has conflicts of interest — I'm honest about that. My defence is that the rating methodology is transparent and reproducible. Anyone can check my maths using the same calculator I use.
Frequently asked questions
Why 96% as the benchmark RTP?
It's the typical RTP for popular UK slots like Book of Dead, Starburst, and most Pragmatic Play games. Higher-RTP slots (Blood Suckers at 98%) exist but are often restricted during wagering. 96% is a realistic average for what you'll actually play.
Do you test every casino personally?
Yes. Every casino listed has had at least one real-money deposit, bonus claim, and withdrawal attempt by me. I don't publish reviews based on terms alone — the testing log shows real results.
How often do ratings change?
Monthly re-checks on the 1st. Ratings change when terms change. If a casino increases wagering from 20x to 40x, the grade drops immediately. If they introduce no-wagering free spins, the grade goes up.
Can casinos pay to improve their rating?
No. Rating is determined by the EV formula and testing results. Casinos can improve their rating by improving their terms — lower wagering, higher max win caps, faster withdrawals. They can't buy a better position.
What if I disagree with a rating?
Email me. If I've made an error in the terms or calculation, I'll correct it. If you have testing data that contradicts mine, I want to see it. The methodology is transparent — disagreement should be about facts, not opinions.