Guide
How we compare casinos
No mystery, no black box. Here's the order we work in when we review a UK-facing casino, and how to read our comparison so it works for you rather than against you.
- 01We start as a UK player wouldBefore judging the games, we go through sign-up, identity checks and the first deposit screen. A casino that’s painful to join rarely gets better afterwards.
- 02We test the lobby, not the marketingSearch, filters and category menus get a proper workout. The question is simple: can you find a specific game quickly, on both desktop and phone?
- 03We open the actual termsWe read the bonus conditions in full — wagering, game weighting, time limits and maximum bet rules — and note how clearly they’re written and how easy they are to reach.
- 04We check the cashier honestlySupported methods, minimums and stated withdrawal timings matter more than a flashy welcome figure. We flag anything vague.
- 05We look at the safety netDeposit limits, time-outs, reality checks and self-exclusion should be easy to find and use. We treat this as a core part of the score, not an afterthought.
Reading a bonus
Three numbers worth finding before you opt in
A headline figure tells you almost nothing on its own. These three details decide whether an offer actually suits you.
How many times you must play it through
A “40x” requirement means a £10 bonus needs £400 of qualifying play before you can withdraw related winnings. Lower is friendlier.
Which games count, and by how much
Slots often count 100% towards wagering while table games count far less or not at all. If you prefer roulette, the weighting changes everything.
How long you have to use it
Many offers expire in days, not weeks. A generous bonus you can’t realistically clear in time isn’t generous at all.
Using our comparison sensibly
Treat our scores as a starting point, not a verdict. The “best” casino is the one that fits how you actually play — a table-game specialist and a casual slots player will rightly rank these brands differently.
Whatever we write, the operator’s live site is the source of truth. Offers, games and terms move quickly, so confirm the current detail there, and check the licence on the Gambling Commission register before you deposit.
For the formal version of all this — including how scores are weighted — see our editorial review policy.
A quick gut check
Before opening an account, ask yourself:
· Can I afford to lose this comfortably?
· Have I set a deposit and time limit?
· Have I read the actual bonus terms, not just the banner?
· Do I know where the self-exclusion tools are?
If any answer is “no”, our responsible gambling page is the better place to start.