How CasinoWow Conducts Reviews & Ratings

How do we identify the best online casino? Our most important review metrics are below!

When we review each online casino, we weigh each of these ten categories: Payout Speed Index, Bonus & Rewards Index, Account Verification Index, Crypto Safety Index, Game Fairness Index, Responsible Play Index, Support Experience Index, Game Collection Index, Reliability & Licensing Index, and Mobile Experience Index. To calculate the final overall score, each of those categories receives a score:

90-100 → Perfect
75-89 → Good
60-74 → Okay
45-59 → Average
30-44 → Poor
0-29 → Terrible

Except for the ten categories that calculate the overall WowScore, we also touch on each of the following:

1Industry Reputation and Reliability

A great reputation of a casino means the platform is reliable, trustworthy and committed to fair play. As such, you can play with confidence. To assess the track record of the casino we review, we consider many different factors like reliability and speed in paying out, responsibility to gaming regulations, and history of providing secure gameplay.

2Customer Service Excellence

Your satisfaction matters when you play online. Even more so when you encounter a technical challenge or a gaming error. Another step in our rigorous review process is to engage with the casino support desk and test them on the common questions of most players. We contact them through all the options they've provided, like live chat, email, and telephone (when available). That way, we check for ourselves how promptly they respond and whether their advice is helpful.

3Licensing and Regulation

Security and licensing also take the forefront in our review process. We research thoroughly and read all the fine print to guarantee that the platforms or games we recommend are fully compliant. Our commitment is to provide options that prioritise the safety of your money and personal information.

4Data Protection

Protection of your information is always important, but especially so when your funds are involved. We also take into account how casinos protect your data, e.g., SSL encryption, extra layers of security, etc., and we highly recommend that you don’t trust a platform that doesn’t take the necessary steps to keep you safe!

5Play Safe Tools

Nothing is fun if someone is in real danger. You can have all the games and bonuses at your disposal, but if there’s nothing to protect you from the risks gambling poses.. and sometimes even from yourself, it all means nothing. We don’t (and never will) include in our recommendations casinos that don’t have the appropriate and easy-to-access responsible gambling tools. Your safety is of utmost importance to us and to your enjoyment when playing!

6Withdrawal Payment Speed

We carefully evaluate how promptly a casino processes and disburses withdrawal requests, taking into account the speed of the different payment methods. When a casino prioritises quick withdrawals, this shows us a commitment to customer satisfaction. After all, it's really important for you to be able to access your winnings easily. Our assessment makes sure that you get diversity and convenience of timely access to your funds.

7Casino Game Selection

In our book, a good casino offers a wide variety of gaming options for different kinds of players, tastes, or even moods. The range of available casino games can heavily influence your decision about where to join. After all, quality gameplay won't be possible without a diverse game library that includes titles from popular game providers. And this is exactly what we are looking for in casinos' offerings.

8Bonus and Promotion Value

We pay special attention to the gamification features, exclusive offers, and additional perks, as it's important to feel appreciated when playing. We will also give bonus points for those platforms that take extra steps to bring you more rewards and personalise them. However, the most important thing here is fair terms and conditions. We always read through the fine print, so you don't have to, and recommend only offers and platforms that are worth your time and money.

9Available Banking Methods

Smooth deposits and withdrawals are essential factors for the satisfaction of casino fans. Selecting online casinos with a variety of fiat and crypto payment methods is a top priority for us, because we want to give you complete control of your money. We evaluate the banking methods available, focusing on their security and diversity, so you can play with peace of mind.

10Casino Software Platform

The software that powers the casino is actually what's responsible for the quality of your gaming session. This includes the overall functionality, such as game variety, graphics, speed, features, etc. We check how well everything works, meaning if it's easy to use, secure, responsive, compatible, etc.

11Mobile Gambling Options

Accessibility is vital in our evaluation process, even more so now, considering the majority of gamblers join in on their mobile devices. It feels like a given, but we don't skip on testing whether the casino is available on smartphones, tablets, and all other popular devices. We also take into account if the site works well straight from your mobile browser or if its dedicated app (if there is one) is performing up to par.

12Localisation

The sites that go the extra mile for their users are the ones that offer personalised content according to your location. That means they will take into account your cultural preferences, local rules and leanings and adjust their offerings accordingly. Anything less than that is a no-go in our book.

13VIP and Loyalty Program

We recognise the importance of rewarding player loyalty and providing exclusive benefits to those who invest time and resources in a particular casino. In the process, we also test the casino's VIP and loyalty program by examining the range of perks offered. These most commonly include personalised customer service and exclusive bonuses, but if they go beyond this, like with access to special events, they will get bonus points.

14VPN-Friendly Casinos

Using a VPN to access a casino gets you all the same games, features, and benefits from every point in the world. Plus, you can take advantage of some perks like extra security and going around geo-blocks or certain restrictions. Still, some use VPNs for not-so-noble goals, so casinos must enforce extra measures to protect their players. We want platforms that don’t shy away from technology, but also know how to use it best, that's why we favour safe VPN-friendly casinos.

15Charity Programme

It may seem like it’s not that vital, but in the end, we are all part of the same colourful community, be it as players, operators, or affiliates. So, it’s important to do your share for the industry to make sure it grows and goes forward. That’s why we always look for how the casino we review participates in this community and gives back.

How We Review Casino Games

With the thousands of casino games available across the internet, our players have found our reviews helpful in choosing what to play for real money and what to avoid. It is rarely that a game is considered bad, which is why we focus our reviews on its core components, which allows you to decide if what it offers has piqued your interest. We wrap up each review with an overview of the game's main features, appeal to fans, and unique features and gameplay mechanics.

When we review each casino game, we weigh each of these six categories: Visuals, Audio, Load Speed, Game Features, Max-Win Potential, and Mobile Play. To calculate the final overall score, each of those categories has a different weight that we account for:

Visuals - 15%
Audio - 10%
Load Speed - 10%
Game Features - 25%
Max-Win Potential - 25%
Mobile Play - 15%

Except for the six categories that calculate the overall WS, we also touch on each of the following:

1The Theme of the Game

The theme of a specific game when reviewing it is important in the rating process as the diverse themes of casino games are preferred by most players who want to enjoy their gaming experience with an extra spark. Themes can vary from celebrations such as New Year's slots, Christmas-themed slots or Easter-themed slots to recognitions such as Chinese-themed slots or Egypt-themed slots.

2Jackpots and Big Win Potential

Of course, we know what players value the most and big win potential is more than crucial in a casino game. That's why we've also included in the process of reviewing - checking the jackpots and big win potential that a certain casino game offers. This highly resonates with players' satisfaction.

3Fair Return to Player Percentage

It might be the greatest-looking game with a fun theme and a great win potential, but it won’t matter if the RTP (return to player) is low. The RTP lets us know whether the game offers a decent payout rate, and as such, the higher, the better. We make it a rule not to recommend games with an RTP lower than the industry average, but you can find some exceptions on our website, as they more than compensate for that with other features.

4Load Times and Gameplay

Fast load times also mean quick transitions and minimum disruptions to your gameplay. We evaluate the efficiency of the platform, emphasising smooth and responsive gameplay with fast loading.

5Mobile Optimisation

Many players prefer enjoying online casino games on their mobile phones or tablets these days, which is why we are also highly considering mobile optimisation when rating and reviewing casino games.

6Free-to-Play Version

It’s always nice when you’re able to test out the game before you risk any of your hard-earned cash on it. That way, you’ll know your way around and get started on creating a strategy when you play for real. Not all games have this option (e.g., live variants can’t be demoed for obvious reasons), but if it’s possible, we’d love to see it. As such, we always take it into consideration when reviewing.

7Available Features and Bonus Rounds

In the process, we also examine the diversity and creativity of features, including Wilds, Scatters, and interactive bonus rounds. Well-designed bonus features add to the excitement and, more importantly, are the ones behind those opportunities for increased winnings.

8The Style and Quality of its Graphics

When rating a new casino game, we also carefully review its style and the quality of its graphics. The visual appeal is a significant drawcard when playing, so we take into consideration the design, aesthetics, and quality to make sure you will be easily immersed in the gameplay.

9The Fidelity of its Sounds and Score

We also evaluate the quality and clarity of the sounds and music. We want an appropriate audio backdrop that will improve the overall gameplay by adding depth to the game and giving you a realistic and engaging session, and not take your attention away from it all.

How We Review Game Providers

While some players seek out specific game types, others follow game providers. This is often due to special features, mobile optimisation, accessibility options or localisation style unique to the casino software provider. The more a developer invests in creating casino games that cover these features, the more likely you are to find a release that covers your needs.

When calculating the WOW StudioScore (WSS), we take into consideration eight essential categories that form the final overall score. They each have a different weight that helps the final calculation:

Game Quality - 30%
Smooth Play - 15%
Fairness & Transparency - 15%
Licensing & Compliance - 10%
Game Library - 10%
Innovation - 8%
Casino Presence - 7%
Market Fit & RG - 5%

More about this rating system and how we come to each score, you can see on our game providers page.

To ensure we can help you find the ideal game provider in an ever-expanding sea of developers, except for the eight pillars above, we also consider the following:

1The Overall Quality of the Game Design

The first factor we consider is the visual appeal. We take into account graphics, user interface, aesthetic appeal, and the overall quality of game design when reviewing. Our goal is to guide you towards developers that consistently bring you engaging games with excellent performance.

2Their Use of Custom Soundtracks and Reel Sounds

Unique soundscapes, including custom soundtracks and reel sounds, significantly contribute to the overall gaming ambience. We evaluate how well these elements improve and complement the gameplay of a provider's game portfolio.

3Game Load Speeds Across Multiple Devices

Another crucial factor we evaluate when reviewing is the game's load speed, and we take into account all available devices. It has to be optimised for tablets, iPhones, Android phones, and all other devices, as we know this is essential for your satisfaction and convenience.

4The Variety of Bonus Features

A diverse range of in-game bonuses, such as free spins, multipliers, and unique features, is also a key part of the list. We look at the creativity and abundance of these bonus elements to ensure it will be exciting and rewarding for you. The variety of bonus features adds depth to gameplay and improves the potential for substantial winnings.

5The Biggest Payout Potential Across Their Games

Most game providers have very high-numbered game portfolios, so we take the time to review them all and find the biggest payout potential across their games. This complements the overall review of a game provider and highlights its potential.

6The Availability of Progressive Jackpots

While reviewing the games by a certain provider, we also analyse the progressive jackpots available if such are vacant. This adds an element of excitement and the potential for substantial winnings.

7Android and iOS Game Optimisation

Game optimisation ensures smooth gameplay and accessibility, so we rate higher providers that prioritise a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience on popular mobile platforms, enhancing accessibility and satisfaction for players on the go.

8The Spread of Game Variance

Some game providers offer bigger game variance than others, so we recognise that as we rate them separately. The spread of game variance is important for a provider and we take it into account when reviewing.

How We Review Payment Providers

The final chapter in our casino review process provides insights into the payment providers that gambling sites use. While most consumers will know big names like VISA and MasterCard, as well as Neteller and Skrill, there are many local or crypto-related processors you might need to learn if you can trust.

Unless you're dealing with a niche payment provider that services a single region, the more widely known a company is, the better. Global processors tend to handle large transaction volumes, which means faster turnaround times, balanced fees, and a high likelihood of being paid on time.

To ensure a trustworthy review of each payment provider, we came up with a WOW PayScore (WPS) system. It includes six essential categories that calculate the final overall score. Each of them has its own weight in the final calculation:

Trust & Protection - 30%
Speed - 25%
Fees - 20%
Bonus Compatibility - 15%
Privacy - 5%
Ease of Use - 5%

Except for the six important pillars, we also make sure to ask the right questions. Here is what we ask when reviewing payment providers:

1Are they a trusted gambling payment mechanism?

We assess key factors such as the protection and encryption of transactions, compliance with regulations, and the provider's track record in the industry. A great reputation is always equal to trustworthiness, but even more so when it comes to taking care of your funds.

2How easy is it to sign up with them?

A straightforward and hassle-free signup process will start your gameplay right. It makes it more inviting for potential users to use the payment provider with your casino of choice. Factors we consider here are instructions clarity, ease of navigation, and form simplicity.

3How many casinos offer them as an option?

If a payment provider is offered by many online casinos, it speaks for their availability and reputation in iGaming. The rule is the more popular, the better, that's why we consider this factor one of the more important when rating the best payment providers for online casinos.

4What is their fee structure?

We look beyond the shiny cover and go into important details such as transaction fees, account maintenance costs, and other charges. We know that a transparent and well-defined fee structure is crucial for you to manage your interactions effectively, so we don't miss to look it over.

5How long do deposits and withdrawals take?

When playing at different online casinos, the payment providers will offer deposit and withdrawal time frames that differ. We compare those deposit and withdrawal times and rate them for their fast or slow processes so you don't have to.

6What are the maximum deposits and withdrawals they allow?

Our goal is to help you know what to look for and make informed decisions based on what it is you need exactly, as understanding these limits is part of your ability to effectively manage your finances. We do this by vetting the platforms beforehand and bringing only the ones that offer good conditions to you.

7Do they offer VIP processing options?

Some payment providers offer VIP processing options for loyal players at online casinos. We consider this when rating all the options available and give bonus points for those that aim to go the extra mile and personalise their offers.

8Which crypto and fiat currencies do they support?

With the rise of crypto in online gambling, it's only natural to include this in the reviewing process. When doing so, we take the time to review the crypto and fiat currencies that payment providers support.

Additional details about our review process:

Throughout this guide, you've gained insights into CasinoWow's approach to reviewing and rating online casinos, games and providers, along with the fundamental principles guiding our commitment to giving you unbiased reviews. With our years of experience in the industry, we can proudly say that we know what our players are looking for when choosing where to play online. And in our recommendation lists, you will find just that: casinos and providers that have managed to pass these comprehensive tests with flying colours, nothing short of this.

If a casino fails to qualify, there are two options. We won't include it in our recommendations or if we find it's dangerous and misleading, it will find its place on our website, but on the 'Casinos to avoid' list. If you're eager to dive deeper into the specifics of how we assess online casinos, explore the CasinoWow reviews page. There, you'll find in-depth information on casino ratings, trophies, badges, and the special tools we use to evaluate every platform featured on our site.

In the end, we leave you with a reminder to play responsibly and prioritise safety. To know you will be safe, you can select an online casino from our curated list and enjoy the game.

The Complete Breakdown of CasinoWow's Review & Rating Methodology

How do we identify the best online casino? Our most important review metrics are below!

How We Review Casino Games

How We Review Game Providers

How We Review Payment Providers

Additional details about our review process:

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