How We Rate Casinos
At Collings Brothers, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate non-Gamstop casinos fairly and transparently. Our expert team assesses each casino across multiple criteria to help UK players find trustworthy platforms that meet their needs.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos with valid licenses from reputable authorities. Our assessment includes:
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) – One of Europe's strictest regulators
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) – Suitable for non-Gamstop operators
- Curaçao eGaming – Established Caribbean licensing authority
- Local GB Licenses – Where applicable and verified
We verify all licenses directly with regulatory bodies and check for any sanctions or complaints. This is the most important factor in our ratings.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings:
- Slot Games – Variety, RTP rates, and game quality from top providers
- Live Casino – Live dealers, table variety, and streaming quality
- Table Games – Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker options
- Software Providers – Partnerships with recognised studios (Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Evolution, etc.)
We assess both game quantity and quality, including regular updates and exclusive titles.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise promotional offers with particular attention to:
- Terms & Conditions – Clarity and fairness of bonus rules
- Wagering Requirements – Rollover multiples and contribution rates by game type
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether bonuses have realistic withdrawal caps
- Bonus Variety – Welcome packages, reload offers, and loyalty programs
We calculate the true value of bonuses after accounting for all restrictions, not just headline figures.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We test deposit and withdrawal processes across multiple channels:
- Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets
- E-Wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- Bank Transfers – Direct debit and international wire options
- Other Methods – Card payments, prepaid vouchers, and local options
We assess the number of methods available, processing fees, minimum/maximum limits, and actual withdrawal times under typical conditions.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate support quality and availability:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Response times and agent quality
- Email Support – Response speed and issue resolution
- Phone Support – Availability for UK players
- Responsiveness – Testing with real queries and measuring resolution times
We contact support teams with genuine questions and rate our experience based on helpfulness, professionalism, and speed of response.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess casino accessibility on mobile devices:
- Responsive Design – How well the website adapts to different screen sizes
- Dedicated Apps – Availability and functionality on iOS and Android
- Load Times – Speed and performance on mobile connections
- Game Selection – Whether all desktop games are available on mobile
We test across multiple devices and connection speeds to ensure a seamless mobile experience.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We verify the availability and effectiveness of player protection features:
- Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, and monthly restrictions
- Self-Exclusion – Options to temporarily or permanently block accounts
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks between sessions
- Reality Check Tools – Session timers and balance reminders
- Gambling Problem Resources – Links to support organisations like GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous
Responsible gaming provisions are essential. We check that tools are easily accessible and not buried in settings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We use a 10-point scoring system to provide clear, comparable ratings:
| Score | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 | Excellent | Outstanding in nearly all categories. Highly recommended for most players. |
| 7-8 | Very Good | Strong performance across key areas with only minor weaknesses. |
| 6-7 | Good | Solid offering with some notable strengths and acceptable weaknesses. |
| 5-6 | Fair | Adequate casino with both positives and notable limitations. |
| Below 5 | Poor | Significant issues or concerns. We generally do not recommend these operators. |
Important Note: Each review includes a detailed breakdown of scores across individual criteria. A casino's overall rating reflects a weighted average, with licensing and regulation carrying the greatest importance in our assessment.