How We Rate Casinos
At Betting Sites Not on GamStop, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rate online casinos fairly and transparently. Our ratings help UK players find trustworthy betting platforms that aren't listed on the GamStop self-exclusion scheme. Here's how we assess each casino:
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritize casinos with legitimate licensing from recognized gambling authorities. We evaluate licensing from:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) - One of Europe's most respected regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) - The primary UK regulator
- Curaçao eGaming License - A well-established offshore authority
- Local UK Licenses - Where applicable for non-GamStop operators
Unlicensed or unregulated casinos receive lower ratings regardless of other factors, as player protection is paramount.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of games available, including:
- Slot Games - Range of themes, features, and RTP rates
- Live Casino - Quality of live dealers, table options, and streaming
- Table Games - Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants
- Software Providers - Partnerships with reputable developers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming
Casinos with diverse game portfolios and partnerships with established providers score higher in this category.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully examine all promotional offers and bonus terms, evaluating:
- Terms & Conditions - Clarity and fairness of bonus rules
- Rollover Requirements - Wagering multiples (lower is better)
- Maximum Cashout Limits - Whether bonuses have withdrawal caps
- Game Restrictions - Which games contribute to wagering requirements
- Bonus Validity Period - Time allowed to use promotional funds
We favour casinos with transparent, player-friendly bonus structures and reasonable wagering requirements.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We rate the accessibility and efficiency of banking options, including:
- Cryptocurrency - Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies
- E-Wallets - PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- Bank Transfers - Direct bank deposits and withdrawals
- Card Payments - Visa, Mastercard, and other card options
- Withdrawal Speed - How quickly funds are processed (instant to 5 business days)
Casinos offering multiple payment options with fast, reliable withdrawals score higher.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate the quality and availability of customer service:
- 24/7 Live Chat - Instant support availability
- Email Support - Response times and quality
- Phone Support - Availability and helpfulness
- FAQ Section - Comprehensive self-service resources
- Responsiveness - How quickly and effectively queries are resolved
Casinos with responsive, knowledgeable support teams across multiple channels receive higher ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess how well casinos perform on mobile devices:
- Responsive Design - Seamless performance across all screen sizes
- Dedicated Apps - Native iOS and Android applications (where available)
- Game Selection - Full range of games accessible on mobile
- Navigation & UX - Ease of use and intuitive interface
- Loading Speed - Fast performance and minimal buffering
Mobile-optimized casinos with smooth functionality score higher in this category.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritize casinos that actively support player safety and responsible gambling:
- Deposit Limits - Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Loss Limits - Restrictions on losses over set periods
- Self-Exclusion - Temporary or permanent account closure options
- Cooling-Off Periods - Mandatory breaks from gambling
- Reality Checks - Session time reminders
- Gambling Resources - Links to support organizations and helplines
Casinos with comprehensive responsible gaming features and clear disclosure of support resources receive higher ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate each casino on a scale of 1 to 10, with the following guidelines:
- 9-10 (Excellent) - Outstanding in all key areas, exceptional player experience, strong regulation and security
- 7-8 (Very Good) - Strong performance across most criteria, reliable and trustworthy
- 5-6 (Good) - Solid offering with minor weaknesses or areas for improvement
- 3-4 (Fair) - Notable deficiencies in key areas, requires caution
- 1-2 (Poor) - Significant concerns regarding regulation, security, or player treatment
Our overall rating is a weighted average based on the importance of each criterion, with Licensing & Regulation carrying the most influence, followed by Game Selection, Bonus Terms, Payment Methods, and Customer Support.
Please note: All casinos reviewed on this site operate outside the GamStop scheme. Players should gamble responsibly and only wager funds they can afford to lose. Our ratings are based on our independent assessment and should inform, but not solely determine, your choice of betting platform.