How We Rate Online Casinos
At CASINOenquirer, we rate and rank online casinos using a 20-step process that is grouped into 5 steps. Take a look at all the steps it takes for any brand to feature on our site
Trust, Reputation & Security
Security is the first box that we like to tick off when we start scrutinising an online casino website. The presence of SSL encryption is a must to ensure that any information exchanged between you and the site is kept safe and confidential at all times.
The importance of an online casino being registered and in possession of a valid license, issued by a reputable jurisdiction authority, cannot be overemphasised. Casinos that are licensed by respectable authorities have to abide by strict ethical codes. These requirements cover areas such as fair play, conflict resolution and processing of funds. World-renowned gambling authorities include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
Impartial auditing ensures fair play and security for all players. Online casinos must display the proof that they are externally audited at all times. Always check the homepage for this information, which is usually found within the footer. One of the most popular independent auditors of online casinos is eCogra.
When we review and test online casino games, we put ourselves in the players’ shoes. By betting real money, we immerse ourselves into the real-time player experience. This helps us to generate an unbiased opinion and review of a specific online casino brand.
Games & Software Providers
Online casinos are empty shells without having reputable gaming software from top quality developers. The best online gambling software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt and Evolution Gaming offer top gaming experiences and best casino games for real money play.
Online casinos should offer a wide assortment of games. This means that a good variety of slots, traditional table and live dealer games, as well as additional options such as bingo and keno, are a must. We also test several of these games using real money deposits to get a genuine feel of the gameplay.
Trying something before you buy generally comes standard with day to day purchases, so the same should apply at an online casino. We continuously look out for free play options, since this forms a critical part of our testing procedure. Although not all online casinos offer this option, as a beginner, you would want to get a feel of a particular game before you start wagering real money.
In today’s day and age, swapping between communication devices is commonplace. One moment you might be on your computer, and the next you’ve moved on to your mobile device. Seamless cross-platform usage and interoperability are essential to ensure that you can access your favourite online casino games whenever and wherever you want.
A high return-to-player (RTP) ratio is essential, as it indicates how a casino treats its customers and how much it gives back. All reputable online casinos should display this externally audited rate on their websites. Read more about RTP here.
Bonuses & Ongoing Promotions
It’s common practice for all online casinos to offer a welcome bonus against your first deposit or a bonus spin, usually in the form of a match offer. An attractive welcome bonus gives you a complimentary credit so that you can enjoy more of what a casino has to offer, allowing you to have a first-time holistic experience.
Every online casino comes with its standard terms and conditions that govern everything from match bonuses to free spin offers on deposits. We check for reasonable and realistic terms and conditions that contain no small print or clauses that might put the players in a disadvantaged position.
We check how the casinos treat their players after the welcome bonus honeymoon period is over. We analyse ongoing promotions such as weekday deposit bonuses, spot promotions and loyalty points.
Banking & Withdrawal Options
Localisation has become essential for online gamblers in recent years, as it not only provides convenience but is also cost-efficient. We check that the casinos offer convenient deposit and withdrawal methods that are popular in Canada.
Besides easy deposit options, allowing transactions in Canadian dollars is critical. Banking institutions charge as much as 5% commission when transactions are made in any other currency besides CA$, which often doesn’t even reflect on your bank statements. Over time, this can add up to a sizeable sum of money.
Online casinos that stall on payouts immediately ring alarm bells with us. Casinos should have a realistic payout timeframe following a cashout request by a player. If it’s quick to process deposits, the casino should be swift, too, when administering withdrawals.
Customer Service, Loyalty & VIP
Having direct access to a live customer support agent when you have issues is critical when we rate casinos. We check for the support that is readily available via telephone, email and live chat options. We also look out for comprehensive FAQs found on the site.
Besides offering all of the above services, friendliness and professionalism are also critical. We look for casinos that are friendly, humble and are always willing to assist casino players with whatever query they might have.
Most of our casinos offer VIP programmes for high net value players, providing that personal and exclusive touch to your gambling experience.
In recent years, casino loyalty programmes have grown in popularity. Online casinos have jumped on the bandwagon by offering their players great opportunities to earn anything from free spins to match bonuses and gifts.
Lastly, we also check how casinos treat their business partners and affiliates. Treatment of your business partners can often give an indication of how internal staff and customers are treated
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