How We Rate Casinos
At Bare Bones Computer Guide, our casino ratings are designed to help UK players find safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experiences. We evaluate each casino across multiple criteria to provide transparent, evidence-based reviews. This page explains our methodology.
Licensing & Regulation
This is our most critical rating factor. We prioritise casinos licensed and regulated by:
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Our top choice for UK players, offering strong player protections and dispute resolution
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – A reputable EU regulator with strict standards
- Curaçao eGaming – Acceptable but less stringent than UKGC or MGA
- Local GB License – Demonstrates commitment to UK market compliance
We penalise casinos lacking proper licensing or operating in jurisdictions with weak regulatory frameworks.
Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the breadth and quality of games available, including:
- Slots variety and provider partnerships (Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, etc.)
- Live casino options and live dealer quality
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Specialty games and game updates frequency
Casinos offering diverse, regularly updated content from recognised providers score higher.
Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We evaluate all promotional offers critically:
- Transparency of terms and conditions
- Wagering requirement ratios (we prefer 30x or lower)
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Contribution rates for different game categories
- Validity period of bonus funds
- Whether wagering requirements are realistic and fair
Bonuses with hidden restrictions or excessive rollover requirements result in lower scores.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We rate the convenience and reliability of financial transactions:
- Multiple payment options (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers)
- Cryptocurrency acceptance (where applicable)
- Average withdrawal times and processing speeds
- Minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits
- Transparency of fees and charges
- Security of payment processing
Casinos offering fast, hassle-free withdrawals via multiple methods score highest.
Customer Support
We test and evaluate casino support quality across:
- 24/7 live chat availability and response times
- Email support quality and typical response timeframes
- Phone support availability
- FAQ comprehensiveness and accuracy
- Staff knowledge and problem-resolution ability
- Support in English and other relevant languages
Poor customer support or limited availability significantly impacts overall ratings.
Mobile Experience
We assess mobile gaming quality:
- Responsive website design that works across all devices
- Dedicated mobile apps (iOS/Android) where available
- Game performance on mobile devices
- Navigation and user interface intuitiveness
- Mobile-specific features and functionality
- Load times and stability
In 2026, mobile gaming is essential – casinos with poor mobile experiences receive lower ratings.
Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise casinos that actively support player wellbeing:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly options)
- Loss limits and session time limits
- Self-exclusion tools with various timeframes
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check reminders during gameplay
- Access to third-party support resources (Gamcare, BeGambleAware)
- Account closure options
Comprehensive responsible gaming features are non-negotiable for high ratings, particularly given UK regulatory requirements.
Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, based on aggregated scores across all criteria above:
- 9–10 (Excellent) – Highly recommended. Strong licensing, great game selection, fair bonuses, excellent support, and robust responsible gaming tools.
- 7–8 (Good) – Recommended with minor caveats. Solid licensing, good variety, reasonable terms, and adequate support.
- 5–6 (Fair) – Acceptable but with notable limitations. May have weaker licensing, restrictive bonuses, or slower support response times.
- 3–4 (Poor) – Not recommended. Significant concerns regarding licensing, terms, or player protections.
- 1–2 (Very Poor) – Avoid. Serious regulatory, security, or fairness concerns.
Licensing & Regulation is weighted most heavily. A casino cannot score above 5/10 without proper UKGC or equivalent licensing. All other criteria are weighted equally beneath this foundation.
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve. For the latest information on any casino, please read our full reviews.