How We Rate Operators — Transparent Review Methodology (USA)
Our scores are earned, not bought. We test real-money accounts in legal US states, time KYC and payouts with a stopwatch, verify terms, and apply a weighted rubric with documented evidence.
US-Legal FocusWeighted CriteriaLab-TestedAll Text White
See Criteria & Weights →
Updated November 2024 • Expert-verified
Criteria & Weights
| Criterion | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Trust | 20% | Valid state license(s), regulator links, responsible-gambling tools, clear ownership & T&Cs |
| Payout Speed & Reliability | 18% | Median & P95 cashout times by method (PayPal/Play+/ACH), approval consistency, reversals |
| Fair Terms & Bonus Clarity | 12% | Wagering transparency, contribution tables, max bet rules, expiry, no predatory traps |
| Game Quality & RTP Access | 10% | Library depth (slots/tables/live), RTP visibility, studios mix, demo access in legal scope |
| Cashier & Banking Options | 10% | Coverage of PayPal/Play+/ACH/cards, min/max limits, fees, pending windows |
| Safety & Account Security | 8% | 2FA availability, device controls, session timeouts, encryption, privacy stance |
| App & UX Quality | 8% | iOS/Android stability, geolocation success rate, accessibility basics, crash rate |
| Support & Resolution | 7% | Live chat/email times, escalation paths, responsible play handling, operator transparency |
| Reputation & Complaints | 4% | Recent verified payout stories, regulator actions, pattern of unresolved issues |
| Innovation & Features | 3% | Unique value: cross-wallet, quick login, personalized limits, useful promos |
Total: 100% — Category subscores combine into a 10-point overall rating.
Score Rubric (Overall)
| Score Band | Label | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 9.4–10 | Exceptional | Top-tier payout speed & clarity; elite UX; exemplary compliance and fair terms |
| 8.6–9.3 | Great | Very reliable across categories; minor room for improvement |
| 7.8–8.5 | Good | Solid for most players; a few notable gaps or slower methods |
| 7.0–7.7 | Average | Usable but with caveats; slower support or payout friction |
| < 7.0 | Not Recommended | Material issues in trust, speed, or terms |
Note: We round to one decimal place. Severe issues can cap maximum scores regardless of other strengths.
Bonus & Penalty Policy
| Adjustment | Scenario |
|---|---|
| +0.1 to +0.3 | Public RTP tables per title; transparent audit info |
| +0.1 to +0.2 | Proactive RG tooling (custom limits, cooling-off nudges) |
| −0.2 to −0.5 | Hidden or shifting wagering terms post-promo |
| −0.3 to −0.7 | Documented payout delays without stated cause |
| −0.5 to −1.5 | Regulatory actions, unresolved mass complaints, or misleading advertising |
Adjustments apply to the overall score after weighted subscores, with documentation in the public changelog.
Our Test Lab Process
What We Do Each Cycle
- KYC Timing: ID, address, payment ownership; measure request-to-approval duration (min/hours)
- Deposit Flow: $10–$100 test deposits across PayPal/Play+/ACH; measure failures & time-to-credit
- Withdrawal Stopwatch: Request to “processed” and to “landed”; compare by method
- Terms Audit: Snapshot T&Cs, bonus contribution tables, max bet/expiry; diff vs previous month
- Geolocation Pass Rate: % successful checks across devices (Wi-Fi + GPS best practice)
- Support Check: First-response & resolution time; escalation handling; RG knowledge
Evidence We Keep
- State regulator portals (licenses, actions)
- Operator T&Cs & promo pages (archived via screenshots)
- Our live test accounts & cashier logs
- User reports with verifiable evidence (redacted)
- App Store / Google Play stability notes (indicative only)
Privacy: We redact personal details and store regulator-safe proof of timings/terms.
Editorial Independence & Conflicts
- Ratings are set by editorial staff; commercial teams cannot override scores.
- Affiliate relationships do not influence subscores or adjustments.
- Reviewers must disclose prior employment or conflicts; reassigned if needed.
- Operators may appeal with evidence; we publish any score change in the changelog.
Complaints & Feedback Workflow
- Collect verifiable details (user ID redacted, timestamps, method, amounts)
- Ask for operator response + ticket/case ID
- Cross-check terms and prior precedent
- If systemic: flag for score review; if isolated but valid: seek remedy
- Publish outcome summary (privacy-safe) in our changelog
Scope: We cannot resolve account-specific disputes without verifiable proof. We always encourage contacting the state regulator for formal complaints.
When We Re-Review Immediately
- Cashout times degrade by >24 hours median or >72 hours P95
- Regulatory action, major outage, or data breach
- New bonus terms reduce fairness (e.g., max bet < $2, extreme wagering)
- Banking route removed (PayPal/Play+) without parity alternative
- Significant UX/app instability or geolocation regression
Fast Action: Trigger events can temporarily lower visibility in rankings until resolved.
Methodology Changelog
| Date | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-01 | Monthly methodology refresh | Clarified penalty bands for payout delays; added geolocation pass rate metric. |
| 2024-10-01 | Weights fine-tuned | Raised Payout Speed to 18% and Licensing to 20% after user feedback. |
We keep at least 12 months of methodology changes for transparency.
How We Rate — FAQ
Do affiliates impact your scores?
No. Our editorial team sets scores independently using the same rubric whether we have an affiliate relationship or not.
How often do you update ratings?
We run light checks weekly and a deeper lab cycle monthly. Urgent triggers prompt immediate re-reviews.
Do you test with real money?
Yes. We open and maintain live accounts in legal states, place small real-money bets, and withdraw via multiple methods.
Can operators appeal a score?
Yes. They may submit evidence (timestamps, screenshots). We review and note any changes in the public changelog.
What earns the biggest penalties?
Opaque or shifting terms, unexplained payout delays, and persistent support failures.