How We Rate Casinos
At Carey Brothers Building Supplies, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rate non-Gamstop betting sites for UK players. Our ratings are designed to help you identify trustworthy, fair, and player-friendly casinos. Below, we outline the key criteria we assess, listed in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Licensing and regulatory compliance is our top priority when rating any casino. We verify whether a site holds valid licenses from recognised authorities, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – One of Europe's most respected gaming regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – The primary UK regulator for licensed operators
- Curaçao eGaming License – A common jurisdiction for international casinos
- Other Local UK Licenses – Legitimate alternative regulatory bodies
We check for active licenses, regulatory compliance records, and any history of violations or disputes. Casinos without verifiable licensing receive significantly lower ratings.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of games available, including:
- Slot Games – Diversity of themes, RTPs, and volatility levels
- Live Casino Games – Quality of live dealers, streaming, and game variety (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc.)
- Table Games – Classic games such as poker, craps, and traditional casino offerings
We also evaluate partnerships with leading software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and others. High-quality providers indicate fair games and better player experience.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review all promotional offers and bonus terms, paying particular attention to:
- Terms & Conditions – Clarity and fairness of bonus rules
- Wagering Requirements – Rollover multipliers and playthrough conditions
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether winnings are subject to unfair caps
- Bonus Restrictions – Game restrictions, time limits, and eligibility criteria
Casinos with transparent, reasonable bonus terms score higher. We flag unrealistic wagering requirements or hidden restrictions.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the banking options available, including:
- Cryptocurrency Options – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies
- E-Wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- Bank Transfers – Direct account transfers and card payments
- Alternative Methods – Additional payment gateways and local options
We also assess withdrawal speed, processing times, and any fees applied. Casinos offering fast, fee-free withdrawals receive higher ratings. We penalise sites with slow or unreliable payment systems.
5. Customer Support
We test and evaluate the quality of customer support services:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Availability and response times
- Email Support – Quality and speed of responses
- Phone Support – Availability and helpfulness
- Responsiveness – How quickly issues are resolved
We contact customer support teams with common questions to assess professionalism, knowledge, and helpfulness. Casinos with excellent, responsive support receive higher ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
We review the mobile accessibility and functionality of each casino:
- Responsive Design – How well the website adapts to mobile devices
- Dedicated Mobile Apps – Availability of iOS and Android applications
- Performance – Speed, stability, and ease of navigation on mobile
- Game Compatibility – Full access to games on smaller screens
With most players using mobile devices, we prioritise casinos offering seamless mobile experiences.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We assess the responsible gaming features and player protection measures available:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Options to exclude yourself temporarily or permanently
- Cooling-Off Periods – Time-out features to prevent excessive play
- Reality Checks – Reminders of time spent playing
- Problem Gambling Resources – Links to support organisations and treatment services
Casinos that actively promote responsible gaming and provide comprehensive player protection tools score higher in our ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, calculated by weighting the criteria above according to their importance:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Outstanding casinos that excel across all criteria. Highly recommended for UK players.
- 7-8 (Very Good) – Reputable casinos with strong performance in most areas. Trustworthy and reliable.
- 5-6 (Good) – Acceptable casinos that meet basic standards but may lack certain features or have minor concerns.
- 3-4 (Fair) – Casinos with notable drawbacks or areas requiring improvement. Approach with caution.
- 1-2 (Poor) – Casinos with serious compliance issues, poor service, or unreliable operations. Not recommended.
Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, regulatory status, and player feedback. No payment or commercial relationships influence our independent assessments.