How We Review Casinos
Every casino on PromoPlay is tested by our editorial team using real accounts and real money. Here's exactly how we evaluate, score, and verify each operator.
Editorial Independence
PromoPlay may earn affiliate commissions when players sign up through our links. However, this never influences our ratings or reviews. Casinos cannot pay for higher scores, and we publish negative reviews when warranted. Our ratings are based solely on our testing and player feedback.
Our Scoring Criteria
Each casino receives a weighted score across five categories. The overall rating is calculated from these sub-scores.
Game Variety & Quality
25% weightWe evaluate the breadth of game categories (slots, table games, live casino, sportsbook), the quality of game providers (NetEnt, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, etc.), and whether demo/free play modes are available.
What we test
- Total number of games and game categories
- Quality and reputation of game providers
- Availability of live casino and sportsbook
- Mobile game performance and load times
- RTP transparency and game fairness certifications
Payment Speed & Methods
25% weightWe test deposit and withdrawal processes using real accounts. We measure actual withdrawal times, verify minimum/maximum limits, and assess the range of payment methods including crypto support.
What we test
- Actual withdrawal processing time (tested with real cashouts)
- Minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts
- Range of payment methods (cards, e-wallets, crypto, bank transfer)
- Fee structure and hidden charges
- KYC verification speed and process
Customer Support
20% weightWe contact support teams via live chat, email, and phone at different times of day. We measure response times, the quality and accuracy of answers, and whether support is available 24/7.
What we test
- Live chat response time (tested at peak and off-peak hours)
- Email response time and quality
- Availability of phone support
- Knowledge and helpfulness of support agents
- Multilingual support availability
Bonus Fairness & Value
20% weightWe analyze bonus terms and conditions line by line — wagering requirements, game contributions, max bet limits, win caps, and expiry periods. We test whether advertised bonuses match what players actually receive.
What we test
- Wagering requirements (compared to industry standard of 30-40x)
- Game contribution percentages toward wagering
- Maximum bet limits during bonus play
- Win caps and maximum cashout limits
- Bonus expiry periods and hidden conditions
Security & Licensing
10% weightWe verify the casino's license with the issuing authority, check SSL encryption, audit independent testing labs (eCOGRA, iTech Labs), and review the operator's corporate history and ownership.
What we test
- License verification with MGA, UKGC, Curaçao, or other authorities
- SSL encryption and data protection standards
- Independent RNG testing (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI)
- Company registration and ownership transparency
- History of regulatory actions or player complaints
Our Review Process
Every casino goes through a rigorous 7-step evaluation before it appears on PromoPlay.
License & Background Check
We verify the casino's license with the issuing authority and research the operator's corporate history, ownership structure, and any past regulatory actions.
Real Account Registration
We create a real player account using our own funds. We evaluate the registration process, KYC requirements, and welcome bonus activation.
Deposit & Gameplay Testing
We make real deposits and play across multiple game categories. We test game performance, RTP fairness, and mobile compatibility.
Withdrawal Testing
We initiate real withdrawals and measure the actual time it takes for funds to reach our account. We document any delays, fees, or verification hurdles.
Support Evaluation
We contact customer support multiple times via different channels at various hours to assess response times and answer quality.
Bonus Terms Analysis
Our legal team reviews every line of the bonus terms and conditions, flagging unfair clauses, hidden requirements, and predatory conditions.
Ongoing Monitoring
We re-verify each casino regularly. If terms change, licenses are revoked, or complaints spike, we update our review and ratings immediately.
Rating Scale
Ongoing Verification
We don't just review casinos once. Every operator on PromoPlay is re-verified on a regular basis to ensure our information stays accurate:
- Bonus terms and promotions are checked monthly for changes
- Withdrawal speeds are re-tested quarterly
- License status is verified with issuing authorities every 6 months
- Player complaints and reviews are monitored continuously
- Any change in ownership or management triggers a full re-review
Responsible Gambling
PromoPlay is committed to promoting safe gambling. We only list casinos that offer self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and links to support organizations. If a casino fails to provide adequate responsible gambling tools, it receives a lower score regardless of other performance.
Alex Mercer
Senior Casino Analyst & iGaming Compliance Expert
Alex has over 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, having worked as a compliance consultant for multiple licensed operators across Europe and North America. He specializes in bonus terms analysis, regulatory compliance, and responsible gambling frameworks. Alex personally tests every casino and bonus featured on PromoPlay before publication.