How We Rate UK Casinos and Poker Sites
Here at Cardmates, we highly value our British readers and want them to be confident they are playing on safe gambling platforms. That's why we delve deep into each brand featured on our website, looking at what they're good at and where they fall short. And we don't keep our findings a secret – you can find the final unbiased score in the review of the specific casino or poker room you’re interested in.
On this page, we’ll go over the algorithm our experts use for a rigorous selection of iGaming operators, separating the wheat from the chaff. This process includes a well-coordinated set of criteria – this is Sparta, we would say, but be sure our standards are much more rigid.
How It All Goes Down: Our Review Criteria
We sign up with the casino or poker site, deposit real money, claim any available welcome bonuses, play slots and poker games, carefully read through the Terms & Conditions, request withdrawals if possible, and so forth until we thoroughly examine every aspect of the platform. Next, we compare it to competitors and industry averages based on the criteria that matter most to UK players. Only then can we assess the brand properly.
We rate each of these factors using a five-star system, making it easier for players to decide. Our evaluation covers all the crucial aspects, and we've outlined the strict selection algorithm in detail below.
Legitimacy, Trustworthiness & Security
When we begin the complex process of analysing and evaluating, our first step is to ensure the real money poker room or online casino is reliable and safe. UK residents share their personal data, put money in their gaming accounts, and eventually expect to cash out their winnings whenever they want. The top gambling platforms will tick all four of the below boxes:
Operating licence from UKGC
It's our duty to check that the licence is issued by the Gambling Commission of Great Britain and remains valid. It confirms that the poker or casino provider complies with the country’s regulations and provides the necessary level of user data protection. We will never suggest a site that doesn't have the green light from the Commission.
Fair gameplay to all customers
Certified software guarantees fair gambling and undergoes testing by eCOGRA or alternative global agencies. RNG operation and return rate compliance with the declared values are subject to audit. Certification secures fair outcomes in poker and casino games.
Strong SSL encryption
Keeping your personal and financial data safe online is super important. That's why our rating only features the safest poker sites and online casinos that use the latest SSL security to ensure the privacy of your information.
A lot of positive feedback from players
When assessing an iGaming operator, we explore various portals and forums related to the industry. We consider both positive and negative player experiences. And all our reviews have a dedicated section highlighting the brand's strong and weak points.
Software & Game Variety
For us to give a green flag to a poker site or online casino, it must supply diverse gaming options. In the first case, our experts should find at least Texas Holdem and Omaha; Stud and more exotic games would be a big plus. In the second case, we’d want to see a minimum of a few hundred titles from reputable providers so that Brits have plenty of choices. More games, more fun. Here's what grabs our attention in this case:
Desktop and mobile casino game vendors
We seek websites offering high-quality online entertainment optimised for both PC and portable devices. And we're talking about big names like Microgaming, Playtech, Play'n Go, Real Time Gaming, Yggdrasil, and NetEnt, to name a few.
Extensive game library for all
What makes a remote casino truly attractive is the diverse portfolio of high-paying games it offers. Slots in varied themes, table poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette and their live dealer alternatives, video poker, craps, sic bo, keno, bingo, and scratch cards. We look for versatile platforms because they are always more likely to impress UK gamblers. It would be a huge plus if most games come in several variations – our experts give a standing ovation for that.
Accessibility to free testing mode
Demo versions (for online casinos) or free mode (for poker rooms) let users evaluate graphics and gameplay, see odds of landing wins, learn rules and hand hierarchy, etc. Here at Cardmates, we often use the free-play mode to experience a new game before playing for real.
Design and convenient navigation
How a casino website/poker client looks is undoubtedly paramount, so we carefully consider this aspect when giving a resource our rating. Nobody wants to struggle to find basic things, like where to start a live chat or open Cashier. So, our team checks how easy it is for newbies and pros to navigate around.
Compatibility with Mobile Devices
The rise of on-the-go gambling has been rapid, and we just can't ignore this aspect. We are sure to test-drive each mobile online casino or poker app on smartphones and tablets, focusing on the following:
Smooth in-browser experience
Our experts test all platforms on various devices and OS, opening them with different mobile browsers. The interface of pages should automatically adapt to fit the phone screen, and the overall experience should be just as good as playing on a desktop computer.
Standalone apps for Android and iOS users
Plus, our guys check if there are downloadable apps for major operating systems. We also keep an eye on whether poker and casino operators offer any special bonuses just for mobile users. It's like adding an extra sprinkle of goodness on top.
Bonus Offers & Promos
We only feature brands that do not skimp on generous bonuses and reward British players for their registration and replenishment. Conditions for receiving/wagering the bonus also affect the position in our rankings. We always read everything and highlight it in our reviews. Cardmates’ experts check for the following:
Welcome perks on signup or initial deposit
These are pretty typical bonuses, so they won't earn an iGaming operator many stars from us. However, such offers allow UK gamblers to receive extra funds or free spins to boost their bankroll.
Adequacy of playthrough terms
We often come across some crazy wagers that even super-active punters cannot pay off. The usual range for casinos is around x35-x40, and it's better to steer clear of anything higher. But, of course, the choice is up to you.
Benefits for long-time users
We believe that players’ satisfaction should go beyond just offering welcome packages. Things like Free Spins, poker rakeback and leaderboards can make gambling more thrilling and enhance your overall experience. But what impresses us most are platforms that provide daily and weekly promotions for their regular players, as well as rewards for participating in tournaments, races, or lotteries.
Excellent loyalty program, VIP offers for high rollers
By rewarding their customers with exclusive perks, the platform creates an environment where dedication and engagement may earn some extra benefits. The Cardmates team looks at what each tier of the program offers and how worthy these bonuses are.
Payment Methods & Money Handling
The financial aspect concerns everyone, from newcomers to long-term clients. It's difficult to overstate the significance of this criterion while examining and rating virtual casinos and poker rooms. Here, we pay attention to these things:
Deposit and withdrawal options
Top-notch operators provide a range of convenient and secure payment methods for UK players. These include debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and even pay-by-mobile options. We also look if Brits can move funds in £s without convention fees to ensure gambling will be as comfortable as possible.
Withdrawal pending time, fast request processing
Our guys always check how long it takes for the poker site or casino to handle your cashouts. An acceptable timeframe for the initial withdrawal is 24-48 hours, as they have to validate your account and verify your identity. All subsequent orders should be approved within a few hours maximum.
Secure and seamless transactions
Smooth banking processes are paramount for us as well. No one wants to spend a lifetime waiting for winnings to reach them. If the operator starts to delay payouts on purpose, we’ll kick it out of our ranking.
Dedicated Customer Care Team
Tech support is like the face of any UK-friendly gambling site. To see how they really work, we pretend to be gamblers, contact their agents and bombard them with various queries. Sometimes, our guys even play the troublemaker to check how they handle things. We want to be certain that whenever you have questions or encounter issues, you can expect prompt and professional assistance.
Diverse contact channels and 24/7 help
Customer support should be reachable through different channels like live chat, email, and even a hotline if possible. And ideally, at least one of them must be accessible round-the-clock.
Efficient, rapid solutions
During our interactions with client support representatives, we evaluate their competence, friendliness, and responsiveness towards punters. The most critical aspect for us is how efficiently they address problems when they pop up.
Who Reviews and Rates Gambling Sites at Cardmates
We have a dedicated reviewing squad. Our expert bees are true casino and poker enthusiasts with many years of experience in the online gambling industry who do care. Our readers are our team’s top priority, so we always strive to provide the best choices for you. We do the grunt work, putting brands to the test so that you have fun and enjoy gambling in the UK’s best remote casinos and poker rooms.
Three Reasons to Trust Us
We're online casino and poker players too.
We have a long background in the gambling industry.
Our reviewers are unbiased and easily turn away sites that fail to meet our standards.
Final Words
To write honest and relevant reviews, we meticulously assess the pros and cons of British poker sites and casinos. We test-drive slots and poker games, check for UK licence, available banking methods, and payout speed, and then deliver our verdict. Every expert on our portal is dedicated to providing you with first-hand information. Whatever your tastes and preferences are, we have a gambling platform for everyone.
Online gambling attracts millions of people with excitement, adrenaline rush, and potential for significant financial gains. But, keep in mind, that it can also result in addiction and money woes. So, play responsibly at all times!
