How We Rate Casinos
Our methodology is transparent, testing-based, and never influenced by commercial relationships.
Bonuses & Promotions
20%Welcome bonus value, wagering requirements, free spins. We calculate real bonus value, not headline numbers.
Safety & Licensing
25%License quality (AGCO/Ontario > MGA > Curacao), ownership transparency, years in operation.
Withdrawal Speed
20%We test actual withdrawal times with real money. Numbers in TestBox are from live tests, not marketing claims.
Game Selection
15%Number of games, quality of providers (Evolution, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt), live casino quality.
Customer Support
10%Live chat response time, quality of answers, availability. We test during off-peak hours too.
Mobile Experience
10%Tested on iPhone 15 and Android (mid-range). Load time, usability, touch interface.
Our Testing Process
Every casino we review is tested by our editorial team (James Mitchell and contributors). The testing process includes:
- Registration: We time the full signup process including KYC document submission
- First deposit: Real money deposit via Interac e-Transfer, minimum CAD 20
- Gameplay: At least 60 minutes of slots, table games, and live casino (where available)
- Support contact: We contact support via live chat with a real question
- Withdrawal: We withdraw and time the entire process
Results are recorded in the TestBox section of each review with exact timestamps.
Canada-Specific Criteria
Our ratings weight Canadian-specific factors more heavily than generic casino review sites:
- iGaming Ontario/AGCO licensing: Ontario-licensed casinos receive a significant safety bonus. Ontario players have legal protection that doesn't exist with offshore operators.
- Interac acceptance: We check whether Interac e-Transfer is available for both deposits and withdrawals.
- CAD currency support: Casinos that offer CAD as a base currency (not just conversion) rate higher.
- Provincial availability: We verify which provinces can legally access each casino.
E-E-A-T Principles
We follow Google's E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness):
- Experience: All reviews are based on real personal testing with real money
- Expertise: Our team has combined experience of 10+ years reviewing online casinos
- Authoritativeness: We cite primary sources (AGCO, ConnexOntario, iGaming Ontario) for regulatory claims
- Trustworthiness: Full affiliate disclosure, no promo codes, no paid ratings
Rating Scale
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4.5–5.0 | Exceptional — recommended without reservation for Canadian players |
| 4.0–4.4 | Very good — strong across all criteria, minor shortcomings only |
| 3.5–3.9 | Good — worth considering, notable strengths and some weaknesses |
| 3.0–3.4 | Average — mediocre in several areas, use with caution |
| Below 3.0 | Poor — significant concerns, approach with caution |