How We Rate Casinos
At Briggs Is Best, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate non-Gamstop casinos operating in the UK market. Our ratings are designed to help players make informed decisions about where to play safely and enjoyably. Here's how we assess each casino.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Licensing is the foundation of casino safety and trustworthiness. We prioritise casinos holding valid licences from recognised authorities, including:
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) – One of Europe's most respected regulators
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) – The primary UK regulator (where applicable)
- Curaçao Gaming Authority – A legitimate alternative jurisdiction
- Local GB Licences – Where casinos operate under direct UK licensing
We verify all licensing claims and check for any regulatory warnings or sanctions. Unlicensed or unregulated casinos receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other factors.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A diverse game library with reputable software is essential for player satisfaction. We evaluate:
- Number and variety of slot games available
- Live casino offerings (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants)
- Table games and specialty games
- Software provider partnerships (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, etc.)
- Game exclusivity and innovation
- RTP (Return to Player) percentages and fairness certifications
Casinos partnering with industry-leading providers and offering 500+ games score higher than those with limited selections.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise promotional offers to determine their genuine value. Key assessment points include:
- Clarity and transparency of T&Cs
- Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Game contribution percentages (whether all games count equally)
- Time limits for bonus completion
- Restrictions on bonus withdrawal
- Fairness of terms compared to industry standards
We penalise casinos with unreasonable wagering requirements (typically 50x+) or unfair bonus restrictions. Transparent, player-friendly terms receive higher scores.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Flexible banking options and fast payouts are crucial for player convenience. We assess:
- Accepted payment methods (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Average withdrawal processing times
- Minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts
- Number of withdrawal methods available
- Fees applied to deposits or withdrawals
- Security protocols for financial transactions
Casinos offering same-day withdrawals, cryptocurrency options, and multiple payment methods score higher. Slow payouts or limited banking options result in lower ratings.
5. Customer Support
Responsive and helpful customer service is vital when issues arise. We evaluate:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness (target: under 24 hours)
- Phone support availability
- FAQ comprehensiveness and usefulness
- Staff knowledge and professionalism
- Multi-language support
- Average response time metrics
We test support channels personally and factor in player feedback. Casinos with excellent 24/7 support receive maximum marks in this category.
6. Mobile Experience
Most players now use mobile devices. We assess:
- Responsive web design functionality
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps (where available)
- Loading speeds and performance
- Navigation ease and user interface design
- Game compatibility and selection on mobile
- Account management and withdrawal capabilities via mobile
Casinos with optimised mobile experiences and smooth app functionality score higher than those with poor mobile optimisation.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection mechanisms demonstrate commitment to responsible gambling. We check for:
- Deposit limit functionality (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limit options
- Self-exclusion periods (24 hours to permanent)
- Cooling-off periods and account suspension features
- Reality check reminders during play
- Links to support organisations (GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.)
- Easily accessible responsible gaming information
- Verification of player age and identity
We view robust responsible gaming tools as non-negotiable. Casinos lacking these features or making them difficult to access receive significantly lower ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1-10, with the following breakdown:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Top-tier casinos with exceptional performance across all categories. Recommended for most players.
- 7-8 (Very Good) – Strong casinos with minor areas for improvement. Trustworthy and enjoyable.
- 5-6 (Good) – Solid casinos with some notable strengths and weaknesses. Suitable for certain player types.
- 3-4 (Fair) – Casinos with significant concerns or limited appeal. Play with caution.
- 1-2 (Poor) – Casinos with serious regulatory, safety, or fairness issues. Not recommended.
Each rating is calculated by weighing the eight criteria above, with licensing and regulation carrying the most importance. Our scores are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, terms, and player feedback.
All reviews on Briggs Is Best are independent and based on thorough research. We never accept payment from casinos in exchange for positive reviews. Our goal is to provide honest, detailed assessments to help UK players find safe and enjoyable gaming experiences.