How We Rate

At Lucky Gambler, our team of casino analysts, data scientists, and gaming enthusiasts stop at nothing when conducting reviews of online casinos. We use our years of casino gaming and knowledge of the latest innovations in casino legislation when rating thousands of gambling sites online. From comparison tools that give us the power to accurately stack casinos against each other to firsthand gaming experiences, interviews with customer service team members, and even research into legality, the behind-the-scenes action in our reviews never stops.

Review Process

At Lucky Gambler, it is truly our pleasure to bring you the best, most updated review of each social and real money casino site we encounter. Here’s a breakdown of how our team of editors and casino analysts give you a perfectly crafted casino review – every single time.

  • Research and background checks.

    We ensure the casinos we review are safe enough to sign up for an account and make deposits. We research gambling sites by checking their licenses (if applicable), ensuring the site is fully encrypted and secure, finding out more about the owners of the site, and checking for negative reviews.

  • Account registration and deposit.

    During the sign-up process, we always read the terms and conditions, wagering requirements, and bonuses you will be entitled to. We take note of the minimum and maximum deposit limits, the average amount our experts spend to have a good user experience, and bonus options to help give you more bang for your buck.

  • Explore games.

    We take the time to explore the games available on platforms under evaluation. Our team takes note of any lag and ease of using a site’s interface on mobile and desktop versions.

  • Cash-out.

    Next, we explore withdrawal limits, policies, and processing times for all payment methods including credit and debit cards, cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and more.

  • Customer support test.

    It is carried out by asking questions other users would, such as about bonuses and the sign-up process. All interactions with customer service are documented and compared to other casino sites.

  • Fact-checking and accuracy.

    Our initial reviews are always thoroughly fact-checked by our editors at Lucky Gambler, as well as updated monthly to ensure data on number of games, bonus availability, and other important information continues to be accurate.

Lucky Gambler’s Methodology

We know that our players have different values, and while many might value brand and casino reputation, others might value safety and security. Our team has considered the most valuable preferences for players based on our years of experience playing firsthand and conducting reviews.

What we’ve come up with at Lucky Gamber is 10 criteria and 28 subcriteria overall when rating our casino sites. We’ve put different emphasis and weight on each of these criteria, and have used our expert casino analyst opinions, user experiences, and changes in casino trends to create our scale. Here’s a breakdown of our criteria.

In addition to assigning individual scores to factors like the number of games and providers, bonuses, payment options, and more, we also offer an overall expert rating unique to each casino. This quick snapshot gives you a score you can use to compare to other casino sites and that takes into account all factors in a simple, easy-to-digest format. Below we break down the review process from beginning to end, our criteria, and why these criteria are the best to score casino sites.

Review Process: 28 Criteria

Let’s take a look at the different criteria we use at Lucky Gambler to give you expert reviews.

Safety & Security Safety & Security

The safety and security of our players is paramount. Unfortunately, even well-known casino sites sometimes have negative user reviews due to safety and security issues or licensing. It’s our job as responsible expert casino analysts to ensure all casino sites reviewed on our platform are credible and safe for players. Because of that, we put tons of emphasis on safety and security measures on casino websites. These include the factors listed below.

Licensing and Regulations

The safety and security of our players is paramount. Unfortunately, even well-known casino sites sometimes have negative user reviews due to safety and security issues or licensing. It’s our job as responsible expert casino analysts to ensure all casino sites reviewed on our platform are credible and safe for players. Because of that, we put tons of emphasis on safety and security measures on casino websites. These include the factors listed below.

Independent Regulation

The safety and security of our players is paramount. Unfortunately, even well-known casino sites sometimes have negative user reviews due to safety and security issues or licensing. It’s our job as responsible expert casino analysts to ensure all casino sites reviewed on our platform are credible and safe for players. Because of that, we put tons of emphasis on safety and security measures on casino websites. These include the factors listed below.

Valid SSL Protocol

The safety and security of our players is paramount. Unfortunately, even well-known casino sites sometimes have negative user reviews due to safety and security issues or licensing. It’s our job as responsible expert casino analysts to ensure all casino sites reviewed on our platform are credible and safe for players. Because of that, we put tons of emphasis on safety and security measures on casino websites. These include the factors listed below.

Licensing and Regulations
50%
Independent Regulation
25%
Valid SSL Protocol
25%

Games & Software Games & Software

Games are the creme de la creme of any casino platform. It makes sense that a big part of what we review is games, software developers, versatility, and overall user experience. While some casinos are known for their plethora of slots and fun reels, others stick to the classics and are known for their live dealer options and close-knit community of fellow players.

In our time reviewing casinos, Lucky Gambler has encountered tons of casino platforms, from those with a small selection of independently created slots to big-name casinos that have endless titles. We found that quantity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. So, how does our team weigh the good and bad of games and software? Check out our criteria below.

Variety of Games

Games are the creme de la creme of any casino platform. It makes sense that a big part of what we review is games, software developers, versatility, and overall user experience. While some casinos are known for their plethora of slots and fun reels, others stick to the classics and are known for their live dealer options and close-knit community of fellow players.

In our time reviewing casinos, Lucky Gambler has encountered tons of casino platforms, from those with a small selection of independently created slots to big-name casinos that have endless titles. We found that quantity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. So, how does our team weigh the good and bad of games and software? Check out our criteria below.

Free-to-Play Options

Games are the creme de la creme of any casino platform. It makes sense that a big part of what we review is games, software developers, versatility, and overall user experience. While some casinos are known for their plethora of slots and fun reels, others stick to the classics and are known for their live dealer options and close-knit community of fellow players.

In our time reviewing casinos, Lucky Gambler has encountered tons of casino platforms, from those with a small selection of independently created slots to big-name casinos that have endless titles. We found that quantity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. So, how does our team weigh the good and bad of games and software? Check out our criteria below.

Progressive Jackpot Availability

Games are the creme de la creme of any casino platform. It makes sense that a big part of what we review is games, software developers, versatility, and overall user experience. While some casinos are known for their plethora of slots and fun reels, others stick to the classics and are known for their live dealer options and close-knit community of fellow players.

In our time reviewing casinos, Lucky Gambler has encountered tons of casino platforms, from those with a small selection of independently created slots to big-name casinos that have endless titles. We found that quantity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. So, how does our team weigh the good and bad of games and software? Check out our criteria below.

Live Dealer Games

Games are the creme de la creme of any casino platform. It makes sense that a big part of what we review is games, software developers, versatility, and overall user experience. While some casinos are known for their plethora of slots and fun reels, others stick to the classics and are known for their live dealer options and close-knit community of fellow players.

In our time reviewing casinos, Lucky Gambler has encountered tons of casino platforms, from those with a small selection of independently created slots to big-name casinos that have endless titles. We found that quantity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality. So, how does our team weigh the good and bad of games and software? Check out our criteria below.

Variety of Games
25%
Free-to-Play Options
27%
Progressive Jackpot Availability
25%
Live Dealer Games
25%

Bonuses & Promotions Bonuses & Promotions

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

Amount & Variety of Bonuses

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

Reasonable Terms & Conditions

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

Special Offers

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

Wagering Requirements & Cashout Limits

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

VIP & Loyalty Programs Available

Nothing is better than knowing a casino offers bonuses and promotions to reward players and keep them coming back for more. However, not all casino sites offer the same promotions or bonuses, and some of these might not even be worthwhile. We are always taking the time to explore these deals so you don’t have to.

Amount & Variety of Bonuses
22%
Reasonable Terms & Conditions
22%
Special Offers
22%
Wagering Requirements & Cashout Limits
20%
VIP & Loyalty Programs Available
20%

Payment Options Payment Options

Payment options are incredibly varied from casino to casino. Some platforms accept only cryptocurrency, while others allow players to deposit using their preferred method including cash. The possibilities are virtually endless. We want to make sure casinos make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw their funds, which is why we examine payment options in the following ways.

Variety of Payment Methods

Payment options are incredibly varied from casino to casino. Some platforms accept only cryptocurrency, while others allow players to deposit using their preferred method including cash. The possibilities are virtually endless. We want to make sure casinos make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw their funds, which is why we examine payment options in the following ways.

Easy Deposit Process

Payment options are incredibly varied from casino to casino. Some platforms accept only cryptocurrency, while others allow players to deposit using their preferred method including cash. The possibilities are virtually endless. We want to make sure casinos make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw their funds, which is why we examine payment options in the following ways.

Easy Withdrawal Process

Payment options are incredibly varied from casino to casino. Some platforms accept only cryptocurrency, while others allow players to deposit using their preferred method including cash. The possibilities are virtually endless. We want to make sure casinos make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw their funds, which is why we examine payment options in the following ways.

Deposit and Withdrawal Limits

Payment options are incredibly varied from casino to casino. Some platforms accept only cryptocurrency, while others allow players to deposit using their preferred method including cash. The possibilities are virtually endless. We want to make sure casinos make it easy for players to deposit and withdraw their funds, which is why we examine payment options in the following ways.

Variety of Payment Methods
25%
Easy Deposit Process
28%
Easy Withdrawal Process
25%
Deposit and Withdrawal Limits
25%

Payout Speed/Processing Time Payout Speed/Processing Time

In addition to deposit and withdrawal limits, we also examine the speed at which payouts are processed. Fast payouts (without any issues) mean a casino puts its players first instead of profits. Our team looks for casinos that offer quick turnaround times for withdrawals so players can enjoy their winnings or even invest them back into playing more.

Mobile Compatibility Mobile Compatibility

Our analysts explore each casino’s mobile compatibility, looking at whether or not it offers a mobile app for download and if it has any bugs that need to be worked on. As avid phone users and mobile gamers, we know how crucial it is for a casino platform to be available on the go.

App Availability

Our analysts explore each casino’s mobile compatibility, looking at whether or not it offers a mobile app for download and if it has any bugs that need to be worked on. As avid phone users and mobile gamers, we know how crucial it is for a casino platform to be available on the go.

Optimization for Different Devices

Our analysts explore each casino’s mobile compatibility, looking at whether or not it offers a mobile app for download and if it has any bugs that need to be worked on. As avid phone users and mobile gamers, we know how crucial it is for a casino platform to be available on the go.

App Availability
50%
Optimization for Different Devices
50%

User Experience User Experience

User experience can be incredibly varied, and of course, no two people will have the same experience. However, some things are universal for us at Lucky Gambler to ensure our players have a better, more fun, and rewarding experience. Here’s a breakdown of some criteria we look for when reviewing our casino sites.

User-Friendly Interface

User experience can be incredibly varied, and of course, no two people will have the same experience. However, some things are universal for us at Lucky Gambler to ensure our players have a better, more fun, and rewarding experience. Here’s a breakdown of some criteria we look for when reviewing our casino sites.

Easy Registration Process

User experience can be incredibly varied, and of course, no two people will have the same experience. However, some things are universal for us at Lucky Gambler to ensure our players have a better, more fun, and rewarding experience. Here’s a breakdown of some criteria we look for when reviewing our casino sites.

An Optimized Interface for Different Types of Devices

User experience can be incredibly varied, and of course, no two people will have the same experience. However, some things are universal for us at Lucky Gambler to ensure our players have a better, more fun, and rewarding experience. Here’s a breakdown of some criteria we look for when reviewing our casino sites.

User-Friendly Interface
30%
Easy Registration Process
40%
An Optimized Interface for Different Types of Devices
30%

Customer Support Customer Support

It’s no secret that bad customer service is one of the worst things a business can offer. That’s why we make sure to test out the customer support of every casino site we review. Whether it’s looking for how many channels are offered to taking note of the response time, we make thorough evaluations during our review process.

Different Channels

It’s no secret that bad customer service is one of the worst things a business can offer. That’s why we make sure to test out the customer support of every casino site we review. Whether it’s looking for how many channels are offered to taking note of the response time, we make thorough evaluations during our review process.

Fast & Helpful Responses

It’s no secret that bad customer service is one of the worst things a business can offer. That’s why we make sure to test out the customer support of every casino site we review. Whether it’s looking for how many channels are offered to taking note of the response time, we make thorough evaluations during our review process.

24/7 Support

It’s no secret that bad customer service is one of the worst things a business can offer. That’s why we make sure to test out the customer support of every casino site we review. Whether it’s looking for how many channels are offered to taking note of the response time, we make thorough evaluations during our review process.

Different Channels
40%
Fast & Helpful Responses
30%
24/7 Support
30%

Players Experience Players Experience

There’s perhaps no better way to determine if a casino is right for our players than reading other casino experiences. From reviews on TrustPilot to the app stores, and even other casino review sites, we take player experiences seriously and use them to influence our overall rating. Take a look at how we incorporate these experiences into our review.

Reviews & Comments From Players

There’s perhaps no better way to determine if a casino is right for our players than reading other casino experiences. From reviews on TrustPilot to the app stores, and even other casino review sites, we take player experiences seriously and use them to influence our overall rating. Take a look at how we incorporate these experiences into our review.

Players Complaints

There’s perhaps no better way to determine if a casino is right for our players than reading other casino experiences. From reviews on TrustPilot to the app stores, and even other casino review sites, we take player experiences seriously and use them to influence our overall rating. Take a look at how we incorporate these experiences into our review.

Reviews & Comments From Players
70%
Players Complaints
30%

Brand & Casino Reputation Brand & Casino Reputation

Nothing excites our casino analysts more than exploring a site with tons of reviews, partnerships with top game providers, and various awards under their belt. We always take time to do a thorough background check on casino sites, looking at the fine print of a site until we uncover its owners, launch years, and licensing. Not only is a casino’s brand and reputation a big plus in terms of security, but it also lets us know they have experience treating their players with care and respect.

Lucky Gambler Rating System

Every time you read our reviews, you’ll find a unique expert rating assigned to each casino. This number is a culmination of what our experts think, the good, the bad, and everything in between a casino has to offer. Every single rating criterion we have just highlighted is incorporated into our expert rating, which gives you a better picture of how a particular casino stacks against other platforms.

Based on our rating, we give you our expert recommendation on whether or not you should put your money down or look elsewhere for your favorite slots. Our scores also include the following categories for casinos:

  • Best Choice
  • Highly recommended
  • Recommended
  • Top Bonuses
  • Users choice
  • Casino of the month
  • Top mobile experience
  • Best games choice
  • Best payouts
  • Fast payouts

Our Values

Lucky Gambler sets itself apart from other casino reviewers, and it’s easy to see why. From our expert team that crafts highly objective, updated, and reliable reviews, to our true passion for gaming and responsible gambling, here’s a highlight of the values that go into every single Lucky Gambler casino review.

Expertise Expertise

Our team of casino analysts are experienced gamblers who have ample hours of combined experience playing everything from slots to card games. At Lucky Gambler, all of our analysts are experts in casinos in the US market. Some of our team members play on a semi-professional level, while others are novices turned pros who enjoy a quick slot or two. Either way, we translate our experiences of gambling responsibly and winning, as well as our manual analysis of casino sites, into expertly crafted reviews for the everyday player.

Independence Independence

Unfortunately, many casino review sites simply give better reviews to the casino site that pays more. Not at Lucky Gambler. We take pride in never taking opinions from third parties, keeping our reviews independent.

Players' Needs First Players' Needs First

We’re passionate about gaming, NOT casinos. We’re players just like you and value your opinion before those of a casino. That’s why we never shy away from including pros, and cons, and giving an expert rating that’s influenced by our expert opinion alone.

Responsible Gambling Responsible Gambling

We want our readers to have fun, win big, and stay safe while playing, and we have the power to do so with expert reviews. We value responsible gambling, and all of our reviewed casino sites offer some form of responsible gambling tools, such as setting deposit limits or self-exclusion options.