How We Rate Casinos

At Craven Aerials, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and review the best new betting sites in the UK market. Our ratings are based on rigorous testing and assessment across multiple criteria to help players make informed decisions. Here's how we rate casinos in 2026.

Licensing & Regulation

We prioritise casinos that hold valid licences from reputable gambling authorities. We examine licences from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao, and other recognised local GB-licensed operators. A valid, current licence is essential—casinos without proper regulation receive significantly lower ratings or are excluded entirely. We verify licence status directly with regulatory bodies and check for any disciplinary records or complaints.

Game Selection & Software Providers

We assess the breadth and quality of the casino's game library, including slots, live casino games, and table games. We evaluate partnerships with established software providers such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, and other recognised developers. We also consider game variety, exclusivity, and regular updates to the catalogue. Casinos offering diverse game types and multiple providers receive higher ratings.

Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We carefully review all bonus offers, including welcome bonuses, free spins, and ongoing promotions. Our assessment covers the terms and conditions, wagering requirements (rollover), maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and bonus validity periods. We highlight casinos with transparent, player-friendly terms and penalise those with excessive wagering requirements or restrictive conditions. Fair bonus terms significantly impact our overall rating.

Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We evaluate the range of payment methods available, including traditional bank transfers, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), debit and credit cards, and cryptocurrency options. We test withdrawal speeds and monitor how quickly casinos process cash-outs. Casinos offering multiple payment options with fast, reliable withdrawals receive higher ratings. We also assess any withdrawal fees or minimum/maximum limits.

Customer Support

We test the availability and responsiveness of customer support channels, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and telephone lines. We evaluate response times, staff knowledge, and the quality of assistance provided. Casinos with responsive, knowledgeable support teams available round-the-clock receive higher ratings. We also consider the availability of support in English and regional languages.

Mobile Experience

We assess how well the casino performs on mobile devices, testing both responsive web design and dedicated mobile apps (iOS/Android where available). We evaluate ease of navigation, game performance, loading times, and the overall user experience. Casinos offering smooth, intuitive mobile platforms with full feature parity to desktop versions receive higher ratings.

Responsible Gaming Tools

We review the responsible gambling features available, including deposit limits, withdrawal limits, session time limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. We assess the prominence and accessibility of these tools, as well as links to support organisations like GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous. Casinos demonstrating strong commitment to player protection through robust responsible gaming tools receive higher ratings.

Our Rating Scale

We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, where:

Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information becomes available. All reviews are conducted independently and reflect our genuine assessment at the time of publication.