How We Compare Casinos

Comparing online casinos is not simply a matter of listing bonuses and picking the biggest number. We take a broader view — looking at the things that tend to matter most once you are actually using a site day to day. Here is how we approach it.

Step 1 – Licence check

Every operator we consider must hold an active UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence. This is not negotiable. UK licensing means the operator is subject to ongoing regulatory oversight, player protection requirements, and responsible gambling obligations. We do not include unlicensed operators under any circumstances.

You can verify any operator's licence status directly on the UK Gambling Commission website. We encourage you to do so independently.

Step 2 – Terms and transparency

This is one of the areas we spend the most time on, because it affects players more directly than many other factors. We read the operator's terms for their main account, welcome offers, and ongoing promotions. We look specifically at:

• Are wagering requirements clearly stated?
• Are eligible and excluded games listed?
• Are time limits for bonus completion clearly communicated?
• Is the maximum bet restriction during bonus play easy to find?
• Is there a cap on how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings?
• Are general account terms — including identity verification requirements — written in plain English?

A site that buries important conditions in a long document written in dense legal language scores less well in this area than one that presents the key points clearly and upfront.

Step 3 – Game variety

We look at the breadth and range of the game library. This includes the number of software providers featured, whether the selection extends beyond standard slots to include live dealer tables, table games, and other formats, and whether the library is easy to browse and filter.

We do not verify exact game counts, as these change frequently as providers add and remove titles. We look at variety and quality of the offering, not just volume.

Step 4 – Mobile experience

A significant proportion of casino play in the UK happens on smartphones. We access each site on mobile and check whether core functions — account registration, login, deposit, withdrawal, and game launch — work without friction. We also note whether the site has a dedicated mobile app or works from a mobile browser.

If navigation is significantly harder on mobile than on desktop, we note it. If the site is genuinely well-optimised for mobile use, we note that too.

Step 5 – Payment options

We note what deposit and withdrawal methods are available, including debit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, and bank transfer options. We also note any stated minimum or maximum withdrawal amounts, processing time information, and whether verification requirements are clearly explained.

UK regulations prohibit the use of credit cards for gambling. All UKGC-licensed operators are required to refuse credit card payments. We check this.

Step 6 – Safer gambling tools

UK-licensed operators are required by the UKGC to provide responsible gambling tools. We check how prominently these tools are displayed, how easy they are to access from within an account, and whether the operator links clearly to external support organisations such as GamCare and GAMSTOP.

A site that makes it easy to set limits or self-exclude is better for players than one where these options are buried in a menu. This matters to us.

How scores are formed

We combine our assessment of each category into an overall score out of 10. Scores are our editorial view and are not official or regulatory ratings. They should be treated as one data point alongside your own research, not as a definitive ranking.

Not every casino will suit every player. A site with a large live casino section may be excellent for some players and irrelevant to others. We try to give you enough information to make your own judgement.

What we do not do

• We do not place operators in paid positions without disclosure.
• We do not invent player testimonials or fabricate review counts.
• We do not claim that any operator is the “best” in an absolute or official sense.
• We do not guarantee any outcome for players at the sites we compare.
• We do not assess RTP figures, volatility ratings, or specific game mathematics — these are set by game developers, not operators.

18+. BritJackpot Desk is an independent comparison site. Scores and opinions are editorial assessments only. Always verify operator information directly before registering.