How We Rate Casinos
At The Modern Caterer, our reviews focus on new betting sites available to players in Great Britain. We use a transparent 10-point rating system built on eight core criteria, each weighted according to its importance for a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience. Below is our full methodology, updated for 2026.
1. Licensing & Regulation
This is the most critical factor. We only recommend casinos that hold a valid licence from at least one reputable authority. For GB players, a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence is mandatory for sites legally operating in the UK. We also consider licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and, for offshore-facing properties, a current Curaçao eGaming licence. A local GB licence receives the highest weighting because it provides the strongest player protections, including ADR (alternative dispute resolution) and strict advertising rules. Casinos without a recognised licence are immediately excluded from our listings.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the depth, variety, and quality of games. A strong catalogue should include slots (classic, video, progressive jackpot), live casino tables (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, game shows), and table games (multiple variants of poker, craps, and more). We also check the roster of software providers — names like NetEnt, Evolution, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming indicate high-quality graphics and fair RNGs. New betting sites must offer at least 500+ slot titles and a live dealer section to score above 6/10 in this category.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Generous welcome offers mean little if the T&Cs are unfair. We read every bonus terms document in full, focusing on wagering requirements (rollover), game contribution percentages, time limits, and maximum bet rules. We also flag max cashout limits on bonus winnings, which can cap your withdrawal. We favour casinos with wagering of 35x or lower, transparent contribution tables, and no hidden win caps. Bonus abuse clauses and unclear eligibility for payment methods negatively affect this score.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Players expect fast, convenient banking. We test deposits and withdrawals where possible, checking support for crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Trustly), debit cards, and bank transfers. Withdrawal speed is paramount: e-wallet payouts within 24 hours earn high marks, while bank transfers taking 5–7 business days drag down the score. We also look for zero or low fees, reasonable minimum/maximum limits, and clear KYC requirements. For GB players, PayPal and instant bank transfer options are particularly important.
5. Customer Support
Reliable help when something goes wrong is non-negotiable. We assess 24/7 live chat availability, email response times, and whether phone support is offered. We test support with real queries, measuring wait times and the accuracy of answers. A responsive, well-trained team that resolves issues without scripted runarounds earns high marks. FAQ sections and help centres also contribute, but they cannot replace live human support. Casinos with no live chat or limited hours receive a maximum of 5/10 for this criterion.
6. Mobile Experience
Most players now gamble on mobile, so we test every new betting site on iOS and Android. We check responsive design (how the site adapts to small screens), load speed, and ease of navigation. A dedicated mobile app is a plus but not essential — a well-optimised mobile browser site can score equally well. We also look for touch-friendly game filters, quick deposit buttons, and full feature parity with desktop. Any site that requires zooming or has broken elements on mobile is heavily penalised.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
A casino that cares about player welfare is a casino we trust. We evaluate the availability and effectiveness of deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), self-exclusion options, cooling-off periods, and reality-check reminders. We also check for links to external help organisations like GamCare, BeGambleAware, and GamStop. Casinos that make these tools easy to find and use — ideally with a dedicated responsible gaming page and in-account controls — score well. A lack of self-exclusion or hidden RG features results in a significant penalty.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate every casino on a 1–10 scale, where 10 is exceptional. The eight criteria above are weighted as follows: Licensing & Regulation (25%), Game Selection & Software (20%), Bonus Terms (15%), Payment & Withdrawals (15%), Customer Support (10%), Mobile Experience (8%), Responsible Gaming (7%). A score of 9–10 indicates a top-tier casino we fully recommend. 7–8.9 means very good with minor flaws. 5–6.9 is average — playable but with notable weaknesses. Below 5, we advise avoiding the site entirely. Our final score is always rounded to one decimal place, and we update reviews every quarter or whenever a casino changes its terms.