How we review UK online casinos

Our scoring framework is published, repeatable, and updated each quarter. Every operator on SlotPilotGuide is assessed against the same eight criteria.

Methodology version 3.1 — June 2026

Overview

Each review begins with a UK Gambling Commission licence check. Operators without a valid GB licence are not listed. Our editors then create real-money test accounts, deposit using approved payment methods, and evaluate the platform across eight weighted categories.

Scoring criteria

CriterionWeightWhat we assess
Licensing & security15%UKGC licence validity, SSL encryption, operator ownership transparency
Payments15%Deposit/withdrawal methods, processing times, fees, verification speed
Game variety15%Slots, live casino, table games, software providers, search filters
Bonus transparency12%Clarity of terms, wagering caps, product restrictions per UKGC 2026 rules
Mobile experience12%Responsive site, app availability, load times, navigation on iOS/Android
Customer support10%Live chat response time, email support, FAQ quality, availability hours
Responsible gambling11%Deposit limits, reality checks, self-exclusion, GAMSTOP integration
User experience10%Registration flow, site design, account management, overall usability

Licence verification

We cross-reference each operator against the public register at gamblingcommission.gov.uk. Licence numbers are noted in individual reviews. If an operator's licence status changes between review cycles, we update or remove the listing within five working days.

Bonus assessment (2026 rules)

Since 19 January 2026, UKGC rules require that incentives do not combine multiple product types (e.g. betting and casino in one offer). Wagering on bonus funds must not exceed 10x. We verify these conditions with operators before publishing promotional summaries and flag any discrepancies.

Update schedule

  • Full re-review: Every operator is re-tested quarterly (March, June, September, December)
  • Bonus updates: Verified monthly or when operators notify us of material changes
  • Licence monitoring: Continuous — automated checks weekly, manual verification monthly
  • Reader feedback: Incorporated into the next scheduled re-review cycle

What we do not do

  • Accept payment from operators in exchange for favourable scores
  • Guarantee outcomes or suggest gambling leads to financial security
  • Publish content targeting individuals under 18
  • Promote unlicensed or offshore operators to UK residents