Royal Wager Guide
Independent comparison site.We are not a casino operator and do not accept deposits or bets.·We may earn commission from outbound links. Disclosure·18+ · Gambling involves risk.BeGambleAware

Our process

How we compare casinos

We compare UK-facing online casino operators using a structured process that prioritises regulatory standing, transparency, and usability. This page explains that process in plain terms.

Step 1: Licensing check

The first thing we verify is whether an operator holds a current UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence that permits them to offer gambling services to UK players. An operator without a valid UKGC licence is not included on this site, regardless of any other factors.

You can verify any operator's UK licence status independently on the UK Gambling Commission website. We recommend doing so before registering with any operator.

Step 2: Responsible gambling tools

We look at whether responsible gambling tools are available, accessible, and clearly signposted. We assess whether deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion are easy to find within the account area.

Operators where these tools are buried, hard to activate, or absent score lower in our assessments. UKGC-licensed operators are required to provide these tools by regulation — our check is more focused on how visible and usable they are in practice.

Step 3: Terms and offer clarity

Bonus terms are one of the areas where operators most frequently fall short on transparency. We look specifically at whether wagering requirements, time limits, eligible games, and withdrawal conditions are stated clearly and in plain language — not buried in footnotes or hidden behind multiple clicks.

We do not assess the generosity of offers. An operator with no welcome offer and transparent standard play terms would score the same in this category as an operator with a clearly explained welcome offer.

Step 4: Site and mobile usability

We review the platform from the perspective of a typical UK player — navigating the site, locating account features, browsing games, and using the mobile version. We note where navigation is clear and where it creates unnecessary friction.

Step 5: Payments and game range

We note the deposit and withdrawal methods accepted, with particular attention to processing times and any stated fees. For game range, we note whether the catalogue includes slots, live dealer, and table games — and any distinctive content worth flagging.

What we do not assess

We do not have access to return-to-player data for individual games or operators. We do not assess payout speeds from verified player data. We do not run accounts or play with real money as part of our review process.

Our reviews are based on publicly available information about each operator — site content, published terms, licence status, and the stated presence of responsible gambling tools. They represent an editorial view, not a technical audit.

How scores are presented

Scores are presented as a number out of 10 and represent a weighted combination of our assessment criteria. They are editorial comparison indicators intended to help readers compare operators relatively — they are not official ratings and do not indicate regulatory approval or any form of guaranteed quality.

Full scoring breakdown in our Editorial Review Policy →

A note on accuracy

Operator features, terms, and licensing status can change without notice. We aim to keep our content reasonably current, but we cannot guarantee accuracy at the time you read this. Always check the operator's own site and the UKGC register before making decisions.