How We Rate Casinos

At Spinshark Casino, we review online casinos with a focus on players in Great Britain. Our 2026 methodology ranks the following criteria in descending order of importance, ensuring that safety, fairness, and player experience come first.

1. Licensing & Regulation

We verify that every casino holds a valid licence from a recognised authority. For GB players, a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence is essential and carries the highest weight. We also assess licences from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao eGaming, and any local GB regulatory requirements. Casinos operating without proper licensing are immediately disqualified or heavily penalised.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the size, variety, and quality of the game library. This includes slots, live casino games, and table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. We also check which software providers power the casino, favouring reputable studios like NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution, Play'n GO, and Pragmatic Play. A strong portfolio with fair RNG or live dealer certification improves the score.

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Bonuses are only as good as their terms. We read the full T&Cs to identify fair wagering requirements, reasonable rollover rules, game weighting, time limits, and maximum cashout caps. Hidden clauses or overly restrictive conditions lower the score, while transparent and player-friendly bonus terms raise it.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We test the availability and reliability of deposit and withdrawal options, including crypto, e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, and bank transfers. We measure withdrawal processing times, pending periods, fees, and any withdrawal limits. Fast, fee-free payouts and multiple trusted payment methods score highly.

5. Customer Support

We assess support quality through 24/7 live chat, email, and sometimes phone. We test response times, helpfulness, and whether agents are knowledgeable about GB-specific issues. A responsive, professional support team available around the clock is essential for a high rating.

6. Mobile Experience

We review how well the casino performs on smartphones and tablets. This includes responsive design in mobile browsers, dedicated iOS or Android apps, loading speed, navigation, and whether the full game library and cashier functions work seamlessly on smaller screens.

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

We check for robust player protection features, including deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion options, and links to organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware. Casinos that actively promote safer gambling score higher.

8. Our Rating Scale

Each casino receives a final score from 1 to 10 based on the weighted categories above. The scale is as follows: