Stars from a checklist, not a hunch

What we always check

• UKGC licence - presence on the Gambling Commission's public register for remote gambling.
• Game range - slots, table games and how clearly they are labelled for a first visit.
• Live casino - number and variety of dealer tables, plus how easy the live lobby is to reach.
• Mobile behaviour - browser and/or native app layouts on a phone-sized screen.
• Studios - whether recognised providers (for example Evolution, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Yggdrasil) appear in the catalogue.
• Welcome offer type - structure described factually; never scored as "best deal".
• Customer support - channels available and how discoverable help is from the lobby.
• Usability - account settings, safer-gambling tools and search/filter quality.

What we leave out

Payment methods, deposit routes, withdrawal speeds and banking quirks do not enter the score. Those change often and belong on operator help pages, not on a comparison desk that refuses to pretend it is a payments guide.

How stars are assigned

We use a five-star scale with half steps. Roughly: five stars means the operator excels on the newcomer spine while staying competitive on live and mobile; four stars means solid with a clear strength; three-and-a-half signals a narrower fit (for example lottery-first brands with a thinner casino shelf). Half stars exist so Ladbrokes and Spin Genie can sit close without being forced into a fake tie.

Independence

Affiliate fees may follow outbound clicks. They do not reorder the checklist. If a partner's lobby is muddled for first-timers, the stars say so. Read more on the affiliate disclosure page.

Last updated: 19 July 2026