Our Scoring System
BetterGambling Ireland developed its own casino scoring system to provide genuine insights based on real player experiences. Our methodology examines six fundamental pillars: Usability, Banking, Slots, Live Games, Customer Service, and Security.
Our approach is structured, hands-on, and developed by former industry insiders. We conduct practical tests using real accounts and money, measuring each aspect against specific criteria rather than subjective impressions.
The final rating combines scores from all six categories on a 1-5 scale, weighted according to their importance to the overall player experience.
How We Really Score Online Casinos
- We test each major area of the casino using real accounts and funds.
- We rate each area on a 1-5 scale based on measurable factors.
- We repeat this process for all six core criteria.
- We calculate a weighted average score reflecting each criterion’s importance.
The Metrics That Actually Matter
Our scoring system focuses on aspects that genuinely impact player satisfaction:
| Rating Criteria | What We Look For | Example Score Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Navigation, loading times, registration process, design | 4.5/5 if well-designed but has occasional loading delays |
| Banking | Payment variety, withdrawal speed, limits | 5/5 if offering 10+ methods, €10 minimum limits, 24-hour payouts |
| Slot Games | Game quantity, provider quality, betting range | 5/5 if providing 2000+ games from 25+ providers with varied limits |
| Live Games | Game variety, provider selection, betting limits | 4/5 if comprehensive but missing certain game types |
| Customer Service | Availability, response times, support channels | 4.5/5 if offering quick live chat but limited phone support |
| Security | Licensing, data protection, responsible gambling tools | 5/5 if properly licensed with comprehensive player protection |
What We Look For in Day-to-Day Usability
| Usability Factors | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Website Design | 20% | Clean layouts, logical organization, readable text |
| Navigation | 30% | Intuitive menus, game filtering, search functionality |
| Performance | 25% | Page loading times, game launch speed, responsiveness |
| Registration Process | 15% | Steps required, information requested, verification complexity |
| Mobile Compatibility | 10% | Adaptation to different screen sizes, touch interface quality |
How We Stress-Test Banking Systems
| Banking Factors | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Currencies Available | 10 | Support for EUR with fair exchange rates |
| Minimum Deposit | 25 | Accessibility with lower thresholds across payment methods |
| Minimum Withdrawal | 15 | Reasonable minimums that don’t trap small winnings |
| Maximum Cashout | 20 | Limits accommodating various player types |
| Payout Time | 30 | Actual processing times including pending periods |
How We Vet Slot Catalogues
| Slot Factors | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Types | 20 | Diversity across classic, video, jackpot games |
| Slot Providers | 25 | Range of developers from leaders to boutique studios |
| Number of Slots | 30 | Total unique game count |
| Betting Limits | 25 | Flexibility in stake sizes for all player levels |
What We Check in Live Dealer Platforms
| Live Game Factors | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Game Types | 30 | Variety beyond basic roulette and blackjack |
| Live Casino Providers | 25 | Quality of studios powering the live experience |
| Betting Limits | 20 | Stream quality, dealer professionalism, interface usability |
| Overall Experience | 25 | Stream quality, dealer professionalism, interface usability |
How We Gauge Customer Support
| Customer Service Factors | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Response Time | 40 | Actual wait times across all support channels |
| Live Chat Availability | 35 | Hours of operation, queue times, agent knowledge |
| Email Support | 25 | Response speed, thoroughness, follow-up quality |
Our Security Criteria
| Security Factors | Weight (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Company Reputation | 40 | Track record, complaint history, operational transparency |
| Year of Establishment | 20 | Operational longevity indicating stability |
| License | 40 | Quality of regulatory oversight for Irish players |
From Data to Decision: Final Ratings
Our final ratings combine individual category scores using this weighting:
- Usability – 15%
- Banking – 20%
- Slot Games – 20%
- Live Games – 20%
- Customer Service – 15%
- Security – 10%
Security receives a slightly lower weighting as we only list licensed casinos.
Our Casino Scoring Scale
| Rating | What it Means | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5 – 5.0 | Excellent | Fully recommended. Fast payouts, extensive games, responsive support |
| 4.1 – 4.5 | Very Good | Strong platform with minimal weaknesses |
| 3.1 – 4.0 | Good | Solid option with some limitations |
| 2.1 – 3.0 | Mediocre | Functional but lacking in key areas |
| 1.0 – 2.0 | Poor | Avoid. Typically outdated or excessively restrictive |
Our Review Method
Step 1: Ownership and Licensing Verification
We identify the actual operator and verify their regulatory status, with special attention to proper authorization for the Irish market.
Step 2: Real-Player Testing
Our testers register as new users, deposit funds, trigger KYC verification, test withdrawals, and engage with support. We test on both mobile and desktop from Irish locations.
Step 3: Expert Evaluation
Experiences are mapped to our scoring matrix by reviewers with industry expertise. We specifically flag issues affecting Irish players like currency conversion fees.
Step 4: Clear Verdicts
Final reviews include weighted scores, strategic observations, and player-type recommendations with specific advice for Irish players.
The Insider Advantage
Each review is approved by team members with direct industry experience who help decode casino practices that might disadvantage players.
Our Commitment
Every casino receives the same thorough evaluation. No operator can pay for placement or score adjustments. Our scoring system evolves with the industry, and we regularly retest casinos to ensure accuracy.
If readers find discrepancies, we commit to investigating and publishing updates promptly.