Editorial Standards

How We Rank Online Casinos

CasinoPicks rankings are based on hands-on checks, not a casino's advertising spend. Commercial relationships may affect which offers we can link to, but they do not determine ranking position or editorial scores.

Methodology last updated: September 29, 2026

01

Real-money account test

We register, deposit our own testing funds, claim the available offer, and record any friction in the cashier or verification flow.

02

Payout speed test

We submit a qualifying withdrawal and track approval and delivery separately. Crypto and traditional payment methods are assessed on their own timelines.

03

License and ownership check

We verify the operator information it publishes, review its market history, and clearly distinguish offshore casinos from US state-regulated operators.

04

Game library review

We assess provider variety, mobile performance, live dealer availability, table limits, and whether advertised games are actually playable.

05

Support response test

We contact support with practical account and bonus questions, then score response time, availability, clarity, and whether the answer matches published terms.

06

Terms and value analysis

We compare the headline offer with wagering, maximum cashout, game contribution, expiry, deposit minimums, and withdrawal restrictions.

How scoring works

Our five-point editorial score weighs safety and payout reliability most heavily, followed by bonus value, game quality, support, banking choice, and mobile usability. A large bonus cannot compensate for unclear ownership, unreliable payments, or misleading terms.

Safety & operating record25%
Payout reliability & speed25%
Bonus value & transparency20%
Games & mobile experience15%
Support & banking15%

Independence and affiliate disclosure

CasinoPicks may earn a commission when a reader uses an affiliate link. This does not add cost for the player. Operators cannot purchase a higher score, approve our conclusions, or remove factual criticism. Offers and terms can change, so the operator's current terms always control.