How We Rate: BrilliantCasinos’ 27-Step Casino Review Process

A casino’s license tells us a lot about how seriously it takes player safety and legal compliance. We always check where a site is licensed and by whom—top-tier regulators like the UKGC or MGA mean strict rules, regular audits, and proper player protection. It’s a key indicator of whether a casino is operating responsibly or just ticking boxes.

Regarding transparency, we always look into who owns and operates the casino. A site run by a reputable company, especially one with a track record in the gaming industry or listed on a stock exchange, gives us confidence in its reliability and long-term intentions. The more open and established the operator, the more trust we place in the casino.

SSL certificate validation is a baseline but non-negotiable security measure that ensures all data transmitted between the user and the casino's server is encrypted, protecting sensitive information like passwords, payment details, and personal data from interception or theft.

Fair play is non-negotiable, so we always look for proof that a casino’s games are independently tested. RNG certification from labs like eCOGRA or iTech Labs means the games aren’t rigged and you’re getting real, random results. It’s one of the most important checks for a fair and trustworthy gaming experience.

We always look for clear, upfront disclosure of a casino’s RTP—Return to Player—because it tells you what kind of value you can expect from the games. A published RTP means the casino is being transparent about how much, on average, gets paid back to players. Whether it’s listed per game or as a site-wide average, this info is crucial for making informed choices and knowing you’re not being left in the dark.

We pay close attention to whether a casino offers self-exclusion and limit-setting tools because they’re essential for responsible gambling. Features like deposit, loss, and session limits—as well as cooling-off periods or permanent self-exclusion—help players manage their activity and avoid harmful behavior. When a casino provides these tools in a clear and accessible way, it’s a strong sign that they take player health seriously, not just profits.

Strong account security is a top priority, and we always check whether a casino offers multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA). This extra login step—usually a code sent to your phone or email—greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Casinos that support MFA are clearly committed to protecting your personal and financial data, which is a big plus in our books.

We always look at the variety and reliability of a casino’s payment options, because fast and flexible banking is a core part of a good player experience. A solid casino will offer a wide range of trusted methods—like credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even crypto—along with clear policies on processing times and fees. The more transparent and diverse the options, the smoother your overall experience will be.

We carefully review how long it takes a casino to process withdrawals and how clear their payout rules are. Quick, straightforward withdrawals—ideally within a day—are a strong sign that a casino is professional and respects its players. If there are delays, unclear terms, or unnecessary hoops to jump through, that’s a warning sign. Casinos that are upfront and efficient with withdrawals show they take player satisfaction seriously.

We always check the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits, as they tell you how flexible and player-friendly a casino really is. Low minimums are great for casual players, while high maximums matter for high rollers and big win payouts. Casinos that are transparent about these limits—and keep them reasonable—show they’re not trying to trap players with hidden restrictions or delayed access to funds

We know KYC checks can be a bit of a hassle—they're not anyone’s favorite part of signing up or cashing out. That’s why we look for casinos that make the process as clear and painless as possible. When a site explains upfront what documents you’ll need and keeps things smooth and simple, it shows they respect your time while still meeting security standards. A clear, user-friendly KYC process is a big plus—it means fewer surprises and faster access to your winnings.

We always check the size and diversity of a casino’s game library because more options mean more ways to enjoy your time on the site. Whether you’re into slots, table games, live dealers, or specialty titles, a great casino offers a well-rounded mix from top-tier providers. Quality matters just as much as quantity—so we look for a broad selection that stays fresh, fun, and caters to all types of players.

The software providers behind a casino’s games say a lot about the overall quality and reliability of the experience. A large game library doesn’t always mean better gameplay—if the titles come from lesser-known or unreliable developers, the games might be disappointing or unfair. Casinos partnering with trusted names like NetEnt or Microgaming are more likely to offer high-quality, enjoyable, and trustworthy games that make your time worthwhile.

How well a casino’s games perform on mobile devices is crucial since many players prefer gaming on the go. A site might have a great selection on desktop, but if those games aren’t optimized for smartphones and tablets—loading slowly, glitching, or lacking features—it quickly becomes frustrating.

Clear and straightforward welcome offers are essential because they set the tone for your entire experience with a casino. If the bonus terms—like wagering requirements, eligible games, and expiration—are confusing or buried in fine print, it can lead to disappointment and frustration.

When rating casinos, we carefully evaluate the wagering requirements attached to their bonuses. These requirements determine how many times players must wager their bonus funds before cashing out winnings. Casinos with fair, transparent, and reasonable wagering terms score higher, while those with overly complex or excessive conditions receive lower marks, as they often create unnecessary barriers for players to actually benefit from their bonuses.

Ongoing promotions play a key role in assessing a casino’s long-term value for players. We look for regular, clearly communicated offers that go beyond just the welcome bonus—such as reload bonuses, cashback, tournaments, and loyalty rewards.

When evaluating casinos, we pay close attention to their VIP and loyalty programs because these are indicators of how much a casino values its regular players. Well-structured programs with clear benefits—like exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals, personalized support, and special events—show a commitment to rewarding player loyalty.

Mobile device support is a crucial factor in our ratings, as many players expect seamless access on smartphones and tablets. To be completely honest, we are often very surprised by some of the online brands that simply do not offer that functionality.

We test how quickly a casino’s pages and games load across different devices and connections, prioritizing sites that deliver fast, smooth performance. Casinos with optimized load times rank higher, as they show a commitment to quality user experience and keep players engaged without unnecessary delays.

We assess how straightforward the layout is, how quickly users can move between sections, and whether key features are accessible across devices. Casinos that prioritize smooth, user-friendly interfaces score higher, reflecting a focus on delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Offering multiple contact options—such as live chat, email, and phone—ensures players can get help quickly and conveniently. Casinos that provide responsive, 24/7 support across several channels score higher, as this demonstrates a genuine commitment to resolving issues efficiently and maintaining player satisfaction.

We also assess how knowledgeable and helpful customer support agents are, as this directly impacts the quality of your experience when you need assistance. Casinos with well-trained, professional staff who provide clear, accurate answers and resolve issues promptly earn higher ratings. Poor or slow support can quickly erode trust, so effective agents are essential for a casino’s credibility and player confidence.

Having customer support is important, but it’s even better when a casino offers clear FAQs, helpful guides, and easy-to-use self-help tools that let players solve common issues on their own. This saves time and frustration by letting you fix simple problems without waiting for an agent.

When you can use the site in your native language and deposit or withdraw in your local currency, it removes a lot of friction and potential misunderstandings. This kind of flexibility reflects a casino’s dedication to catering to a global audience and delivering a seamless experience for all players. Obviously, we do not give poor ratings to casinos that operate in a single country/region, as they are not expected to be international

A casino’s reputation on trusted review sites like Trustpilot, AskGamblers, Casino.org and many others offers valuable insight into real player experiences. Positive feedback and consistent ratings across these platforms indicate reliability and good customer treatment, while repeated complaints or unresolved issues raise red flags. Checking external reputation helps us ensure that what a casino promises matches the reality players face.

How a casino handles disputes and complaints is a critical part of its trustworthiness. Casinos that respond quickly, communicate clearly, and work toward fair solutions show they value their players and stand behind their services.