Review Methodology
Published: 10 February 2026•Last Updated: 21 February 2026
Every casino I recommend on this site goes through a structured evaluation process. I do not rank casinos based on commission rates, advertising deals, or brand recognition. Instead, I use a point based scoring system that covers the areas most important to Canadian players.
This page explains exactly how I research, test, and score each casino before it earns a spot on my lists.
Scoring System
Each casino is rated across six categories. Every category receives a score from 1 to 10, and the final rating is a weighted average based on what matters most to real players.
| Category | Weight | What I Evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing and Safety | 25% | Regulatory body, encryption, responsible gambling tools, dispute history |
| Bonus Value | 20% | Welcome offer, wagering requirements, max cashout, ongoing promotions |
| Payment Speed | 20% | Withdrawal processing time, verification delays, CAD support, Interac availability |
| Game Selection | 15% | Number of titles, provider variety, live dealer quality, mobile compatibility |
| Player Experience | 10% | Site design, navigation, account registration, mobile responsiveness |
| Customer Support | 10% | Live chat availability, response time, agent knowledge, language support |
How I Test Each Casino
Step 1: Registration and Verification
I create a real account at every casino I review. This means going through the full sign up process, submitting ID verification documents, and noting how long KYC takes to complete. If a casino makes verification unreasonably difficult or slow, that gets reflected in the score.
Step 2: Deposit with Canadian Methods
I deposit real money using the payment methods Canadian players actually use: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and where available, cryptocurrency. I note minimum deposit amounts, processing times, and any fees charged by the casino.
Step 3: Bonus Claim and Wagering
I claim the welcome bonus and work through the wagering requirements. I track which games contribute to wagering, whether there are hidden caps on winnings, and how transparent the terms are. A bonus that looks generous on paper but has 60x wagering and a $100 max cashout is not a good bonus.
Step 4: Game Testing
I test a range of slots, table games, and live dealer options. I check load times, mobile performance, game variety from different providers, and whether the RTP information is published. I also verify the games run on certified random number generators.
Step 5: Withdrawal Test
The most important test. I request a withdrawal and time exactly how long it takes from request to funds in my account. I test at least two different withdrawal methods per casino. Any casino that takes more than 5 business days for a standard withdrawal gets marked down significantly.
Step 6: Support Evaluation
I contact customer support with a real question via live chat and email. I measure response time, whether the agent actually answers my question (versus giving a scripted response), and whether support is available in both English and French for the Canadian market.
What Disqualifies a Casino
Some issues are automatic disqualifiers, regardless of how well a casino scores in other areas:
- No valid gambling licence from a recognized regulatory body
- Documented history of withheld payments or rigged games
- No responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self exclusion, cooling off periods)
- Fake game providers or unlicensed software
- Deceptive bonus terms that make it effectively impossible to cash out winnings
How Often I Update Reviews
Casino quality changes over time. A casino that was excellent six months ago might have changed ownership, altered its bonus terms, or started processing withdrawals more slowly. I revisit every reviewed casino on a rolling basis:
- Monthly: Bonus terms, payment methods, new game additions
- Quarterly: Full withdrawal test, support evaluation, licence status check
- Immediately: Any reported player complaint, licence change, or ownership transfer
When a casino no longer meets my standards, I update the review and adjust its ranking. If issues are severe enough, I remove it from my recommendations entirely.
Why This Approach
Most casino review sites rank casinos based on who pays the highest commission. I have seen sites recommend casinos with a history of refusing withdrawals simply because the affiliate deal was lucrative. That approach does not serve Canadian players.
My methodology exists to keep my recommendations honest. Every casino on this site earned its position through testing, not through a business deal. If you want to know more about my research process or have questions about how a specific casino was evaluated, you can reach me through the contact page.