Crown Bonus Panel applies a consistent editorial process to every operator it reviews. This page explains each step of that process in detail, so you can understand exactly what our scores and notes are based on.
Independent editorial process. Our scores are editorial estimates based on publicly accessible information. They are not regulatory ratings, not guaranteed assessments, and not influenced by commercial relationships. We are an independent comparison platform, not a casino operator or regulator.
Our eight-step review process
01
Licence check
Before anything else, we verify that the operator holds a valid UK Gambling Commission licence. We check this against the public UKGC register — not just the claim on the operator's website. Operators without a current UKGC licence are not included.
02
Responsible gambling assessment
We check how easily a player can access responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. We look at whether these are accessible from the main navigation or require a support contact, and whether the GAMSTOP integration is in place.
03
Offer term review
We read through the operator's promotional terms carefully. We look for whether wagering requirements and eligibility conditions are stated clearly and prominently, rather than buried in footnotes or hidden behind multiple clicks.
04
Platform and mobile assessment
We assess how the site performs across desktop and mobile browsers. We note load times, navigation clarity, the ease of finding key account features, and whether a native app is available and functional.
05
Payment method check
We identify what deposit and withdrawal methods the operator accepts for UK players, including debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer. We also note any stated processing times for withdrawals, though we cannot verify these independently.
06
Game selection review
We give a general assessment of the breadth of the operator's game library, covering slots, table games, and live dealer content. We note the main software providers listed and the approximate size of the games catalogue.
07
Support accessibility
We check what customer support channels the operator offers (live chat, email, phone) and note any published operating hours. We do not test response quality exhaustively but we flag when support options are significantly limited.
08
Score and note
Based on the above, we produce an editorial comparison score out of 10 and a short editorial note summarising our findings. Scores are weighted across all criteria and are not influenced by commission rate.
What our scores represent
Each operator receives an editorial score out of 10. Scores reflect a weighted combination of the eight criteria above, with responsible gambling tool accessibility and offer term transparency given somewhat higher weight. Scores vary between operators and are not artificially inflated to make every listing look equally strong.
Scores are reviewed periodically and may change as operators update their platforms or policies. A high score on this site does not constitute a guarantee, recommendation, or endorsement, and does not indicate that the operator is suitable for every individual.
What we do not do
Accept any payment or benefit in exchange for a favourable review
Allow operators to view or amend editorial notes before publication
Use commission rate as a factor in scoring or placement
Fabricate user testimonials or invent player experiences
Claim to know an operator's internal withdrawal approval rates or other proprietary data
Guarantee that listed operators are suitable for any particular individual