It's crucial that your money and your personal information are secure when gambling online. As part of our 25-step reviews process we check for legitimate, independent licensing, regulation for fairness, and strong encryption on data.

We always test a casino's game selection ourselves with real money, to get a true feel for it. We're looking for a good variety of real money and free play titles from top software developers, huge progressive jackpots and the option to download.

Welcome bonuses provide a great initial boost to your bankroll and should be easy to claim, with no complex wagering requirements. We also like to see regular promotions for all players, and a VIP schema for loyal players is another big plus.

A range of secure banking options is essential, and both the deposit and withdrawal processes should be quick and easy, with minimal processing time. A fair RTP should also be displayed on the casino's site, so players know they'll be getting a decent payout when they win.

Although you hopefully won't need to use it, a good customer support service should be available around the clock, and via various channels such as email, live chat and telephone. Casinos should also honor data protection agreements and consider the well-being of their customers.

With the huge popularity of mobile gaming, online casinos should be optimized for all popular mobile devices. We expect an easy-to-use interface and smooth gameplay, whether it's mobile site accessible via a browser or a downloadable app.

As many online gamblers enjoying playing at sites from all over the world, casinos must offer a tailored expe.