Our Methodology

Every ranking on this site follows one transparent, published process. Here it is in full.

1. Licensing first

A casino is only eligible for our tables if it holds a current UK Gambling Commission licence, verifiable on the public register. No licence, no listing — regardless of how good the bonus looks.

2. Expected value, not headline

We score each bonus with the formula bonus − (wagering × bonus × 4% house edge). This captures the real cost of clearing the wagering. A £100 bonus at 10x costs roughly £40 to clear, so its expected value is about £60. A smaller, lower-wagering offer routinely beats a bigger, heavier one. The full working is in our EV guide.

3. Usability adjustments

The formula is then adjusted for factors it cannot price: expiry (can you realistically clear it in time?), max bet, game weighting, payment options and withdrawal speed. A bonus you cannot complete before it expires has an effective value of zero, however large the headline.

4. Hands-on testing

We register, deposit, claim the bonus, play through the wagering and withdraw — so the ratings reflect real experience, not just the terms on paper. Withdrawal speed in particular is something you only learn by doing it.

5. Independence

We earn commission on sign-ups, but it never moves a brand up the table. Rankings follow the EV formula and testing alone. We publish corrections openly — if you spot an error, tell us.