How We Rate Online Casinos

What Does it Take to Get Featured on BestCasinoSites.net

At BestCasinoSites.net, we are committed to providing honest casino ratings that you can trust. We carry out in-depth reviews of online casinos, using a set of criteria. Safety is the most important factor. So, we only feature licensed and safe casinos on our website. We then review and rate all other key categories, including games, bonuses, payment options, and customer support. Read on to find out more about how we rate online casinos.

1. Safety & Licensing

You should never compromise on safety when gambling with real money online. That’s why every casino we review goes through a detailed safety check. Licensing is one of the most reliable ways to identify a trustworthy operator.

In Portugal, the official gambling regulator is the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ). This authority ensures that licensed casino sites follow strict legal and technical standards, including game fairness, data security, and responsible gambling requirements.

In addition to licensing, we look for third-party audits on game outcomes and payout systems. We also assess whether the casino uses encryption to protect your payments and keep your personal information secure.

1.1 Licence from the SRIJ

Gambling regulations vary from one country to another. In Portugal, operators must be licensed by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) to offer legal gambling services. We always check whether a casino holds the proper license to operate in its target jurisdiction.

Licensed operators are required to meet strict standards for player safety, fair play, and data protection. Choosing a licensed site helps ensure that you’re playing in a secure and well-regulated environment.

1.2 Independent Regulations for Fairness

As part of licensing regulations, online casinos and gambling sites must be checked for fairness. Trusted independent testing agencies, including eCOGRA, GLI, and iTech Labs verify the integrity of games and payouts. They perform rigorous RNG testing to ensure that game results are truly random and cannot be rigged. These testing authorities also produce reports detailing the payout percentage across all games. This regulation for fairness ensures that you have a fair chance of winning when you play at licensed online casinos.

1.3 Technical Security

Every reliable gambling site should guarantee technical security. They use SSL to encrypt any sensitive data that you share with the gambling website. This ensures that your personal data and your payment transactions are completely secured. To make sure that your shared data and payment details will be safe, we check that the site is protected with a trusted SSL certificate. You can do so yourself by click on the padlock icon to the left of the URL in your browser. Secured sites also include https:// at the beginning of the URL.

2. Games & Software Requirements

Games and software are an important part of our ranking process. We check for a rich variety of games with enough diversity to cater to all types of players. We look for quality and quantity when it comes to game selections. A good casino will offer games with excellent graphics and exciting gameplay features. Reliable software is also essential to ensure that games run smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.

2.1 Available Game Variety

Game selection is one of the main considerations in choosing which online casino to play at. The best casino sites offer diverse game selections with games from various top software developers. This means you can expect crystal-clear graphics and exciting features from the games. You could play slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and more besides at top sites. By reviewing the games that a casino offers, we can rank the best slots sites and the best casinos to play other popular games.

2.2 Renowned Software Developers

Every trustworthy casino features games from well-known software developers. By partnering with top casino software developers like Playtech, Microgaming, and NetEnt, an operator can make sure that their game selection is filled with high-quality, popular titles. It is preferable that operators offer games from numerous software developers. This ensures plenty of diversity across the entire selection, with many top-notch games to choose from.

2.3 Free Demo Games

When rating an online casino’s game selection, we check for the availability of free demo games. Most reliable online casinos offer demo versions of their games that you can play for free. Playing for free is a great way to get to grips with the rules, gameplay, and features before you risk your own money. So, practice play can help prepare you to play confidently with real money. Not every gambling game has a demo version. This is usually the case with live dealer casino games. Still, you should consider taking advantage of free play games when they are available.

2.4 High Quality Gambling and Casino Apps

Most players prefer to play casino games on mobile devices. So, mobile compatibility is an essential requirement for all online casinos and gambling sites. All reputable operators offer players the option to play on the go. Most casino sites are mobile responsive, so you can play directly in your mobile browser on most devices. Some operators have also developed native apps, tailor-made for optimum performance with iOS or Android operating systems. You could find a slightly smaller game selection playing on mobile. Still, the best mobile casinos keep the differences to a minimum.

3. Bonus Offers and Promotions

Most online casinos and gambling sites offer special promotions. It all starts with the welcome bonus. Operators offer generous bonuses to attract and reward new players. Such offers give your bankroll a boost, getting you started at a new casino with an advantage. Players should seek generous bonuses with fair conditions. So, we assess promotions and bonuses in our casino reviews. We check for the best casino bonus offers for new players, as well as the availability of promotions and loyalty rewards for regular players.

3.1 Welcome Bonus Offers

Welcome bonuses are usually the most generous promotions at online casinos. They are available exclusively to new players and usually awarded upon making the first deposit. Sign up bonuses could match your deposit with extra bonus money. Or you could benefit from free spins for selected slots. Whatever the offer, it will help to stretch out your bankroll and give you more opportunities to play. We analyse the promotional terms attached to any offer, so you know how convenient the conditions are.

3.2 Daily & Weekly Offers for Regular Players

Welcome bonuses are not the only offers you could claim at an online casino. Many operators also offer bonuses and promotions for their regular players to take advantage of. Some feature special daily and weekly bonus offers. Such offers could include re-load bonuses, free spins, raffles, and prize draws. Regular bonuses give players the chance to get extra value for their money after benefiting from the welcome offer. The availability of promotions for existing players is reflected in our online casino ratings.

3.3 Fair Terms and Conditions

All casino bonuses come with certain terms and conditions. These conditions are displayed transparently with all offers, and you should always read them before accepting any bonus. Within the terms, you will find the minimum deposit needed to claim the offer, the maximum bonus you could claim, and suitable payment methods. Players should pay close attention to the wagering requirements and validity. You should only claim bonuses that you can play through conveniently. Given the importance of bonus conditions, you will find them listed in each of our casino reviews.

3.4 VIP Clubs & Special Perks

Some online casinos offer special perks for their most advanced players. Many operators offer loyalty programs, with comp points awarded as you play. The more comp points you collect, the bigger the rewards. Some online casinos offer VIP clubs for their most elite players. Entry to the VIP program is usually by invitation only and reserved for the players that deposit and play the most. VIP clubs are particularly suited to high rollers. As a VIP player, you can expect many perks, such as a dedicated account manager, personalised bonuses, higher table limits, and even invites to red carpet events.

However, we’re also factoring regional specifics when evaluating the casino; some licensing bodies such as the SRIJ place restrictions on such programmes, and complying with the local regulations is a much more important factor for us.

4. Payment Options for Deposits and Withdrawals

Before you can start using casino features that involve real-money play, you’ll need to make a deposit. In Portugal, most licensed sites support a variety of secure payment methods, including debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers like PaysafeCard, and sometimes mobile payment options.

Not all methods support withdrawals — for example, PaysafeCard can only be used to add funds. That’s why it’s worth checking both deposit and withdrawal options in advance.

As part of our review process, we look at the payment methods available, along with deposit limits, processing times, and any applicable fees. Trusted sites aim to offer smooth and timely transactions once your account is verified.

4.1 Fast and Secure Deposits

Each online casino should offer a fast and secure deposit process. There are usually several deposit options to choose from. All payments are protected using SSL encryption at trusted gambling sites. Still, some deposit options offer better security and privacy than others. For example, e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill allow you to deposit without using a bank card. This adds extra protection to your payments, as you do not need to divulge your sensitive banking details.

4.2 Efficient and Reliable Withdrawals

You need to be confident that the casino offers fast and secure withdrawals when the time comes to withdraw your winnings. Most online casinos offer several withdrawal options. You will normally be required to withdraw with the same method used to deposit. Yet, if you use a deposit method that does not support withdrawals, you would need to select an alternative. Withdrawal times can vary depending on the operator and the payment method used. So, you should always check that the online casino offers fair terms for making withdrawals when deciding where to play.

4.3 Diverse Payment Methods

Licensed online casinos in Portugal support a variety of payment methods. It’s important to check which ones are available for both deposits and withdrawals before signing up. Most sites accept major debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, as well as widely used e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller.

Locally popular services like Multibanco and MB Way are also common, especially for deposits. Prepaid solutions like Paysafecard are sometimes offered, and a few casinos support mobile-friendly options such as Apple Pay. Keep in mind that some methods, like prepaid cards or mobile payments, may not be available for cashing out.

4.4 Fast and Secure Transactions

All reliable online casinos should offer fast transactions that are completely secure. Trusted gambling sites encrypt payment transactions. This protects your sensitive payment details from unauthorised access. Players should be given the option to make instant deposits and fast withdrawals. Still, differences can be found from one operator to another. At reputable casinos, deposit and withdrawal terms are clearly listed. So, you can check the accepted payment methods, limits, and transaction timescales.

5. Reliable Customer Support

When you play at an online casino, there will occasionally be times when you need to get in touch with the operator. You could have an account query, a question about a game, a technical issue, or perhaps an enquiry about available bonuses. You can tell a lot about an online casino by their customer support services.

We check for quality customer support when we rate online casinos. Reputable operators offer reliable support options. They provide various channels to get in touch, such as live chat, phone, and email. Plus, they invest in thorough training for their customer service agents, to ensure that they are fully qualified to handle any queries quickly and efficiently.

5.1 Available Live Chat

Most trusted online casinos offer live chat customer support. And most operators prefer their players to get in touch through this method. Live chat is the most convenient way to contact a casino. Queries are responded to quickly, making it ideal for urgent issues that require immediate attention. Live chat agents are trained to be able to handle most types of queries. So, it is the quickest way to get the help you need.

5.2 Reliable Email Address

Most online gambling sites allow customers to contact them via email. They could provide an email address on their website or a contact form for you to get in touch. Email is a good option when you have a general enquiry that does not need an urgent response. It is also ideal for important or complex issues that require lots of detail from you and investigation by the support team to resolve.

5.3 Other Contact Methods

Various reputable casino sites provide phone support. Many trusted operators provide a phone number to call and talk directly with a customer service agent. In a similar way to live chat, customer support by phone is a great option for urgent issues that need a quick response. Sometimes, you could find it more convenient to talk to an operator than typing to them. This is when a phone call is the best way to contact customer service.

5.4 Polite & Informed Customer Advisers

There is nothing more frustrating than lacklustre customer service that is more of a hindrance than a help. So, when we review an online casino, we contact the customer support team to assess how they handle various queries. Reputable casinos have polite and well-informed advisors that can efficiently handle a wide range of issues. Whether you have a general enquiry or an issue related to your account, you can be confident that the support team will be able to help.

6. Responsible Gambling

Social responsibility is an essential requirement for online casinos. For many players, gambling is fun and entertaining. Yet some players could develop problem gambling behaviours. All online casinos should promote responsible gambling. They partner with various agencies and charities that specialise in the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

All reputable online casinos offer various tools to help players stay in control of their gambling habits. They offer options to set limits on deposits, playing time, and losses. They will also give players the option to self-exclude, which is an important step for anyone experiencing difficulties controlling their gambling behaviour.

6.1 Organisations That Help Prevent Gambling Addiction

In Portugal, licensed online casinos are required to promote responsible gambling and provide clear access to support services. Most work in cooperation with organizations that specialize in preventing and treating gambling-related harm.

A key local resource is the Serviço de Intervenção nos Comportamentos Aditivos e nas Dependências (SICAD), which coordinates national strategies around addiction, including problem gambling. Another option is the Linha Vida helpline, offering confidential support to individuals and families affected by gambling issues.

Trusted casino sites include links to these services and encourage players to set personal limits or take breaks when needed. This is part of their broader responsibility to create a safe and transparent environment for all users.

6.2 Self-Exclusion

Reputable casino operators are required to support player well-being, not exploit it. Promoting responsible gambling is a core obligation for any licensed platform. One of the most effective self-help tools available is self-exclusion. When activated, you will not be able to deposit or play on the casino site for the chosen duration.

Players in Portugal can request self-exclusion through the national regulator, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ).

For those using international casinos, apps like Gamban can block access to gambling platforms across devices — offering an extra layer of protection.

7. Become a Part of the Best Casino Sites!

We are constantly on the lookout for top online casinos to recommend to our visitors. If you are a casino operator that matches our criteria, you can become featured on our list of the best casino sites. To get your casino listed on our website, we will carry out a detailed review, covering all key categories.

We will check your casino site’s licensing and security credentials. We will assess the games you provide and bonus offers. In fact, we will check all of the criteria we have covered on this page to rate your casino. If you think that your site is worthy of attention, then head over to our dedicated page to get your casino listed.

Submit Your Casino for Listing

What Casinos Would Be Blacklisted?

Not all online casinos that we review will make it onto our website. And that’s because not all casino sites are reliable. Some operators should be avoided at all costs. Rogue sites could lack the required licensing and security to provide a safe gaming platform. They could also withhold payouts for arbitrary reasons. Here are the main reasons why an online casino could be blacklisted:

⚠️ Missing or Revoked Licence
⚠️ Personal Data Abuse
⚠️ Unreliable Software
⚠️ Poor or Unqualified Customer Support
⚠️ Slow Payment Process
⚠️ Lack of Sufficient Website Security
⚠️ Unjustly Unpaid Winning
⚠️ Misleading Bonus Offers