Home » How We Rate Online Casinos: Our Unique ‘iGN Rating’ and Safety Index

How We Rate Online Casinos: Our Unique ‘iGN Rating’ and Safety Index

As a UK online casino player, understanding which sites are safe, fair, and worth your time is crucial. Our unique two-part evaluation process ensures complete transparency and will help you make informed decisions anytime you want to find the best new UK online casinos.

On this page, we’ll explain exactly how both of these ratings work and how they can help you find the best online casinos and avoid the dud ones.

What is the iGN Rating?

The iGN Rating is our percentage-based score, ranging from 1% to 100%, that evaluates the overall quality of any online casino. It helps you to easily and quickly compare casinos at a glance.

This rating considers the casino’s promotions, banking options, game selection, customer support, ease of use and more. A higher rating means a better, more trustworthy casino, it’s as simple as that!

For each casino we review here at iGamingNuts we use both of these comprehensive rating systems:

iGN Rating: A score that assesses the overall quality of the online casino, including bonuses, games, customer support, usability and more.
Safety Index: A specialised metric focusing solely on the security, fairness, and responsible gambling tools of the online casino.

All of our expert casino reviews combine these two detailed metrics to give you an accurate and reliable evaluation of each site.

Each specific metric has a special weighting based on its overall impact. It breaks down like this:

igamingnuts casino review methodology - how we rate casinos

Purpose of the iGN Rating

We have created the iGN Rating system to provide you with a transparent and consistent evaluation of all online casinos. Our three main aims of the rating are to help you:

Compare: Different online casinos instantly and get a quick snapshot of their overall quality.
Understand: A casino’s strengths and weaknesses with some easy-to-interpret data.
Choose: Online casinos that offer you the best overall experience.

The iGN Rating can be particularly useful if you’re a new player who might not know what to look for in an online casino. It can quickly help you understand what makes a top-tier site, even if you’re a complete online casino newbie.

Our Detailed iNG Rating Methodology

Our unique evaluation methodology ensures that every online casino we review is assessed based on objective, transparent, and consistent criteria. Our iGN Rating considers multiple factors, weighing them by importance to you, with each one contributing to the total score.

Below is a breakdown of the key components of the iGN rating and exactly how we evaluate each one:

1. Safety & Fairness – Our Safety Index (25%)

Our Safety and Fairness rating, known at iGamingNuts as our Safety Index, makes up a hefty 25% of the overall score. This is how much we value your safety and security when you play at online casinos.

In summary, the Safety Index is made up of 10 key criteria that cover everything from Reputation and Feedback to the KYC process and Licencing at each casino we rate. All of these points are essential for having a safe experience any time you sign up or log in to an online casino.
If you’re keen to know more, we go into more detail on the Safety Index rating in the next section.

2. Bonuses and Promotions (15%)

Bonuses play a crucial role in attracting and retaining players. This category evaluates the quality, fairness, and transparency of promotional offers. This is what we look for:

Welcome Bonus (5%): Rates the variety and value of a casino’s welcome offers, considering deposit matches, free spins, and no-deposit bonuses.
Variety of Bonuses for Existing Players (3%): Checks for ongoing promotions, reload bonuses, and tournaments to reward returning players.
Transparency of Bonus Terms (5%): Assesses the clarity of terms, wagering requirements, and restrictions to ensure a fair deal.
VIP & Loyalty Program (2%): Reviews the quality and accessibility of loyalty rewards to see if it’s worth playing there in the long run.

3. Banking Options (10%)

With this category, we examine the casino’s payment methods, transaction speed, and fee transparency to ensure it gives you the best options possible.

Payment Method Variety (5%): We assess the number of available banking methods, from e-wallets to cryptocurrencies. We want to see a range of high-quality options offered.
Withdrawal Speed (3%): We rate how quickly you can receive their winnings.
No Hidden Fees (2%): Helps to ensure transparency in all financial transactions.

4. Game Selection (15%)

We know that the variety and quality of games significantly impact a casino’s appeal. That’s why we investigate the following aspects for every site we review:

Game Variety (Slots, Table Games, Live Casino) (5%): We assess the range and quality of game types available.
Quality of Software Providers (4%): We want to see some partnerships with top providers like NetEnt and Microgaming to boost the game library.
Latest Releases (2%): We’ll check whether the casino regularly updates its game library.
Free Play Options (2%): Determines if you can try games in demo mode before playing for real money.
Payout Rates (2%): We seek out the average RTP across the casino’s game selection to see what your potential returns can be.

5. Customer Support (10%)

Reliable customer support is essential to the way you experience and trust any online casino. Here’s what we look for when it comes to support:

Variety of Options and Availability (5%): We look for the presence of 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support to help you when you need it.
Response Time & Helpfulness (5%): We assess the speed and quality of responses to ensure you are getting the best info in a timely manner.

6. Ease of Use (15%)

The way you experience a casino is a major factor in any casino’s rating. This is exactly what we are investigating:

Site Design & Navigation (5%): We look at the casino’s ease of use and overall design.
Mobile Site/App Quality (4%): We test the performance and usability of mobile versions of each casino.
Device Compatibility (3%): We check the accessibility across different devices and operating systems to ensure everyone gets the same experience.
Ease of Registration & KYC Process (3%): We’ll take a close look at how easy it is to sign up and verify a new account.

7. Reputation & User Feedback (5%)

User trust and external reviews have some influence on our rating in the following ways:

Trustpilot/Other Ratings (3%): Analyses reviews from external sources across the internet to get a clear picture of reputation.
Consistency in Positive Reviews (2%): Ensures a stable reputation over time, not skewed by just a few bad or high rating reviews.

8. Localisation (5%)

A casino’s ability to cater to different markets is important to us as a multi-country site. This is what we look for:

Language & Currency Options (5%): We check the language support and currency availability across the casino. We’ll be looking for multiple languages and payment options where required.

Scoring System

Our iGN Rating follows a percentage-based scoring system (1% to 100%), designed to give you a clear and objective view of a casino’s overall quality. This score is determined by a weighted evaluation of key factors mentioned above, with safety, fairness, and responsible gambling tools carrying extra importance.

Here’s what the percentage rating you’ll see on our casino reviews means for you as an online gambler:

Casinos in this range are considered top-tier, offering secure, fair, and high-quality gaming experiences.
These sites have strong player protections, a high Safety Index, and transparent policies.
Players can expect fast withdrawals, excellent customer support, fair bonus terms, and a diverse game selection.
Example: A casino with an iGN Rating of 92% is highly recommended, meeting all major criteria for trust and quality.

These casinos are decent but may have minor drawbacks affecting the overall experience.
Common issues include slightly slower withdrawals, stricter bonus conditions, or limited customer support hours.
While still safe and licenced, players should review terms carefully before playing.
Example: A casino with an iGN Rating of 65% may offer good games and fair bonuses but might lack fast cashouts or premium support options.

Casinos in this category raise red flags regarding security, fairness, or customer service.
They may have unfavourable terms, slow payments, poor support, or unresolved player complaints.
A low Safety Index suggests weak responsible gambling measures or questionable business practices.
Example: A casino rated 30% may have lengthy withdrawal delays, predatory terms, or a history of unfair treatment towards players.

By using our iGN Rating and Safety Index, you can quickly and easily identify trusted casinos while avoiding those with high risks or a poor reputation. Our scoring system ensures only reputable operators receive top marks!

What is the Safety Index?

Safety is our top priority, and the Safety Index contributes significantly to the overall iGN Rating, weighted at 25%. This is because we highly value casinos that provide a secure and fair gaming environment anytime you want to play.

Our Safety Index rating feeds into the over iGN rating for any casino but also acts as a standalone score. We did this as safety is such a crucial factor when gambling online so you’ll be able to get an idea of how safe any casino is with a quick glance.

Here are all the sub-criteria within the Safety Index and how they work:

Reputable Licensing Authority: We check whether the casino holds a licence from a recognised authority (e.g., UKGC, MGA, Curacao). Higher-rated licences offer stricter regulations and better player protection.
Data Encryption: We want to see the use of SSL encryption and other security protocols to safeguard player data.
Privacy Policy Compliance: We review how well the casino adheres to GDPR and other national and local data privacy laws.
Identity Verification (KYC): We assess how thorough and fair the KYC process is, ensuring compliance while maintaining user convenience.
Fair Play Certification: We take a look at the casino’s third-party audits (e.g., eCOGRA, iTech Labs) to confirm game fairness.
Responsible Gambling Tools: We want to see the availability of self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and reality checks at any casino we review.
Data Protection Rights: You need to know that you can access, edit, or delete your data as per privacy laws.
Security Certification: We’ll assess compliance with PCI DSS and other cybersecurity standards.
Payment Transparency: We need to see clear information on fees, withdrawal times, and limits so you don’t get stung by hidden costs.
Self-Exclusion Options: You need to be able to easily self-exclude or limit your gambling activity anytime you want to.

Safety Index Scoring Method

Our Safety Index follows a 1 to 5 rating scale, helping you to instantly understand the casino’s security level before signing up. Here’s what each one means and how it can impact your experience:

Unlicensed or operates under a highly questionable licence.
Numerous unresolved player complaints and reports of unfair practices.
No responsible gambling tools or security measures in place.
Predatory terms, including unfair withdrawal limits or confiscation of winnings.
Example: A casino with a history of delayed or withheld payments, misleading promotions, and poor customer support.

Licensed, but the operator has a poor reputation.
Some unfair terms (e.g., excessive wagering, slow withdrawals).
Limited responsible gambling tools or weak enforcement of self-exclusion.
Example: A casino that pays out but often delays withdrawals or applies hidden fees.

Fully licensed and follows basic security measures.
Mostly fair, but terms may include some restrictions (e.g., slow customer service, limited payment options).
Responsible gambling tools are present but could be stronger.
Example: A casino that is generally safe but has occasional complaints about withdrawal delays or restrictive bonus terms.

Well-regulated and licensed by respected authorities.
Transparent terms with fair withdrawal policies and reliable payouts.
Strong responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion).
Example: A reputable casino with fast withdrawals, clear terms, and a positive player reputation.

The gold standard in security and responsible gambling.
Highly reputable, fully licensed, and adheres to strict industry standards.
Instant or fast withdrawals, fair bonus policies, and strong customer support.
Example: A casino that is widely recognised for fairness, fast payments, and outstanding player protection.

Where to Find the iGN Rating and Safety Index on Our Website?

We display these ratings in multiple areas across the iGN site:

Casino Reviews: Each review features the iGN Rating and Safety Index prominently at the top of the page for easy viewing.
Casino Comparison Tables: You’ll find both the scores next to the logo of each brand to quickly compare casinos side by side.
Game and Bonus Pages: We also display the scores on pages to show the casinos where you can play our recommended games or claim the best bonuses.

Look for the icon like this to see the iGN and Safety Index scores at a glance:

Why trust us?

Here at iGN, we’re not just reviewers, we’re passionate casino players, just like you. Our team spends countless hours playing, testing, and exploring online casinos to bring you honest, real-world insights.

We don’t just look at the stats, we experience these platforms firsthand, from claiming bonuses to making withdrawals and questioning their customer support guys.

Of course, every online casino we review is put through a rigorous evaluation process as detailed above. But what makes our iGN Rating truly special is the human touch. We feel this is very important in an increasingly AI-driven world!

Our expert reviewers have years of experience in the industry, and give their final say on every rating. They analyse the data, weigh in with their expertise, and ensure that each score reflects the true quality and safety of each casino they review.

We take pride in being transparent, fair, and dedicated to helping players find the best and safest online gambling experiences. Our goal isn’t just to rate casinos, it’s to guide you toward platforms where you can play with confidence and freedom.

Now, meet the iGamingNuts experts behind our ratings and reviews:

Our experts

Alexandre Fossier

Alexandre is an online casino specialist with years of experience in iGaming content, including roles at Better Collective. Now at iGamingNuts, he delivers unbiased reviews to help players make informed gaming decisions.

Charlie Stamp

Charlie is a UK online casino specialist with industry expertise since 2017, known for forecasting market trends and crafting expert reviews. Now at iGamingNuts, he delivers in-depth, transparent insights to help UK players make informed choices.

Alexander Assies

Alexander is a content specialist and responsible gambling advocate with iGaming experience since 2016. He focuses on critical topics like compliance, ESG, and player protection, delivering informative and impactful content.

Natalia Szula

Natalia Szula, Editor-in-Chief at iGamingNuts.com, brings over 10 years of experience in online gambling. She leads the editorial team, ensuring high-quality content, and shares her passion for casinos and the excitement of gambling with players worldwide.

Responsible gambling and safety

At iGN, we love online casinos, but we believe that gambling should always be fun, safe, and within your control. That’s why we take responsible gambling very seriously.

Every casino we review is checked for responsible gambling tools, like deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion options. We know that having the right safeguards in place makes all the difference. Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, we want you to enjoy the thrill of the slot or table game without ever feeling pressured or at risk.

Your safety is our priority. We only recommend casinos that are licensed by reputable authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, and use top-tier encryption to protect your personal and financial information. Fair play is also a must, so we always look for independent game testing certifications that guarantee every spin and bet is truly random.
If gambling ever stops feeling fun, we have plenty of responsible gambling resources available to help. We always encourage you to set limits, take breaks, and reach out for support if needed. Always remember that responsible gambling isn’t just about playing smart, it’s about making sure you’re always in control.

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