How We Rate Casinos

At The Compass, we evaluate UK poker sites and online casinos using a rigorous, transparent methodology. Our expert team assesses each platform across eight key criteria to help you find the safest, most rewarding gaming experience. Here's how we rate them.

1. Licensing & Regulation

Player safety is our top priority. We only recommend casinos licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, primarily the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). We also accept casinos holding valid licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao, or other recognised UK-approved jurisdictions. We verify:

• Current, valid gaming license status
• Regulatory compliance and audit trails
• History of regulatory incidents or fines
• Adherence to UK Gambling Act 2005 standards

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

A great poker site offers diverse gaming options powered by trusted software developers. We evaluate:

• Variety of poker variants (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, etc.)
• Quality of live poker tables and tournaments
• Game portfolio across slots, live casino, and table games
• Partnerships with premium software providers (Microgaming, Playtech, Evolution, etc.)
• Game fairness and RTP (Return to Player) percentages

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Generous bonuses mean nothing without fair terms. We scrutinise:

• Welcome bonus structure and maximum cash value
• Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
• Game contribution percentages towards rollover
• Maximum cashout limits on bonus winnings
• Bonus expiry periods and validity
• Clarity and accessibility of terms & conditions

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

Fast, secure deposits and withdrawals are essential. We assess:

• Supported payment methods (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, crypto)
• Average withdrawal processing times
• Minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits
• Transaction fees and hidden costs
• SSL encryption and payment security standards

5. Customer Support

Responsive, knowledgeable support matters when you need help. We evaluate:

• 24/7 live chat availability
• Email and telephone support options
• Average response times
• Support staff knowledge and professionalism
• Availability of self-service help centres and FAQs

6. Mobile Experience

Modern players expect seamless mobile gaming. We test:

• Responsive design across all devices
• Dedicated iOS and Android apps (where available)
• Loading speed and navigation
• Game performance on mobile platforms
• Mobile-exclusive features and bonuses

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

Protecting vulnerable players is crucial. We check for robust responsible gaming features:

• Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss limits and spend limits
• Self-exclusion options
• Cooling-off periods (time-out functionality)
• Reality check reminders during play
• Links to external support services (GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.)
• Account closure options

8. Our Rating Scale

We rate every casino on a simple 1–10 scale:

• 9–10: Excellent – Outstanding across all criteria. Highly recommended.
• 7–8: Very Good – Strong performance with only minor weaknesses.
• 6–7: Good – Solid offering, suitable for most players.
• 5–6: Average – Acceptable but with notable limitations.
• Below 5: Poor – Significant concerns; not recommended.

Each criterion carries weighted importance, with Licensing & Regulation having the most impact on the overall score. A casino cannot achieve a high rating if it fails on safety, regardless of other strengths.

Disclaimer: Our ratings are independent and based on research at the time of publication (2026). We encourage players to conduct their own due diligence and only gamble responsibly within the UK legal framework.