How we research a casino
- Terms first. We read the casino's general terms, bonus terms and banking pages in full, and record wagering rules, maximum bets, validity windows, cashout caps and withdrawal limits.
- Licence check. We confirm the operating company and licence number and, where possible, verify them with the regulator.
- Cashier review. We check which payment methods are offered to Canadian players, including Interac, and what minimums, maximums and fees apply.
- Cross-checking. Figures are compared with independent review sites and recent player feedback on Trustpilot. Where sources disagree, we use the operator's own terms and note the uncertainty.
- Support test. We look at the support channels available and their hours.
The six scoring criteria
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus value & ceiling | 35% | Headline size, how far the match goes for larger deposits, and free-spin volume. |
| Bonus terms fairness | 15% | Wagering multiple, max bet, cashout caps, validity window and sticky vs non-sticky rules. |
| CAD banking | 15% | Interac availability, fees, payout speed and withdrawal caps. |
| Licensing & safety | 15% | Who regulates the operator, dispute routes and responsible-gambling tools. |
| Games & live tables | 10% | Library depth, provider quality and live-dealer coverage. |
| Support & loyalty | 10% | Live chat availability, VIP/loyalty value and ongoing promotions. |
Because our rankings focus on high-value welcome offers, bonus value carries the largest weight. Terms, banking and licensing together still make up 45% of the score, so an oversized headline cannot compensate for unfair wagering or weak regulation.
How the score is calculated
Each criterion is rated from 1 to 10. The overall score is the weighted average of the six ratings, rounded to one decimal place. The same formula is applied to every casino, including our featured partner. You can see each brand's key figures, pros and cons in the ranking.
How we assess games and slots
For the games criterion we consider the size of the library, the reputation of the software studios, the depth of the live dealer section and whether games are independently certified. We also consider how games contribute to bonus wagering, because a large live casino is of little use for clearing a bonus if live games count 0%. For background on how game fairness is tested, see our guide to random number generators.
Affiliate relationships
- We may earn a commission from casinos we partner with. Partner links are marked and use a
rel="sponsored"attribute. - Partners may be shown in featured positions, which are clearly labelled “Our Top Pick”.
- Partners cannot edit our content, change their ratings or remove weaknesses we list.
- Our general guides (regulation, history, game mechanics) carry no partner links.
Updates and corrections
Casino offers change frequently. We review the ranking at least monthly and whenever a partner or competitor changes a major term. Each page shows its last update date. If you spot an error, email [email protected] and we will check and correct it.