Our Review Philosophy (Or: Why We’re Not Like Other Casino Sites)
Here’s what pisses me off about most casino review sites: they’re not actually reviewing anything. They’re copying marketing materials from casino websites, slapping a “9/10 – Highly Recommended!” rating on it, and calling it a day. It’s lazy, dishonest, and it screws over players who trust those reviews.
We do things differently at REKKR Casino Hub. Every casino on this site gets tested with real money by real people on my team. We create accounts, make deposits, play games, contact customer support at inconvenient hours, and attempt withdrawals. We read every word of the terms and conditions looking for traps. We verify licensing claims instead of taking them at face value.
This process takes 30-45 days per casino and costs us hundreds of dollars per review. Most sites won’t invest that time or money. We do it because honest reviews require actual testing, not just rewriting press releases.
“The only way to know if a casino is good is to actually use it like a real player would.” – Tyler MacLean, Founder
Our Step-by-Step Review Process
Phase 1: Initial Research & Background Check (Days 1-5)
Before we even create an account, we dig into the casino’s background:
Licensing Verification
We verify every licensing claim by checking directly with regulatory bodies. Claims to hold a Malta Gaming Authority license? We check the MGA’s public register. Says they’re licensed in Curaçao? We verify with Curaçao eGaming. UK license? We check with the UK Gambling Commission.
You’d be shocked how many casinos display fake license seals or claim licenses they don’t actually hold. We’ve caught dozens doing this.
Ownership & Reputation Research
Who owns this casino? What’s their track record? Do they operate other casinos, and if so, what’s the reputation of those properties?
We check complaint databases at AskGamblers, CasinoGuru, and Casinomeister. We search forums, Reddit, and social media for player experiences. We review regulatory actions and warnings.
Software Provider Verification
What game providers does this casino use? Are they reputable companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play? Or are they using knock-off providers with questionable RNG certification?
Legitimate software providers only work with licensed, reputable operators. If a casino claims to offer NetEnt games but we can’t verify that partnership, that’s a massive red flag.
Example: In 2024, we discovered “Maple Casino” claimed to be licensed by the MGA and offering Microgaming games. Both claims were completely false. We never published a review and reported them to Canadian authorities.
Phase 2: Registration & Account Verification (Days 5-7)
Creating an Account
We create a real account using accurate personal information. This lets us test the actual player experience, including verification and withdrawal processes.
We document:
- How long registration takes
- What information is required
- Whether there are age verification checks during signup
- If the casino uses CAPTCHA or other bot prevention
- Whether they force you to accept marketing communications
Identity Verification (KYC)
Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is required by reputable casinos to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. We test this process by submitting:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Sometimes payment method verification
We track how long verification takes, whether the process is clear, and if customer support is helpful when issues arise.
Red Flag: Casinos that don’t require verification are often unlicensed and may refuse to pay out winnings. But casinos that make verification unnecessarily difficult are also problematic.
Phase 3: Deposits & Banking (Days 7-10)
Testing Deposit Methods
We make at least three deposits using different payment methods commonly available to Canadian players:
- Interac e-Transfer
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- E-wallets (MuchBetter, ecoPayz)
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin)
For each method, we document:
- Processing speed (instant vs. delayed)
- Any fees charged
- Minimum and maximum deposit limits
- Whether the process is smooth or glitchy
Deposit Amounts
Our typical testing deposits:
- First deposit: $50-100
- Second deposit: $100-200
- Third deposit: $200-500
This range lets us test both casual player experiences and slightly higher rollers.
Example: When we tested SpinAway Casino in 2023, we discovered they advertised “instant Interac deposits” but actual processing took 2-4 hours. We documented this discrepancy in our review.
Phase 4: Bonuses & Promotions (Days 10-15)
Welcome Bonus Testing
We claim the welcome bonus and document every detail:
- Actual bonus amount received vs. advertised
- Wagering requirements (how many times you must bet the bonus before withdrawal)
- Game contribution percentages (slots usually 100%, table games often 10% or excluded)
- Maximum bet limits while bonus is active
- Time limits to complete wagering
- Maximum cashout limits
Wagering Requirements Reality Check
Let’s be real: most casino bonuses are designed to trap you, not reward you. A “100% match bonus up to $500” sounds great until you read the fine print and discover:
- 50x wagering requirement (you must bet $25,000 before withdrawal)
- Maximum bet of $5 while bonus is active
- Slots contribute 100% but table games contribute 10% or are excluded entirely
- 7-day time limit to complete wagering
- Maximum cashout of $500 even if you win $5,000
We calculate the actual expected value of bonuses using math, not marketing. If a bonus has a 50x wagering requirement, we tell you that completing it successfully is statistically unlikely.
| Wagering Requirement | Realistic Completion Rate | Our Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1x – 10x | 90%+ | Excellent |
| 15x – 25x | 60-80% | Good |
| 30x – 40x | 30-50% | Fair |
| 45x – 60x | 10-25% | Poor |
| 60x+ | Under 10% | Predatory |
Ongoing Promotions
We also document regular promotions, reload bonuses, cashback offers, and VIP programs. Are they genuinely rewarding or just marketing gimmicks?
Example: LeoVegas offers a “100% up to $1,000” welcome bonus with 30x wagering on deposit + bonus. That’s $60,000 in wagering required if you deposit $1,000. We calculated the actual completion rate at around 40% for the average player. That information goes in our review.
Phase 5: Game Selection & Software (Days 15-20)
Testing Game Variety
We don’t just count how many games a casino offers. We test games across multiple categories:
Slots
- Progressive jackpots
- Video slots
- Classic slots
- Branded slots
- Megaways slots
Table Games
- Blackjack (including variants)
- Roulette (European, American, French)
- Baccarat
- Poker variants
Live Dealer Games
- Live blackjack
- Live roulette
- Live baccarat
- Game shows (Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, etc.)
Software Provider Quality
We evaluate which game developers the casino partners with:
Top-Tier Providers: NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO
Mid-Tier: Red Tiger, Yggdrasil, Quickspin, Push Gaming
Budget Providers: Various smaller developers (not necessarily bad, just less established)
Game Performance Testing
- Load times
- Mobile compatibility
- Graphics quality
- Audio quality
- Whether games freeze or crash
- RTP (Return to Player) percentage transparency
RTP Verification
Reputable casinos display RTP percentages for their games. We verify these match what the game developers publish. Some operators lower RTP percentages to increase their edge—we call that out when we find it.
Phase 6: User Experience & Website Design (Days 20-25)
Desktop Experience
- Site navigation and layout
- Search functionality
- Game filtering options
- Account management ease
- Cashier accessibility
- Loading speeds
- Browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Mobile Experience
We test extensively on multiple devices:
- iPhone (iOS)
- Android phones (Samsung, Google Pixel)
- iPad
- Android tablets
We evaluate:
- Responsive design vs. dedicated mobile app
- Touchscreen responsiveness
- Mobile game selection
- Mobile payment processing
- Whether features are hidden or hard to access on mobile
Example: When we reviewed Jackpot City in 2024, we found their desktop site was excellent but mobile site hid the responsible gaming tools three menu levels deep. That knocked points off their score.
Phase 7: Security & Licensing (Ongoing)
Security Measures
- SSL encryption (we verify the site uses HTTPS)
- Two-factor authentication availability
- Privacy policy transparency
- Data protection measures
- Payment security
Regulatory Compliance
- Active license verification with regulatory bodies
- Responsible gaming tools availability
- Self-exclusion options
- Deposit and loss limit settings
- Reality check reminders
- Links to problem gambling support organizations
Compliance with Canadian Regulations
For casinos targeting Canadian players, we verify:
- Whether they’re licensed to operate in Canada
- Compliance with provincial regulations (particularly important in Ontario with the AGCO)
- Whether they accept Canadian payment methods
- If they display responsible gambling resources for Canadians
Phase 8: Customer Support (Days 25-30)
This is where things get interesting. We don’t just check if customer support exists—we stress-test it.
Support Channel Testing
- Live Chat: We contact at multiple times (morning, afternoon, late night, weekend) with various questions
- Email: We send inquiries and track response times
- Phone: If available, we call with questions
- FAQ/Help Section: We evaluate whether it’s actually useful or just generic fluff
Question Types We Ask
- Simple: “What are your withdrawal processing times?”
- Complex: “Can I use bonus funds on live dealer blackjack and have it count toward wagering requirements?”
- Problematic: “My withdrawal has been pending for 5 days. What’s the status?”
What We Evaluate
- Average response times
- Agent knowledge and helpfulness
- Whether they actually answer questions or just paste generic responses
- Politeness and professionalism
- Whether they try to upsell or push bonuses when inappropriate
- Language support (English, French for Canadian market)
The 2 AM Test
We deliberately contact support at 2 AM local time with a question. Are they actually available 24/7 as claimed? If so, is the agent awake and helpful, or clearly half-asleep and useless?
Example: When testing Royal Panda, we contacted support at 2:17 AM asking about withdrawal verification. Response time: 47 seconds. Agent was helpful and knowledgeable. That earned them high marks. Compare that to another casino (which shall remain nameless) where we waited 23 minutes at 2 AM only to get an agent who kept pasting the same generic response regardless of our question.
Phase 9: Withdrawal Testing (Days 30-40)
This is the most important part of our review. A casino can have great games, excellent bonuses, and perfect customer support—but if they don’t actually pay out your winnings, none of that matters.
Withdrawal Methods Testing
We test multiple withdrawal methods:
- Bank transfer
- Interac e-Transfer
- E-wallets
- Cryptocurrency
What We Document
- Withdrawal request process (is it simple or deliberately complicated?)
- Pending period before processing begins
- Actual processing time
- Whether additional verification is suddenly required
- Any fees charged
- Whether funds actually arrive in our account
The Withdrawal Timeline
| Stage | What We Track |
|---|---|
| Request Submitted | Time and date of withdrawal request |
| Pending Period | How long before casino begins processing |
| Processing | How long actual processing takes |
| Verification Requests | Any additional document requests |
| Approval | When casino approves withdrawal |
| Payment Received | When funds actually hit our account |
| Total Time | Complete end-to-end withdrawal time |
Red Flags We Watch For
- Reverse Withdrawal Periods: Casinos that let you cancel withdrawals for 24-48 hours (hoping you’ll gamble the money away)
- Sudden Verification Requests: Requiring new documents despite already completing KYC
- Processing Delays: Taking weeks to process withdrawals with no explanation
- Reduced Amounts: Paying out less than requested without clear explanation
- Terms Violations: Claiming you violated terms (maximum bet, game restrictions) that weren’t clearly stated
Example: When we tested Spin Casino in 2022, our $500 withdrawal was approved in 6 hours and hit our Interac account within 24 hours total. Excellent. Compare that to an offshore casino (name withheld) that took 19 days, required three additional verification documents, and initially tried to reduce our payout by claiming we’d violated maximum bet rules that weren’t stated in their terms.
Phase 10: Re-Testing & Updates (Quarterly)
Our job doesn’t end after publishing a review. Casinos change their practices—sometimes for better, often for worse.
Quarterly Re-Reviews
Every 90 days, we:
- Verify licenses are still active
- Check for changes to bonus terms
- Test withdrawal speeds again
- Review recent player complaints
- Update payment method availability
- Verify software providers haven’t been removed
Immediate Updates
We update reviews immediately when:
- License is suspended or revoked
- Major ownership changes occur
- Terms and conditions change significantly
- Payment processors are added or removed
- We receive credible player complaints
- Regulatory actions are taken against the operator
Our Scoring System: How Casinos Get Rated
Every casino receives a score from 0-100 based on weighted categories:
Scoring Breakdown
20% – Licensing & Regulation
- Valid license from reputable jurisdiction (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao)
- Regulatory compliance history
- No warnings or sanctions
- Transparent ownership
20% – Payment Processing
- Withdrawal speed and reliability
- Payment method variety
- Fees (or lack thereof)
- Deposit and withdrawal limits
15% – Bonus Fairness
- Reasonable wagering requirements
- Clear terms and conditions
- No predatory clauses
- Ongoing promotions value
15% – Game Selection
- Number and variety of games
- Software provider quality
- RTP transparency
- Live dealer availability
10% – Customer Support
- Response times
- Agent knowledge and helpfulness
- Channel availability (chat, email, phone)
- 24/7 availability
10% – Mobile Experience
- Mobile site or app quality
- Game selection on mobile
- Navigation and usability
- Payment processing on mobile
5% – Responsible Gaming
- Deposit and loss limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Reality checks
- Links to support organizations
5% – Reputation & Player Feedback
- Complaint volume and resolution
- Player reviews on independent sites
- Forum reputation
- Social media sentiment
What the Scores Mean
| Score | Rating | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | Exceptional | Highly recommended for all players |
| 80-89 | Excellent | Recommended with confidence |
| 70-79 | Good | Solid choice with minor issues |
| 60-69 | Fair | Acceptable but has notable weaknesses |
| 50-59 | Below Average | Only for specific situations |
| 0-49 | Poor | Not recommended |
We only provide affiliate links to casinos scoring 75 or higher. Anything below that doesn’t get our recommendation, even if they offer higher commission rates.
Who Reviews Our Casinos?
Tyler MacLean (Founder & CEO)
I handle reviews of new market entrants, offshore operators, and any casino that requires extra scrutiny. University of Calgary Computer Science graduate, former Betsson Group analyst, certified by iGaming Academy and Responsible Gambling Council.
Sarah Chen (Senior Casino Analyst)
Former compliance officer at Better Collective, Sarah specializes in payment processing and withdrawal verification. She’s the reason we caught multiple operators trying to delay or reduce withdrawals through sketchy practices.
Marcus Reid (Gaming Technology Specialist)
Lead developer on our DOOM REKKR mod, Marcus analyzes game RNG systems, software provider relationships, and technical casino infrastructure. If games can be rigged or manipulated, he’ll find it.
Jennifer Thompson (Responsible Gaming Coordinator)
Licensed counselor and gambling harm prevention specialist, Jenny ensures every review includes comprehensive responsible gaming assessments. She maintains our relationships with Responsible Gambling Council and provincial gambling support organizations.
David Kim (Content Director)
Former writer for AskGamblers, David oversees our editorial standards and ensures reviews are thorough, accurate, and helpful.
Plus our team of 7 additional testers and analysts who handle day-to-day casino testing, game evaluation, and ongoing monitoring.
Our Promise to Readers
1. We Test Every Casino With Real Money
No simulated play, no demo accounts, no copying marketing materials. Every review involves real deposits and real withdrawal attempts.
2. We Update Reviews Regularly
Quarterly re-reviews and immediate updates when casinos change practices or terms.
3. We Disclose Affiliate Relationships
When we make money from casino referrals, we tell you. Always.
4. We Don’t Accept Payment for Positive Reviews
Our scores are algorithm-based and can’t be influenced by commission rates or operator payments.
5. We Prioritize Player Protection
We only recommend casinos with strong responsible gaming tools and fair practices.
6. We Stand Behind Our Reviews
If you have a problem with a casino we recommended, contact us. We investigate every complaint and update reviews when necessary.
Affiliate Disclosure (Required Legal Stuff)
REKKR Casino Hub earns affiliate commissions when readers sign up at casinos through our links. This revenue funds our operations and lets us provide free content without charging subscription fees.
Important: Commission rates do not influence our reviews, ratings, or recommendations. We decline partnerships with operators that don’t meet our standards, even when offered higher commission rates. We’ve pulled recommendations for casinos we were earning from when their practices deteriorated.
For complete details, see our Advertising Disclosure.