Our Testing Method

Our method, your decisions. Here we explain, step by step, how we evaluate what truly matters - from licensing to withdrawals, including bonuses, mobile apps, and customer support.

Everything is done 100% by real people, only in authorized and regulated markets - never pay-to-rank.

The Short Version

• Legal & Licensing → we confirm the local framework.
• Registration & Identity Verification (KYC) → we create an account and time the process.
• Deposits & Bonuses → we deposit real money and review the conditions.
• Sports Betting or Casino → we test odds/RTP, live play, cash-out, and the game catalog.
• iOS/Android Apps → stability, speed, UX, accessibility.
• Security, Support & Withdrawals → responsible gaming tools, real customer service, and measured payout times.

Then we assign a score, sign it, date it… and update ChampsBase regularly.

The Detailed Method

Step 1 – Legal Framework and Market Eligibility

We first check the regulatory context: valid license, competent regulator, and authorized scope within the targeted country. Offshore or unlicensed operators never appear in our listings.

Result: you only compare platforms that are legally allowed to operate where you play.

Pro tip: if you are unsure, review your responsible gaming basics and keep your play under control.

Step 2 – Account Creation and KYC (yes, we time it)

We open an account like any player would. We assess the clarity of the form, potential friction points, required documents, and above all, the real processing times. Timestamped screenshots are kept. A smooth, secure KYC saves time for everyone.

To watch for: requested information should be proportionate, and the privacy policy should be transparent.

Step 3 – Deposits and Bonuses (with real money)

We deposit funds using several methods (card, bank transfer, local wallets) to measure fees, limits, and speed. For bonuses, we carefully review the terms and conditions (wagering requirements, minimum odds, eligible games, deadlines) and follow the activation process step by step until completion.

Important: the value of a bonus lies in its conditions, not its advertised size.

Pro tip: if a bonus doesn’t fit your style, skip it. Control matters more than the offer.

Step 4A – Sports Betting (if bookmaker)

We evaluate odds quality, market depth (pre-match and live), cash-out availability (and conditions), bet slip usability, and live responsiveness. We also assess limits and stability during peak events.

To watch for: unreliable or overly restricted cash-out options weigh down the score.

👉 If you want to start betting, check our list of the best sports betting sites.

Step 4B – Online Casino (if casino)

We review the catalog (providers, variety), RTP/volatility, wagering rules (caps, excluded games), and mobile performance. Sessions are real, on a leisure budget, and fully documented (screenshots, timestamps).

Pro tip: choose games that match your budget and understand volatility to avoid unpleasant surprises.

👉 For casino play, start with the best online casinos.

Step 5 – iOS/Android Apps (real daily use)

We install official apps from the stores, then test stability, speed, UX (navigation, filters, quick bets), relevance of notifications, and accessibility. Compatibility is checked across devices and OS versions.

To watch for: an app that loads quickly on the homepage but lags during live betting or withdrawals will not receive a high score, no matter how attractive it looks.

Step 6 – Security and Support (your safety first)

We verify encryption, 2FA, responsible gaming tools (deposit/time/loss limits, time-outs, self-exclusion), ensuring they are present and functional. For support, we test channels (chat, email), language options, and real response times.

Pro tip: set your limits at registration - it helps prevent future issues.

Step 7 – Withdrawals (the ultimate test)

We request withdrawals and measure the real time until funds are received, including conditions (KYC, limits, fees). Each attempt is documented, whether successful or not. Reliable withdrawals carry significant weight in the final score.

To watch for: unexplained delays or hidden fees.

Step 8 – Scoring and Publication (transparent criteria)

Each platform receives an overall score and sub-scores (payments, bonuses, betting/casino, apps, security/support). We publish strengths and weaknesses with concrete proof (screenshots, data), then sign and date each review.

For more details on our approach by category, see:

• Why our bookmaker reviews are reliable
• Why our casino reviews are reliable

Independence Clause: no payment influences our ratings, reviews, or ranking order - no pay-to-rank.

Step 9 – Updates and Corrections (because things change)

We schedule regular reviews and publish updates whenever a major factor changes (license, T&C, bonus, app, withdrawal times). Each page shows its last updated date.

If you spot an error or update: contact us via our contact page. We act quickly and log every correction.

How to Read Our Scores

• The overall score reflects the complete experience.
• Sub-scores highlight strengths and weaknesses.
• Similar operators may receive different verdicts depending on market, withdrawal speed, or live performance.
• A strong score is not a guarantee of winning - gambling remains entertainment.

What We Don’t Do

❌ No unauthorized markets or offshore operators.
❌ No pay-to-rank, ever.
❌ No “magic systems” to guarantee wins.
❌ No access to your player accounts (if a withdrawal is blocked, contact the brand’s support directly).

Transparency and Proof

We prioritize transparency, with evidence to back every claim. Each review is based on cited sources (T&C, help pages, regulators) and timestamped screenshots of our tests:

• Registration/KYC
• Deposits
• Bonus activation
• App sessions
• Withdrawals (timed)

We maintain a test log (metrics, support interactions) and display the date of the latest update. Major revisions are archived.

Where affiliate links exist, they are clearly disclosed and never influence ratings or ranking order. They simply fund our testing - at no cost to you.

Sensitive information is blurred and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.