Our Review Methodology at Dementiagarden
At Dementiagarden (www.dementiagarden.org.uk), every casino review you read is the result of a structured, hands-on evaluation process. We do not publish ratings based on guesswork or commercial arrangements. Our team tests each platform directly, applying a consistent framework so that players in Great Britain can make genuinely informed decisions before depositing real money.
This page explains exactly how we assess each casino, what criteria we use, how much weight we give each factor, and how we protect the integrity of our scores.
Our Rating Scale
We score every casino on a scale of 1 to 10, where:
- 9.0 – 10.0 — Outstanding. A benchmark casino that excels across nearly all criteria.
- 7.0 – 8.9 — Very Good. Strong performance with only minor shortcomings.
- 5.0 – 6.9 — Average. Acceptable in some areas but notable weaknesses exist.
- 3.0 – 4.9 — Below Average. Significant problems that players should be aware of before signing up.
- 1.0 – 2.9 — Poor. Serious concerns around safety, fairness, or player experience. We do not recommend these sites.
Each casino's final score is a weighted average calculated from six core criteria. A casino cannot disguise a critical failure in one area by performing well elsewhere — red flags in licensing or safety, for example, will always drag an overall score down significantly.
Our Six Rating Criteria
1. Licensing and Safety — 25%
This is the single most important factor in our assessments. We verify whether each casino holds a valid licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which is the only regulator whose authorisation legally permits a casino to accept players from Great Britain in 2026. We also check for additional licences from respected bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority where relevant.
Beyond the licence itself, we evaluate responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks), SSL encryption standards, data protection compliance under UK GDPR, and the operator's track record with regulatory bodies. Any history of UKGC sanctions is noted explicitly.
2. Bonuses and Promotions — 20%
Bonuses are only valuable if they are fair. We read every line of the terms and conditions, paying close attention to wagering requirements, game contribution percentages, maximum bet restrictions, and time limits. We assess whether welcome offers, reload bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programmes represent genuine value for advantage-conscious players or whether they are structured to be statistically unreachable.
3. Game Selection — 20%
We evaluate the breadth and quality of a casino's game library. This includes the number of slots, live dealer tables, table games, and specialty games available. We check which software providers are featured — names such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Microgaming signal quality. We also assess Return to Player (RTP) transparency and whether the casino publishes verifiable payout data.
4. Payment Methods — 15%
We test deposit and withdrawal processes directly. We look at the range of accepted payment methods (debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers), minimum and maximum transaction limits, processing times, and any fees charged. For UK players, we confirm compliance with the UKGC's ban on credit card gambling. Fast, fee-free withdrawals score highest.
5. Customer Support — 10%
We contact each casino's support team ourselves, via live chat, email, and telephone where available. We record response times, the accuracy and helpfulness of answers, and whether agents demonstrate genuine knowledge of the platform. Support availability (24/7 versus limited hours) is also factored in.
6. Mobile Experience — 10%
We access every casino on mobile devices, testing both dedicated apps and browser-based play. We assess page load speeds, navigation ease, game compatibility, and whether all account management features function correctly on smaller screens.
Criteria Weighting Summary
| Criteria | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Licensing and Safety | 25% |
| Bonuses and Promotions | 20% |
| Game Selection | 20% |
| Payment Methods | 15% |
| Customer Support | 10% |
| Mobile Experience | 10% |
How Dementiagarden Stays Unbiased
Independence is something we take seriously. Here is how we protect the integrity of our scores:
- Editorial separation: Our review team operates independently from our commercial team. Affiliate relationships with casinos do not influence review scores or written conclusions.
- Consistent criteria: Every casino is measured against the same six criteria using the same scoring rubric, regardless of whether they advertise with us.
- Real testing: We create accounts, make deposits, and play games. Our assessments are based on lived experience, not marketing materials supplied by operators.
- Transparency about affiliates: Where we earn a commission through referral links, this is disclosed clearly on the page. Our editorial opinion remains separate from these commercial arrangements.
- Regular re-evaluation: Casinos are not reviewed once and forgotten. We revisit scores when terms change, when complaints emerge, or when regulatory action is taken.
If you believe a score is inaccurate or wish to report a player complaint, you can contact us directly through our website at www.dementiagarden.org.uk. We read every message and update our reviews when the evidence supports a change.