Our editorial team deposits real money and tests every platform we recommend. This page documents our evaluation process, scoring criteria, and commitment to editorial independence.
Editorial Disclosure
Northeast Times maintains editorial independence from the platforms we review. We earn commissions when readers sign up through our affiliate links—this is how we fund our testing. However, affiliate relationships never influence our ratings. Platforms cannot pay for placement or higher scores. Our recommendations reflect documented testing outcomes.
Our Testing Process
Every casino and sportsbook in our rankings undergoes hands-on testing. We create real accounts, deposit our own money, play games, and withdraw winnings. We don’t rely on promotional materials, press releases, or secondhand reports.
Testing investment: In 2025, our team deposited over $12,000 across 40+ platforms for testing purposes. Each site receives a minimum $200 deposit and 2-week evaluation period before we publish or update a review.
What We Document
Account Registration: We time the signup process from start to approval. We document identity verification requirements, what documents are requested, and whether KYC is required before deposits or only before withdrawals.
Deposits: We test credit cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin) where available. We record processing times, fees charged, and minimum/maximum limits for each method.
Gameplay & RTP Verification: We track actual returns across 1,000+ spins per platform to verify published RTP percentages. For table games, we play minimum 200 hands of blackjack using basic strategy. We test on both desktop and mobile devices.
Bonus Claims: We claim welcome bonuses and document the actual wagering requirements, game contribution percentages, time limits, and maximum bet restrictions. We note any terms that differ from what’s advertised on landing pages.
Withdrawals: We request cashouts using multiple methods and time each one from request to receipt. We verify whether platforms honor their advertised processing times and document any withdrawal limits or fees not disclosed upfront.
Customer Support: We contact support via live chat with a standardized question and record response time and resolution quality. We test during both peak hours (evenings) and off-peak times to assess consistency.
Scoring Criteria
We rate platforms on a 5-point scale across four weighted categories. The final score is calculated as a weighted average.
Evaluation Categories
Payout Speed & Reliability
30%
Measured withdrawal times vs. advertised times, available cashout methods, withdrawal limits, and whether the platform has any history of delayed or refused payments.
Game Selection & Quality
25%
Total games available, software provider quality (NetEnt, Microgaming, RTG, etc.), live dealer options, RTP transparency, and mobile compatibility.
Bonus Value
20%
Welcome bonus size relative to wagering requirements (we calculate expected value), ongoing promotions, VIP/loyalty programs, and clarity of terms.
Trust & Licensing
25%
Valid gaming license, SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, independent game audits (eCOGRA, iTech Labs), and complaint history on forums like AskGamblers.
Minimum Safety Requirements
We will not recommend any platform that fails to meet these baseline standards, regardless of bonus offers or game selection:
- ✓ Valid Gaming License: Active license from Curacao eGaming, Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, or Kahnawake Gaming Commission. We verify license numbers directly with regulators.
- ✓ SSL Encryption: 256-bit SSL certificate securing all data transmission. We verify certificates are valid and properly implemented.
- ✓ Responsible Gambling Tools: Must offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Must link to problem gambling resources.
- ✓ Operational History: Minimum 2 years in operation with no major unresolved payment disputes. We check complaint databases including AskGamblers, Casinomeister, and Reddit communities.
- ✓ Verified Payouts: We must successfully complete at least one withdrawal during testing. Platforms that delay or refuse our test withdrawals without valid reason are not recommended.
How We Maintain Accuracy
Online gambling platforms change terms frequently. We maintain accuracy through:
Quarterly re-testing: Every recommended platform is re-tested at minimum once per quarter. We verify bonuses, process a withdrawal, and check for term changes.
Monitoring: We track industry news, regulatory actions, and user complaints on gambling forums daily. Material changes trigger immediate review updates.
“Last Verified” dates: Each review displays when our team last confirmed the information. If a review shows a verification date older than 90 days, we’re in the process of re-testing.
Reader reports: If you encounter information that doesn’t match your experience, email [email protected]. We investigate every report and update reviews when warranted.
What We Don’t Do
Transparency requires stating what we avoid:
- We don’t accept payment for reviews or rankings
- We don’t publish reviews based solely on press materials or affiliate manager claims
- We don’t recommend platforms we haven’t personally tested with real deposits
- We don’t guarantee gambling outcomes—RTP is a long-term statistical average, not a per-session guarantee
- We don’t recommend platforms to readers in jurisdictions where online gambling is prohibited
Frequently Asked Questions
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income. Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, that’s a warning sign. Resources: National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700), Gamblers Anonymous, BeGambleAware.
