Thousands of casinos, most of them fine, some of them not. This checklist is what we run before we recommend a casino, and you can run it yourself in ten minutes.
7
checks
10 min
to run them
0
checks you should skip
18+
play responsibly
Seven checks, in order of importance
Do them in this order. If a casino fails check one or two, stop there; nothing further down the list can make up for it.
Scroll to the footer. Find the regulator and licence number. Open the regulator's register and confirm the licence is active and covers the domain you're on. Strict regulators: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Spillemyndigheden (Denmark), Spelinspektionen (Sweden), AGCO/iGaming Ontario, AGLC (Alberta). Curaçao is common and legal but offers thinner protection.
The terms will list restricted countries. Playing from a restricted country can get your account closed and winnings confiscated.
Look for: processing time, fees, minimum and maximum withdrawal, and any monthly cap. A monthly cap of a few thousand is a red flag if you play for meaningful sums.
Wagering requirement, whether it applies to bonus or bonus plus deposit, maximum bet, eligible games, expiry. If any of these isn't stated clearly, decline the bonus.
Named studios such as NetEnt, Play'n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution and Microgaming are a good sign. A lobby full of unknown providers is not.
Open live chat and ask a real question, for example how long withdrawals to your payment method take. Slow, evasive or scripted answers tell you what to expect later.
Deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion should be easy to find in your account. If they're buried or missing, the casino doesn't take player protection seriously.
Our rankings apply all seven checks plus payout tests. See the best online casinos list for the results.
Top picks
1. Bitstarz
2. LeoVegas
3. PlayOJO
On this page
How to choose an online casino
Wagering requirements explained
RTP and house edge explained
Casino bonus terms explained
Responsible gambling
NC
Navi Casino editorial team
Reviews are written and fact-checked by our editors. Last checked 25 October 2026.
4 questions
What's the most important thing to check?
The licence. Everything else depends on it.
Are big bonuses a good sign?
Not on their own. The terms matter far more than the amount.
How can I tell if a casino pays out?
Check the licence, read the withdrawal terms, and look for recent player reports. Our reviews include payout tests.
Should I avoid Curaçao casinos?
Not necessarily, but understand you have less protection. Stick to established Curaçao brands with long track records.
Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money or win back losses. Set limits before you play, and take a break if it stops being fun. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.
