Online gambling is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, there’s a downside to this – choosing top-rated operators is becoming increasingly difficult. Fortunately, we’ve developed a nine-step testing procedure to help us analyse gambling sites.
Reading our testing criteria lets you understand what we look for when choosing a gambling operator. On top of showing players how we create our in-depth reviews, it’ll also teach you how to evaluate an online casino or bookmaker.
How do we analyse the operators?
Here are the ranking factors we use to find the best betting and casino sites in India:
- Security
- Games/Sports
- Bonuses
- Payment methods
- Customer care
- Mobile
- Localisation
- Responsible gambling
- Our experience
1. Security
Security is crucial when it comes to online gambling. If we recommend a site, rest assured it was extensively tested to ensure your safety. We only choose operators with valid licences that are subject to frequent audits.
We also check which security measures are implemented, like 128-bit SSL encryption. As such, players can have fun without risking personal information, such as their banking details. Bonus points if the casino or bookmaker is owned by a reputable company.
2. Casino games/Sports
In the process of evaluating online casinos and sports betting sites, it becomes imperative to recognize the distinct criteria that govern these two diverse domains: casino games and sports.
When delving into the realm of online casinos, the bedrock of the assessment lies in the array and quality of games offered. A casino’s appeal and engagement are entwined with the variety of games it provides, encompassing classic table games, immersive slots, and innovative live dealer experiences. The diversity and quality of these games not only shape the entertainment value but also influence the overall user experience.
The best gambling sites will provide players with thousands of options. We believe progressive jackpots are among the most important game types, as they offer the highest payouts. We also know players enjoy playing for free. Therefore, we gladly recommend gambling sites with a demo play mode. Last but not least, the game selection must be developed by top-rated providers, whether you play in-browser or download the app.
On the other hand, online sportsbooks thrive or fail depending on their sports offering. A comprehensive selection spanning a multitude of sports ensures that users find their preferred markets. The nuances of sports betting, such as competitive odds, live betting options, and comprehensive market coverage, become pivotal factors in evaluating the efficacy of an online sportsbook. It is paramount to tailor the review methodology, recognizing that the significance of games and sports may vary, contingent upon the specific focus of the platform we review.
3. Bonuses
Bonuses are one of the reasons gambling sites are better than their real-life counterparts. If you sign up at a top-rated operator, you’ll likely be met with solid offers to keep you entertained, including free bets, deposit bonuses, and free spins.
The first bonus we check is the welcome offer. It should have decent wagering requirements (the number of times you must bet your bonus before withdrawing), fair time limits, and other reasonable conditions.
On top of looking for other promotions, we also check if betting sites offer a loyalty/VIP program. The goal is to ensure players are rewarded for their dedication, allowing them to unlock additional bonuses and other unique perks.
4. Payment methods
Players in India should have access to the best payment methods. The first step is to check if a site offers various banking options, including net banking, e-wallets, debit cards, and cryptocurrencies.
We believe security is more important than variety. This is why we focus on payment methods that keep your banking details private, like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. We also favour these because they offer faster deposits and withdrawals.
Although many sites offer top-rated payment methods, not all process transactions as quickly as possible. We prioritise operators that process withdrawals as soon as they’re requested. The return percentage should also be within the market average.
5. Customer care
The customer support experience can make or break an online gambling operator. Players should always have access to high-quality customer service if they have issues at a bookmaker or online casino.
We evaluate customer support according to their data protection policies – i.e. how the players’ information is kept safe, safety and well-being (how they encourage players to stay safe), and ease of access. Overall, you should expect solutions in a few minutes.
6. Mobile
Mobile gambling is a worldwide phenomenon. You can tell you’re playing at a top-rated operator if it offers outstanding mobile compatibility through a dedicated app or a well-built mobile website.
We only recommend gambling sites that are optimised for most devices. For instance, if you have a smaller screen, the site should automatically adapt its layout to fit everything in. We also check if players can download an app to access the casino quickly.
But what if it doesn’t have an app? In that case, we check if the mobile website version is worth it. The platform should be fast and responsive, providing the same experience as the desktop version.
7. Localisations
Localisation is vital, especially at gambling sites that operate internationally. For example, if an operator automatically tailors its content based on your location (e.g. it displays cricket first) that means you’re at a top-rated site that cares about its customers.
Another important aspect of localisation is language. The best gambling sites in India offer multiple language options, such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil. You should also be able to easily change the language if you’d like.
8. Responsible gambling
We want players to gamble responsibly. Therefore, we only recommend an online gambling site if it allows players to stay in control by offering numerous responsible gambling features, such as limit-setting and self-exclusion.
A top-rated site should have strict KYC procedures to identify its players. It should also allow players to set deposit, loss, and time limits to help them stay in control. Last but not least, operators should have a dedicated responsible gambling section.
9. What do we think of the operator?
Our last testing criteria is a little more personal, involving our opinion and experience. We only recommend a gambling site if it provides value to its players. This is why we always look around to see if signing up is worth it.
Even if a gambling operator exceeds our ranking factors, the final decision is always based on our opinion. This prevents us from recommending sites that seem too good to be true. We also consider their reputation, as it helps us understand their intentions.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
Read our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices.
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