At CasinoBuddies, we don’t just write about casinos—we actually play at them. Every review on our site is based on real money deposits, genuine gameplay, and documented withdrawal experiences.
Our Testing Philosophy
Real Money, Real Results
We deposit our own money, test the games, claim the bonuses, and request withdrawals. This isn’t theoretical—it’s hands-on testing that gives you the real picture of what to expect.
Transparency Over Commissions
Yes, we earn affiliate commissions when you sign up through our links. But we never let that influence our honest assessments. If a casino has issues, we’ll tell you. If withdrawal times are slow, you’ll know. Our reputation depends on your trust, not on promoting every casino that pays us.
Protecting Players First
Our goal is simple: help you avoid bad experiences and find casinos that actually deliver what they promise. We’re here to be your honest mate in the casino world, not another hype machine.
Our Step-by-Step Review Process
1. Account Registration & Verification
We create real accounts and go through the full verification process—uploading ID, proof of address, and any other documents required. This shows us how smooth (or painful) the onboarding experience really is.
2. Real Money Deposits
We deposit our own money, typically between £20-£50, using various payment methods to test processing speeds and reliability. We document every transaction with screenshots and timestamps.
3. Gameplay Testing
We play across different game categories—slots, table games, live dealer—to evaluate game variety, loading speeds, and overall quality. We test on both desktop and mobile to see how the experience holds up.
4. Bonus Claims & Wagering
If there’s a welcome bonus, we claim it and work through the wagering requirements. We read the fine print so you don’t have to, highlighting any tricky terms or unrealistic conditions.
5. Withdrawal Requests
This is the real test. We request withdrawals and document exactly how long it takes to get our money back. We note any verification delays, processing times, and whether the casino actually pays out as promised.
6. Customer Support Testing
We contact support with real questions via live chat, email, and phone (if available). We evaluate response times, helpfulness, and whether they actually solve problems or just copy-paste generic answers.
7. Mobile Experience
We test the mobile site or app extensively. If you’re going to play on your phone, you need to know if it’s a smooth experience or a frustrating mess.
What We Evaluate
Licensing & Regulation
We clearly state whether a casino is UKGC-licensed or operates under offshore licenses like Curacao. This matters for player protection and dispute resolution.
Game Selection & Software Providers
Quality matters. We look at the game library, software providers, and whether you’re getting top-tier titles or outdated slots.
Payment Methods & Processing Speeds
We document which payment methods are available and, most importantly, how long withdrawals actually take based on our real tests.
Bonus Terms & Fairness
We break down wagering requirements, game restrictions, maximum bet limits, and expiry dates. If a bonus looks good but has impossible terms, we’ll tell you.
User Interface & Mobile Optimization
Is the site easy to navigate? Does it work smoothly on mobile? We test the actual user experience, not just the marketing screenshots.
Customer Support Quality
Response times, helpfulness, and availability. We test support when it matters—during withdrawals and when problems arise.
Security & Player Protection
SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, and data protection. We verify that your information and money are properly protected.
Our Rating System
We rate casinos on a 5-star scale based on our comprehensive testing:
★★★★★ (5 Stars) – Exceptional. Fast withdrawals, great games, reliable support, transparent terms.
★★★★☆ (4 Stars) – Very good. Minor issues but overall solid performance and trustworthy.
★★★☆☆ (3 Stars) – Average. Acceptable but with notable drawbacks you should be aware of.
★★☆☆☆ (2 Stars) – Below average. Significant issues that may impact your experience.
★☆☆☆☆ (1 Star) – Poor. Serious problems with withdrawals, support, or terms. Proceed with caution.
Our ratings consider all aspects of the casino experience, with extra weight given to withdrawal reliability and transparent terms—the things that matter most when it’s your money on the line.
Documentation & Proof
We back up our reviews with evidence:
- Screenshots of deposits, gameplay, and withdrawal confirmations
- Transaction records showing actual processing times
- Support conversations documenting our interactions
- Actual timelines from deposit to withdrawal completion
This isn’t guesswork—it’s documented experience you can trust.
Honest Risks & Red Flags
We Don’t Hide the Negatives
If a casino operates under an offshore license, we explain what that means for player protection. If withdrawal times are slower than advertised, you’ll know. If bonus terms are unrealistic, we’ll call it out.
UKGC vs Offshore Licensing
We’re transparent about licensing differences. UKGC-licensed casinos offer stronger player protection and dispute resolution. Offshore casinos may offer different bonuses but come with additional risks. We give you the facts so you can decide what’s right for you.
When We Recommend Caution
If we spot red flags—delayed withdrawals, unresponsive support, unfair terms—we don’t soften the blow. Your money deserves honest warnings, not sugar-coated marketing.
Regular Updates
Staying Current
Casinos change. Payment processors update. Support quality fluctuates. We revisit and update our reviews regularly to ensure the information stays accurate and relevant.
Community Feedback
We listen to player experiences and incorporate feedback into our updates. If multiple users report issues we haven’t encountered, we investigate and update our reviews accordingly.
Editorial Independence
Our Commitment to Honesty
We earn commissions when you sign up through our links—that’s how affiliate sites work. But we never accept payment for positive reviews, and we never hide negative experiences to protect our earnings.
No Pay-for-Reviews
Casinos don’t pay us to be featured or to receive better ratings. Our reviews reflect genuine testing and honest assessments, period.
Your Trust Matters Most
We’d rather lose a commission than lose your trust. Our business depends on being the site you return to because you know we’ll shoot straight with you.
Questions about our review process? Contact us anytime. We’re always happy to discuss our methodology and provide additional details about specific reviews.