How We Verify Safety
Choosing where to play should start with a single question: can I trust this site with my money, my data, and my peace of mind? Players who join unverified or poorly regulated casinos risk delayed withdrawals, opaque terms, blocked accounts, and weak customer support. At CasinosCompare, safety is the foundation of every recommendation — not an afterthought. We only list brands that meet our strict standards for fairness, transparency, and reliability, so you can focus on the fun without worrying about the fundamentals.
Licensing: the legal foundation of a safe casino
A valid license from a reputable regulator is the first, non-negotiable sign of a trustworthy casino. Authorities like the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and recognized state regulators in the USA require operators to follow strict rules on player protection, financial transparency, and anti-money-laundering controls. We verify licensing claims by checking public registers and confirming that casinos display valid, up-to-date certificates. If an operator can’t prove its regulatory status, it won’t appear on our recommended lists.
Independent audits and game fairness: proof, not promises
Fair games don’t happen by accident. Reputable casinos work with independent labs such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI to test game mechanics, random number generators, and return-to-player (RTP) figures. CasinosCompare requires evidence of regular third-party audits and clear publication of audit results before we recommend a site. Regular testing ensures RTP rates are accurate and that players aren’t disadvantaged by hidden or rigged systems — transparency we insist on seeing in writing.
Payments tested for real-world reliability
A safe casino processes deposits and withdrawals quickly, transparently, and without hidden restrictions. We don’t rely only on paperwork: our reviewers make real deposits, play representative sessions, and request withdrawals to confirm processing times, verification steps, and payout reliability. These hands-on checks reveal how a casino handles identity checks, bonus-related holds, and unusual payout requests. If withdrawals are slow, blocked, or burdened with unclear conditions, the brand is removed from our recommendations. Learn more about our testing methods on our internal testing page how-we-test-casinos.
Tools that protect players, not just checkboxes
Responsible gambling features are essential protections, not optional extras. A modern, safe casino must offer visible, easy-to-use tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, time-outs, and robust self-exclusion options. We verify that these tools are prominent, functional, and easy to activate, and we check for links to independent help resources. Casinos that bury or disable responsible-gambling tools fail our review. For resources and advice on staying in control, visit our responsible gambling hub responsible-gambling.
Transparency, complaints, and how casinos resolve problems
Paper compliance means little if a casino has a history of unresolved complaints. We monitor player feedback across forums, regulator complaint portals, and customer-service records to identify patterns. Key questions we ask: Do complaints get timely, fair resolutions? Are chargebacks and disputed withdrawals handled professionally? Does customer support take accountability? Brands with recurring unresolved issues face stricter scrutiny and are often excluded. We highlight casinos that respond proactively to problems and treat players with respect.
Our promise: player-first verification you can trust
Safety isn’t a checklist we tick once; it’s a continuing commitment. Every casino featured on CasinosCompare has passed checks for licensing, independent auditing, payment reliability, responsible-gambling tools, and a clean record of player dispute handling. We reject operators that fail any major criterion, even if they offer the most tempting bonus. Play with confidence: explore our recommended casinos knowing each brand has been fully vetted for fairness, security, and transparency. If you ever have concerns about a listed site, contact us and we’ll investigate — your safety comes first.