The Trust Index is an 8-category weighted scoring system. Here's exactly how we calculate every score.
Category 1: Safety & Licensing (20% weight) The highest-weighted category. We verify licenses directly with regulatory databases, not casino footers. MGA, UKGC, and Gibraltar licenses score highest. Curaçao scores lower but still counts. No verifiable license equals immediate Avoid consideration.
Category 2: Payout Speed (20% weight) We request real withdrawals during testing and time actual delivery to our wallets. Under 1 hour = 9-10. Under 24 hours = 7-8. Under 72 hours = 5-6. Over 72 hours = below 5. Documented delays trigger score reduction regardless of stated limits.
Category 3: Bonus Fairness (15% weight) We calculate the actual expected value of bonuses. 10x wagering = 10/10. 20x wagering = 7/10. 30x wagering = 5/10. 40x wagering = 3/10. 60x wagering = 1/10. Restrictions (game limits, withdrawal caps on winnings) multiply deductions.
Category 4: Game Fairness (15% weight) RTP disclosure, provably fair implementation quality, and third-party audit availability. Unverified provably fair claims score like standard casinos.
Category 5: Customer Support (10% weight) We contact support on 5 separate occasions across different shifts and test response time, accuracy, and resolution capability. Score reflects average across all contacts.
Category 6: Reputation (10% weight) Community track record across gambling forums, documented complaint resolution rates, history of regulatory action. Not self-reported, externally researched.
Category 7: Mobile Experience (5% weight) Desktop and mobile functionality, app quality if available, game performance on mobile connections.
Category 8: Responsible Gambling (5% weight) Availability of deposit limits, self-exclusion, session limits, cooling-off periods, and links to problem gambling resources. UKGC/MGA licensed casinos typically score higher here due to regulatory requirements.
Verdict thresholds: - Safe Choice: Trust Index 65% or above - Use Caution: Trust Index 30-64% - Avoid: Trust Index below 30%
Lead Analyst — Payments & Licensing · 9 yrs experience · 94 reviews
Nine years testing crypto and fiat withdrawals across 200+ platforms. Previously in FX compliance. Focuses on license verification, payout speed, and operator identity.
About this guide: Written by Marcus Holloway based on real-money testing across 92 casinos since 2019. No casino paid to be mentioned. Read our full testing methodology.
Casinos Referenced in This Guide
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