The BTCGOSU Process for Reviewing and Rating Cryptocurrency Casinos: A Transparent and Impartial Methodology Built on Expert BTCGOSU Player Experiences
BTCGOSU prides itself on being the Web’s top crypto-gambling guide, and as such, we cover a wide range of topics connected to this activity. Everything we do here is with the purest intentions of giving you, our reader, the best information possible so that you can make the most informed choices on your crypto-gambling journey, spend your well-earned crypto wisely on games of chance, poker, and sports wagering.
Even though, as stated, we post content on multiple gambling subjects, our bread and butter are our casino reviews. That is what drives most of our traffic. It is what we are most famous for is being honest in evaluating the Internet’s very best casino sites that allow digital coin gaming/betting.
The Web is flooded with casino reviews, but few are as impartial, accurate, and tailored to crypto-gambling as the ones we post. We rank and rate platforms on their crypto-specific relevance and implement an eleven-step process that ensures that when we give our recommendation to a brand, you know that it is one worthwhile, reputable, and of high quality.
We are extremely happy that we have managed to cultivate a reputation for ourselves as a prime blockchain gambling hub review and one that brings the very best the crypto sphere has to offer on the gaming/betting front.
Below, we go into the eleven-step BTCGOSU methodology, an approach we have cultivated over the past few years that we believe evokes trust in our reader pool and greatly helps them on their quest to find a rewarding crypto casino that is right for them.
1. Introduction to Our Crypto Casino Review Process
As explained in the intro, BTCGOSU’s mission has always been to primarily deliver unbiased, player-focused reviews that account for the unique features of crypto-gambling. We do not factor in many of the reasons other sites put to use when scanning/grading fiat-only platforms. Our criteria have gotten tailored to coin-based gaming/betting, and to guarantee we single out the very best of the best, we:
- Employ a team of diligent experts, all of which have at least a few years of crypto casino experience.
- We have a very hands-on stance when reviewing, meaning we talk with site staff and management, asking them to fill out forms and answer questions so that we can be carefully familiar with their brand.
- We put to use a rating system that factors multiple aspects we consider vital to the crypto gambling experience, which we will explain here in depth.
- We attempt to regularly update our reviews so they reflect the sites’ current state and not lead any gambler astray via outdated info. That said, please note that this is a challenging feat that is not easily accomplished, as casinos have a habit of frequently changing things around.
Overall, we would proudly note that BTCGOSU reviews are always backed by rigorous research from our team, but also feedback from players, crypto communities, and other sector participants. We get tipped off by industry entities what it is like working with distinct brands and how fairly they treat their business partners. Therefore, our insights are multifaceted, as we show the utmost commitment to transparency and accuracy regarding the info we feature.
2. Initial Research & Legality Checks
When it comes to fiat online casinos, given that these websites require personal financial information, checking for legal compliance and trustworthiness should always be every Internet gambler’s utmost priority. Nonetheless, the same holds for the crypto gambling space, maybe not to the same degree due to its unique specificities, but it is always better if a player knows who he is dealing with and that the operator does not hide behind a cloak of anonymity.
The reality is that you can find many crypto casinos with no regulatory approval. That does not necessarily mean that they are not legally compliant because even many of those that do not operate under any license still have an operator listed, based in a country from where he functions as a legitimate business subject to its laws. Such is the case with Costa Rica, a country from where many highly-rated sites get based, but which does not have any online gambling regulation per se. Many such hubs even have delineated dispute procedures.
So, crypto-gambling has nuances that only those deep into it can understand, like that a site may be reputable even though it has no license and maybe even no operator listed at all. Dexsport is a good example of the latter.
Only those with knowledge of this domain, who continuously talk to hard-core players know which sites are good ones and which are not. Remember that as far as crypto-gambling goes, there are platforms with no license that have been shown to treat gamblers better than those with one from regulators that do not have an excellent track record of gambler care, like those in Anjouan and Mwali.
We also do our best to identify which countries the casino serves, noting any restrictions, and look to give readers info on the parent company, its history, its other blockchain projects, and other casino brands it runs.
3. Security and Trustworthiness
Checking for top safety in any form of gambling is essential and something that everyone should pay attention to. To assist with keeping our readers secure when they are enjoying a bit of gambling fun we:
- Examine Server Certificates – Look to confirm that a site has a certificate listing all the standard safety protocols and is one assigned by reputable industry bodies.
- Read Player Feedback – In our eyes, this is the most important thing to do, as only after one aggregates opinions from multiple gamblers that have used a given site can one have a clear image of it. We do this by consulting gamblers we know and ones we talk to on communities like Reddit, Bitcointalk, and different gaming forums. We talk to these individuals not only about the quality of service used but also about payout issues, security breaches, and so on.
- Run Blacklist Checks – We always conduct a swift Google search to see if a casino we are looking at is on any blacklists or has gotten listed anywhere as reported for scamming or unfair practices. That happens more often than one would think, but oftentimes, we read contradictory information, so we must trust our own instincts when reporting on some of these things. We must single out what appear to be credible claims from the usual unhappy/unlucky gambler noise.
- Research Term Transparency – The Devil is in the fine print, and we do go through each site’s terms and conditions, as evidenced by our reviews, looking for issues that seem unfair and deserve flagging, like withdrawal hidden fees.
- Access to Login & Transactions Data – This is something we hope will not even be worthy of discussion soon, as we hope that all crypto casinos will give their users the ability to review their previous logins, transactions, game, and bonus data, to easily spot if there is any nefarious activity connected to the account, and if someone else has potentially been misusing it.
- Scrutinize the Privacy Policy – We have been doing this more lately, analyzing whether standard privacy processes and settings are in place or if an operator has just copied a generic policy from someplace else.
4. Game Selection and Software Quality
For many, a diverse and high-quality game library tailored for crypto play is the quintessential thing about a coin-based gambling site. To figure out if a brand has one, we look at its:
- Game Variety – Check for a wide range of games covering not only the casual casino genres, meaning slots, table games, bingo, and video poker, but also crypto-specific games like Crash, Dice, or Plinko. Noting if high-stakes bets are possible and how many progressive jackpot titles get hosted.
- Software Providers – We look for partnerships with providers known for crypto-friendly games, such as BGaming, Smartsoft, Turbo Games, Spribe, and the like. But we also want to see top sector players like Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, Nolimit City, Pragmatic Play, and others offer up their creations in a site’s lobby, ensuring high-quality gameplay all around.
- Provably Fair Games – Since we are a crypto casino review hub, it would make sense that we would prioritize platforms that offer provably fair games, ones that let gamblers verify outcome fairness using blockchain technology.
- RTP & Volatility Transparency – We love when casinos highlight RTP percentages and volatility of their featured products, as we think this makes game selection much easier for all level gamblers.
- Demo Mode – We too love it when sites allow fun-credit action, especially even before one has an account with them. Those that do this get extra brownie points from us.
- Mobile Compatibility – Lastly, we test a few games on each platform we review on a smartphone to be sure the games run fine in remote gaming mode.
5. Bonuses, Promotions, and Loyalty Programs
Bonuses are the backbone of all online gambling. Sadly, the sphere is riddled with unfair promotions that bait gamblers to claim them but supply unreasonable terms. When we scan a site, we want to see fair and valuable offers, and we focus on the following things:
- Crypto-Specific Bonuses – By this, we mean deals offered in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH). We do not refer to only welcome matches but also crypto-specific promotions like faucet funds, chat rain, Rakeback, and various other promos that have become crypto casino staples found at the top sector websites. Dividends, challenges/missions, wheel bonuses, and more are also welcomed, and things we love seeing at our analyzed sites.
- Ongoing Promotions – Cashback, regular tournaments, and different types of event-related promotions that act as regular incentives for site users are too appreciated by us and our readers.
- VIP Programs – A terrific system that rewards loyalty is the trademark of any high-end casino platform. A scheme that shows appreciation for standard site use via Rakeback, level-up bonuses, personalized support, higher withdrawal limits, and better platform perks is what we are looking for.
- Transparency in Terms – BTCGOSU’s experts want to see bonuses with clear terms, no tricks, acceptable wagering requirements, not-too-low max bet rules, etc. Deals that supply value and whose conditions are easily completable.
6. Cryptocurrency Payment Processing
A crypto casino is no good if it does not handle its payment processing efficiently and securely. Everyone desires fast transfers and little to no KYC. That is why when we grade platforms, we scrutinize:
- The KYC Process – We assess what are the Know Your Customer requirements, of course, favoring platforms that allow anonymous play. We are also fine with those that are not too aggressive with verification, allowing some leeway for crypto users to play without having to fork over any identifiable data.
- Deposit Rollover Rules or Other Unusual Rules – No one wants to bet their deposit sum five times over, but some sites ask that gamblers do that. We never fail to highlight what the general deposit rollover rule is at every brand we scan, and we dive into any other payout rules that may be unfavorable to players or which are highly questionable.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies – It should go without saying, the more supported coins, the better. But for the most part, we will be fine if a platform has at least more than eight top options, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), and Dogecoin (DOGE).
- Signs of Any Payment-Related Issues – This is something we learn through industry watchdog reports and other review sites. Payment problems that get reported to us are never neglected and are always taken into consideration. We have a history of contacting casinos on behalf of our readers and arbitrating disputes.
- High-Roller Considerations – Standard limits are one thing, but high-roller ones are something else, and we like pointing out when we have been made aware by a site’s management that they offer different caps for high-activity users. That is something we award extra credits for, as high-rollers drive this sector.
- Transaction Speeds – We confirm with staff or read the terms to discover what are the standard processing speeds, do transfers get manually or automatically processed, and what can affect them. The quicker and hassle-free a platform processes payments, the higher it ranks in our book.
- Security of Transactions – Top platforms have secure wallet infrastructure and provide clear instructions for crypto deposits and withdrawals. They also are not shy about listing if they store a major part of the liquidity pool in a cold wallet, denoting the kind.
- Ability to Buy Crypto On-Site – For beginners unfamiliar with exchanges who want to test out crypto gambling, and even for frequent users, this is a handy feature, which is why we ascertain whether this capability is in place on every casino site.
7. Customer Support and Accessibility
Reliable customer support ensures quick resolution of all gambling and non-gambling-linked issues on a casino website. To know if such a thing is present and assistance gets offered at a high level, we test:
- Support Channels – Starting with the live chat, always, evaluating its response qualities and reply times. Then we move to the email help, and community support (public chat, Discord, Telegram), and give a rundown of the FAQ page or Help Center.
- Language and Localization – We confirm if support in multiple languages is on hand and list for international players if this is so.
- Quality of Support – Of course, we conclude our tests with an overall assessment of the responsiveness and helpfulness we received, noting if VIP players and high-rollers are allegedly getting a different type of help compared to average Joes.
8. User Experience and Design
A seamless user experience through an intuitive interface and fast-loading site makes Internet gaming much more manageable and hassle-free. To judge this adequately, we assess:
- Website Design – Look to see if it is modern, has intuitive and clear navigation, has good game sorting/filtering options, and includes optimal crypto wallet integration.
- Performance – We test loading speeds and site responsiveness. No glitches during gameplay or transactions are something we are wary of, as these can quickly turn online gaming fun sour.
- Accessibility – We confirm desktop, tablet, and mobile device optimization.
- Profile Options – How customizable the site experience do these allow, if any?
9. Reputation and Industry Standing
No one wants to use a gambling site with bad word of mouth. We would not want to play on such a platform, and we know that the same holds for you. This is why we often close out the security section of our reviews with a note on the reputation of a gambling site in the blockchain and gaming communities. To figure this out, we evaluate:
- Industry Recognition – We try and find if a brand has attained some awards or nominations in the online gambling industry. That is usually only reserved for the very top brands, those at the top of the heap, as the others do not have the funds to compete and gain such mainstream appeal so they can make their way onto famed award shows. Still, just because a hub has not gotten any sector honors does not mean that it is a lower-quality one, it may just not have the spotlight shone on it, and we know which are rising players and which are unheralded gems awaiting to get discovered. We spotlight these ourselves.
- Player Trust – As mentioned above, we are continuously in conversation with people from all sides, and daily, we get swamped with emails from readers who note patterns in disparities in our and their conclusions. We analyze these messages and try to conclude if we have made a mistake or not. If we conclude that we have, we look to correct it because readers’ insight is key to us, as we are a site by the people, for the people.
- Community Engagement – If a brand has cultivated a large community online, especially one filled with happy users, then it must be doing something right, right? We think so, and if we see nothing but positive messages in its Telegram groups, Discord channel, or public chat, that is a good sign that we are dealing with a casino that consumes user feedback and tries to keep everyone happy. That is a massive plus.
- Longevity – While not a major factor, it is still nice to analyze and feature a site that has long industry standing, a hefty operational history, and a good track record in the landscape. Many of the platforms we review are generally new ones, and to be super honest, many of them do not last two years. Accordingly, if a platform has survived in this sector for years, that is a badge of credibility that can only get earned through hard work. Still, we do not allow platforms to rest on their laurels, and some brands have low player numbers but get operated by powerful companies that have dozens of sites and do not care if one of these turns a marginal profit. In such a scenario, we know not to give it too much credit.
- Affiliations – We check for partnerships with famous organizations like BeGambleAware, SIGMA, AffPapa, etc. If that is the case, then we know that a team has some industry ties and has come into contact with established sphere figures.
Bottom line, we have to take each casino on a combined set of positive and negative factors and take the most note of the key good or bad points. And that’s where the BTCGOSU team experience comes to the fore.
10. Responsible Gambling
We wish that all crypto casinos and gambling sites, in general, would take responsible gambling super seriously. Unfortunately, that is not the case, much to our and the dismay of millions of gamblers worldwide. What we wish to see from a gaming/betting platform as far as responsible play is concerned is:
- Limit Setting – Allowing all users to set personal daily, weekly, monthly deposit, bet, and session restrictions, ones that aim to keep them in check, only spending what they can afford to lose. It is sad that not many websites feature this, letting users adjust loss limits based on how much they can afford to be without. The lack of these features is what lets many sink into a financial rut from gambling pastimes, one that can be easily avoided if they were present.
- Self-Exclusion – These are self-imposed bans that can be set to a period that fits an individual gambler and usually range from a month to a year. Again, it is a shame that not more crypto casinos allow this to users from inside their profile pages. Instead, they only activate such bans if a gambler reaches out to their support teams via email. The accessibility of this responsible gambling method earns brands more points from us, as we deem it a necessity.
- Enabling Reality Checks – These are not as popular as they once were but are no doubt a super useful tool that notifies users when they have been spending too much time at a given site, per their own instructions.
- Links to Help Organizations – This is an added bonus we are always joyful to see in a casino’s footer, and that is a collection of links to sites from organizations like BeGambleAware or GamCare, which offer counseling for problem gamblers. It literally costs operators nothing to add these organization badges in their footers, but this is something that can do a world of good.
- Monitoring Behavior – Some management teams do this, and whenever we learn of such practices, we also make sure to commend them, as they deserve to be pointed out. This is a reference to site staff reviewing betting history and dropping gamblers notes that they have recently bet more than their usual amounts and that maybe they should check to see if this was intentional, planned, or did they get caught up in the moment. If the latter is in question, then maybe some self-evaluation is in order.
Overall, we do significantly factor in when grading casinos how much they try to keep their users safe and out of unneeded financial harm. That is important to us, as it should be to operators and players.
11. Final Rating and Comparison
After we do our deep dive, we analyze and score each casino attribute and performance indicator separately. We then look at the big picture and form our general opinion. We must add that we also factor in things like growth potential and the general feeling we have about a distinctive brand when writing our verdict. We also like seeing how it stacks up against competitors and performs against individual elements that are key for some players. We often provide:
- Comparisons with Alternatives – What are other sites in the same ballpark as the analyzed one, and we benchmark its different aspects against other crypto casinos, highlighting unique strengths or weaknesses?
- Analysis of Blacklisted Casinos – We identify and explain why certain crypto casinos have gotten blacklisted by us or others. We tell readers what reasons we have, or others have had, to blacklist certain sites, and why these should get avoided, and why they may be considered shady. If we have evidence of nefarious practices, we have a blacklisted page where we have supplied proof of bad dealings we or others have had with specific brands.
- Assessment of Pros and Cons – We open each review with a balanced summary of strengths and weaknesses. We aim for a balanced one, traditionally listing the same or similar amount of benefits and drawbacks of using a given casino. We do not want to appear to be leaning toward one direction too much and want to ensure everyone that we are objective evaluators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For those not deep into crypto-gambling, who may have some basic questions about our crypto casino review process, we thought it would be smart to address a few common concerns here in a small FAQ section:
How are crypto casinos rated differently from FIAT casinos?
They have their bonus, game, feature, and operational specificities. For example, they can prioritize provably fair games and promotions not seen at fiat online casinos. They also put an emphasis on community-building.
What makes a crypto casino trustworthy?
A history of satisfied users who claim they have virtually always been paid on time, have never had withdrawals held unjustly, gotten only fair promos, and have gotten their info kept safe. That is what most online gamblers would deem a reliable casino.
Are crypto bonuses better than FIAT bonuses?
They can be, as they usually feature higher values. That said, each operator sets his own terms, and some platforms have good ones, others not so much. Without question, there are fiat casinos with better bonuses than crypto ones, and vice versa.
How do I know if a crypto casino is mobile-friendly?
We will tell you as we test all our reviewed sites for quality mobile compatibility on primarily Android phones.
What should I look for as a VIP-level player?
You should look for extra perks like Rakeback/cashback, high transaction limits, personalized support, and access to exclusive invite-only events.
Summary
We would put our eleven-step rating process against anyone in the sphere, as we are confident that we have some of the best reviews the industry has to offer. Unlike others, we do not get guided by biases, incorporate player feedback from crypto communities and our own, update our reviews regularly to keep them relevant, and always give you things straight up. We also make no bones that we make money through affiliate marketing, but as our loyal readers will tell you, that does not sway us from giving you the truth.
If you are in the market for a good crypto casino that will suit your needs, believe in our process, consult with others, and choose a brand from our Best Bitcoin Casinos page that best meets your preference. Once you do, remember to always gamble responsibly and reach out if you need our help and get into a dispute with your chosen site. We are here to help as best we can. Good luck.