Key facts
- The OG Score is a weighted average of six criteria on a scale of 0 to 10.
- Weights: license and safety 25%, terms fairness 20%, payments 20%, responsible gambling tools 15%, customer support 10%, games 10%.
- A license we can verify on an official register is an entry condition. Without it, an operator gets no score.
- Every review states whether a hands-on test was done, and when.
- Commission never changes a score. We have no affiliate programs yet.
Contents
How do we rate gambling operators in short?
We rate gambling operators with the OG Score, a weighted average of six criteria on a scale of 0 to 10. Before any scoring, one condition must be met: the operator must hold a license that we can verify on an official regulator register. If we cannot verify it, the operator gets no score.
The method is the same for every operator, whether or not we ever have a commercial relationship with it. We have no affiliate programs today, so every score on this site is independent by default.
Why is a verified license an entry condition?
A verified license is an entry condition because an unlicensed or unverifiable operator cannot be "good with some flaws". Without a license, nobody supervises how it treats your deposits, your withdrawals or your personal data.
The rule is simple:
- License verified on an official register - the operator can be reviewed and scored.
- License claimed but not verifiable - no score. We may still publish information about the operator so players know what we found.
- License suspended or revoked - the score is removed and the review says why, with a link to the official notice.
Which license counts also depends on where you live. We apply the License Matrix explained on the gambling licenses hub: the local license where your country regulates, a recognised international license where it does not, and no operator promotion where online gambling is prohibited.
What are the six criteria and their weights?
The six criteria add up to 100%:
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| License and safety | 25% | Strength of the license, license holder company, regulator actions, complaints route, how player funds are handled, security and identity checks |
| Terms fairness | 20% | Bonus wagering, max cashout caps, game weighting, withdrawal rules, dormant account fees, confiscation clauses, how often terms change |
| Payments | 20% | Deposit and withdrawal methods, fees, minimums and maximums, stated withdrawal times, and measured times where a hands-on test was done |
| Responsible gambling tools | 15% | Deposit, loss and time limits, reality checks, time-outs, self-exclusion, links to national schemes and help organisations |
| Customer support | 10% | Channels, hours, languages, and the accuracy of answers to our questions |
| Games | 10% | Range of games, named providers, published RTP information, live casino and betting markets where offered |
Why these weights?
The weights follow one principle: what can cost you money weighs more than what is merely nice to have. License and safety, terms and payments together make up 65% of the score, because they decide whether you can get your money out. Responsible gambling tools carry 15%, more than games, because they protect you when play stops being fun. Games and support matter, but a huge game library cannot make up for a confiscation clause in the terms.
How do we score terms fairness?
We score terms by how realistic it is to turn a bonus into money you can withdraw, not by the headline amount. A smaller bonus with low wagering and no max cashout cap often scores higher than a large bonus with high wagering, a short expiry and a cap on winnings. We read the full terms, not the promotion banner, and note the date of the version we read.
What does a score from 0 to 10 mean?
The final score is a weighted average. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10, multiplied by its weight and added up, then rounded to one decimal.
| OG Score | Label | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 to 10 | Excellent | Strong in nearly every criterion, no serious weaknesses |
| 8.0 to 8.9 | Very good | A sound choice, minor weaknesses named in the review |
| 7.0 to 7.9 | Good | Solid, with a few clear weaknesses |
| 5.0 to 6.9 | Mixed | Usable, but with real trade-offs you should read first |
| 0 to 4.9 | Poor | We do not recommend it, even if it is licensed |
Worked example: license and safety 8, terms fairness 6, payments 7, responsible gambling tools 9, customer support 7, games 8. 0.25 x 8 + 0.20 x 6 + 0.20 x 7 + 0.15 x 9 + 0.10 x 7 + 0.10 x 8 = 2.00 + 1.20 + 1.40 + 1.35 + 0.70 + 0.80 = 7.5 (Good).
This example is illustrative. It does not describe a real operator.
How do we show what the score is based on?
Every review says what kind of evidence the score rests on. There are two labels:
- Desk review: the score is based on the official register, the operator's own terms and other documents, without an account test. The payments score then uses the operator's stated times, and the review says so.
- Hands-on test: we opened an account and tested deposit, verification, withdrawal, support and responsible gambling tools. The review shows the date of the test and links the test log.
We never present a desk review as a hands-on test. The steps of a test are described in our testing methodology.
How often do scores change?
We recheck each score at least every six months, and sooner when something material happens: a regulator action, a change to bonus terms or withdrawal rules, a new license or several readers reporting the same problem. Each review shows the date of its last check. Score changes are logged under the rules in our editorial policy.
What does the OG Score not cover?
The OG Score does not predict results, does not resolve your personal dispute with an operator and is not legal advice. Casino games and betting markets always carry a house edge, so even the best-rated operator profits over time. If gambling is costing you more than you planned, our responsible gambling page lists free, confidential help.
Gambling is for adults only (18+, or older where local law requires).
Frequently asked questions
What is the OG Score?
The OG Score is OnlineGamblers' rating for gambling operators, a weighted average of six criteria on a scale of 0 to 10. The weights and criteria are published on this page and are the same for every operator.
Why does license and safety carry the most weight?
Because it decides whether you can get your money back when something goes wrong. A generous bonus is worth nothing if the operator can refuse a withdrawal and no regulator will act on your complaint.
Can an operator pay for a higher OG Score?
No. Scores are calculated only from the published criteria. We have no affiliate programs yet, and when we do, commission will never change a score, a ranking position or the text of a review.
Does a high OG Score mean I will win?
No. The OG Score measures how safely and fairly an operator treats players. It says nothing about your chances of winning, which are always set by the house edge of each game or market.
How often are OG Scores updated?
We recheck each score at least every six months and sooner when something material changes, such as a regulator action, a change in terms or repeated reader reports. Every review shows the date of the last check.