How We Rate Casinos
At Arpenteurs 2017, we evaluate online casinos across multiple dimensions to help Canadian players find trustworthy and rewarding gaming platforms. Our methodology is transparent, comprehensive, and updated regularly to reflect industry standards as of 2026.
1. Licensing & Regulation
A casino's legitimacy starts with proper licensing. We prioritize casinos regulated by established authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao Gaming License, and Canadian provincial licenses (where applicable). We verify:
- Current and valid gaming licenses
- Regulatory compliance and inspection history
- Terms of service transparency
- Player protection commitments
Casinos without proper licensing receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other features.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
Quality and variety matter. We evaluate:
- Slots: Number of titles, themes, and providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, etc.)
- Live Casino: Live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker availability
- Table Games: Virtual blackjack, roulette, craps, and specialty games
- Return-to-Player (RTP) percentages
- Software provider reputation and game fairness certifications
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Attractive bonuses mean little without fair terms. We analyze:
- Welcome bonus structure and realistic value
- Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Game contribution percentages
- Bonus expiration timelines
- Ongoing promotions and loyalty programs
We flag casinos with predatory bonus terms that make winnings unrealistic to withdraw.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Convenient banking is essential. We assess:
- Deposit options (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Withdrawal method availability and variety
- Average withdrawal processing times (same-day preferred)
- Minimum and maximum transaction limits
- Transaction fees
- Security of payment processing
5. Customer Support
Responsive support builds trust. We evaluate:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support response times (target: under 24 hours)
- Phone support (where offered)
- Knowledge base and FAQ completeness
- Support staff professionalism and helpfulness
- Multilingual options
6. Mobile Experience
Most Canadian players use mobile devices. We check:
- Responsive website design and functionality
- iOS and Android dedicated apps (where available)
- Game performance on mobile
- Navigation and user interface intuitiveness
- Mobile-exclusive features or promotions
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is non-negotiable. We verify the availability of:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits
- Session time limits
- Self-exclusion options (temporary and permanent)
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality checks and pop-up reminders
- Links to gambling addiction resources
- Account closure mechanisms
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, where:
| Score | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 | Excellent | Outstanding across all criteria. Highly recommended for Canadian players. |
| 7-8 | Good | Strong performance with minor areas for improvement. Trustworthy and reliable. |
| 5-6 | Average | Acceptable but with notable weaknesses. Proceed with caution. |
| 3-4 | Poor | Significant concerns regarding safety, fairness, or terms. Not recommended. |
| 1-2 | Avoid | Unlicensed, fraudulent, or dangerous. We strongly advise against playing here. |
Note: Each criterion contributes to the overall score, but licensing and regulation are weighted most heavily. A casino cannot achieve a high rating without proper regulation, even if it excels in other areas.