How We Rate
Our ratings are built to answer one question above all for New York players: will this site treat you fairly and pay you? Here is exactly how we score.
Our five rating factors
Every site is scored out of 5 across five weighted categories:
| Factor | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & track record | 30% | Years in operation, ownership transparency, licensing, reputation for paying winners, and any history of disputes. For offshore brands with no state regulator, this is the single most important factor. |
| Payout speed & reliability | 25% | How quickly withdrawals are processed, which methods are supported, and whether payouts are consistent. We prioritize crypto same-day performance. |
| Games & markets | 20% | Breadth and quality of slots, table games and live dealer; depth of sports markets and props; poker traffic and formats. |
| Bonuses & value | 15% | Realistic wagering requirements and fair terms matter more than headline size. We penalize predatory rollover and hidden restrictions. |
| Banking & experience | 10% | Deposit/withdrawal options, limits and fees, plus site usability, mobile performance and customer support. |
Why trust and payouts dominate
Because New York has no regulated online casino, the operators we review answer to foreign regulators rather than the New York State Gaming Commission. There is no state backstop if something goes wrong, so a brand's real-world record of paying players fairly matters far more than a flashy bonus. That is why trust and payout reliability together account for more than half of every score.
How we test
- We review banking by making real deposits and withdrawals where possible, tracking timing across methods.
- We read the full bonus terms — not just the headline — and flag steep wagering requirements and game restrictions.
- We monitor player-community feedback and payout reports over time, not just at launch.
- We re-check every operator regularly and adjust scores when performance changes.
We tell you the downsides
Every review includes a genuine cons list, and we never hide that offshore play carries risks a regulated market would not. If we would not recommend a site to a friend, we do not list it. For the full context on offshore operators, read our offshore casinos explainer.