How We Rate Casinos

At Side By Side Services, we evaluate online casinos using a comprehensive methodology to help Canadian players make informed decisions. Our ratings for casinos like Oxibet are based on rigorous testing and analysis across multiple criteria. This guide explains our rating process.

Licensing & Regulation

Licensing and regulatory compliance are the foundation of our casino evaluations. We prioritize casinos that hold valid licenses from reputable jurisdictions, including:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – European gold standard for casino licensing
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Stringent UK regulations and player protections
• Curaçao eGaming License – Recognized international license with established oversight
• Canadian Provincial Licenses – Local authorization where applicable (Ontario, BC, etc.)

A valid license demonstrates that the casino meets strict operational, financial, and security standards. We verify all licensing claims directly with regulatory bodies.

Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including:

• Slot Games – Variety, themes, RTP percentages, and progressive jackpots
• Live Casino Games – Live dealers, table variety, stream quality, and betting limits
• Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants, and authenticity
• Software Providers – Partnerships with Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and other top-tier developers

We test game performance, fairness (RTP), and ensure providers are certified by independent auditors.

Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Bonus offers can significantly impact your gaming experience. We analyze:

• Welcome Bonus Structure – Match percentages, free spins, and deposit requirements
• Wagering Requirements – Rollover multiples and calculation methods
• T&Cs Transparency – Clear, accessible terms without hidden clauses
• Maximum Cashout Limits – Restrictions on bonus winnings
• Game Contribution Rates – How different games count toward wagering

We favor casinos with fair, transparent bonus terms that genuinely benefit players rather than create unrealistic playthrough conditions.

Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

Convenient and secure banking is essential. We evaluate:

• Deposit Options – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
• Withdrawal Methods – Variety and accessibility for Canadian players
• Processing Speed – Average time for payouts (same-day, 1-3 business days, etc.)
• Cryptocurrency Support – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies
• Transaction Limits – Minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal amounts

We test withdrawal requests to verify stated processing times and ensure funds arrive securely.

Customer Support

Responsive, knowledgeable support is crucial for resolving issues. We assess:

• 24/7 Live Chat – Availability and response times
• Email Support – Quality of responses and resolution time
• Phone Support – Availability for Canadian players
• Support Languages – French and English for Canadian accessibility
• FAQ & Help Center – Comprehensive self-service resources

We submit test queries to evaluate professionalism, helpfulness, and average response times.

Mobile Experience

With many players using smartphones, we evaluate:

• Responsive Design – Functionality on iOS and Android devices
• Dedicated Apps – Native applications for better performance
• Game Compatibility – Full game library availability on mobile
• Interface Usability – Navigation, loading speed, and overall experience
• Mobile Exclusive Features – Touch optimization and app-specific bonuses

We test casinos on various devices to ensure seamless mobile gaming.

Responsible Gaming Tools

We prioritize casinos that actively support player safety through:

• Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
• Loss Limits – Restrictions on maximum losses
• Self-Exclusion Programs – Tools to block account access temporarily or permanently
• Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks from gaming
• Reality Check Reminders – Session duration and spending notifications
• Links to Support Organizations – Connections to Gamblers Anonymous, Gambling Therapy, and Canadian resources

Responsible gaming features should be prominently displayed and easily accessible.

Our Rating Scale

We use a 1-10 rating system to summarize overall casino quality. Here's what each score means:

• 9.0–10.0 (Excellent) – Top-tier casinos meeting all criteria with exceptional service and player protection
• 8.0–8.9 (Very Good) – Highly recommended casinos with minor areas for improvement
• 7.0–7.9 (Good) – Solid casinos suitable for most players, but with some limitations
• 6.0–6.9 (Fair) – Acceptable casinos with notable weaknesses in one or more areas
• 5.0–5.9 (Below Average) – Casinos with significant issues; proceed with caution
• Below 5.0 (Poor) – Not recommended; serious regulatory, security, or fairness concerns

Each rating reflects a weighted evaluation across all criteria, with Licensing & Regulation carrying the highest importance. Our reviews provide detailed breakdowns by category to help you understand the overall score.

Last Updated: 2026. Our methodology is regularly updated to reflect industry changes and new player protection standards.