Interview: What Makes a Casino “Good”? A Veteran Reviewer Explains the Real Criteria

Meeting the right person in iGaming often feels like luck, but some voices stand out because they have spent years inside the things most players never see. 

Bart Crebolder is one of them. 

He has reviewed hundreds of casinos, tested thousands of games, and spent nearly a decade studying how payment systems, bonus rules, and support teams shape the player experience. 

In this interview, Bart shares what he believes makes a casino truly “good” and why so many reviews miss the details that matter most to players.

Bart, you have spent many years reviewing casinos. When you talk about a “good” casino, what do you mean?

When I say a casino is good, I am not talking about fancy design or big bonuses. A good casino is one that respects the player at every step. It should be clear, honest, and stable. That means fast support, simple terms, and a payout system that matches what the casino promises. 

It also means the casino does not try to confuse players with hidden conditions. A good casino stays the same from the first deposit to the final withdrawal.

When you test casinos, what is the first thing you look at?

The first thing I look at is the sign-up process. It sounds simple, but it tells you a lot about how a casino operates. A clear process shows the casino has thought about the player experience. A messy one often points to deeper problems. If the forms are confusing or if the casino asks for strange details before you even deposit, it usually means trouble later. 

After signing up, I look at the cashier. I want to see if payment options are clear and if limits are easy to understand. Many casinos fail at this part.

What makes some casinos better than others when it comes to bonuses?

Bonuses are tricky because they often look great on the surface. A big number always catches attention. The real difference shows up when you activate the bonus and see how it behaves. 

A good casino has bonus rules that make sense. The wagering moves in a normal way. The bet limit is not too small. The game list is clear. You can track your progress easily. A bad bonus, on the other hand, can feel like a trap. You might face hidden limits or slow progress. 

Some casinos change the rules during the bonus or make it hard to see your wagering. I always test bonuses from start to finish for that reason.

Many players say payouts are the real test of a casino. Do you agree?

I do, but payouts are only one part of the full picture. They matter because they show how the casino handles money, and that is the most sensitive part of the entire journey. 

A good casino pays out in a clear and stable pattern. It does not make players wait without reason. It does not ask for random documents after saying KYC is finished. If a casino is slow, inconsistent, or confusing, players feel it right away. 

But I also think that payouts must be viewed together with support and terms. A fast payout means nothing if the terms are confusing or if support does not help when something goes wrong.

You review games and providers as well. How does that fit into judging a “good” casino?

Games and providers matter a lot more than people think. Most players stay with a casino because they enjoy the games, not because of the bonus. A good casino works with many strong providers. It offers titles that run smoothly, load fast, and give fair results. 

When I test games, I look at speed, stability, and how well the casino organizes its library. A bad casino feels slow and cluttered. A good one feels clean, fast, and easy to explore. 

I also look at the mix of providers. If a casino has only a few studios or if it hides new releases, it often signals that the site is behind the curve.

What do most reviewers get wrong when they talk about casino quality?

Many reviewers skip the real testing. They read the terms, write down the bonus, mention the games, and move on. They do not see how the casino behaves in real use. They do not test support at different hours. They do not test the bonus while it is active. They do not check how the site handles small mistakes, like a cancelled deposit or a question about limits. 

Because of that, their reviews feel smooth but empty. They do not help players choose safely. A review should show the real experience, not the brochure version.

What small details do you think matter most but often get ignored?

Small details often tell the truth. For example, how long does it take for live chat to open? How fast does the site load during peak hours? How clear is the cashier when you have both a deposit and a bonus active? Does the casino explain limits in simple language? Does support give a real answer or just copy paste text? 

These things seem small, but they show the level of care behind the casino. A good casino handles these details well. A weak one does not.

You also make lists of the best casinos. How do you decide who earns a top spot?

A top spot is not about the biggest bonus or the most providers. It is about balance. A casino earns a top place when it performs well in all key areas. Clean terms. Strong support. Clear cashier. Good game library. Stable payouts. Fair bonus rules. Transparent limits. 

A casino that is great in one area but weak in others does not make the list. Players want stability. They want a site that feels the same every day. 

When I rank casinos, I look at each test and see how the casino performs across different categories. The best casinos are the ones that rarely fail a test.

What about payment methods? Players often choose a casino based on the options. How do you review them?

Payment methods matter because they shape the entire flow of deposits and withdrawals. A good casino explains fees, limits, and timing clearly. It offers popular methods that work in the region and does not hide any steps. 

When I review payments, I check how many clicks it takes to deposit, how clear the confirmation is, and how easy it is to track a withdrawal. Some casinos force players to jump between pages. Others make it simple. A good casino keeps everything in one place. It feels smooth and predictable.

If you could give one piece of advice to players choosing a casino, what would it be?

Do not choose based on the bonus alone. Look at the basics. How clear are the terms? How fast does support respond? How easy is it to find payment limits? How does the site feel after five minutes of use? 

A good casino will feel stable and honest even before you deposit. Trust that first impression. It often tells the truth.

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com