Editorial & Review Policy
iCalMaker's review methodology — how we test, score and rank offshore casinos and sportsbooks, and how we stay independent.
How we test, score and rank every online casino, sportsbook and crypto casino on iCalMaker. This is the standard every author follows.
1. Hands-on testing
We create a real account, make a real deposit, play through the games (and the bonus), then request a real withdrawal and time how long it takes. No operator is rated on marketing claims alone.
2. Our scoring model
| Factor | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Payout speed & reliability | 25% | Timed real withdrawals; track record of paying US players |
| Bonus value (true terms) | 20% | Match %, wagering, game weighting, max cashout, expiry |
| Game library & fairness | 20% | Provider mix, published RTP, independent RNG audits (iTech Labs, GLI, BMM) |
| Trust & licensing | 15% | Verified offshore licence, SSL, complaint history |
| Banking & crypto | 10% | Coin support, limits, fees, KYC friction |
| Support & UX | 10% | Live-chat response, mobile experience, site speed |
3. Licensing verification
We confirm each operator's stated licence (Curaçao, Panama, etc.) rather than taking a badge at face value. We are explicit that these are offshore licences, not US-state licences, and we don't claim otherwise.
4. Bonus-term transparency
We read the full terms and report the wagering requirement, game weighting, maximum cashout and expiry — the details that decide whether a bonus is actually worth claiming.
5. Freshness
Bonuses and odds change constantly. We re-check every page at least monthly and stamp the "last updated" date at the top. If you find something out of date, tell us.
6. Independence & disclosure
We earn affiliate commissions, disclosed clearly on every page. Commercial relationships never influence scores or rankings. We will rank a non-partner above a partner, and recommend against operators when they deserve it.
7. Responsible gambling & YMYL care
Gambling content affects people's money and wellbeing. We include responsible-gambling guidance and the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline on every page, and we never present gambling as a way to make money.