How We Rate Sportsbooks

Our team of online gaming reviewers have decades of combined experience and have reviewed hundreds of sportsbooks and casinos between them. This experience allowed us to develop our unique BetEdge Rating methodology, which outlines the key criteria we use to evaluate all iGaming services that we review on WSN.

This page will provide a detailed explanation of the factors that go into our BetEdge Rating system, as well as an overview of our review process in full.

Our Review Process

Our process for reviewing a new platform (or revisiting previously reviewed ones) is very similar to that of a typical user. 

We go through the registration process, apply any relevant bonus codes, make our first deposit, and start navigating the website/app. The first few hours are spent placing regular bets or playing games to get a feel for the platform and see how it handles the basics. We do this across three devices: mobile, tablet, and desktop.

We take notes, but this part of the process is quite informal, as the aim is to approach and use the platform as any other customer would.

After a few hours, we had a good understanding of how the platform functions. This is where the BetEdge Rating system comes into play.

About Our BetEdge Rating Methodology

The BetEdge Rating methodology was designed to ensure all of our reviews meet our high standards and are consistent across the board. One of our core values is integrity, and we believe having complete transparency of our review criteria is paramount.

The BetEdge Rating system covers five key areas that we deem integral to an online gaming experience. Each factor is rigorously tested and given a score out of 5.

The overall rating that each platform receives is calculated by averaging the five BetEdge scores.

Here are the five BetEdge factors:

User Experience

Here, our focus is on the interface, design, and ease of navigation of the platform relevant to sportsbooks, traditional online casinos, and sweepstakes casinos. This includes evaluating the intuitiveness of the platform, mobile optimization, and overall user-friendliness. For sportsbooks, this might involve bet placement and market accessibility; for traditional and sweepstakes casinos, it would include the ease of game selection, playability, and access to social features.

Features/Games

This category assesses the range of sports, betting markets, and types of bets in sportsbooks. For traditional online casinos, it evaluates the diversity and quality of games like slots, table games, and live dealer options. In sweepstakes casinos, it focuses on the variety and engagement level of the games offered, along with any unique social interaction features that enhance the gaming experience.

Promotions and Bonuses

We review the range and appeal of bonuses and promotions across all platforms. This includes welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and ongoing promotions, with an emphasis on the terms and conditions. For sweepstakes casinos, this might also involve evaluating the methods of earning or purchasing virtual currency and any associated promotions.

Banking Options

Here, we examine the efficiency and security of financial transactions, which is critical for sportsbooks and traditional online casinos. For sweepstakes casinos, this category focuses on the processes for purchasing virtual currency or any mechanisms for redeeming prizes, ensuring transparency and reliability in these transactions.

Customer Support

We evaluate the availability, responsiveness, and effectiveness of customer support across all types of platforms. This includes different support channels, the quality of assistance provided, and the presence of comprehensive FAQs or guides. For sweepstakes casinos, particular attention is given to support related to virtual currency transactions and social gaming aspects.

Other Factors that Come into Play

In addition to our core evaluation categories, there are several other key factors that we consider when examining a platform. These elements vary depending on whether we're reviewing sportsbooks, real-money online casinos, or sweepstakes casinos. Each plays a significant role in shaping the overall quality and reliability of the operator. 

Odds (Sportsbooks)

Our reviewers will compare the odds offered by sportsbooks with those of other operators to gauge their competitiveness. This includes assessing the consistency of the odds and the speed at which they are updated. This factor is crucial in sports betting, where odds play a significant role in user decision-making.

Game Fairness (Casinos and Sweepstakes Casinos)

For traditional and sweepstakes casinos, we will evaluate the fairness of games. This involves checking the Random Number Generator (RNG) certification for games, assessing return-to-player (RTP) rates, and ensuring that games operate on a fair and unbiased basis.

Security

Security is a paramount factor across all platforms. Our reviewers will assess how each operator protects users' personal and financial information. This includes checking the site's encryption standards, privacy policies, and regulatory compliance. The operator's track record regarding security breaches or issues will also be reviewed.

Mobile App Experience

This factor evaluates the performance and features of each operator’s mobile application. We will assess the app’s design, user-friendliness, stability, and the range of features offered. Compatibility with various devices and operating systems and the parity of functionalities between the desktop and mobile versions will also be considered.

Innovative Features and Accessibility

We’ll look for any innovative features that set an operator apart, such as unique betting options, social gaming elements, or interactive gaming experiences. Additionally, we’ll evaluate the accessibility of the platform for users with different needs and backgrounds.

Responsible Gaming Practices

Across all platforms, we will assess the operator's commitment to responsible gaming. This includes the availability of tools and resources to promote safe gambling practices, such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and support for problem gambling.

Updating Our Reviews

Most sites will review an operator once and then never return; that’s not our style.

We revisit our reviews constantly to check they are still accurate and reflective of the overall experience. Once a year, we will also do a big update where we effectively review the platform from scratch again to account for any new features (or lack thereof).

We keep our ears close to the ground when it comes to iGaming. We will be aware of any changes in regards to a sportsbook’s welcome offer, promo codes, major features, availability, etc., and update our review accordingly.

You can trust that our reviews are always accurate and up-to-date with the latest information.

Why Trust Us?

WSN is a leading authority in legal sports betting and has now expanded its expertise to include online casinos and sweepstakes. We have a reputation for providing independent, trusted information and data-driven insights. All operators featured on WSN must pass our rigorous BetEdge Rating process.

All authors on WSN follow our editorial principles to ensure quality and consistency across the site. You can find out more about the WSN team on our contributors page.

Our sportsbook, casino, and sweepstakes reviews are completely unbiased. We are 100% transparent about our process as well as any affiliate partnerships we have with operators, which we state at the top of every page.

All platforms listed on WSN must meet our high standards before they are featured on the site. Our BetEdge Rating system ensures that all operators are tested thoroughly, consistently, and fairly.

WSN’s parent company, Gaming Innovation Group, is one of the world’s leading online gaming companies and a trusted name in the iGaming industry. GiG Media was ranked #3 in the EGR Power Affiliates Rankings in 2023, recognizing the business as one of the top three names within the gaming industry.

You can read more about WSN on our About Us page.

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