About Us
Top Online Casinos was built around a simple problem: new online casinos launch constantly, and it's genuinely hard to tell which ones are worth your time and which ones are chasing signups with flashy numbers that don't hold up once you read the fine print. This page explains what we do, how we assess the newest casino sites, and what we expect from any operator before it appears on bearsvscoltspicks.com.
What we actually do
We research online casino sites available to US players and put them side by side on the things that matter: licensing, game selection, bonus terms, payment speed, and how the site handles player security. We're not a casino, and we don't process deposits or payouts — we're a comparison and information resource. Where we rank or recommend a site, that ranking reflects our own research, not a promise of any outcome.
How we assess new online casinos
New casino sites get extra scrutiny from us, because a fresh brand hasn't had years to build a track record. Our review process looks at:
- Licensing and regulation — we check who licenses the operator and whether that oversight is verifiable, since a valid licence is what gives players recourse if something goes wrong.
- Site security — we confirm the site runs on HTTPS encryption and look for basic account protections such as two-factor authentication where it's offered.
- Bonus terms — we read the wagering requirements, expiry dates, game restrictions and maximum withdrawal caps attached to welcome offers, not just the headline percentage.
- Game fairness — we check whether the casino uses certified random number generators for its slots and table games, and whether independent testing labs are referenced.
- Payment methods and withdrawal times — we note what's accepted for US players, from ACH transfers and debit cards to crypto and digital wallets, along with typical processing times and any fees.
- Customer support — we look at what channels are available (live chat, email, phone) and how easy it is to actually get help.
We rate every casino on this basis and never let commission arrangements move a site up or down the list. If an operator pays us for a placement, that has no bearing on its editorial rating — the two are kept separate.
Commercial relationships and how we're funded
Top Online Casinos may earn a commission when a reader signs up with a casino through a link on this site. That's how independent comparison sites like ours stay free to use. It doesn't change what we write: a casino with a generous affiliate arrangement gets the same scrutiny, and the same honest limitations listed, as one that doesn't advertise with us at all.
Why RTP and bonus percentages don't tell the whole story
A headline offer like "600% for new players" or "410% up to $10,000" looks dramatic, but the number alone doesn't tell you whether the bonus is usable. Wagering requirements, maximum bet limits while a bonus is active, and game weighting (slots usually count fully towards wagering, table games often count far less) all determine what that bonus is actually worth. Similarly, Return to Player (RTP) figures published for slots are long-term theoretical averages calculated over millions of spins — they describe the game's design, not what will happen in any single session. We explain this in every review rather than just repeating the marketing figure.
Eligibility and who this site is for
Online gambling in the US is regulated at the state level, and legal real-money online casino play is only available where a state has licensed it. Readers must meet the minimum legal gambling age for their state — typically 21, though some gambling-related activities set different minimums — and must be physically located within a state where online casino play is legal at the time of play. Availability, game types and even which operators can accept real-money players legally will vary depending on where you're located, and it's the reader's responsibility to confirm what's permitted where they live before signing up anywhere.
Responsible gambling comes first
Every review we publish sits alongside the same message: gambling should stay entertainment, not a way to make money. We encourage readers to set deposit and time limits before playing, never gamble with borrowed money, and stop immediately if it stops being enjoyable or starts affecting finances or wellbeing. Self-exclusion programs, deposit limits and support services are available through most licensed operators and through independent organizations. For more detail on setting limits and finding support, see our Responsible Gambling page.
What we don't do
We don't claim any casino guarantees a win, and we don't publish inflated stories about turning small deposits into large sums. Every casino game involving chance carries a built-in house edge, and no strategy changes that mathematically. If a review reads like it's promising an outcome, that's not the standard we hold ourselves to — flag it and we'll take a look.
Questions, corrections or feedback
If you spot something out of date on this site, had a different experience with a listed casino, or just want to ask us something directly, our Contact Us page has the details. We aim to keep our information current, and reader feedback is one of the main ways we catch things that need updating. Our full Terms and Conditions cover how the site itself operates and what using it involves.