Last updated: May 2026 — Richard Hollingsworth, Catchandcook
At Catchandcook (catchandcook.co.uk), every casino review you read has been personally researched, tested, and written by Richard Hollingsworth. This page explains exactly how that process works, what criteria we examine, how we assign scores, and why you can trust our conclusions to be independent and accurate as of 2026.
We review non-UK casinos specifically — sites that operate outside of UKGC jurisdiction and accept players from Great Britain. This is a complex and often misunderstood segment of the market, which is why rigorous, honest methodology matters more here than anywhere else.
Before any in-depth testing begins, Richard checks whether the casino holds a legitimate licence from a recognised offshore authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, Curaçao eGaming, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. Sites with no verifiable licence or a history of unresolved player complaints are immediately excluded from our published list.
Richard creates a real player account using his own details. This step allows us to assess the registration process, KYC requirements, and whether the site is genuinely accessible to GB-based players without unnecessary friction.
Richard deposits real money and plays a selection of games across multiple categories — slots, table games, and live dealer titles where available. This is not a superficial walkthrough. We test loading speeds, game fairness indicators, software stability, and the overall feel of the platform on both desktop and mobile devices.
Where a welcome bonus is advertised, Richard claims it during testing. We read the full terms and conditions, calculate the realistic wagering requirements, and assess whether the bonus represents genuine value or is designed to be practically unclaimable.
Richard submits a withdrawal to evaluate processing times, available payment methods, and any additional verification steps. A casino's true character is often revealed only at the cashout stage.
We contact the support team via live chat and, where available, email. We ask both simple and complex questions and record response times, accuracy of answers, and overall helpfulness.
Once all testing is complete, Richard assigns a score in each category, calculates a weighted overall rating, and writes the review entirely from his own findings.
Each casino is scored on a scale of 1 to 10 in six categories. These scores are then combined using the weightings below to produce a single overall rating, also expressed as a score out of 10.
| Category | Weighting | What We Examine |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Safety | 25% | Licence authority, SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, data protection practices |
| Bonuses & Promotions | 20% | Welcome offer value, wagering requirements, bonus terms clarity, ongoing promotions |
| Game Selection | 20% | Number and variety of titles, software providers, RTP availability, live casino quality |
| Payment Methods | 15% | Deposit and withdrawal options, processing times, fees, cryptocurrency support |
| Customer Support | 10% | Availability hours, response speed, quality of answers, language support |
| Mobile Experience | 10% | Mobile browser performance, app availability, game compatibility, navigation on small screens |
Independence is not just a stated principle here — it is built into the process. Richard Hollingsworth operates Catchandcook as an editorially independent publication. No casino pays to receive a review, and no operator has any influence over the scores or conclusions published on this site.
Where affiliate relationships exist — meaning Catchandcook may earn a commission if a reader signs up to a reviewed casino — this never affects the rating assigned. A casino with an affiliate agreement receives exactly the same rigorous scrutiny as one without. Poor scores and honest criticism are published regardless of commercial relationships.
We do not accept free credits, hospitality, or any other benefit from operators in exchange for favourable coverage. Every deposit made during testing comes from Richard's own funds.
The non-UK casino market carries unique risks for British players. Without UKGC oversight, player protections vary significantly between operators. Many review sites in this space prioritise commission revenue over honest assessment. At Catchandcook, the mission is the opposite: to give GB players the reliable, experience-backed information they need to make safe and informed decisions in 2026 and beyond.
If you have questions about our methodology or wish to report inaccurate information, you can reach Richard Hollingsworth directly through the contact page at catchandcook.co.uk.