How We Rate Casinos

Canadian players deserve clear, repeatable standards when they choose where to play. On 6degreesvancouver.com, every casino we cover, including Captain Cooks Casino, is scored against the same seven weighted criteria. We test each one hands-on in 2026 and combine the results into a single 1-10 rating. The criteria below are listed from most to least important.

1. Licensing & Regulation (Weight: 22%)

A casino that is not properly licensed gets a low score from us, whatever else it offers. We check the licence number in the footer, then confirm it on the regulator's public register.

• Local Canadian licences: In Ontario we look for registration with iGaming Ontario and the AGCO. Elsewhere in Canada we check for oversight from bodies such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or a provincial operator.
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): We consider it a strong sign of player protection, dispute handling and audited fairness.
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): It is among the strictest regulators in the world, and we give extra credit to operators that hold it.
• Curaçao: We accept this licence, but it earns fewer points than MGA or UKGC because its player-protection rules are lighter.

We also check that the operating company is named, that games are tested by independent labs such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, and that the site uses SSL encryption. The privacy policy must explain how personal data is handled.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers (Weight: 20%)

We count the games and assess their quality, variety and origin.

• Slots: We look at the range of classic, video and progressive jackpot titles, the share of new releases and the published RTP values.
• Live casino: We check live blackjack, roulette, baccarat and game-show tables, plus stream quality, dealer professionalism and betting limits that suit both casual players and high rollers.
• Table games and video poker: We note the number of variants and whether demo play is available.
• Providers: Established studios such as Microgaming, Evolution and Pragmatic Play score higher, because their titles are independently certified.

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements (Weight: 18%)

A large headline offer means little if the conditions make it impossible to cash out. We read the full terms and conditions for every promotion and test the offer ourselves where possible.

• Wagering (rollover): We calculate the real turnover needed on bonus funds, or on deposit plus bonus, and compare it with the market norm.
• Maximum cashout and bet caps: We flag limits on winnings from free spins or bonus money and on the maximum stake allowed while wagering.
• Game contribution and expiry: We note which games count toward wagering and how many days you have to complete it.
• Clarity: Plain-language terms earn points. Hidden clauses and vague wording lose them.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed (Weight: 14%)

We make real deposits and withdrawals in Canadian dollars wherever the site allows it.

• Banking options: We look for Interac, credit and debit cards, e-wallets such as MuchBetter, Skrill and Neteller, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency where offered.
• Speed: We record the time from withdrawal request to money received. Pending periods and identity verification (KYC) delays are included.
• Costs and limits: We note min