This page explains exactly how PlayPlinko reviews casinos and games. We follow this process for every review, every time. If we ever change it, we'll update this page and the change will appear in every prior review's "methodology" link.
Our six-dimension scoring rubric (casinos)
Every casino is scored across six dimensions, weighted as follows:
| Dimension | Weight | What we measure |
|---|---|---|
| RTP & Plinko Selection | 25% | RTP transparency on each Plinko variant offered, number of variants, presence of verified-RTP indicators |
| Withdrawal Speed | 20% | Average time from withdrawal request to wallet receipt — timed by us on real deposits |
| Bonus Fairness | 15% | Wagering requirements, max-bet rules, game weighting, expiry terms |
| Reputation & Licensing | 15% | Active license, Trustpilot rating, AskGamblers complaints, time in business |
| Customer Support | 10% | Response time (we test live chat at 3am and 3pm), agent knowledge, channels offered |
| User Experience | 15% | Mobile experience, deposit options, currency support, KYC friction |
Our scoring scale
We use a 1-10 scale with reset semantics. A 7 means "above average for the category" — not "barely passable." A 9 means "exceptional." Most casinos in our database score 5-7 overall. Top-tier recommendations (8.5+) are rare.
Our review process
- Sign up. We create a real account with a real email address, just like any player would.
- Deposit. We deposit our own money (minimum $50 budget per casino) to enable real testing. No comped accounts.
- Play Plinko. Across all available variants and risk levels. We document the RTP behaviour we observe.
- Test support. Two test queries — one at peak hours, one at off-hours — measuring response time, accuracy, and tone.
- Withdraw. We initiate a withdrawal of our remaining balance and time how long it takes to arrive.
- Document. Every test result is captured with timestamps and (where appropriate) screenshots stored privately.
- Score. The reviewer scores each dimension, the editor-in-chief reviews and signs off, and the published review notes the test date.
How affiliate relationships work
- We do have affiliate relationships with most of the casinos we review. This is disclosed on every page that contains affiliate links.
- The existence of an affiliate relationship does not influence the score. We have published "do not recommend" reviews of casinos we have affiliate relationships with.
- We don't accept payment for positive reviews.
- We do accept payment for advertising (banner placements), which is clearly labelled "Sponsored."
- For the full legal disclosure, see our affiliate disclosure page.
When we blacklist a casino
A casino enters our "Do Not Recommend" list when any of the following are confirmed:
- It refuses verified withdrawals beyond reasonable KYC requirements
- It operates without a valid gambling license in any jurisdiction
- It has been the subject of multiple credible reports of locked accounts or stolen funds
- It is connected to known scam operations or shell-company networks
- It targets minors or vulnerable users
Blacklisted casinos receive a published review explaining the verdict in detail.
AI assistance disclosure
PlayPlinko uses AI tools to assist with content production — including research summarisation, first-draft writing, and editing. Every piece is reviewed and signed off by a named human editor before publication. We don't use AI to fabricate testing results, casino claims, or verifiable facts. Where a fact comes from a primary source, we cite it inline.
Editorial independence
If a casino offers us a higher commission, we don't move them up the rankings. If a casino threatens to terminate the partnership in response to a negative review, we publish the threat. Our reputation as an independent source is our only asset.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we correct it visibly. Corrections are noted with an "edited [date]: [reason]" line at the bottom of the page. We don't silently rewrite history.
This policy was last updated on 28 May 2026.