To better understand how online casinos are analyzed and find out what trends have been hitting hard in the industry, we have with us Luis López, content editor of Casino.org, a leading independent affiliate platform worldwide that has been informing and advising players for more than 30 years.

What process do you follow to evaluate online casinos?

Evaluating an online casino is more complex than it seems. At Casino.org we follow a 25-step process in which we analyze multiple factors: security, licenses, operator reputation, payment methods, responsible gaming, user experience, bonuses and promotions, and many more.

As an independent platform, we also attach great importance to operator transparency. It is essential that the user clearly understands the terms and conditions, especially when it comes to bonuses. In Casino.org we break down the promotions of each operator and clarify whether the wagering requirements are too high, how much time the player has to release the bonuses, etc.

A bond may seem very attractive because of the amount of money it offers, but if it is almost impossible to release, it loses much of its real value.

You have mentioned, among the aspects you value, safety and responsible gambling. What do you take into account most when reviewing these factors?

Security is absolutely essential in an online casino. The main and essential thing is that the operator has a license from the recognized authority in each country. In Spain, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) is in charge of regulating everything related to online gambling.

In addition to the license, a reliable online casino must use advanced encryption systems to protect users' data, and a random number generator, an RNG, to ensure the fairness of the games. It is also a plus point that they have been audited by independent bodies.

As for responsible gambling, operators should offer self-exclusion tools, time controls, and deposit limits. Although these measures are required by the regulations in force in many markets, they are indicators of the casino's commitment to the user.

Let's talk about trends. What aspects have you been gaining more importance in terms of user experience?

Mobile connectivity is one of the main protagonists, thanks to the growing implementation of mobile devices around the world and the rise of 5G. According to data from Mobile World Live, by 2030, about 60% of mobile connections will be through 5G networks. That's why optimizing online casinos for mobile devices is no longer an option, it's a must.

The use of artificial intelligence to personalize casinos is also growing: offers, game recommendations, customer service with increasingly advanced chatbots... And not only in this context, but also in aspects related to safety and responsible gambling that we mentioned earlier. AI plays an increasingly important role in detecting risky behaviors.

And another clear trend is the speed of payments, a factor highly valued by users, who give a lot of importance to being able to withdraw their winnings quickly and without complications. This is where new financial technologies and digital payment methods play an important role.

Speaking of technology, what innovations do you think will mark the future of the sector?

Well, in addition to AI, blockchain-based casinos are growing a lot, a technology that can help with transparency in transactions and better functioning of games. It has a lot of potential, although it is still in an early stage. The problem in Spain is that this technology is associated with Bitcoin, and casinos that accept cryptocurrency payments are not allowed here.

Tell us a little more about how regulation influences the iGaming industry.

The Spanish market is quite strict in terms of regulations, and operators must adapt to very clear requirements in terms of advertising, player protection, deposit and deposit limits, KYC or "Know Your Customer" requirements.

We take this into account when evaluating Casino.org: an operator that complies with the regulations is more reliable, transmits greater security and confidence to the user. The problem is that many consider the legislation to be too restrictive with online casinos compared to state gambling. But proper regulation can drive major improvements in the sector. The key is to find a middle ground.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is new to online gambling?

That they are well informed. In casino.org they can compare options and read detailed reviews, so they can choose the online casino that best suits their needs.

In addition, I would insist that they play responsibly, set limits and see gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a source of income.