The short version: We disclose every commercial relationship. We apply identical scoring rules to every platform. We publish the data regardless of outcome — including when a platform we work with professionally scores poorly.
For our complete scoring methodology and rating criteria, see How We Rate.
Where We Come From — And Why It Matters
The Gaming Lab was founded by a team with direct operational experience in the Philippine online casino industry. Our founding members spent years providing website strategy, UX optimization, marketing execution, and data analytics to multiple gaming platforms as a professional services agency.
That industry-insider background is what makes our reviews sharper than those written from the outside — but it also creates potential conflicts of interest that require strict management. This page explains exactly how we handle them.
Editorial Independence: Three Non-Negotiable Rules
Rule 1: Mandatory Disclosure
When we review a platform where any member of our team holds a current commercial relationship — whether as a marketing provider, consultant, investor, or in any other professional capacity — a disclosure statement appears at the very top of the article, before any editorial content begins. The disclosure describes the nature of the relationship in plain language. No exceptions.
Rule 2: Identical Methodology
Every platform is evaluated using the same five-dimension scoring framework — the same source tier system, the same Hard Cap rules, the same verification process. A commercially affiliated platform that scores poorly gets published with a low score. A platform with no affiliation that scores well gets published with a high score. The data decides the rating.
Rule 3: Hard Cap Applies Universally
Our Hard Cap rule — which limits total scores based on licensing verification status — applies to every platform without exception. This rule has been applied to platforms we work with. If you want to understand exactly how the cap works, our How We Rate page has the full breakdown.
Three editorial rules — applied universally, no exceptions, no negotiations.
Content Freshness and Update Policy
Online casino conditions change — licenses get revoked, payment methods get added, bonus terms get modified. A review that was accurate six months ago may be dangerously outdated today. We maintain the following review cycle:
| Content Type | Review Cycle | What We Check |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings and comparison pages | Every 7–14 days | Score changes, new platforms, regulatory updates |
| Casino reviews | Every 30 days | License status, payment methods, bonus terms, player feedback |
| Game reviews | Every 90 days | RTP changes, feature updates, provider status |
| In-depth articles | Every 90 days | Industry data, regulatory changes, trend accuracy |
Every article displays a "Last Updated" date. When we update a review, the Verification Window in the Quick Answer Block reflects the most recent review date.
Corrections and Errors
We make mistakes. When we do, we fix them transparently.
Factual errors are corrected immediately upon discovery. The correction is noted in the article with the date it was made.
Score adjustments happen when new data materially changes our assessment — for example, a license is verified or revoked, or payment methods change significantly. We update the score and note the reason.
Reader-reported issues are welcome. If you spot an error, outdated information, or believe our data is incomplete, contact us at [email protected]. We review every submission and respond within 72 hours.
What We Don't Do
We never accept payment in exchange for scores. No casino can pay for a higher rating, a more favorable review, or the removal of negative findings.
We never guarantee gambling outcomes. No review or analysis should be interpreted as a promise of profit. Gambling involves risk. The house always has an edge.
We never disguise marketing as editorial. If content is sponsored or commercially motivated, it is labeled as such. Our reviews, ratings, and analytical articles are never sponsored.
We never fabricate test data. If we haven't personally tested a platform or game, we label our analysis as based on platform claims and third-party reports — never as "lab-tested" results.
Four commitments — non-negotiable, regardless of commercial relationships.
For the complete scoring methodology, dimension breakdowns, and Hard Cap details, visit How We Rate.
