How We Rate Sportsbooks: Our BetEdge Rating Methodology
Our team of sportsbook reviewers have decades of combined experience and between them have reviewed hundreds of sportsbooks. This experience led to us developing our unique BetEdge Rating methodology which outlines the key criteria we use to evaluate all sportsbooks that we review on WSN.
This page will provide a detailed explanation of the factors that go into our BetEdge Rating system, as well as an overview of our review process in full.
Our Review Process
When we set about reviewing a new sportsbook (or revisiting one we have reviewed in the past), the process is actually very similar to that of a regular bettor.
We go through the registration process, apply any relevant bonus codes, make our first deposit, and start navigating the website/app. The first few hours are spent doing regular sports betting activity to get a feel for the platform and see how it handles the basics. We do this across three devices: mobile, tablet, and desktop.
We take notes, but this part of the process is quite informal as the aim is to approach and use the platform as any other customer would.
After a few hours we have a good understanding of how the sportsbook functions. This is where the BetEdge Rating system comes into play.
About Our BetEdge Rating Methodology
The BetEdge Rating methodology was designed to ensure all of our sportsbook reviews meet our high set of standards and are consistent across the board. One of our core values is integrity and we believe having complete transparency of our review criteria is paramount.
The BetEdge Rating system covers seven key areas that we deem integral for a great sportsbook experience. Each of these factors is rigorously tested and given a score out of 10.
The overall rating that each sportsbook receives is calculated by averaging the seven BetEdge scores.
Here are the seven BetEdge factors:
Promotions and Bonuses
This refers to the various incentives offered by the sportsbook to attract and retain bettors. Reviewers will assess the variety, value, and fairness of these incentives.
They will test the ease of claiming these bonuses, their terms and conditions (such as wagering requirements), and how often they are updated or refreshed.
This includes both as well as regular promotions for existing customers.
Sportsbook Features
These are the functionalities and options offered by the sportsbook. Reviewers will look at the range of sports and markets covered, the types of bets available, and any special features such as live betting, early cash-out options, and live streaming.
They will also consider the overall user-friendliness and design of the website or app.
Banking Options
How many payment options does the operator have for depositing and withdrawing funds? Reviewers will test the variety of options (e.g. credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies), the speed and reliability of transactions, and whether there are any fees involved.
Odds
Our reviewers will compare the odds offered by the sportsbook with those of other operators to determine their competitiveness. They will also consider the consistency of the odds and how quickly they are updated.
Security
This is all about how the sportsbook protects users' personal and financial information. Reviewers will check the site's encryption standards, its privacy policy, and whether it is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. They will also look at the site's track record in terms of security breaches or issues.
Customer Support
The quality of customer service is an important but often overlooked factor when it comes to sportsbook reviews. Our reviewers will test the availability and responsiveness of the support team (e.g., live chat, phone, email), the professionalism and knowledge of the staff, and the usefulness of self-help resources like FAQs or guides.
Mobile App Experience
This evaluates the performance and features of the sportsbook's mobile application. Our reviewers will assess the app's design, ease of use, stability, and feature set.
They will also look at compatibility with different devices and operating systems, and whether all the functionalities available on the desktop site are also accessible on the app.
Updating Our Reviews
Most sites will review a sportsbook once and then never return; that’s not our style.
We revisit our sportsbook reviews constantly throughout the year to check they are still accurate and reflective of the overall experience. Once a year we will also do a big update where we effectively review the sportsbook from scratch again to account for any new features (or lack thereof).
We keep our ears close to the ground when it comes to sports betting. We will be aware of any changes in regards to a sportsbook’s welcome offer, promo codes, major features, availability etc. and update our review accordingly.
You can trust that our reviews are always accurate and up-to-date with the latest information.
Why Trust Us?
WSN is one of the leading guides for legal sports betting with a reputation for providing independent, trusted information and data-driven insights. Our team of experts have decades of combined experience to draw on when reviewing betting sites and providing analysis and tips. All authors on WSN also follow our editorial principles to ensure quality and consistencycontributors page.
Our sportsbook and casino reviews are completely unbiased. We are 100% transparent about our process as well as any affiliate partnerships we have with operators, which we state at the top of every page.
All sportsbooks listed on WSN must meet our high standards before they are featured on the site. Our BetEdge Rating system ensures that all operators are tested thoroughly, consistently, and fairly.
WSN’s parent company, Gaming Innovation Group, is one of the world’s leading online gaming companies and a trusted name in the iGaming industry. GiG Media was ranked #3 in the EGR Power Affiliates Rankings in 2023, recognizing the business as one of the top three names within the gaming industry.
