It's that time of year again! The 2023 Meister Awards!!

[Casinomeister]

Best and Worst of Online Gambling - Meister Awards for 2023 - I need your input!

The Meister Awards are probably the most anticipated awards for the entire online casino industry. Considered by many to be the only awards that matter because these are awards with the players in mind dished out by our community. It's not some hoowah back slapping circle jerky industry event - these are awards that recognize the Best and the Worst casinos, casino operations, licensing jurisdictions, and people that are associated with online gambling. This is your chance to let us know what kind of experiences you've had in 2023.

What I need from you:

Your top five casinos - and why
Best customer service in your opinion
Best casino group that you can think of
Best casino manager
Best thing that ever happened to a player this year
Worst thing that ever happened to a player this year.
Your biggest disappointment as well.

Any anything else you'd like us to consider.

For the newbies, The Casinomeister Awards are dished out right after the Xmas break - usually during the third week of January. It's an "event of the year" which has been held since the early days of 2001.

For quite a number of people, these are the only awards that matter... Screw the rest, these are the best.

The most recent years:

2021 Meister Awards,Best and Worst in Online Gambling - Casinomeister
2020 Meister Awards,Best and Worst in Online Gambling - Casinomeister

LOL, for shits and giggles here are the Awards from 2005
The Best and Worst of Gambling for 2005 Not too much has changed...

How we decide

Most Importantly: I create the shortlist of the Best Casino of the year with the input from this thread.

The short list will be voted on (in a secret vote) by active Meister Minions and Meister Members and above at the end of December.

Do you want to be able to vote? Then sign up to become a Meister Minion! You've got to be a Full member and above to join. The info - like always - is here: How to become a Meister Member.

 

[Dinahnana]

My biggest disappointment is = the Videoslots. Dwindling customer rewards perks, useless battles and CS that have dropped considerably.

My favourite casino this year is Novibet. Customer service is responsive. Customer rewards are good but could be better. Verification is straightforward.

I could give Bitstarz a mention; however, getting verified there is a nightmare and a half, and I still haven't managed it a year in.

I don't like any other casinos this year. They all suck in my opinion.

It seems to me that casinos no longer care about customers. They are chasing profits and are doing so by cutting loyalty programmes however by doing that they are chasing away customers.

 

[SCATT3R]

I'm extremely satisfied with King Billy (Dama) whom, after finally enabling to Norwegians my preferred deposit/withdrawal method: card), I am using on a weekly basis.

First of all, the verification process was very speedily handled and the only document they didn't instantly approve easily went through after a brief explanation in chat.

Their slots appear to be optimal RTP versions throughout their vast selection. New releases are quickly added.

The site and app is well done and easily navigated. For me, everything has ran smoothly and only on very rare occasions has my gameplay been interrupted.

Their welcome package stretching over 4 deposits is better than average and their bonus wagering requirement is among the lowest around. After that, you'll get alot of free spins on deposit offers, or a weekly 50% reload up to EUR 75.

Card withdrawals are fully processed within hours. Card deposits go via various, possibly random 3rd parties. To avoid unreasonable fees, you'll need to decline the payment untill you hit one you know won't charge too much. There can be quite the difference here, so stay alert!

They have a max bet with real money set at EUR 50. This can be a good thing because it eliminates the otherwise ever present risk of impulsive, high stakes feature buys.

For a small stakes player, gaining loyalty levels takes forever. I've spent countless hours on their site and am still only 90% towards the first upgrade. Many other sites opt for possibly lesser but much more frequent rewards and to me that is a far more engaging model.

As for RG, I once felt the need to set a 3-day cooldown period and it appeared to work as intended. You have many options easily found.

If you encounter any issue and talk to support, you feel like they are working with you, not against you. These days, this is not a given.

King Billy has won many awards in the past and, from my experience, I can see why. I'll happily nominate them for 2023.

 

[Deeplay]

Are offshore cryptos allowed to be included in this years awards ? all my play has been off shore - the past 12 months and not one single issue with multiple deposits and multiple cashouts .. but wont name unless they are allowed in this years awards

 

[Casinomeister]

Are offshore cryptos allowed to be included in this years awards ? all my play has been off shore - the past 12 months and not one single issue with multiple deposits and multiple cashouts .. but wont name unless they are allowed in this years awards

Oh definitely - we have loads of offshore crypto sites just clamoring for awards from us.

 

[slotmaster]

My biggest disappointment is = the Videoslots. Dwindling customer rewards perks, useless battles and CS that have dropped considerably.

My favourite casino this year is Novibet. Customer service is responsive. Customer rewards are good but could be better. Verification is straightforward.

I could give Bitstarz a mention; however, getting verified there is a nightmare and a half, and I still haven't managed it a year in.

I don't like any other casinos this year. They all suck in my opinion.

It seems to me that casinos no longer care about customers. They are chasing profits and are doing so by cutting loyalty programmes however by doing that they are chasing away customers.

Pretty much most of this in terms of why bother with awards now, is there even 5 casinos still around? LOL The only reps here day in and day out are Videoslots and L and L, just give both the award or an award. Other reps come by when a player issue which is good don't get me wrong but barely any reps on here regularly.

 

[Casinomeister]

Pretty much most of this in terms of why bother with awards now, is there even 5 casinos still around? LOL The only reps here day in and day out are Videoslots and L and L, just give both the award or an award. Other reps come by when a player issue which is good don't get me wrong but barely any reps on here regularly.

Maybe we should focus on the Worst of 2023 LOL!

The face of the industry has changed over the past several years. Most of the casinos that want to come on board are run by marketing companies with most of their reps just marketing folks - not experienced folks who manage players/casinos. This is one reason why we have had just a handful of BBFs this year. So yeah - it is tough finding casinos that even qualify to become Accredited here. That is the hard truth of the matter.

But saying that - those casinos that are maintaining their presence here deserve recognition - and it is not JUST the forum (those are the forum awards), it's the casino operations (best customer service, best manager, etc.) that I can use input on.

Out of the tens of thousands of online casinos, there are only about 60 that are Accredited here at Casinomeister. Most choose not to go this route because they are marketing firms that either can't cut the mustard, aren't ready for it, or don't want to be analyzed or fairly critiqued in public.

But believe me - we have a LOT of award worthy casinos for the shit awards. And you guys can use this thread to remind the person writing up these awards (me) about the comedy of errors over the past year

So if you don't have anything nice to say about the 5 casinos who give a shit, let's hear it for the bottom feeders and get some nominees listed here.

 

[justdoit]

1. @Winz.io casino Max RTP Support 10 out of 10 fast cashout, lot of games new and old
2. Best casino group L&L
3. Best Casino manager @L&L-Jan
4. Best thing happen to players in 2023 Crypto Casinos ?
5. Worst thing happen to players >> UKGC
6. Biggest disappointment >Big Bass Slots ?

 

[L&L-Jan]

Videoslots and L and L

And Mark

 

[Reelsoffun]

I don’t often post in this thread, but here’s my take on this year.

Don’t really have 5 top casinos so I will just go with top 3

1. Videoslots,
great selection of games, well laid out website, fast cash outs, great reps here inc @Mr Wild and while RTPs are lower on some games I find that is more than offset with weekly cash back wager free, free spins and slot battles, and other promotions, and is by far where most my gambling budget goes

2. All British casino,
good selection of games, fast cash outs, great rep, good occasional promos and offers, as well as the 10% cashback etc

3. Virgin games,
ok selection of games including some not available at my other casinos, cash outs are quick, and some regular kick backs in the form of cash via their box bonanza’s and not had any problems, although if I did there isn’t a rep here so that’s a shame.

My best customer service this year has been without doubt @Mr Wild and the @Team.Videoslots

For me best casino group would be a tie with videoslots and L&L due to only playing at one from each group.

Best thing that ever happened to a player this year - not really had anything significant happen this year.

Worst thing that ever happened to a player this year - The continued lack of autoplay, bonus buys, and constant threat of SOW etc so thanks for that UKGC!

My biggest disappointment? is the relentless release of ultra high variance slots, enough already!

 

[johnnymcc1966]

Lottomart-Because of regular bonuses.
LeoVegas-Because they still have regular promotions and often give me free spins,and occasionally a cash payout!
Bet365-Because it's almost all maximum RTP and seems as fair as you can be. I use their sportsbook too and get the odd free bet,but not often.
Videoslots-Because of a great choice of games and I get the odd freeroll ticket.
Tombola Arcade-Original and fair slots,if not very imaginatively designed.

I'd nominate L&L if I could still play there and the Gamesys/Bally Branded sites are not too bad occasionally.

Re Lottomart. Also having @Mark_Lottomart as a regular contributor and being able to sort out problems quickly on the site is great. And even though I can't play there @L&L-Jan is another very visible and reliable poster for his brand and their sites. Both what a casino rep should aspire to be.

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

And Mark

Thanks pal!

 

[slotmaster]

And Mark

Forgot about Mark, he must not be here enough Neither of youdo Ontario though

 

[Mark_Lottomart]

Forgot about Mark, he must not be here enough Neither of youdo Ontario though

I lurk a lot, post infrequently.

 

[chayton]

Worst player experience has to be that player who's currently in limbo trying to get their jackpot win from Slotocash.

 

[KasinoKing]

The face of the industry has changed over the past several years. Most of the casinos that want to come on board are run by marketing companies with most of their reps just marketing folks - not experienced folks who manage players/casinos. This is one reason why we have had just a handful of BBFs this year. So yeah - it is tough finding casinos that even qualify to become Accredited here. That is the hard truth of the matter.

Ain't that the truth!

I'm just glad that I'm nearly as old as you and will be officially retiring soon
This was once a great, fun, interesting industry with exciting and limitless potential... now it's just a sack of shit.
The "Big Boys" (with some help from the UKGC) have totally ruined it for everybody else.
Oh well, there's always golf, pipe & slippers, BEER and sitting in front of the TV watching endless hours of crap...

As to the awards - please just copy & paste my response from last year as nothing much has changed.
I have been screwed over and stolen from by loads more operators, including Betsson, Videoslots, Mr Green and a few others - but what's new?

I would just like to add the LUDICROUS Sloto/RTG jackpot delay to "The Worst Player Experience" (i.e. Nightmare)

See you in London in Feb... as long as the meeting is NOT during school half-term ?

Cheers.

 

[Webzcas]

I would just like to add the LUDICROUS Sloto/RTG jackpot delay to "The Worst Player Experience" (i.e. Nightmare)

Second this absolutely.

 

[The Viking]

Well i mostly just playd in 3 casinos for the past year as they all have speedie cashout and quick resolving support.
So my top 3 would have to be Winz, Videoslots and Bitstarz
When it comes to rep it looks like few could clame it, my hats of to Jan , Mark Videoslots for always being around
I only needef rep once that was Winz and with a quick reply ?
Worst expirence has to be the Sloto Progressive but hopefully that is going to be one of the best one as well for the player ?

 

[L&L-Jan]

Best Casino: All British - PokerStars - PartyPoker - reason: good service, huge game selection, great VIP experience and the invite from Party via Mclaren to visit the F1 race in Silverstone last summer.
Best Group: L&L - Because I work there
Best Customer service: PokerStars - Extremely responsive
Best Casino manager: Mark and myself, must be a dual award
Best new casino: PubCasino - Rising star, growing very fast.
Best player experience: Lucksome their Fat Stacks mechanic - Its great to see a smaller studio trying new mechanics.
Worst player experience: Dutch regulations - And it will only get worse for Dutch players.

 

[JGslots]

Best Casino:- Lottomart:- regular offers, decent selection of providers. Not had any issues here what-so-ever.

Best Customer Service:- I’ve not contacted support at any casino this year.

Best Casino Group:- Lottomart

Best Casino Manager:- Mark at Lottomart

Best thing that happened to me at a casino this year:- Winning £2,000 on a 50p bet

Biggest Disappointment:-
1. How the mighty Videoslots has fallen from the great place it once was.
2. How utterly out of touch and unfit the UKGC is, it’s on course to ruin the regulated market in the UK. For me, the UKGC needs drastic changes and actually start regulating properly instead of issuing eye watering fines and pushing players away into the crypto space.

Rob

 

[alcatraz]

Well, just to chip in.

I don't know about top 5 casinos because i don't play in so many.

However, i just like to play in Bitstarz and Winz casino as they both have their fair share of nice player options and i can truly say great customer service. Especially the payout speed of Bitstarz and the customer support is impressive.

Best Casino Group would be Dama N.V.

About casino reps i d say there are some here who deserve to be named but since i use to talk rarely to them, it would be unfair to judge one over the other. They all did a great job and helped me out swiftly.

Thats all from my side. There was nothing this year which could be determined as best or worst experience. Just the usual gambling stuff.

 

[Christine28]

Kingbilly best casino for fast payouts extremely great customer service and VIP programs they really look after their players.
Bitstarz I think has fallen from grace it is the worst casino for me unreachable promotions and they don’t look after loyal players.
Best customer service Winz.io

 

[paul7388]

Will keep it simple.

Best casino Lottomart again. Lucky casino and in profit there( please don't read that bit Mark I like my account open lol) . Also plenty promotions and fast enough pay out speed.

Best Rep. Has to be @Mark_Lottomart again for sticking by the forum all these years for different brands and still posting away and being helpful. Closely followed by @L&L-Jan who although I have never really used his casinos is also always here and posting away as part of the community and helping members.

Not much else to put as stick to a few casinos and Bookies sites these days as not worth the hassle with everything going on playing elsewhere or at new sites.

 

[Deeplay]

Have to give a shout out to @3Dice - solid as a rock. Never an issue - the customer support fast usually within a minute and none of the dreaded "stock answers" such as clear thy cookies.

Have played quite a bit over this year at 3 Dice - not as much as I used to but still always an enjoyable experience with unique games. So I think they should be a contender again this year for an award.

 

[Casinomeister]

OK - I am closing this one out and will begin sorting out a short list from this thread and others. Thanks to all for your input - much appreciated.