What would you consider to be the most underrated casinos around?

[johnsteed]

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Hello fellow forum members ,

With my finally having a little more free time now, I had this idea rolling-around in the back of my mind for quite some time. What would you consider to be the most "Underrated" casino operations around? Well, to better understand where the context of "Underrated" lies, let's first explore what I'd define as "Overrated".


What fulfills (in my mind) the criteria for an "Overrated" casino would be...



- Too much hype, which is obviously (like everything one can think of...) subjective. And obviously, this particular casino that you feel doesn't live up to that "hype". A casino in which your experience will never match your expectations.



- A casino which is all too often mentioned in threads, and what one might think is annoyingly so. This can be positive threads, or negative threads, and they generally end with a parade (or mob) in full support of the operation (without any of the issues are really being resolved).



- A casino you never win at, and where you probably feel that every deposit is an automatic "purge" (fair or not). And taking this a step further, a casino others routinely win at, but you never do... and it doesn't matter what you do, you can never make a dent in it.



- The casino may be great, but there are still holes in it that you believe others are overlooking (or being blinded by) them, because all the other factors seem to eclipse the negatives.



- A casino that makes plenty of blunders ("blunders" that would not be tolerated by you the player), but has enough of a following (and probably a strong one at that) that these blunders are generally excusable.



- A casino whose Loyalty Programs, monthly match bonuses, VIP treatment, ongoing promotions, aren't so great when you think about it (based on factors such as steep wagering requirements, with only a few games that are allowed to be played to meet those requirements).



- A casino which has this whole bells-and-whistles "rah-rah" campaign that just isn't working for you, but is probably working for everyone else (this is for a casino which you consider "OVERRATED" remember ).



Side Note: I wouldn't necessarily classify an "Overrated" casino as a bad one. Heck, some of the most "Overrated" casinos are probably the best ones around, and it's probably impossible living up to the hype all the time. I'd have to consider Cal Ripken Jr. one of the most overrated sports icons of the last 50 years, but he was still a great baseball player (insert any other icon if you wish ... not everyone fancies baseball... my apologies ).



What fulfills the criteria for an "Underrated" casino would be...



"A" - A casino that goes under the radar. It doesn't get enough of a push (banners/advertisements/rarely being mentioned in threads if at all/ect...). No spotlights. No fireworks.



"B" - Pays out as quickly as the operations that garner the most attention, but doesn't seem to the credit it deserves (for making prompt payments to winners).



"C" - A casino that rarely receives any sort of complaint, while at the same time rarely gets praised for providing a great and quality service.



"D" - A casino that you've dealt with personally, and always feel like the casino is there to satisfy you (or rather, everything they do is satisfactory). A casino which you've always been pleased with the service, and one which does all the little things right.



"E" - A casino that might have at one time had a bad reputation, and that is still being haunted by it's past, but took the necessary steps over a fair (enough) amount of time to clean-up their mistakes. For good reasons, they may very well be one of the best operations around in the now, but carry the burden of making a considerable mistake well over 2 years ago (as an example).



"F" - A casino that gives you bonuses when you really weren't expecting anything from them, BECAUSE they are perceived as being a middle-of-the-road operation. This may include B-Day bonuses, $50 out-of-the-blue trying to get you to come back, or just something because they recognize that you're a great customer.



"G" - A casino which gets too much negative press, yet for all of your experiences at that particular casino, you've never ran into those sort of problems and every transaction has been seamless thus far.



"H" - A casino that will be forever lumped into one big group of poor operations, because they are part of the same software provider. Yet, this casino is great and always has been despite the poor reputations of those surrounding it.



If I had to make a short-list of a few operations that I considered to be "Underrated", I'd have to go with...

KIWI Casino​

"Underrated" criterion "C", "D", "F", "H"


Probably passed-over because it's a PlayTech casino, yet has (as far as I know) always had a sterling reputation. Few complaints, fine service, no problems. Major stumbling block for them (I would imagine), is having to distance themselves from the majority of the PlayTech pack.

Bet365​

"Underrated" criterion "B", "D", "G", "H"


The fastest paying PlayTech casino that I can think of. This isn't a casino for bonus hunters/whores, but in my experience, it meets most of the requirements that I expect from a solid operation.

Littlewoods Casino​

"Underrated" criterion: "A", "B", "D", "G"


I can see this pick going either way, but I'm leaning towards "Underrated" because in my neck-of-the-woods, I don't hear enough about them (whereas I hear and have always heard plenty about InterCasino & William Hill... which surely would have to be classified as great operations).

Casino-On-Net​

"Underrated" criterion: "D", "E", "F", "G"


What surely would have been a casino at the top of the "Overrated" food chain just a couple years ago, I rarely hear anything about them anymore. Odd. Overlooking the extended waiting periods to be paid, and software (like Global Player) that needs a drastic face-lift, this casino seems to do most things right. They've always been fair with bonuses, customer service replies to queries within a decent time frame, and they're rarely talked about anymore. Maybe I'm reading the wrong threads, or I'm going to only a select few sites/portals, but didn't they used to advertise EVERYWHERE back in '02?

JackpOt FactOry​

"Underrated" criterion: "B", "C", "D", "F"


Out of all the MG affiliates, I'd have to consider this group to be the most "Underrated".



Honorable mention goes to...

Capital Casino​

"Underrated" criterion: "A", "B", "C", "D", "F"


There are changes happening here, so who knows what's going on. They've been with BelleRock for a long time now (never one of the casino mentioned in their "COOL HAND" magazine though), but now they're officially with BelleRock... but accounts are being transferred to RiverBelle. When you call their long-distance #, you'll likely speak to someone who's not sure if Capital Casino is with Fortune Lounge or BelleRock (not a good thing... this happened twice now where the person wasn't sure ).


Not sure why I didn't go here more often in '03/'04, but this has been one of the few bright spots amongst my MG experiences (luck factor being the prevalent determiner in this case). Playing here always felt like I was actually playing a "random" game. Pushing that aside, this casino has a very boring main-page, the colors are dull, everything about it looks pre-VIPER, yet it does use VIPER.

Old Attachment (Invalid)​

Zzzz... Zzzz... Zzzz... Yawn... Zzzz... I'd rather watch the O.J. Simpson trial than have to look at this website again.​

Getting to the heart-of-matter, I would have put them as the most "Underrated" casino I had ever dealt with (and they are) because they had met every criteria that feel under my criteria (for what I would define to be an "Underrated" operation).


Unfortunately, with all the changes happening here, it'll never be the same. Thus, it can only get an honorable mention. Adieu Capitale... adieu...


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Thank you for reading through my post, and I look forward to your responses.



Steed


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[Simmo!]

Heee's baaaack

This could be a can of worms JS. I'd like to propose we keep 32Red out of this discussion as we've been down this road several times there and, call me a cynic, but it could detract from what could otherwise be a very interesting thread.

I may need to think on this one...though my first gut reaction was Littlewoods as underrated...but you beat me to it Overrated is far trickier. I smell controversy :xxx

 

[tencardcharlie]

Harrods = underrated
I never hear anything about them, but thay have generous payouts and the use(d) to run good promos +fast withdrawals. Sadly, I don't get any promo emails anymore because I'm from Sweden but they used to give me cash for trying out all their blackjack variations, or playing more than x different games over the weekend. Stuff like that. I would recommend this casino to anyone thats not from an excluded country (maybe they are non US, I don't know).

 

[johnsteed]

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Simmo!

This could be a can of worms JS. I'd like to propose we keep 32Red out of this discussion as we've been down this road several times there and, call me a cynic, but it could detract from what could otherwise be a very interesting thread.

Actually, you're quite right Simmo!. Perhaps it would be best to leave this as a most "Underrated" thread instead.


Steed

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[Simmo!]

Harrods = underrated

Yeah good point. On the subject ok UK "brands", Ritz Club (Crypto) are another I feel operate a very tight operation, although they aim squarely for the high roller.

 

[liquidsoap]

Id have to add vegas splendido as underated.
With its not so catchy name, the casino sounds kind of dodgey.
But with its sister casino roxy and member of the palace group this casino is top notch and one of my favorites

 

[soflat]

I think most casinos are rated just about right by Casinomeister and CM members, except the Golden Palace group. That group provides incredible value, but they get bashed for irrelevant things like having a streaker at the Olympics.

 

[spearmaster]

Another great Steed thread We all knew it was a matter of time... in the immortal words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, "I shall return...."

I'll stay away from overrated No intention of opening Pandora's Box...

Underrated - Jackpot Factory is definitely high up on my list. Bet365 as well... Ritz Club isn't really underrated - it just doesn't promote and like you said primarily targets high rollers. Kiwi definitely high up there as well.

GP, they're not underrated, they have come a long way since 2000. I don't mind the streakers but you think they might have a new idea by now?

CON does not meet my definition of underrated... LOL... Harrods neither. Both are solid and safe, which is the most important thing. But neither deserves any higher rating with the mediocre software they use.

Capital is no more - and I also once thought this would be a high-flying casino. Just never worked out right.

Littlewoods - at the moment I'm going to reserve judgement. And one of the casinos mentioned in the same breath I am going to completely disagree about it being a great operation - quite the opposite, in fact.

 

[Wildfire7]

Hi, Interesting topic,
I am new to this forum, but have played at countless Casinos over the years online, and not sure if it counts as under rated as they are so well known in the UK, but Ladbrokes is cutting edge stuff, I cashed out first time by Paypal this morning and the money was in my account within 2 hours.
Oddly my understanding since Ebay aquired Paypal they will not allow online gambling transactions, however Ladbrokes seems to have got round this one.

I also think the Lasseters group is under rated, I have always done well at their slots and they also cater for the very low rollers, like 1 cent roulette!

Over rated hmmm, I heard Casino on Net get a mention, yes they are slow at paying taking 5 days etc but I have never played anywhere without so many regular bonus's but you would think a big brand like 888 could get some more games, I mean they have only got 4 video slots!

I guess to be fair we all tend to be biased on whose good depending on if were winning with them!

MJ

 

[KasinoKing]

Steed is back - and some!

I wish you would make your posts a bit SHORTER though - sorry mate, I just get bored half way though & can't be assed to read it all!

Had a long think about this before replying, and the most underrated casino has to be:-

InterCasino

Where else can you get the equivalent of a very good sign-up bonus, with extremely friendly wagering requirements, month in, month out?
I can't think of ANY other casino that comes close. They are No.1! :notworthy

(And my point is they don't get mentioned anything like as much as other places - like 32Red, for example).

Just noticed, you asked for casinos - so also on my underrated list are:-

WagerWorks casinos - only a very small provider (4-5 casinos), and only 'flash' software, but all have very good CS & some great unique games!
Despite being 'only flash' the graphics & sounds put other more highly rated softwares to shame - for example: C.O.N., Global Player, Ausvegas

 

[caruso]

I agree about Intercasino, but would hardly call it "underrated".

Underrated? Cherry et al: never an issue, never a bonus problem, regular monthly promos for all comers...excellent little group with no downside.

Last edited by Simmo! : Today at 06:33 PM.

YAAAAAAAAAAAWN.

32Red, right? Seriously, I didn't see the post pre-edit, but I'm sure that was it.

LMAO. Whatever.

 

[Simmo!]

YAAAAAAAAAAAWN.

32Red, right? Seriously, I didn't see the post pre-edit, but I'm sure that was it.

LMAO. Whatever.

Not even close. Steed PM'ed me asking to change the wording of his opening paragraph.

 

[tennis_balls]

hahacasino is highly underrated!

people say it's horrible, but actually it's only really bad

 

[caruso]

OK.

I figured since you said "I'd like to propose we keep 32Red out of this discussion as we've been down this road several times", and I could see no mention of 32Red in John's post, that he must've mentioned 32Red as his "overrated" casino and you removed said mention at his request, otherwise there could be no possible reason for such a comment.

Never mind, must've got it wrong.

 

[MissDevil]

did someone just discover the tools that change font colours and sizes? just kidding.... great post!

I found those Marvel Slots to be overrated myself.

 

[CasinoForumu]

Harrods,red lounge and private are underrated IMO.
They have %100 bonus,wit 10 times wagering requirements,same day payouts,very educated customer rep.,and a great software.

 

[johnsteed]

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caruso

I figured since you said "I'd like to propose we keep 32Red out of this discussion as we've been down this road several times", and I could see no mention of 32Red in John's post, that he must've mentioned 32Red as his "overrated" casino and you removed said mention at his request, otherwise there could be no possible reason for such a comment.

Sorry to step in late here (deep sleep), but I had never mentioned any casino which falls under the "Overrated" category. And specifically, there was never any mention of 32Red by yours truly. Simmo! suggested a change, therefore I deleted a topic that was probably too harsh to cover (gulp!). The only edit which took place was to change the lines in my opening statement (1st paragraph). Nothing else was altered. And again, I had never stated one thing about 32Red.


KasinoKing

I wish you would make your posts a bit SHORTER though - sorry mate, I just get bored half way though & can't be assed to read it all!

Hahaha, but that wouldn't be "JohnSteedish" now would it? That's probably why I don't post for stretches at a time (because I do troll Casinomeister at least 4-5 times daily), and then I have too much to say. I just like the idea of trying to be clear, and throwing in a good sample of examples to give the reader the sense of where I'm coming from (whether or not they're in agreement with me).

I appreciate the use of colors/colours on your part though, KasinoKing!


tennis balls

hahacasino is highly underrated!

people say it's horrible, but actually it's only really bad

And of course, there's always that other end of the spectrum.


Steed

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[paul02085]

Sci-Fi
Intercasino
Vegas Country

 

[chuchu59]

The Sunny and Lasseters Groups are both underrated. I find it quite amusing that intercasino is being categorized as well. We are not voting for best casino, are we? Though complaints against it may not have too many, there still seems to be a steady stream in this direction and would probably qualify them as being 'overrated'.

 

[soflat]

I think Intercasino overrates themselves.

Their video poker is nothing to be proud of, nor are their miscellaneous fees, and the slots are outdated. Most of their promotions are stingy too.

 

[nafanny29]

I would agree with KasinoKing regarding the Wagerworks casinos and games. The slots there are very playable indeed.

Also Harrods stands out as another candidate, good selection of BJ games and IMHO fair games.

Great thread btw johnsteed

 

[lydia]

Also Harrods stands out as another candidate, good selection of BJ games and IMHO fair games.

My opinion too, not to forget fair roulette, which is extrem seldom on net. Even I, that almost never play BJ, play sometimes BJ at Harrods and that says much!

 

[johnsteed]

Can something popular still be considered "underrated"?

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Various quotes...

KasinoKing

Where else can you get the equivalent of a very good sign-up bonus, with extremely friendly wagering requirements, month in, month out?
I can't think of ANY other casino that comes close. They are No.1!

paul02085

Sci-Fi
Intercasino
Vegas Country

caruso

I agree about Intercasino, but would hardly call it "underrated".

spearmaster

CON does not meet my definition of underrated... LOL... Harrods neither. Both are solid and safe, which is the most important thing. But neither deserves any higher rating with the mediocre software they use.

Well "spearmaster" (and "Wildfire7"), perhaps it's a bit of a stretch calling Casino-On-Net "Underrated" (laughs and rolling-of-eyes were expected before I decided on adding it to the list).


I would agree that Casino-On-Net is pretty much only appealing to BJ players (and a select few other games), who are okay with waiting about a week to get paid. But for all the games of BJ I've ever played (ignoring "old" PlayTech BJ), it "seems" to have been the most random (as I would imagine Harrods to be as well) that I've come across in my on-line gaming existence. It was once so "Overrated" and advertised EVERYWHERE, that it's fallen (or is falling) from it's perch. I'd say that by being overhyped for such a long time to what it is now, as far as 2006 is concerned, it's probably leaning more in the "Underrated" category as opposed to the "Overrated" category.


It's the only casino I can think of that EACH time I used my hotmail account, there was a CON banner. Log-out, there's another CON banner. Do a search, there's another CON banner. It's like putting BoDog and PartyPoker's advertising campaign together and multiplying it by 5, and there you have Casino-On-Net circa 2002. They were smart to advertise as much as they did when they did, but they were foolish for not upgrading their product with the times. Having said all that, I still think they're at worst a Top-20 casino.


***

In the purest sense of the word "Underrated", at first glance, there's no way that InterCasino should be labeled that. But in some ways, maybe it's not out of the question.


It's somewhat surprising, but over the past year, there have been few positive threads on the subject of InterCasino (at least here). Few. So, somewhere over time, the gloss has eroded from this exceptional casino (which will happen to each casino, no matter how good it is). For the record, it's still right there with the best of them (and for many forum members here, it's STILL the best), and it still has a very strong and loyal following here at Casinomeister.com (think: "KK", "Macgyver", "soflat", "tencardcharlie", "gfkostas", "GIJoe", "GrandMaster", "maxfalcon", "raol", "silcnlayc", "recallme", "Sodax77", "Tdoggy", "Yurak", to name a fraction of those who list it as their favorite casino). I just don't read much in terms of praising it for the good job it generally does.


Although I can't speak for KK, I think I get the point he was trying to make here. Amongst the best casinos that are generally mentioned at Casinomeister.com by forum members (at least over the past year or so), it "seems" that InterCasino has taken a back seat to a host of other well run operations.


Although by no means (REALLY by no means) an esoteric or unknown casino, for how great it still is (despite the warranted or unwarranted negative threads about it), in some ways I can see how it could now be viewed "Underrated" (at least within the context of this particular forum). KasinoKing listed all the reasons why it's still great. I can't see why popular things can't still be considered "Underrated".

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Side Note: I had Harrods as well as Sci-Fi/Breakaway in mind when making my list. Shoulda' put them in...


Steed


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[dominique]

Well, I can tell you what I see being the 10 most popular casinos that people tend to stick with over long periods of time, based on the statistics I can see:


Inter Casino
Casino Classics
Roxy
Breakaway
Neptune
Riverbelle
Allslots
Colosseum
Casino Las Vegas
Slotland

Now, I don't know the reasons why people tend to stick with these. This list changes over a 6 month period it seems, but some staples always tend to be on this list. The list is specific to my site, so it's subjective to the type player who likes to hang there.

These are not necessarily what I would choose, but they have been complaint free for me. They are also not necessarily my best earners either, just the ones I have seen people stick with the longest.

 

[spearmaster]

I believe "underrated" should imply that a casino is providing something exceptional - not just normal - and deserve mention along with those who are regularly praised.

Again - there's nothing wrong with CON or Harrods at all - I certainly would not worry about playing there. But they do not do anything exceptional, and their software is hardly something one would praise.

Put them firmly in the "Solid and Safe" casinos if you like. But underrated? Naah. When they start providing exceptional service and/or bring their software up to much higher standards, then let's start talking about "underrated" or even "favorite".