Last updated: May 2026 — Marcus Tremblay, Calpo

How We Rate New Online Casinos at Calpo

Our Review Philosophy

At Calpo, every review you read on calpo.ca is the result of a structured, hands-on evaluation process carried out by Marcus Tremblay. Marcus has spent years navigating the Canadian online gambling landscape and brings deep expertise to every assessment. Our mission is simple: to give Canadian players honest, accurate, and independently produced reviews of new online casino brands so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

We are not affiliated with, employed by, or financially influenced by any casino operator. While Calpo may earn referral commissions when players sign up through our links, this commercial relationship never influences our scores or written assessments. Every rating is determined solely by the criteria and methodology described on this page.

Step-by-Step: How Marcus Tremblay Reviews a Casino

Step 1: Initial Research and Licensing Verification

Before Marcus spends a single dollar at a new casino, he verifies its legal standing. He checks the operator's licensing documentation, confirms the issuing authority, and cross-references the casino's registration against official regulatory databases. Casinos operating without a legitimate licence are immediately disqualified from receiving a full review on Calpo.

Step 2: Account Registration and KYC Testing

Marcus personally creates a real player account at every casino he reviews. He completes the full registration process, submits identity verification documents, and notes how long each step takes. This real-world experience is something you simply cannot replicate by reading a press release or relying on operator-supplied information.

Step 3: Depositing and Claiming Bonuses

Marcus makes a real-money deposit using payment methods commonly available to Canadian players. He claims the welcome bonus, reads the full terms and conditions, and plays through wagering requirements to understand what the offer actually delivers in practice — not just what it promises on paper.

Step 4: Gameplay Testing Across Categories

Marcus tests a representative sample of games across all major categories: slots, live dealer tables, table games, and specialty titles. He evaluates load times, game variety, software quality, and whether the library genuinely serves Canadian player preferences.

Step 5: Customer Support Evaluation

Marcus contacts customer support through every available channel — live chat, email, and phone where applicable. He records response times, the accuracy of answers provided, and the overall quality of the support experience.

Step 6: Mobile Testing

All sites are accessed and tested on both mobile browser and dedicated app (where available) to assess responsiveness, navigation, and whether the full casino experience translates effectively to smaller screens.

Step 7: Withdrawal Testing and Final Scoring

Marcus requests a withdrawal and documents the processing time, any required verification steps, and whether the casino fulfils its stated payout timelines. Only after completing this full cycle does he assign final scores and write the published review.

Our Rating Criteria and Weightings

Every casino reviewed on Calpo is scored across six core categories. Each category carries a specific percentage weighting that reflects its importance to the overall player experience. Final scores are calculated as a weighted average and presented on a scale of 1 to 10.

Category Weighting What We Evaluate
Licensing and Safety 25% Valid licence, responsible gambling tools, data encryption, and player fund protection
Bonuses and Promotions 20% Welcome offer value, wagering requirements, bonus terms fairness, and ongoing promotions
Game Selection 20% Total number of titles, software providers, game variety, and live casino quality
Payment Methods 15% Deposit and withdrawal options, processing speeds, fees, and CAD currency support
Customer Support 10% Availability, response times, channel options, and quality of assistance provided
Mobile Experience 10% Browser and app performance, interface design, and full feature availability on mobile

Understanding Our Rating Scale

All casinos reviewed on Calpo receive a final score between 1 and 10. Here is what each range means:

How Calpo Stays Unbiased

Independence is the foundation of everything we publish. Marcus Tremblay operates Calpo as an editorially independent platform. Casino operators cannot pay to improve their scores, request changes to published reviews, or influence the weighting of any rating category. If a review is updated, it is because new information or direct player feedback has come to light — not because an operator has asked for it.

Marcus funds his own deposits for testing purposes, ensuring that the review experience reflects what an ordinary Canadian player would encounter, not a VIP or media account with inflated benefits. All scores are recalculated at least once per year to account for any changes to a casino's offering, ownership, or licensing status.

If you believe any review on calpo.ca contains inaccurate information, you are encouraged to contact us directly. We treat every piece of feedback seriously and investigate all substantiated concerns.