Updating the Safety Index at Casino Guru

In this interview, Casino Guru News spoke with Casino Guru's Data Team about the recently introduced significant changes to how the team calculates and adjusts its Safety Index. While these updates have major implications for casinos, their primary goal is to provide players with a more accurate, real-time evaluation of gambling sites, helping them make informed decisions. The key change focuses on how Casino Guru assesses problematic terms in operators’ T&Cs, ensuring that well-intentioned casinos with a strong track record of fair treatment are not unfairly penalized.

Q: Why has Casino Guru decided to change the Safety Index calculation?
The change in the Safety Index calculation is a response to feedback from casinos. Some casinos have terms in their Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) that could be used against players, but they do not actually enforce these rules. Our previous method penalized all such casinos equally, regardless of whether they applied these terms in practice.

For many casinos, especially those using white-label solutions, modifying their terms can be challenging. With the updated approach, we now take into account whether a casino actively enforces problematic rules. This adjustment ensures a fairer rating system that better reflects real-world player experiences.

Q: What specific aspect of the Safety Index calculation is changing?
The changes primarily affect how we assess unfair terms in a casino’s T&Cs. Previously, any problematic terms were penalized equally, even if they were never enforced. Now, if a casino has such terms but does not use them against players, the penalty will gradually decrease over time.

Additionally, we are refining the way we handle multiple unfair terms in the same category. Before, a casino with several similar problematic terms was penalized only once. Under the new system, penalties will accumulate but with diminishing weight. We also have the flexibility within our system to adjust the weight of additional penalties based on specific cases.

Q: How will these changes impact casino ratings?
In general, this update is beneficial for most casinos. Since penalties for unused unfair terms are now reduced, many casinos will see an improvement in their Safety Index rating. This adjustment better aligns our ratings with actual casino behavior and ensures that well-intentioned casinos are not unfairly penalized.

Q: Does this mean that all casinos will receive a higher rating?
Not necessarily. While many casinos will see a positive impact, those with multiple unfair terms that are actively enforced will still be penalized. The new methodology ensures a more precise evaluation rather than an across-the-board increase in ratings.

Q: Why did Casino Guru decide to make this change now?
We continuously review our methodologies to keep them fair and relevant. Based on feedback from casinos and players, we recognized the need for a more nuanced approach. By refining how we account for unfair terms and adjusting our penalty system, we ensure that the Safety Index remains an accurate and trustworthy metric for players.

Q: How does this change affect players?
For players, the updated Safety Index provides a more accurate reflection of a casino’s fairness. Since penalties now align more closely with actual casino practices, players can make better-informed decisions about where to play. The goal remains to highlight safe and trustworthy casinos while ensuring fair assessments for operators.

Q: Will the Safety Index continue to evolve?
Yes. At Casino Guru, we constantly refine our rating system based on industry trends, user feedback, and emerging best practices. We aim to ensure that our Safety Index remains the most reliable casino evaluation tool available.

If you have any questions about these changes, feel free to reach out!

Image credit: Casino Guru News