The Ace Score
A clear, structured rating system for evaluating sportsbooks, online casinos, poker sites, apps, and educational resources.
Last updated: December 3, 2025
Overview
The Ace Score is a weighted rating from 1.0 to 10.0 based on objective, publicly verifiable criteria. Each review category uses a tailored set of scoring pillars, ensuring fairness and accuracy across different types of products and services.
Our goal is to help you understand overall quality, value, safety, and long-term usability without relying on subjective impressions.
Score Bands
Scores 8.0 and above display with a green badge, 5.0-7.9 with a yellow badge, and below 5.0 with a red badge.
Category Pillars and Weights
Each category uses its own set of weighted criteria. Final scores are calculated by multiplying subscores by their category-specific weights.
Sportsbooks
| Pillar | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Trust and Safety | Licensing, regulatory compliance, security, and operational stability | 30% |
| Value | Odds quality, promotions, and ongoing value for bettors | 25% |
| Product Quality and Features | Betting markets, live betting, and platform capabilities | 20% |
| User Experience and Support | App quality, ease of use, and customer service | 15% |
| Sustainability | Long-term reliability and ongoing quality improvements | 10% |
Online Casinos
| Pillar | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Trust and Safety | Licensing, fair play certification, and payout reliability | 30% |
| Product Quality and Game Library | Game variety, providers, and live dealer options | 25% |
| Value | RTP ranges, bonus terms, and ongoing promotions | 20% |
| User Experience and Support | Platform quality, mobile experience, and customer service | 15% |
| Sustainability | Long-term reliability and new game additions | 10% |
Poker Sites
| Pillar | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Trust and Safety | Licensing, game integrity, and secure transactions | 30% |
| Value | Rake structure, rewards programs, and promotions | 25% |
| Product Quality and Traffic | Game variety, player traffic, and tournament offerings | 20% |
| User Experience and Support | Software quality, multi-tabling, and customer service | 15% |
| Sustainability | Long-term player pool health and platform development | 10% |
Apps and Tools
| Pillar | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Product Quality and Features | Functionality, accuracy, and feature depth | 30% |
| Value | Price vs features and free tier offerings | 25% |
| Trust and Safety | Data handling, privacy, and transparency | 20% |
| User Experience and Support | Interface design, ease of use, and documentation | 15% |
| Sustainability | Update frequency and ongoing development | 10% |
Books and Learning Resources
| Pillar | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Accuracy and Integrity | Mathematical correctness and factual accuracy | 30% |
| Clarity and Teaching Quality | Writing quality and ability to convey concepts | 25% |
| Depth and Practical Value | Actionable strategies and real-world applicability | 25% |
| Long Term Significance | Lasting relevance and historical importance | 15% |
| Supporting Material | Charts, examples, and supplementary resources | 5% |
Trust and Safety Pillar
The Trust and Safety pillar carries significant weight across all categories. It includes:
- Licensing and regulatory compliance - Valid licenses from respected jurisdictions
- Fair access and withdrawal clarity - Clear terms and reliable payouts
- Security and identity protection - Encryption, data handling, and privacy
- Public complaint patterns - Resolution history and customer feedback
- Operational stability - Track record and financial health
These factors are evaluated using publicly available data, regulatory information, and documented support policies.
How We Calculate Scores
- Each pillar receives a subscore from 1 to 10
- Each subscore is multiplied by its category-specific weight
- Weighted subscores are added to produce the final Ace Score
- Final score is rounded to one decimal place
Why We Created The Ace Score
Transparent Criteria
Readers understand exactly how ratings are determined, with no hidden factors.
Consistent Comparisons
Weighted pillars ensure fair comparisons within each category.
Balanced View
No single factor dominates - strengths and limitations are both reflected.
Long-Term Credibility
Objective criteria build trust and support ongoing content quality.
Ready to explore our reviews?
Browse All ReviewsAbout This Methodology
The Art of Casino reserves the right to update, modify, or refine this rating methodology at any time. Changes may include adjustments to scoring pillars, category weights, evaluation criteria, or the introduction of new review categories.
When updates occur, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage readers to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we evaluate products and services.
Existing reviews may be re-evaluated under updated criteria at our discretion. Any significant methodology changes that affect previously published scores will be noted in the relevant reviews.
This methodology is provided for informational purposes and reflects our editorial standards at the time of publication. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice.