Editorial Guidelines

Our editorial standards guide everything we publish at JustFreeSpins.com.

These guidelines explain how we create content, test casinos, and serve our readers. We follow these principles on every article, review, and guide we publish.

Our Mission

We help players find safe, fair online casinos.

Our readers trust us to provide honest information. We take this responsibility seriously. Every recommendation we make affects real people spending real money.

We prioritize accuracy over speed. We choose thoroughness over clickbait. We value reader trust more than short-term profits.

Editorial Independence

Our editorial team operates independently from our business team.

Writers don’t know commission rates for different casinos. They rate casinos based solely on performance, features, and player experience.

Business relationships don’t influence our ratings or recommendations. A casino paying high commissions doesn’t automatically get good reviews. A casino paying low commissions doesn’t get penalized.

We’ve removed partnerships with casinos that didn’t meet our standards. We’ve published negative reviews of high-paying partners. We’ll continue doing both.

Our content team has final say on all published content. Business teams can’t override editorial decisions.

Content Standards

We maintain high standards across all content types.

Accuracy Requirements

Every factual claim must be verifiable. Writers cite sources for external data. We verify information directly when possible.

We never guess. We never assume. We never copy information without verification.

If we can’t verify something, we don’t publish it. Simple as that.

Clarity Requirements

Our content serves real readers, not search engines.

We write in plain language. We avoid jargon when possible. We explain technical terms when necessary.

Sentences stay under 20 words. Paragraphs contain 3-5 sentences maximum. We break up long sections with headings.

Every heading answers a specific question. We don’t use clever wordplay that obscures meaning.

Completeness Requirements

Articles provide actionable information.

We answer the questions readers actually ask. We anticipate follow-up questions. We provide context and examples.

We don’t leave readers hanging. If we mention wagering requirements, we explain how they work. If we recommend a casino, we explain why.

Timeliness Requirements

Information must be current.

We update articles when casinos change terms. We note when regulations change. We revise reviews annually at minimum.

Every article displays a “Last Updated” date. Readers deserve to know when information was verified.

Research and Testing Standards

We test casinos ourselves. We don’t rely on press releases or marketing materials.

Account Creation and Verification

We create real accounts at every casino we review. We use genuine personal information. We complete verification processes.

We test the signup flow from start to finish. We note any friction points. We measure completion time.

Deposit and Withdrawal Testing

We deposit real money. We test multiple payment methods when possible.

We make actual withdrawal requests. We track processing times. We verify funds actually arrive.

We document any delays, issues, or unexpected charges.

Gameplay Testing

We play actual games with real stakes. We test slots, table games, and live dealer games.

We verify game providers. We check for fairness certifications. We note any technical issues.

We test on desktop and mobile devices. We verify cross-platform consistency.

Customer Support Testing

We contact support multiple times using different channels.

We ask simple questions. We ask complex questions. We present problem scenarios.

We rate response times, agent knowledge, and helpfulness. We note available languages.

Bonus Terms Analysis

We read complete bonus terms and conditions. We highlight important restrictions.

We calculate actual expected value. We compare terms across multiple casinos.

We test bonus claiming processes. We verify terms match marketing claims.

Review Methodology

Our casino reviews follow a consistent 50-point system.

Each casino receives scores across ten categories. Each category is worth 5 points maximum. We total all categories for an overall score out of 50.

This creates our 5-star rating:

• 45-50 points = 5 stars
• 40-44 points = 4.5 stars
• 35-39 points = 4 stars
• 30-34 points = 3.5 stars
• 25-29 points = 3 stars
• 20-24 points = 2.5 stars
• Below 20 points = Not recommended

We evaluate these ten categories:

1. Licensing and Security
2. Game Selection
3. Bonuses and Promotions
4. Payment Methods
5. Withdrawal Speed
6. Customer Support
7. Mobile Experience
8. User Experience
9. Responsible Gambling Tools
10. Reputation and Trustworthiness

We test each category objectively. We use measurable criteria whenever possible.

For detailed methodology, see our How We Rate page.

Source Requirements

We prioritize original sources over secondary sources.

Primary Sources

We prefer information directly from:

• Casino websites and terms pages
• Regulatory authority websites
• Official licensing databases
• Game provider certifications
• Our own testing and verification

Secondary Sources

We use reputable secondary sources for:

• Industry trends and statistics
• Player feedback and reviews
• Historical context
• Comparative analysis

Acceptable secondary sources include:

• Established gambling industry publications
• Regulatory reports and studies
• Academic research on gambling
• Recognized industry analysts

Unacceptable Sources

We never cite:

• Competitor review sites
• Unverified player forums
• Anonymous social media posts
• Marketing materials without verification
• AI-generated content without human verification

Fact-Checking Process

Every article goes through multiple review stages.

Writer Self-Check

Writers verify all facts during writing. They bookmark sources. They screenshot casino terms.

Writers flag any uncertain information for editorial review.

Editorial Review

Editors verify key facts independently. They check math calculations. They confirm links work.

Editors verify casino information hasn’t changed since writing began.

Final Verification

A second editor spot-checks random facts before publication.

They verify casino licenses still active. They check bonus terms still current. They test links one final time.

Conflict of Interest Policy

We disclose all relevant conflicts of interest.

Financial Relationships

We earn affiliate commissions from casinos. We disclose this on every page featuring casino links.

Writers and editors cannot invest in gambling companies they cover. Staff members must disclose any gambling industry employment history.

Personal Relationships

Staff members cannot review casinos owned by family members or close friends.

Writers must disclose any personal relationships with casino operators.

Gifts and Incentives

Staff cannot accept gifts exceeding $50 value from casino operators.

We don’t accept free trips, event tickets, or other incentives that could influence coverage.

Writers cannot accept payment from casinos for positive coverage.

Update and Correction Policy

We correct errors promptly and transparently.

Minor Corrections

For typos, formatting issues, or minor factual errors, we:

• Fix the error immediately
• Update the “Last Updated” date
• Don’t note the correction separately

Significant Corrections

For material errors affecting article meaning, we:

• Fix the error immediately
• Add a correction notice at the top of the article
• Explain what was incorrect and what we changed
• Update the “Last Updated” date

We never silently edit articles to hide mistakes.

Update Schedule

We review all casino content annually. We update information as needed.

We check casino terms quarterly for major changes.

We monitor licensing status monthly.

We update immediately when we learn of significant changes.

Writer and Editor Qualifications

Our team combines gambling industry experience with editorial expertise.

Required Qualifications

All writers must have:

• 2+ years gambling industry experience OR journalism experience
• Strong research and fact-checking skills
• Excellent writing ability
• Understanding of SEO best practices
• Commitment to editorial standards

Preferred Qualifications

We value:

• Former casino employee experience
• Gaming license knowledge
• Payment processing expertise
• Software development background
• Player perspective from personal gambling

Ongoing Training

Staff participate in:

• Monthly editorial standards reviews
• Quarterly gambling regulation updates
• Annual SEO and content strategy training
• Regular feedback sessions on published work

Content Types and Standards

Different content types have different requirements.

Casino Reviews

Casino reviews must:

• Test the casino personally
• Cover all ten rating categories
• Include specific bonus amounts and terms
• Provide honest pros and cons
• Link to the full How We Rate methodology

Reviews update annually or when major changes occur.

Comparison Articles

Comparison articles must:

• Test all featured casinos personally
• Use consistent evaluation criteria
• Present balanced information
• Avoid misleading comparisons
• Update quarterly

How-To Guides

How-to guides must:

• Provide step-by-step instructions
• Include screenshots or examples
• Anticipate common problems
• Offer troubleshooting advice
• Test the process ourselves

Guides update when processes change.

News and Updates

News articles must:

• Cite primary sources
• Verify information independently
• Distinguish facts from analysis
• Update as stories develop
• Note any corrections prominently

Listicles and Rankings

Ranking articles must:

• Explain ranking criteria clearly
• Test all featured options
• Justify placement decisions
• Update rankings quarterly
• Disclose if rankings consider commercial factors

Content We Don’t Publish

We refuse certain content types regardless of traffic potential.

Prohibited Content

We never publish:

• Fake or manipulated reviews
• Paid placement disguised as editorial content
• Articles promoting unlicensed casinos
• Content encouraging irresponsible gambling
• Strategies claiming guaranteed wins
• Recommendations for players in restricted territories
• Guides to evading gambling regulations

Restricted Content

We approach these topics carefully:

• Problem gambling stories (focus on recovery resources)
• Betting systems (clearly state they don’t overcome house edge)
• VPN usage (note it violates most casino terms)
• Bonus abuse tactics (don’t provide exploitation guides)

Responsible Gambling Integration

Every article promotes responsible gambling.

We include responsible gambling reminders in:

• All bonus and promotion coverage
• Guides explaining how to play
• Articles about winning strategies
• Content targeting new players

We link to gambling support resources regularly.

We never glamorize excessive gambling. We don’t celebrate huge losses even when they lead to big wins.

Diversity and Inclusion

We serve a global, diverse audience.

Our content:

• Avoids assumptions about reader demographics
• Uses inclusive language
• Represents diverse perspectives
• Accommodates different experience levels
• Respects cultural differences in gambling attitudes

We don’t make jokes at the expense of any group. We don’t use stereotypes even in casual examples.

Legal Compliance

We comply with advertising regulations in jurisdictions where we operate.

We follow:

• FTC guidelines on affiliate disclosure
• Gambling advertising regulations by jurisdiction
• GDPR and privacy regulations
• Accessibility standards
• Copyright and intellectual property laws

We never reproduce copyrighted material without permission. We don’t quote song lyrics. We paraphrase information rather than copying text.

Reader Interaction Standards

We engage with readers professionally.

Comment Policy

Comments must:

• Stay on topic
• Avoid personal attacks
• Respect other commenters
• Follow site terms of service

We moderate comments to maintain quality. We remove spam, abuse, and illegal content.

Reader Feedback

We welcome reader feedback on:

• Factual corrections
• Casino experiences
• Content suggestions
• Usability issues

We investigate complaints about casino partners. We update content based on legitimate reader input.

Privacy and Data

We protect reader privacy. We don’t share personal information. We comply with data protection regulations.

See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

SEO and Content Strategy

We create content for readers first, search engines second.

SEO Best Practices

We follow white-hat SEO only:

• Research keywords readers actually search
• Create content answering real questions
• Structure articles for readability
• Use descriptive headings and meta descriptions
• Build quality backlinks through great content

We never:

• Keyword stuff articles
• Create thin doorway pages
• Use hidden text or links
• Participate in link schemes
• Copy competitor content

Content Planning

We create content based on:

• Reader questions and search intent
• Important topics requiring coverage
• Gaps in existing content
• Timely industry developments
• User feedback and requests

We don’t chase every trending topic. We focus on evergreen content with lasting value.

Quality Assurance Checklist

Before publishing, every article passes this checklist:

Accuracy

• All facts verified with sources
• Casino information current
• Links functional
• Screenshots up-to-date

Clarity

• Sentences under 20 words
• Paragraphs 3-5 sentences
• No jargon without explanation
• Headings answer specific questions

Completeness

• Query fully answered
• Follow-up questions addressed
• Examples provided
• Context included

SEO

• Target keyword in title and intro
• Headings optimized
• Meta description compelling
• Images have alt text

Standards

• Style guide followed
• No forbidden words
• Proper tone maintained
• Citations formatted correctly

Legal

• Affiliate disclosure present
• No copyright violations
• Responsible gambling message included
• Claims defensible

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and update these guidelines.

We assess our performance quarterly. We identify areas for improvement. We update standards as the industry evolves.

We welcome suggestions from staff and readers. These guidelines serve our mission of helping players find safe, fair casinos.

Questions About Our Standards

Contact our editorial team with questions about these guidelines.

Email: [email protected]

We respond to editorial inquiries within 48 hours.

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Last Updated: July 2026

These editorial guidelines govern all content published on JustFreeSpins.com. All staff members must follow these standards. Violations may result in content removal or disciplinary action.