A player-centric industry is one that will certainly thrive. At least that is what field-veteran Sebastian Jarosch believes. His views on simplicity and transparency in modern casino reviewing are something to keep in mind, especially considering that his expertise lies primarily in the field of iGaming affiliates.
Over his long career, Jarosch has overseen many projects relating to casino reviewing and rating. That is why he is uniquely qualified to talk about the topic. That, and the numerous awards he has won for his contributions to iGaming. Some of the most impressive include:
- The EGR Awards for Best Affiliate Programme 2020
- EGR Nordics Awards for Best Affiliate Programme 2022
- SBC Awards 2022 for Affiliate Programme of the Year
We have asked him some pretty important questions about the topic. His insights may provide young up-and-comers a brand new perspective that could change the industry down the line.
What does “player-centric design” mean in the context of casino review platforms today?
Player-centric design means focusing on the needs, behaviours, and intent of players when building your site. It’s not about pushing for conversions first; it’s about delivering intuitive, honest, and genuinely helpful content. The goal is to educate readers and provide the clear, relevant information they need to make confident, informed decisions.
Why are transparency and simplicity more important than ever for building user trust in the iGaming space?
Sebastian: If you want players to bookmark your site and become loyal users, you need to deliver content they can trust. Players want clear answers, where an operator is licensed, whether their funds are safe, and if the wagering requirements are fair and realistic. Transparency builds long-term trust, while simplicity ensures the content is easy to navigate and understand.
How have player expectations evolved when it comes to finding and comparing online casinos?
Sebastian: Players today expect quick withdrawals, vast game selections, and fair conditions. They’re not just looking for the biggest bonus; they want reliable payouts, high RTPs, and responsive support. Many are also more conscious of licensing and responsible gaming tools. They’ve grown more sophisticated, so review platforms must grow with them.
What are some key elements that make a casino review actually useful from the player’s perspective?
Sebastian: On casino review sites like Casino-Groups, players find honest pros and cons that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of an operator, not just praise. They want in-depth bonus terms, real user feedback, licensing and ownership details, and clear payment information. But above all, they want to know if the casino is trustworthy. If a review doesn’t explain how to withdraw, outline the wagering requirements, or mention if a casino has a history of locking accounts, it’s simply not player-centric enough.
Can you share any examples where simplifying content or layout directly improved user engagement or conversions?
Sebastian: Reviews that focus on what truly matters to players generally perform better. Players want quick access to summary tables with key facts like licensing, payment methods, RTPs, withdrawal limits, and more. For those who want to go deeper, detailed analyses of each casino are available. This structure gives users the flexibility to get quick insights or explore expert opinions based on their individual needs.
How do you balance simplicity with the need to provide in-depth, accurate information?
Sebastian: Content needs to be structured around user priorities. Key details such as bonus terms, game variety, licensing, payment options, and ownership should appear at the top. Players who want to dive deeper can scroll down or use a table of contents to access in-depth guides. This approach ensures both casual readers and experienced players can access the information they need efficiently.
What role do visual design and content structure play in communicating trust and clarity?
Sebastian: Building trust starts with how you present your content. Clean typography, intuitive interface, internal linking, and a logical hierarchy help users feel comfortable with the site. A cluttered or confusing interface sends the wrong signal, no matter how good the content.
How do you make sure that even new or inexperienced players can understand the risks, terms, and features of each casino?
Sebastian: It really comes down to using the right language and focusing on education. Content should be clear and accessible, even for players without any iGaming background. Dedicated beginner-friendly bonus guides help walk new users through the fundamentals, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Are there specific review elements (e.g., complaint handling, UX testing, bonus clarity) that you consider essential in a modern review format?
Sebastian: Bonus clarity is critical because players should know exactly what they’re committing to. If they feel they’re being treated unfairly, they often want to know how to file a complaint with the regulator. We even register an account at the casinos we test to check the localization, evaluate the customer service, review the terms and conditions, and assess the available payment methods.
Looking ahead, how do you see the design and structure of casino review content evolving to better serve players?
Sebastian: We’ll likely see more personalization, such as dynamic reviews that adapt to a user’s preferences or play style. Visual and interactive content will play a bigger role, like AI-powered comparison tools, calculators, and personalized casino recommendations. What won’t change is that players will continue to value and reward review platforms that are honest, helpful, and truly user-focused.
