The online casino world in Italy has undergone a real transformation in recent years, especially when it comes to evaluating and reviewing gaming platforms. At the center of this transformation is Luca Liberi, founder of MiglioriCasinoOnline.info and creator of the innovative MCO Score, a quantitative evaluation system that has radically changed the approach to reviewing the best online casinos in our country.
With over 12 years of experience in the online gambling sector, Luca has turned his passion into a mission: to provide Italian players with a transparent, reliable, and scientifically-based tool to navigate the complex landscape of digital casinos.
Yogonet had the opportunity to interview Luca Liberi, diving deep into the methodology used by his team and discovering what the future prospects are for the online casino review sector in Italy.
Luca, after several years of experience in the online gambling sector, what drove you to found MiglioriCasinoOnline.info in 2018? What was the main problem you wanted to solve in the Italian casino comparison landscape?
The question we asked ourselves was very simple but fundamental: "How can we really know which casinos are reliable and which aren't?" After years in the industry, I realized that most comparison sites simply gathered superficial information from casino websites, without ever actually testing them. It was a completely unreliable system. Italian players deserved something different: honest, transparent reviews based on concrete testing. We wanted to create the first comparison site that would truly put every single casino to the test.
The MCO Score represents a real innovation in the industry. Can you explain how this evaluation system came about and why you chose these specific 8 factors?
The MCO Score was born out of the need to create a clear and fair quantitative assessment of casinos. We wanted to move beyond subjective reviews and build a scientific system. We analyzed thousands of hours of testing to identify the factors that truly impact the player experience. Security carries the highest weight (20%) because without it, there's no point in evaluating anything else. Bonuses and promotions (17%) and mobile experience (15%) follow because these are crucial elements for today's players. Each weight has been calibrated based on concrete data collected by our team of 9 experts.
You mentioned that your team personally tests every casino. Can you share a specific example where this hands-on approach allowed you to discover something that wouldn't have come to light through simple theoretical analysis?
A perfect example is 888Casino and their Weekend Boost offer. Reading their website, this bonus appeared to be available to everyone, but only after registering and logging in did we discover it was exclusively reserved for logged-in users. These kinds of details never surface in superficial analysis. Or take withdrawal testing: many casinos promise 24-hour processing times, but in reality, it often takes days. Only by experiencing it firsthand can we provide accurate information to our readers.
Your research has been published by major national outlets. How did you manage to gain this authority in a sector often viewed with skepticism?
Credibility is built day by day through transparency and consistency. Since 2018, we've never compromised our independence. Every test we conduct is documented, and every score is backed by concrete data. Media outlets recognize us as an authoritative source because they know that behind every analysis we publish are hours of real testing. We never publish information we haven't personally verified. This methodological rigor has allowed us to stand out in an industry where commercial interests often prevail. With the continuous regulatory review and the release of new licenses, this commitment to an objective and data-driven analysis is more crucial than ever for players looking for a reliable guide.
You're a team of 9 experts. How do you manage the evaluation process to ensure objectivity and consistency across different testers?
Every casino is tested by at least two team members at different times to ensure consistency. We've developed standardized protocols for each phase: from registration to withdrawals, from game testing to customer support contact. Each tester follows a precise checklist and documents every step. Scores are then discussed collectively before publication. This system allows us to eliminate overly personal assessments.
What was the biggest challenge in implementing the MCO Score and convincing both operators and players of its validity?
The main challenge was changing the industry mindset. Many were used to superficial or clearly biased reviews. Initially, some operators were skeptical of such a rigorous system because they knew not everyone would achieve high scores. But over time, they've come to understand that the MCO Score provides them with valuable feedback to improve their services. Players, on the other hand, have embraced this transparent approach: they finally had a reliable tool to navigate the sea of online offers.
You're passionate about retro gaming and crypto finance. Do these interests influence how you analyze innovation in the iGaming sector?
Absolutely. My passion for retrogaming has taught me the importance of user experience and gameplay quality - elements I apply when we evaluate slots and casino games. My interest in crypto and digital finance helps me better understand the evolution of payment systems in online gambling. These sectors are becoming increasingly intertwined: many casinos are integrating cryptocurrency payments and blockchain technologies. My curiosity about innovation helps me anticipate trends and better assess cutting-edge platforms.
The MCO Score is now at version 1.1. What improvements have you made, and what can we expect from future versions of the system?
Version 1.1 has refined the mobile experience evaluation parameters and introduced new criteria for crypto payments. We're working on the next version that will integrate specific assessments for responsible gambling and much more. The future of the MCO Score will be increasingly dynamic: we want it to adapt in real-time to market changes. The goal is to remain Italy's most accurate and innovative evaluation system, continuing to protect and inform players with ever-higher standards.