How We Rate Casinos
At mymoneystrategy.org.nz, our casino ratings are based on comprehensive research and rigorous testing. We evaluate each online casino against a standardised set of criteria to help New Zealand players make informed decisions. Here's exactly how we assess and rate casinos.
Licensing & Regulation
Licensing and regulatory compliance is the most critical factor in our ratings. We only recommend casinos that hold valid licenses from reputable authorities. We prioritise casinos licensed by:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – EU-regulated, widely recognised as trustworthy
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Stringent standards and player protection
- Curaçao eGaming – Common for online casinos, though less stringent than MGA/UKGC
- New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs – Local licensing for NZ-based operators
Casinos without valid licensing receive significantly lower ratings or are excluded entirely, regardless of other features.
Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the variety and quality of games available, including:
- Slot Games – Number of titles, variety (classic, video, progressive), and provider diversity
- Live Casino – Availability of live dealers for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker
- Table Games – Variety of blackjack, roulette, craps, and other traditional games
- Software Providers – Partnerships with leading providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution Gaming
Casinos with larger game libraries and partnerships with multiple top-tier providers receive higher ratings.
Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully analyse welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and their terms to ensure they represent genuine value. We assess:
- Terms & Conditions – Clarity, fairness, and transparency of promotional terms
- Wagering Requirements (Rollover) – Lower requirements are more favourable; we flag unreasonably high rollover conditions
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether winnings from bonuses are capped unfairly
- Game Restrictions – Which games contribute to wagering requirements and how much they contribute
- Bonus Expiry – Reasonable timeframes for completing wagering requirements
Bonuses with transparent, fair terms and reasonable wagering requirements positively impact ratings.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the range and reliability of deposit and withdrawal options, including:
- Payment Methods – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Deposit Processing – Instant deposits are preferred; we note any delays or fees
- Withdrawal Speed – Fast payouts (within 24-48 hours) are rated higher; slow casinos are penalised
- Withdrawal Limits – Reasonable daily/monthly limits are essential for higher ratings
- Payment Security – Use of SSL encryption and secure payment gateways
Casinos with multiple payment options and fast, reliable withdrawals receive higher ratings.
Customer Support
We assess the availability and quality of customer support services:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Availability around the clock with responsive support agents
- Email Support – Professional responses within 24 hours
- Phone Support – Toll-free or local NZ numbers are preferred
- Response Times – We test support channels and rate based on speed and quality of assistance
- Support Quality – Knowledgeable agents who resolve issues effectively
Casinos with responsive, professional support available 24/7 are rated more highly.
Mobile Experience
With most players using mobile devices, we evaluate the mobile casino experience:
- Responsive Design – Websites that adapt seamlessly to smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – Native iOS and Android apps that enhance user experience
- Performance – Fast loading times, smooth gameplay, and stable connections
- Mobile Game Selection – Full range of games accessible on mobile devices
- Mobile Navigation – Intuitive menus and easy access to account features
Casinos with excellent mobile experiences and dedicated apps receive higher ratings.
Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise player protection and assess the availability of responsible gaming features:
- Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, and monthly limits to control spending
- Loss Limits – Tools to cap losses over defined periods
- Self-Exclusion – Ability to self-exclude for days, weeks, months, or permanently
- Cooling-Off Period – Time-out options for taking breaks from gambling
- Reality Checks – Pop-up notifications reminding players of time and money spent
- Responsible Gaming Information – Clear links to support resources and problem gambling hotlines
Casinos with comprehensive responsible gaming tools and clear support information are rated significantly higher.
Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, with the following guidelines:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Top-tier casinos meeting all criteria with excellence. Strong licensing, outstanding game selection, fair bonuses, fast withdrawals, excellent support, and comprehensive responsible gaming tools.
- 7-8 (Very Good) – High-quality casinos with solid licensing, good game variety, fair terms, reliable payments, and responsive support. Minor areas for improvement.
- 5-6 (Good) – Decent casinos meeting basic standards. Valid licensing, adequate game selection, acceptable terms, reasonable support. Some limitations in mobile experience or payment options.
- 3-4 (Fair) – Casinos with potential but notable weaknesses. May have licensing concerns, limited game variety, less competitive bonuses, or slower payouts.
- 1-2 (Poor) – Casinos we do not recommend. Problematic licensing, poor terms, weak support, or significant player complaints.
- 0 (Not Rated) – Unlicensed or unverified casinos automatically excluded from our recommendations.
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information becomes available. We encourage players to read our full casino reviews alongside the numerical rating to understand specific strengths and weaknesses.