How We Rate Casinos
At JTS Building, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rate online casinos and pokie sites available to New Zealand players. Our ratings are based on rigorous testing and analysis across multiple criteria to help you find the safest and most rewarding gaming experience.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of our ratings is operator licensing and regulatory compliance. We verify that casinos hold valid licenses from reputable jurisdictions, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Europe's leading gaming regulator
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Strict UK standards and protections
- Curaçao eGaming License – Recognised Caribbean jurisdiction
- New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs – Local NZ compliance where applicable
We only recommend casinos with legitimate licenses and transparent regulatory information. This criterion carries the most weight in our overall rating.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of games available, including:
- Pokie/Slot Selection – Range, themes, RTP percentages, and new releases
- Live Casino Games – Live dealers, table limits, and streaming quality
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants
- Software Providers – Partnerships with Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and other premium developers
A diverse game library from established software providers indicates a quality, trustworthy casino.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We thoroughly review all promotional offers to evaluate their genuine value to players:
- Terms & Conditions Clarity – How transparent and fair are the T&Cs?
- Wagering Requirements (Rollover) – Lower is better; we flag unreasonably high requirements
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether winnings are capped and under what conditions
- Bonus Restrictions – Eligible games, betting limits, and expiry dates
Bonuses that seem generous but carry hidden traps result in lower ratings.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We test all deposit and withdrawal options available to New Zealand players:
- Payment Methods – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
- Withdrawal Speed – Processing times and reliability; we track actual withdrawal experiences
- Fees & Limits – Minimum/maximum withdrawal amounts and transaction charges
- NZD Support – Whether casinos accept New Zealand dollars directly
Fast, reliable payouts with multiple options receive higher ratings.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate support quality, availability, and responsiveness:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Immediate assistance when you need it
- Email Support – Response times and problem resolution quality
- Phone Support – Availability and helpfulness for NZ players
- FAQ & Help Centre – Comprehensive resources and clarity
We test support channels personally and rate based on real-world responsiveness and helpfulness.
6. Mobile Experience
Most players enjoy pokies on mobile devices, so we assess:
- Responsive Design – Website functions smoothly on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android app availability and user experience
- Game Performance – Loading times, graphics quality, and stability on mobile
- Mobile Banking – Ease of deposits and withdrawals via mobile
Casinos optimised for mobile gaming receive higher ratings.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise casinos that demonstrate genuine commitment to player protection:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Temporary or permanent account closure options
- Cooling-Off Periods – Time-outs to prevent impulsive play
- Reality Checks – Pop-up reminders during play sessions
- Problem Gambling Resources – Links to support organisations like Gamblers Anonymous NZ
Casinos with robust responsible gaming features receive significant bonus points in their ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a 1-10 scale, with the following guidelines:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Outstanding in all categories; highly recommended for NZ players
- 8-8.9 (Very Good) – Strong across most criteria; minor areas for improvement
- 7-7.9 (Good) – Solid reputation and features; worth considering
- 6-6.9 (Acceptable) – Meets basic standards; some concerns or limitations
- 5-5.9 (Below Average) – Notable issues; approach with caution
- Below 5 (Poor) – Significant concerns; not recommended
Final scores reflect a weighted average across all criteria, with Licensing & Regulation as the primary determinant. A casino cannot receive a high rating if it fails on licensing, regardless of other strengths.
All ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information emerges. We encourage players to read full reviews alongside ratings to make informed decisions.