How We Rate Casinos
At Made by Johnson, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos operating in New Zealand. Our ratings are based on extensive research, player feedback, and industry standards. Here's how we assess each casino across eight critical criteria.
1. Licensing & Regulation
A casino's legitimacy is paramount. We prioritize casinos licensed by reputable regulatory bodies including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, or those holding a valid New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs license. We verify all licensing claims and monitor regulatory compliance to ensure player protection and fair gaming practices.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings, including slot machines, live casino games, and traditional table games. We assess partnerships with leading software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and others. A diverse game library with regular updates indicates a commitment to player engagement and entertainment value.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Attractive bonuses mean little without fair terms. We scrutinize welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and their associated conditions. We examine wagering requirements, rollover multiples, maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and bonus expiration dates. Transparent, player-friendly T&Cs significantly enhance a casino's rating.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the availability of convenient deposit and withdrawal options including credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. We test withdrawal processing times, minimum/maximum limits, and any associated fees. Faster payouts and multiple options earn higher ratings.
5. Customer Support
Responsive, helpful support is essential. We evaluate whether casinos offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and phone lines. We test response times, staff knowledge, and problem resolution effectiveness. Casinos with multilingual support and readily accessible contact information receive favorable ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
With increasing mobile play, we assess responsive website design and dedicated iOS/Android applications. We test game functionality, navigation, loading speeds, and overall user experience on smartphones and tablets. Seamless mobile gameplay is crucial for modern casino ratings.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player safety matters. We verify the availability of responsible gaming features including deposit limits, time-out periods, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. We check for links to support organizations like Gamblers Anonymous and assessment tools for identifying problem gambling. Strong responsible gaming measures significantly boost ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, where:
- 9-10 (Excellent): Top-tier casinos with outstanding performance across all criteria. Highly recommended for NZ players.
- 7-8 (Good): Solid casinos with strong offerings and minor areas for improvement. Recommended with confidence.
- 5-6 (Average): Acceptable casinos with some strengths but notable limitations. Proceed with caution.
- 3-4 (Poor): Casinos with significant concerns regarding regulation, terms, or player experience. Not recommended.
- 1-2 (Unacceptable): Casinos failing to meet basic standards or presenting serious red flags. Avoid.
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve, new information emerges, and player experiences change. We encourage you to read full casino reviews for detailed insights beyond the numerical score.