How We Rate Casinos
At Stellar Photography, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online pokies and casino platforms operating in New Zealand. Our ratings are designed to help Kiwi players make informed decisions about where to play safely and responsibly.
Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos that hold legitimate gambling licenses from recognised regulatory bodies. We assess whether platforms are licensed by:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming Authority
- New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (local NZ license)
Licensing and regulatory compliance is our most important rating factor, as it directly impacts player protection and fairness.
Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including:
- Slots and pokie machine variety
- Live casino games (live blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Table games and other specialty games
- Software providers (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
Casinos with partnerships with reputable software developers and diverse game libraries score higher.
Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review all promotional offers with particular attention to:
- Clarity and fairness of terms and conditions
- Wagering requirements and rollover conditions
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Bonus code transparency
- Overall value to the player
Casinos with realistic, player-friendly bonus structures receive higher ratings.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the range and reliability of payment options, including:
- Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, etc.)
- Bank transfers and direct deposits
- Credit and debit cards
- Local NZ payment methods
- Withdrawal processing times
Fast, secure transactions with minimal fees are essential for a high rating.
Customer Support
We evaluate the quality and availability of customer support services:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness
- Phone support options
- Response time to inquiries
- Support staff knowledge and professionalism
Casinos with multilingual, responsive support teams score higher.
Mobile Experience
We assess the mobile gaming experience across:
- Responsive website design for mobile devices
- Dedicated iOS and Android applications
- Game functionality on smaller screens
- Navigation ease and user interface
- Loading speeds and stability
Seamless mobile experiences are increasingly important for modern players.
Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise platforms that offer comprehensive player protection features:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and betting limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check reminders
- Links to gambling support services
Casinos demonstrating genuine commitment to responsible gaming receive higher ratings.
Our Rating Scale
We rate online casinos on a scale of 1 to 10:
- 9-10: Exceptional - Premium casinos with excellent licensing, game selection, terms, and player protection
- 7-8: Very Good - High-quality platforms with strong features across most categories
- 5-6: Average - Acceptable casinos with some strengths but notable limitations
- 3-4: Below Average - Platforms with significant concerns or poor player experience
- 1-2: Poor - Not recommended - Unlicensed, unsafe, or fraudulent operators
Each casino receives an overall score based on weighted evaluation of all criteria above, with licensing and regulation being the most heavily weighted factor. No casino without proper licensing receives a rating above 3.