How We Rate Casinos
At GetBob, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to help New Zealand players find the best online pokies and casino sites. Our ratings are independent, transparent, and based on rigorous testing across eight key criteria. Here's how we evaluate every casino we review.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Player safety is paramount. We prioritise casinos licensed by reputable authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curaçao eGaming. We also favour sites holding or applying for New Zealand-specific licenses where available. We verify licensing claims independently and check for any regulatory sanctions or complaints history.
What We Check:
- Valid gaming license from recognised jurisdiction
- License verification and expiry dates
- Regulatory history and complaint records
- Compliance with local NZ gambling laws
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A diverse game library is essential for player enjoyment. We evaluate the range and quality of pokies, live casino games, and table games available. We prioritise casinos partnering with leading software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming. We test game variety, RTP rates, and unique or exclusive titles.
What We Check:
- Number and variety of pokies/slots
- Live casino game options
- Table games and specialty games
- Software provider partnerships
- Game quality, graphics, and performance
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and bonus terms to ensure they're fair and achievable. We examine wagering requirements, maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and expiry dates. Misleading bonus advertising or unreasonable terms result in lower ratings. We favour transparent, player-friendly bonus structures.
What We Check:
- Bonus value and clarity
- Wagering requirement multipliers
- Maximum cashout caps
- Game contribution percentages
- Bonus terms transparency and fairness
- Ongoing promotion quality
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We test all available deposit and withdrawal options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. We verify processing times, check for hidden fees, and assess the ease of use. Fast, reliable payments with multiple options enhance ratings significantly.
What We Check:
- Available payment methods
- Deposit processing times and fees
- Withdrawal speed (target: 24-48 hours)
- Cryptocurrency options
- Minimum/maximum limits
- Payment security and encryption
5. Customer Support
We test customer support availability and responsiveness across multiple channels. We prioritise casinos offering 24/7 live chat, responsive email support, and comprehensive FAQs. We evaluate response times, staff knowledge, and the ability to resolve issues. Poor support significantly impacts ratings.
What We Check:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email response times
- Phone support availability
- Staff knowledge and helpfulness
- FAQ comprehensiveness
- Social media responsiveness
6. Mobile Experience
Most NZ players use mobile devices. We test responsive web design, mobile app quality (where available), and overall usability on smartphones and tablets. We evaluate loading speeds, navigation, and game performance on mobile platforms. A poor mobile experience results in a lower rating.
What We Check:
- Responsive design across devices
- Native app availability and quality
- Mobile loading speeds
- Touch interface usability
- Game availability on mobile
- Account management on mobile
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We evaluate commitment to player protection. We check for deposit limits, loss limits, session timeouts, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. We assess information about problem gambling resources and gambling awareness tools. Strong responsible gaming features are essential for top ratings.
What We Check:
- Deposit limit options
- Loss limit settings
- Session time limits
- Self-exclusion availability
- Cooling-off period options
- Gambling problem resources
- Age verification protocols
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate each casino on a scale of 1 to 10 stars, based on weighted scores across all criteria above. Licensing & Regulation carries the highest weight, as player safety is non-negotiable. The scale works as follows:
- 9-10 Stars: Excellent. Top-tier casinos meeting all criteria with outstanding features and player experience.
- 7-8 Stars: Very Good. Reliable casinos with minor areas for improvement. Safe and recommended.
- 5-6 Stars: Good. Acceptable casinos with some notable limitations. Worth considering.
- 3-4 Stars: Fair. Significant weaknesses or concerns. Proceed with caution.
- 1-2 Stars: Poor. Major regulatory, safety, or service issues. Not recommended.
Note: We never rate casinos lacking proper licensing. All casinos reviewed on GetBob meet minimum regulatory standards, but our ratings help you identify the best options for your needs.
Our methodology is regularly updated to reflect changes in the NZ online gaming landscape and player feedback. Last updated: 2026.