How We Rate Casinos
At norats.org, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online pokies and casinos operating in New Zealand. Our ratings are designed to help Kiwi players make informed decisions about where to play safely and responsibly. Below, we outline the criteria we use to assess each platform.
1. Licensing & Regulation
This is our most critical factor. We prioritize casinos that hold valid gaming licenses from reputable jurisdictions, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Considered one of the most stringent regulators in Europe
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Requires high standards of player protection and fairness
- Curaçao Gaming Commission – Widely recognized for online gaming oversight
- Local NZ Licenses – Compliance with New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs requirements where applicable
Casinos without proper licensing receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other positive features.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available:
- Pokies (Slots) – Variety of themes, RTPs, and volatility levels
- Live Casino Games – Live dealers for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker
- Table Games – Classic options like European roulette, craps, and variants
- Software Providers – Games from reputable developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and other certified providers
A diverse portfolio with popular and exclusive titles scores higher than limited selections.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully analyze promotional offers with special attention to:
- Terms & Conditions Transparency – Clear, accessible, and fair bonus terms
- Wagering Requirements (Rollover) – We favor lower multipliers (e.g., 25x vs. 50x)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Restrictions on bonus winnings are evaluated for fairness
- Bonus Flexibility – Options to forfeit bonuses, extend expiry dates, or reduce requirements
Casinos with unrealistic conditions or misleading promotions receive lower ratings.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the convenience and security of depositing and withdrawing funds:
- Cryptocurrency Options – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies for privacy-conscious players
- E-Wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- Bank Transfers – Direct deposits and withdrawals to NZ bank accounts
- Local Payment Methods – Acceptance of domestic payment providers
- Withdrawal Speed – How quickly players receive their funds (instant to 5+ business days)
Faster processing times and more payment options result in higher scores.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate the availability and quality of player assistance:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Availability around the clock
- Email Support – Response times and quality of assistance
- Phone Support – Direct contact options where available
- Responsiveness – How quickly and helpfully agents address concerns
- Knowledge Base – Comprehensive FAQs and self-service resources
Casinos with slow or unhelpful support receive lower ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess how well casinos perform on smartphones and tablets:
- Responsive Design – Seamless adaptation to different screen sizes
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android applications for enhanced functionality
- Game Performance – Speed, stability, and graphics quality on mobile
- Navigation – Intuitive menus and easy account management
Poor mobile experiences negatively impact overall ratings.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We place high importance on player protection features:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Options to temporarily or permanently close accounts
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks before account reactivation
- Loss Limits – Caps on maximum losses
- Reality Checks – Session reminders and time trackers
- Links to Support Services – Connections to NZ problem gambling resources
Casinos with comprehensive responsible gaming options score significantly higher.
8. Our Rating Scale
We use a 1-10 point scale to rate casinos:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Top-tier casinos meeting all major criteria with exceptional features and player protection
- 7-8 (Very Good) – Strong casinos with minor areas for improvement
- 5-6 (Average) – Casinos with adequate offerings but notable weaknesses
- 3-4 (Poor) – Significant concerns regarding licensing, transparency, or player protection
- 1-2 (Not Recommended) – Casinos with serious red flags including questionable licensing or inadequate safeguards
A casino's overall rating is weighted heavily toward licensing and regulation—no casino can achieve a high score without proper regulatory approval. Other criteria contribute proportionally based on their importance to player safety and experience.
Disclaimer: Ratings are current as of 2026 and are subject to change based on regulatory updates, player feedback, and changes to casino operations. Players should always conduct their own due diligence and ensure compliance with New Zealand gambling laws.