How Review Online Casinos

Our Testing Methodology

At OnlinePokiesnz.nz, every casino review follows a rigorous 50-point evaluation process developed over 25 years of industry experience. We don’t just visit casino websites – we register, deposit, play, and withdraw using the same methods available to you.

Rating Criteria Breakdown

1. Licensing & Security (20% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Valid gambling license from reputable jurisdictions (Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar, UK)
– SSL encryption (minimum 128-bit)
– Random Number Generator (RNG) certification from eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI
– Privacy policy compliance
– Data protection measures
– Preparation for NZ licensing (2026)

Why It Matters: Your money and personal information must be protected. We only recommend casinos with verified security credentials.

2. Pokies Selection & Game Quality (20% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Total number of pokies (minimum 200 for top rating)
– Game providers (NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
– Progressive jackpots available
– New releases frequency
– Demo/free play options
– Game loading speeds
– Mobile compatibility

Testing Method: We play at least 20 different pokies at each casino, testing RTPs, features, and gameplay smoothness.

3. Bonuses & Promotions (15% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Welcome bonus value and structure
– Wagering requirements (30x or lower is acceptable)
– Minimum deposit requirements
– Game contribution percentages
– Time limits to clear bonus
– Ongoing promotions for existing players
– VIP/loyalty program value
– Terms and conditions clarity

Red Flags We Deduct Points For:
– Wagering requirements over 50x
– Maximum bet restrictions under $5
– Games excluded without clear disclosure
– Unrealistic time limits

4. Banking for Kiwis (15% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– NZ dollar (NZD) support
– POLi payment availability
– Bank transfer options
– Credit/debit card acceptance
– E-wallet options (Skrill, Neteller)
– Cryptocurrency acceptance
– Minimum/maximum deposit and withdrawal limits
– Withdrawal processing times (we time this ourselves)
– Fees charged

Our Test: We make real deposits and withdrawals to verify:
– Processing times match stated timeframes
– No hidden fees
– Verification process is reasonable

5. Customer Support (10% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Live chat availability (24/7 preferred)
– Email response times (we send test queries)
– Phone support for NZ numbers
– Support during NZ business hours
– Quality and knowledge of support staff
– Languages available (English minimum)

Our Test: We contact support with common questions and rate:
– Response speed
– Accuracy of information
– Friendliness and professionalism

6. Mobile Experience (10% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Mobile-optimized website quality
– Native app availability (iOS/Android)
– Game selection on mobile
– Payment options on mobile
– Loading speeds on 4G/5G
– Touch interface usability

Testing Devices: iPhone, Android phone, iPad, Android tablet

7. User Experience (5% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Website navigation and layout
– Search and filter functionality
– Account management interface
– Game categorisation
– Page loading speeds
– Overall design quality

8. Terms & Conditions (5% of Overall Score)

What We Check:
– Clarity and transparency
– Fairness of rules
– Responsible gambling tools available
– Self-exclusion options
– Cooling-off periods
– Deposit limits

Special Considerations for NZ Players

Priority Features:
– NZD currency support (avoids conversion fees)
– POLi payment integration
– Support hours covering NZ time zones
– Compliance with upcoming NZ licensing requirements
– Responsible gambling resources for Kiwis

Our Rating Scale

5.0 Stars – Exceptional
– Exceeds standards in all categories
– Outstanding pokies selection
– Fast withdrawals (under 24 hours)
– Excellent NZ player support

4.0-4.9 Stars – Excellent
– Strong performance across all areas
– Minor areas for improvement
– Reliable and trustworthy

3.0-3.9 Stars – Good
– Meets basic standards
– Some notable weaknesses
– Acceptable but not outstanding

2.0-2.9 Stars – Below Average
– Significant issues in multiple areas
– Use with caution

1.0-1.9 Stars – Poor
– Major red flags present
– Not recommended

Below 1.0 – Blacklisted
– Serious trust, security, or payment issues
– Avoid completely

Update Frequency

– Monthly: We check for bonus changes, new games, and payment updates
– Quarterly: We re-test withdrawals and customer support
– Annually: Complete re-review of all criteria
– Immediately: We update if we discover issues or receive credible player complaints

Affiliate Disclosure

We earn commission when you sign up through our links. However:
– Commissions NEVER influence our ratings
– We recommend casinos we genuinely trust
– We decline partnerships with operators that fail our standards
– Our ratings are based solely on our testing criteria

Player Feedback

Your experiences matter. If you have feedback about a casino we’ve reviewed:
– Email us: Feedback@onlinepokiesnz.nz
– Include: Casino name, issue details, evidence (screenshots, correspondence)
– We investigate All reports within 7 days
– We update: Reviews based on verified patterns

Questions About Our Process?

Contact us at Michael.Quilkey@onlinepokiesnz.nz – we’re happy to explain our methodology in detail.