How We Rate Casinos
At PetStayLtd, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online pokies and casinos operating in New Zealand. Our ratings are designed to help Kiwi players find trustworthy, fair, and rewarding gaming platforms. Below is how we assess each casino across our key criteria.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Licensing and regulatory compliance is the foundation of our ratings. We prioritise casinos that hold valid licenses from recognised authorities, ensuring player protection and fair gaming practices.
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) – Highly reputable European regulator with strict standards
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) – Gold standard for player safety and responsible gaming
- Curaçao License – Acceptable jurisdiction with established oversight
- NZ Local Licensing – Operators licensed under New Zealand gambling laws receive preferential ratings
We heavily penalise unlicensed operators or those with questionable regulatory status.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A diverse and high-quality game library is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. We evaluate the breadth and depth of available games, as well as the reputation of software providers.
- Slot Variety – Number of pokies, themes, and RTP (Return to Player) percentages
- Live Casino – Quality of live dealer games, stream reliability, and table variety
- Table Games – Availability of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants
- Software Providers – Partnerships with leading developers (NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
Casinos with exclusive or innovative game content receive higher scores.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise bonus offerings to ensure they provide genuine value to players rather than being marketing gimmicks with unrealistic conditions.
- Transparency – Clear, accessible T&Cs without hidden clauses
- Wagering Requirements – Lower rollover multiples (25x-30x) receive higher ratings than 50x+
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Bonuses with reasonable cashout caps are preferred over restrictive ones
- Game Restrictions – Whether bonus funds can be used on all games or are limited to specific slots
- Withdrawal Conditions – Clarity on whether deposits must be wagered before withdrawal
We favour casinos with player-friendly bonus structures and honest promotional practices.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Fast, reliable deposits and withdrawals are crucial for player satisfaction. We evaluate the range of payment options and actual processing times.
- Payment Options – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
- Withdrawal Speed – E-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours; bank transfers within 2-3 business days
- Deposit Limits – Flexibility for both high and low-stake players
- Currency Support – NZD account options preferred for NZ players
- Fees – No hidden withdrawal fees
Casinos offering multiple fast withdrawal methods score higher in this category.
5. Customer Support
Responsive, knowledgeable customer service is essential when issues arise. We assess availability, responsiveness, and quality of support.
- 24/7 Live Chat – Immediate assistance with minimal wait times
- Email Support – Detailed, timely responses to inquiries
- Phone Support – Availability for urgent matters
- Responsiveness – Average response times and resolution rates
- Knowledge – Staff competency in addressing technical and account-related issues
Casinos with 24/7 multilingual support and quick average response times (under 5 minutes for live chat) receive top ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
With most players accessing casinos via mobile devices, we evaluate the quality and usability of mobile platforms.
- Responsive Design – Smooth gameplay on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android apps with optimised interfaces
- Load Times – Fast loading and minimal lag during gameplay
- Functionality – All features available on mobile (deposits, withdrawals, live chat)
- Game Optimisation – Touch controls and graphics adapted for smaller screens
Native apps and seamless responsive designs score higher than basic mobile websites.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player safety and harm prevention are paramount. We assess the availability and accessibility of responsible gaming features.
- Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, and monthly customisable limits
- Loss Limits – Caps on losses over specified periods
- Self-Exclusion – Easy-to-activate accounts suspension (ranging from 24 hours to permanent)
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks in gameplay
- Reality Checks – Session time reminders
- Gambling Problem Resources – Links to support services and external help providers
Casinos with comprehensive, easily accessible responsible gaming tools receive premium ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a 1-10 scale, with the following breakdown:
- 9.0-10.0 – Exceptional. Top-tier casino with excellent licensing, game variety, fair bonuses, fast withdrawals, and robust responsible gaming features. Recommended for all players.
- 8.0-8.9 – Very Good. Highly trustworthy with strong performance across most categories. Minor weaknesses in one or two areas.
- 7.0-7.9 – Good. Solid, reputable casino with acceptable performance. Some room for improvement in bonus terms, support, or mobile experience.
- 6.0-6.9 – Fair. Acceptable for experienced players, but notable concerns in one or more areas (e.g., higher wagering requirements, slower withdrawals).
- 5.0-5.9 – Below Average. Significant weaknesses (poor support, unfair bonuses, limited games). Caution advised.
- Below 5.0 – Not Recommended. Major red flags including weak licensing, deceptive practices, or unresponsive support. We recommend avoiding these operators.
Note: Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino policies, regulatory status, and player feedback. If you believe a rating requires revision, please contact our team with evidence of the issue.