OnlineCasino.co.nz’s rate & review process
Learn how we rate and review the top online casinos in New Zealand. We cover bonuses, payments, licensing and more to bring you the best online casino sites in the country.
How we rate online casinos in NZ
Our experienced and knowledgeable writers conduct extensive research before recommending online casinos in New Zealand. We base our recommendations on the following criteria, meaning if a site fails to live up to the standards we expect, we’re not afraid to say so:
Bonuses & promotions
We expect top sites to offer generous casino bonuses to new and existing players. The welcome bonus should ideally be in the form of a deposit match with reasonable wagering requirements (35x or less) that’s available to use on a decent selection of eligible games. There should also be ongoing reload bonuses, free spins promotions and other offers like cashback and VIP rewards.
Payments
Leading real money casinos in NZ process safe transactions via five or more secure payment options. Deposits should be instant and fee-free, while withdrawals should be ideally processed in 1 to 2 working days and without any fees. NZ online casino sites that support debit and credit cards, e-wallet and crypto payments score highly with us.
Security & licensing
We only recognise licensed and regulated sites. We expect NZ casino sites to be certified by legitimate industry bodies, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). If a casino is not licensed, we don’t recommend it. The site should also employ SSL encryption and have its games checked by bodies like eCOGRA for accountability and fair outcomes.
Mobile experience
Most Kiwis play casino games on their phones, so the mobile casino experience should be seamless. The top casino sites in New Zealand have highly rated native apps for iOS and Android, ideally with a score of 4.5 or higher on the respective app stores. If no app is available, we expect the slots, table games and live dealer titles to work flawlessly on all smartphone and tablet devices via the mobile site.
Game variety & software providers
Our top-rated casinos offer 1,000+ games from the best game software developers, such as Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Play’n GO and Evolution. Variety is key when rating an online casino, which is why there should be a strong selection of pokies, table games and live dealer titles, with a range of stake options and RTPs to suit players of all experience levels and budgets. If a site offers some exclusive games of its own, that’s a bonus.
Customer support
Excellent customer service is the hallmark of any top-rated NZ online casino site. We test a casino’s responsiveness and highly rate casinos that provide real-time support via numerous channels, including 24/7 live chat, email, phone and social media. The better the support, the more reputable the casino is and the better your experience will be!
Unique features
We also look for aspects of the casino experience that help the site stand out. Is there a top-class VIP Club? Does the site offer bonuses with zero wagering requirements? Are there exclusive crypto bonuses? Are there any notable gamification or personalisation features? With so many casinos in New Zealand, unique features help the best platforms stand out from the crowd.
Industry reputation
We cast our net wider and look at the casino’s reputation. Our team studies platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot to check independent casino reviews and to confirm that a site hasn’t been blacklisted by anyone else. Its reputation among players is a crucial glimpse into how well the casino shapes up against the competition.
How our star rating system works
Below is a guide to how our trusted casino rating system works:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars = Outstanding
This rating is only available for the best of the best. These are casinos with thousands of games, exceptional customer service, secure payment options, licensing from recognised bodies, excellent mobile experience, and generous and fair bonuses.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 stars = Excellent
These casinos are also top-notch, but lacking in just one area that stops them from getting top marks. For instance, it might have a relatively small selection of games while delivering in all other key areas.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars = Very good
4-star casino sites are a safe, secure and a solid option for Kiwi players. They meet most of our requirements, but some aspects or features may be lacking. Overall, these sites are still well worth playing at.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars = Reasonable
If we rate a casino with 3 stars, it’s unlikely to inspire you, but it’s safe to play at. Often, the bonuses aren’t great and the game variety could be improved.
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars = Disappointing
Casinos with a 2-star rating are typically sub-par in several key areas, including game variety, customer support and bonuses. The security and safety of the site may also be questionable. In other words, it’s best to look elsewhere.
⭐️ 1 star = Avoid
You should avoid 1-star casinos at all costs. Often, these sites have licensing or payment issues, so your safety could be at stake if you decide to play here.
Why you can trust our reviews
OCNZ reviewers are experts with a proven track record of working in the casino sector. We work with the biggest game developers and online casino brands and know what to look for in top casino sites.
All our reviews are objective and based on real time, accurate information. We regularly update our reviews to reflect changes made at online casinos and constantly review new gambling sites in New Zealand. Even if you’ve played at a casino for a while, our reviews can help you discover the latest features and even find better casinos to play at.
What is a blacklisted casino?
Blacklisted casinos are to be avoided at all costs. These sites usually have issues relating to their licensing and security. For instance, an independent gambling authority may not regulate the site, and it might not employ SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
Moreover, disreputable casino sites have been known to delay or refuse payouts and typically have prohibitively high bonus wagering requirements. Prioritising your safety and security is essential for responsible gambling, so we strongly suggest avoiding casinos that are featured on our blacklist.
