How We Rate Casinos
At ezishopping.co.nz, our casino rating methodology is designed to help New Zealand players find the safest and most rewarding online pokies platforms. We evaluate each casino across eight critical dimensions, listed below in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos with verifiable licenses from recognised regulatory bodies. We assess for:
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) licences
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) licences
- Curaçao eGaming licenses
- Local New Zealand gambling licenses and compliance with local regulations
Unlicensed or poorly regulated platforms receive significantly lower scores, as licensing is the foundation of player protection.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings, including:
- Pokies (slots) from reputable developers
- Live casino games with professional dealers
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Partnership with top-tier software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play
- Game variety, RTP (Return to Player) percentages, and update frequency
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We examine the fairness and transparency of promotional offers:
- Clarity of Terms & Conditions
- Wagering requirements and rollover rates
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Realistic bonus structures that benefit players
- Availability of no-wagering or low-wagering promotions
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess banking convenience and efficiency:
- Multiple payment options (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers)
- Cryptocurrency deposit and withdrawal support
- Average withdrawal processing times
- Minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits
- Transaction fees and currency support
5. Customer Support
We rate the quality and accessibility of player assistance:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email and phone support options
- Average response times
- Staff knowledge and professionalism
- FAQ resources and help documentation
6. Mobile Experience
We evaluate how well casinos function on mobile devices:
- Responsive web design for all screen sizes
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps (where available)
- Loading speed and performance
- Game compatibility on mobile platforms
- Ease of navigation and user interface design
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We check for safeguards that protect player wellbeing:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and betting limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Cooling-off or time-out periods
- Links to problem gambling resources and support services
- Age verification and KYC (Know Your Customer) processes
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a 1–10 scale, where:
- 9–10: Excellent – Highly recommended. Strong regulation, great games, fair terms, and robust player protections.
- 7–8: Good – Recommended. Solid licensing, good selection, fair bonuses, and adequate support.
- 5–6: Average – Acceptable but with noted weaknesses in one or more areas (e.g., slower withdrawals, limited support).
- 3–4: Poor – Not recommended. Significant concerns with regulation, terms, or player experience.
- 1–2: Very Poor – Avoid. Unlicensed, untrustworthy, or predatory practices.
Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, new games, and player feedback. We encourage New Zealand players to use this methodology to make informed decisions when selecting an online pokies platform.