author paul thomas
Last Updated on Oct, 11 2024 by: Paul Thomas

How We Review Online Casinos

Online casinos have risen to popularity as a favoured pastime among New Zealand players, granting access to an extensive range of gaming options right from the comfort of your own abode. But how do you ensure that you’re opting for a reputable and enjoyable platform?

Casino reviews are an important component of the content available at NZFirst.

Monthly, our panel of experts rigorously assesses online casinos, generously imparting their wisdom to our discerning readers. Our dedicated team has meticulously devised a system of ranking criteria that online casinos must meet to ensure the integrity and excellence of each review.

Hence, at NZFirst, you’ll consistently discover pertinent details concerning online casinos that capture your curiosity. Delve into our insights on how we conduct online casino reviews and the precise rating criteria we adhere to.

how we review casinos

Safety & Security 

As we undertake the mission of assessing an operator, our initial investigation revolves around one pivotal question: Can this online casino be trusted? To genuinely assess the safety and security of a casino for players, we delve deeply into the following critical factors.

Gambling License

Having a valid license speaks volumes about a casino, signifying its legality and adherence to the rules and regulations set forth by esteemed authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the New Zealand Gambling Commission, and others.

Gambling Certificates

Beyond licenses, we conduct a thorough examination to confirm if the casino is subject to rigorous oversight for fairness and security by independent regulatory bodies, which may include organizations like GamCare, GLI, eCOGRA, iTechLabs, and various others.

Valid SSL Encryption Certificate

Possessing a valid SSL encryption certificate ensures that all the personal and financial data you provide to the casino remains entirely secure.

Privacy Policies, & Contact Information

When an operator omits privacy policies or fails to offer valid contact information, it acts as a clear indication for us to add the website to our blacklist.

Customer Service 

The significance of a casino’s customer support cannot be overstated for players. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gambler, there will be instances when you have inquiries or apprehensions concerning your account, payments, games, and more. Having a reliable customer support team to turn to is of utmost importance. In this context, there are certain aspects we thoroughly investigate, including the following.

Languages Offered

Customer support should be accessible in a variety of languages.

Contact Channels

In an ideal scenario, customers should have the option to reach out to a casino’s customer support team through a variety of communication channels, including email, phone, chat, and chatbot. Moreover, it is optimal for support to be available around the clock, 24/7.

Politeness and friendliness

The support personnel should exhibit both politeness and efficiency when addressing and resolving issues.

FAQs and Guides 

Some casinos offer a hassle-free approach to finding solutions, sparing you the need for direct communication by offering informative FAQs and accessible online guides.

Payment methods

Various players have distinct preferences when it comes to payment methods. That is what we focus on.

Currencies Accepted

Spending extra money on each transaction to cover currency conversions does not sound tempting. Therefore, the more types of currencies a casino accepts, the better it is for players.

Supported Payment Methods

In an ideal scenario, casinos should provide an extensive array of payment methods, encompassing credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and, where applicable, cryptocurrencies.

Deposits & Withdrawals 

Depositing funds into your account and withdrawing your winnings are integral components of the online gambling journey. Hence, we meticulously scrutinize an operator’s deposit and withdrawal procedures, focusing on the following aspects within this review category:

Transparent Fee Structures and Policies

Clarity regarding transaction fees, withdrawal limits, and verification procedures is crucial for players.

Deposit and Withdrawal Limits

Online casinos that accommodate minimum deposits are particularly user-friendly for newcomers or players operating on a limited budget. Initiating your gaming journey with a smaller deposit doesn’t preclude the possibility of substantial winnings. Generally, players seek the freedom to withdraw their funds whenever they choose, regardless of the amount.

Speed of Withdrawal Processing

When you achieve a victory, your expectation is for the casino to promptly disburse your winnings. Our payment method scoring system includes swiftness of receiving your funds from the casino. Expedited payouts earn higher scores, whereas casinos that require several days to process payouts receive lower ratings.

Mobile casino & app

We also assess the appearance and functionality of the casino on mobile devices. We verify that every brand we recommend provides a mobile casino version that seamlessly operates on all types of tablets and mobile devices. Key factors we take into account include:

Mobile Optimization or apps for iOS and Android

When it comes to players on the move, having a mobile-friendly website and games that load swiftly is paramount. Alternatively, the casino might provide dedicated iOS and Android apps.

Mobile Payment Options 

Offering secure mobile payment options streamlines the process of making deposits and withdrawals for mobile users.

Mobile Customer Support 

Having access to customer support through mobile devices ensures that players can conveniently seek assistance when needed.

Sign-up 

Is the process uncomplicated? No player wishes to endure protracted and convoluted registration steps simply to access their beloved casino games. To avoid such hassles, we include in our list of top online casinos only those that allow you to sign up and start playing within minutes.

Welcome Bonuses & Promotional Offers 

Attractive bonuses and promotions hold immense appeal for players. Our experts are dedicated to seeking out the most exceptional casino bonus offers and verifying that they truly match their enticing promises.

Welcome Bonuses

In the realm of online casinos, welcome offers have become ubiquitous. Yet, sifting through the spectrum of bonuses to differentiate the good from the bad can be a daunting and time-intensive task. That’s where we come in. Our committed team conducts thorough research to ascertain the true worth of these casino bonuses, ensuring that you are well-informed about what awaits you before making the decision to join.

Regular promotions

Frequent promotions and multi-tiered reward systems elevate player engagement and contribute to long-term retention.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs, often referred to as VIP programs, come in various forms and sizes. Our experts are perpetually on the lookout for reputable casino websites that offer rewards for every game you play. Upon accumulating a specific number of these points, you have the option to convert them into cash or other types of rewards.

Casino Games Available

The game selection serves as the cornerstone of every top-tier online casino (or, in the case of sportsbooks, betting markets), and it must be nothing less than exceptional. Here’s what we take into account when assessing the game library.

Game Categories and Game Variety 

Ideally, this encompasses everything from slot games to table games to live dealer experiences.

Game suppliers

We assess whether the online casino collaborates with respected providers renowned for their excellent graphics, captivating gameplay, and commitment to fair play, such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and a host of others.

Demo-Play Option

Engaging in demo mode provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with new games, enjoy yourself, and refine various strategies—all without the need to wager your own funds.

Responsible Gaming 

A quality casino is characterized by its commitment to player welfare. Therefore, it’s crucial for casinos to provide their players with responsible gaming tools, including features like deposit and loss limits, self-exclusion options, and access to educational resources.

Player Reviews

In our quest to gather information about a particular online casino, we thoroughly review player feedback, paying close attention to their comments regarding delayed withdrawals, unfair gaming practices, or unresponsive customer support.

Wrapping Up

In summary, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to make well-informed choices when selecting an online casino. We are delighted to recommend reputable online casinos that meet our rigorous standards and provide a secure gambling environment. Our review process is a source of great pride, and we are dedicated to delivering the finest, most current information on all the casino operators that we evaluate.

FAQs

What Approach Do You Use for Writing Reviews?

Our comprehensive casino testing methodology comprises in-depth research, meticulous data collection, and expert analysis. Our team of seasoned online casino reviewers constructs each evaluation based on their firsthand encounters with a specific casino. To ensure our assessments closely mirror real-life experiences, experts register live accounts, following the same procedures as you would as a casino player.

How many experts create your reviews?

Our team comprises nine skilled experts and two dedicated editors.

How frequently are your online casino reviews updated?

Each month, we carefully evaluate and update the data to improve the precision of our reviews. Additionally, our experts actively participate in iGaming conferences worldwide, thus staying abreast of the latest market trends. This proactive approach enables us to promptly adjust online casino reviews.

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Paul Thomas
Our Lead Author

Paul Thomas has been writing since 1992. During this impressive period of time, he has achieved significant heights in fiction and has also written 9 books on sports. He is an erudite and versatile person whom we trust 100%. Paul is currently our main author and does a huge amount of work to ensure that our site provides you with all the information you need.

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