How We Rate Casinos

At imlooking.co.nz, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and pokies platforms operating in New Zealand. Our ratings help Kiwi players find safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experiences. Here's how we assess each casino:

1. Licensing & Regulation

Player safety is our top priority. We verify that casinos hold valid licenses from reputable regulatory bodies such as:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
• Curaçao eGaming License
• New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) approval where applicable

Casinos without proper licensing receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other features.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options, including:

• Pokies (slots) variety and RTPs
• Live casino offerings (live blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
• Table games and specialty games
• Quality of software providers (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
• Regular game updates and new releases

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We scrutinize promotional offers by examining:

• Transparency of terms and conditions
• Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
• Game contribution percentages to wagering requirements
• Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
• Expiration dates for bonus funds
• Fairness and achievability of bonus conditions

Unrealistic or hidden bonus terms result in lower ratings.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We assess banking convenience and speed by reviewing:

• Multiple payment options (credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
• NZD currency support
• Processing times for deposits and withdrawals
• Withdrawal fees and minimum/maximum limits
• Security of payment transactions

Casinos with slow payouts or limited banking options receive lower scores.

5. Customer Support

Quality customer service is essential. We evaluate:

• 24/7 live chat availability
• Email support responsiveness (target: under 24 hours)
• Phone support availability
• Support staff knowledge and professionalism
• FAQ and help documentation quality
• Support in English for New Zealand players

6. Mobile Experience

With most players using mobile devices, we assess:

• Responsive web design functionality
• Availability of dedicated iOS/Android apps
• Game variety on mobile platforms
• Loading speeds and stability
• Navigation and user interface design
• Touch-friendly button sizing and controls

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

We prioritize player wellbeing by checking for:

• Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss limits and spending controls
• Self-exclusion options
• Cooling-off periods
• Reality check reminders
• Links to New Zealand problem gambling resources
• Time-out features

Casinos lacking comprehensive responsible gaming features receive lower ratings.

8. Our Rating Scale

We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10 points, where:

• 9-10: Excellent – Highly recommended. Exceptional across all criteria with strong player protection.
• 7-8: Very Good – Recommended. Strong performance in most areas with few minor concerns.
• 5-6: Good – Acceptable for experienced players. Meets standards but has some limitations or areas for improvement.
• 3-4: Fair – Proceed with caution. Notable deficiencies in key areas such as support, banking, or game selection.
• 1-2: Poor – Not recommended. Significant regulatory, safety, or service concerns. Possible licensing issues.

Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, new features, and player feedback. All information is current as of 2026 and based on our independent testing and verification.