How We Rate Casinos

At inbody.co.nz, we evaluate online pokies and casinos using a comprehensive methodology to help New Zealand players find safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experiences. Our ratings are based on eight key criteria, listed below in order of importance.

1. Licensing & Regulation

The foundation of a trustworthy online casino is proper licensing and regulation. We prioritise casinos holding licences from recognised authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, or local New Zealand gaming licences where applicable. We verify that operators comply with local NZ gambling laws and maintain transparent regulatory standing. A casino without valid licensing receives a significantly lower rating regardless of other strengths.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

We assess the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including online pokies (slots), live casino games, table games, and specialty games. We examine partnerships with reputable software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. A diverse game portfolio with regular updates and exclusive titles scores higher. We also verify that all games are certified for fairness by independent testing agencies.

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We carefully review welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and bonus terms including wagering requirements (rollover), maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and expiration periods. Fair bonus terms with transparent conditions and reasonable wagering requirements (typically 25-35x) are preferred. We penalise casinos with predatory bonus structures or hidden terms that make bonuses effectively unattainable.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We evaluate the variety of deposit and withdrawal options available to New Zealand players, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, and local payment methods. We assess withdrawal processing times, with faster payouts (within 24-48 hours) rated more favourably. We also consider whether there are any withdrawal fees or minimum/maximum limits that unfairly restrict players.

5. Customer Support

Quality customer support is essential for player confidence. We rate casinos on availability (24/7 live chat is ideal), responsiveness, multilingual support, and the quality of assistance provided. We test support channels including live chat, email, and phone support. Casinos with knowledgeable, helpful representatives who resolve issues promptly receive higher ratings.

6. Mobile Experience

With most players accessing casinos via mobile devices, we assess the quality of the mobile experience. We evaluate responsive website design, dedicated mobile apps (iOS/Android), game compatibility on mobile, and overall user interface functionality. Smooth, fast-loading mobile platforms with intuitive navigation score higher than poorly optimised sites.

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

We prioritise casinos that demonstrate commitment to player protection. We assess the availability of responsible gaming features including deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, self-exclusion options, cooling-off periods, and clear information about problem gambling resources. Links to NZ-specific support services such as Gambler's Help are particularly valued.

8. Our Rating Scale

We use a 1-10 rating scale to provide a clear, at-a-glance assessment of each casino:

Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, new features, player feedback, and regulatory developments. No payment or incentive influences our ratings – they are based solely on our independent assessment.