How We Rate Casinos
At Family Planner, we evaluate online pokies and casinos using a rigorous methodology to help New Zealand players make informed decisions. Our ratings are based on eight key criteria, listed below in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of any trustworthy casino is proper licensing and regulation. We prioritise casinos holding licences from recognised authorities including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming Licensing Authority
- Local New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) approval where applicable
A valid gaming licence demonstrates the operator meets strict standards for security, fairness, and player protection.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of games available, including:
- Slot games (pokies) from reputable developers
- Live casino offerings with professional dealers
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Software partnerships with industry-leading providers
A diverse game portfolio from recognised software companies ensures quality gameplay and fair outcomes.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review promotional offers by examining:
- Transparency of terms and conditions
- Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
- Maximum cashout restrictions
- Game contribution rates towards requirements
- Bonus validity periods
Fair bonus terms benefit players and reflect responsible operator practices.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the range and efficiency of banking options:
- Cryptocurrency payments (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Bank transfers and local NZ payment methods
- Credit and debit card processing
- Withdrawal speed and processing times
Multiple payment options and quick withdrawals enhance player convenience and trust.
5. Customer Support
We test and rate support quality including:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email response times and quality
- Phone support options
- Responsiveness to player complaints
- Knowledge and professionalism of support staff
Excellent customer service ensures players receive help when needed.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess the mobile platform by reviewing:
- Responsive website design for smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps (where available)
- Game performance and loading speeds
- Navigation ease and user interface design
- Full feature parity with desktop versions
A seamless mobile experience is essential for modern online pokies players.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise casinos offering comprehensive player protection features:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Self-exclusion options with varying timeframes
- Cooling-off periods for account access
- Reality check reminders during play
- Links to gambling support organisations
- Loss limits and session time warnings
Responsible gaming tools are critical for player safety and demonstrate ethical operator standards.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a 1-10 scale, with the following interpretation:
- 9-10: Excellent – Highly recommended. Meets or exceeds standards across all criteria.
- 7-8: Good – Recommended. Strong performance with minor areas for improvement.
- 5-6: Average – Acceptable but with notable limitations or concerns.
- 3-4: Poor – Not recommended. Significant issues present.
- 1-2: Very Poor – Not recommended. Fails to meet basic standards or presents serious risks.
Our ratings combine objective criteria (licensing, security) with subjective assessments (user experience, support quality) to provide a comprehensive guide for New Zealand players.