How We Rate Casinos
At Focus2000, we evaluate online casinos using a comprehensive methodology to help New Zealand players find safe, fair, and entertaining gaming platforms. Our ratings are based on rigorous testing and research across eight key criteria, listed below in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Player safety is our top priority. We only recommend casinos that hold valid gaming licenses from reputable regulatory bodies, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming License
- New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (local license)
We verify license authenticity and check for regulatory compliance records. Casinos without recognized licensing cannot receive a passing rating.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of gaming content, including:
- Online pokies (slots) from leading providers
- Live casino games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Table games and specialty games
- Software partnerships with reputable developers (Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, etc.)
- Game catalog size and regular new releases
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We examine the fairness and transparency of promotional offers:
- Welcome bonus structure and cash value
- Wagering requirements and rollover multiples
- Maximum cashout limits on bonus winnings
- Terms & Conditions clarity and enforceability
- Availability of bonus offers for NZ players
We favor casinos with reasonable wagering requirements (35x or lower) and transparent T&Cs.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the range and reliability of banking options:
- Cryptocurrency support (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Bank transfers and local NZ payment methods
- Deposit and withdrawal processing times
- Transaction fees and currency conversion rates
- Security of payment processing
5. Customer Support
Quality customer service reflects casino reliability. We assess:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness (target: under 24 hours)
- Phone support availability
- Support agent knowledge and professionalism
- Multilingual support options
- FAQ and help documentation quality
6. Mobile Experience
We test the mobile gaming platform thoroughly:
- Responsive web design functionality
- Dedicated mobile apps (iOS and Android)
- Game performance and loading times
- Navigation ease and user interface design
- Touch screen compatibility
- Account management features on mobile
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We verify the presence of player protection features:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and betting limits
- Self-exclusion programs
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check notifications
- Links to support organizations (Gambling Helpline NZ, Gamblers Anonymous)
- Age verification systems
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a 1–10 point scale:
- 9–10: Excellent – Recommended with confidence. Meets all criteria with distinction.
- 7–8: Good – Recommended. Minor concerns in one or two areas.
- 5–6: Average – Acceptable but notable limitations. Proceed with caution.
- 3–4: Poor – Not recommended. Multiple significant issues.
- 1–2: Unacceptable – Do not use. Fails critical safety or licensing criteria.
A casino must score at least 5.0 overall to appear in our recommendations. Licensing and regulation failures result in automatic disqualification, regardless of other scores.
Our ratings are updated regularly. Last reviewed: 2026. For the most current reviews, visit Focus2000.org.nz.