How We Rate Casinos
At Wedding Link NZ, our casino review methodology is designed to help New Zealand players find the safest, most reliable, and most entertaining online casinos. We evaluate each platform across eight critical criteria, listed below in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Player safety is our top priority. We only review casinos that hold valid gaming licenses from reputable regulatory bodies, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – EU standard regulation
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Stringent UK oversight
- Curaçao eGaming License – Caribbean jurisdiction
- New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs – Local NZ licensing where applicable
Casinos without verified licensing from these bodies receive lower ratings or are excluded entirely.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino offers variety and fairness. We assess:
- Number and diversity of slot games
- Live casino offerings (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker)
- Traditional table games (craps, keno, video poker)
- Partnerships with industry-leading software providers (NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, etc.)
- RTP (Return to Player) transparency and fairness certifications
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully evaluate bonus offers to ensure they represent genuine value, not traps. Our analysis includes:
- Clarity and transparency of Terms & Conditions
- Wagering/rollover requirements (lower is better)
- Maximum cashout restrictions
- Game contribution percentages toward wagering requirements
- Expiration timelines for bonus funds
- Fair bonus structure for both welcome and ongoing promotions
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Players need flexible, fast deposit and withdrawal options. We rate casinos on:
- Available payment methods (credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Average withdrawal processing time
- Number of withdrawal methods offered
- Fees and charges for transactions
- Currency support (NZD preferred)
- Security of payment processing
5. Customer Support
Responsive support matters when issues arise. We evaluate:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness (target: under 24 hours)
- Phone support availability
- FAQ and help documentation quality
- Staff knowledge and professionalism
- Support availability in English and other relevant languages
6. Mobile Experience
Most players use mobile devices. We assess:
- Responsive website design that works on all screen sizes
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps (where available)
- Game performance and loading speed on mobile
- Ease of navigation and account management
- Mobile-specific features and optimization
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player wellbeing is essential. We rate the availability and effectiveness of:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and session time limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality checks and spending statements
- Links to support organizations (Gambling Helpline NZ, etc.)
- Clear responsible gaming information and resources
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate each casino on a scale of 1 to 10, with the following guidelines:
- 9.0–10.0 (Excellent) – Top-tier casinos with excellent licensing, game selection, fair bonuses, fast payouts, responsive support, and strong responsible gaming tools.
- 8.0–8.9 (Very Good) – High-quality casinos with solid credentials, minor shortcomings in one or two areas.
- 7.0–7.9 (Good) – Reputable casinos that meet most standards but have some limitations (e.g., fewer payment options, slower withdrawals).
- 6.0–6.9 (Fair) – Acceptable casinos with mixed reviews; may have concerns in bonus terms, support, or game selection.
- 5.0–5.9 (Below Average) – Casinos with notable issues in regulation, fairness, or player experience.
- Below 5.0 (Poor) – Casinos we do not recommend due to licensing concerns, unfair practices, or poor player feedback.
Note: Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect new information, player feedback, and regulatory changes. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.