How We Rate Casinos
At Fishing Torpedo, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online pokies and casinos available to New Zealand players. Our rating system ensures transparency and helps you find the most trustworthy and rewarding platforms for your gaming needs.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos holding valid gaming licenses from reputable regulatory authorities. Our assessment focuses on:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – gold standard for European operators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – stringent player protection standards
- Curaçao eGaming License – widely accepted and audited
- Local NZ compliance – adherence to New Zealand gaming laws and regulations
Unlicensed casinos receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other factors.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings, including:
- Pokies/Slots variety and frequency of new releases
- Live casino games (live dealers, authenticity, streaming quality)
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Software provider partnerships (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
- Game performance and return-to-player (RTP) percentages
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully examine promotional offerings to identify fair and realistic terms:
- Welcome bonus structure and transparency
- Wagering requirements (rollover multiples)
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Game restrictions and contribution rates
- Terms & Conditions clarity and fairness
- Bonus expiration periods
We favour casinos with reasonable wagering requirements (typically 25x-40x) and transparent T&Cs.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Fast and flexible banking is essential for player satisfaction:
- Accepted payment methods (e-wallets, credit cards, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Withdrawal processing times (target: 24-48 hours)
- Deposit limits and minimum/maximum transaction amounts
- Banking fees and charges
- Security of payment processing
We prioritise casinos offering multiple withdrawal options with competitive processing speeds.
5. Customer Support
Responsive and knowledgeable support is critical for resolving player issues:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness (target: under 24 hours)
- Phone support options
- Support agent knowledge and professionalism
- Community forums and FAQ resources
We test support channels personally and consider response quality in our ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
Most New Zealand players access casinos via mobile devices. We evaluate:
- Responsive website design across iOS and Android
- Dedicated mobile apps (quality and functionality)
- Game performance on mobile devices
- Mobile-specific features and optimisations
- Loading speeds and navigation ease
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is paramount. We assess:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly options)
- Loss limits and betting restrictions
- Self-exclusion capabilities
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check reminders
- Links to gambling support organisations
- Account closure and permanent exclusion options
Casinos demonstrating strong responsible gaming commitment receive higher ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate all casinos on a scale of 1-10:
- 9-10 (Excellent)
- Premium operators with top-tier licensing, excellent game selection, fair bonuses, fast withdrawals, and comprehensive player protections.
- 7-8 (Very Good)
- Well-regulated casinos with strong offerings, minor areas for improvement in specific categories.
- 5-6 (Good)
- Legitimate operators meeting basic standards but with notable limitations in bonuses, support, or game selection.
- 3-4 (Poor)
- Casinos with concerning practices, unclear terms, slow withdrawals, or inadequate responsible gaming tools.
- 1-2 (Avoid)
- Unlicensed operators, suspicious practices, or serious player complaints. We recommend avoiding these platforms.
Note: Our ratings are independent, evidence-based assessments. We do not accept payments from casinos for favourable reviews and regularly update ratings as operators improve or decline in service quality.