How We Rate Casinos
At Cleaners Wellington, we evaluate online pokies and casinos across multiple criteria to help New Zealand players find safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming platforms. Our ratings are based on extensive research and player feedback.
Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos licensed by recognised regulatory bodies including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, and local New Zealand authorities. Valid licensing ensures compliance with strict standards, player protection, and fair gaming practices. We verify all licenses and check for any regulatory violations or complaints.
Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the variety and quality of games available, including pokies (slots), live casino games, and table games. We evaluate partnerships with leading software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and others. A diverse library with reputable providers indicates quality gameplay and fair RTP (Return to Player) rates.
Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We examine welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and their terms and conditions carefully. Our analysis includes wagering requirements (rollover), maximum cashout limits, minimum deposit amounts, and contribution percentages across different game types. Transparent, player-friendly terms receive higher ratings.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the range of payment options including cryptocurrencies, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and local NZ payment methods. We assess withdrawal processing times, fees, and reliability. Faster, cheaper withdrawals with multiple options score higher.
Customer Support
We test customer support responsiveness across 24/7 live chat, email, phone support, and help documentation. We rate support teams on knowledge, professionalism, and resolution times. Availability outside standard business hours is essential for international players.
Mobile Experience
We evaluate responsive web design and dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android. We test loading speeds, game performance, navigation ease, and overall user interface on various devices. Seamless mobile gaming is increasingly important for pokies players.
Responsible Gaming Tools
We examine responsible gaming features including deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. Casinos that prioritise player wellbeing and provide robust harm-minimisation tools receive higher ratings. Compliance with NZ responsible gaming standards is mandatory.
Our Rating Scale
10/10 – Excellent: Outstanding across all criteria. Highly recommended for NZ players.
8-9/10 – Very Good: Strong performance on most criteria. Minor areas for improvement.
6-7/10 – Good: Solid offering with some limitations. Suitable for most players.
4-5/10 – Fair: Acceptable but with notable concerns. Proceed with caution.
1-3/10 – Poor: Significant issues with regulation, fairness, or player protection. Not recommended.
No casino receives a rating without verification of legitimate licensing and regulatory compliance. We update our ratings regularly as casinos evolve and player feedback emerges.