How We Rate Casinos
At Batters by Funeral Services, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and pokies platforms available to New Zealand players. Our ratings are based on extensive research and player feedback to help you find trustworthy gaming sites.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of a safe online casino is proper licensing and regulation. We prioritise casinos licensed by recognised authorities including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming Authority
- Local New Zealand gaming licenses where applicable
We verify that casinos display valid license information and comply with their jurisdiction's regulatory requirements.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino offers diverse gaming options including slots, live casino games, and table games from reputable software providers. We evaluate:
- Range and variety of pokies and slots
- Quality of live dealer games
- Software provider reputation (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
- Game performance and fairness certifications
- Regular updates and new game releases
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review all bonus offers to ensure fair terms for players. Our assessment includes:
- Clarity and transparency of bonus terms and conditions
- Wagering requirements and rollover percentages
- Maximum cashout limits on bonus winnings
- Contribution percentages for different game types
- Validity periods and bonus expiration policies
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Convenient and secure payment options are essential. We evaluate:
- Available payment methods (credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency)
- Withdrawal processing times and speed
- Minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits
- Transaction fees and hidden charges
- Security of payment processing
5. Customer Support
Quality customer service is vital for resolving issues quickly. We assess:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness and quality
- Phone support where available
- FAQ and knowledge base comprehensiveness
- Average response times and issue resolution rates
6. Mobile Experience
With most players using mobile devices, we evaluate:
- Responsive web design across all devices
- Dedicated mobile apps (iOS and Android)
- Game performance and load times on mobile
- User interface and ease of navigation
- Mobile-specific features and optimisations
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is paramount. We check for:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and session time limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Cooling-off periods
- Links to gambling support organisations
- Reality check features and pop-ups
8. Our Rating Scale
1-10 Rating System:
- 9-10: Excellent – Highly recommended. Meets all criteria with exceptional service and player protection.
- 7-8: Good – Recommended. Strong offering with minor areas for improvement.
- 5-6: Average – Acceptable but with notable limitations. Play with caution.
- 3-4: Poor – Not recommended. Significant concerns regarding safety or fairness.
- 1-2: Avoid – Serious regulatory or operational issues detected.
All ratings are regularly updated to reflect changes in casino operations, licensing status, and player feedback. We encourage NZ players to use responsible gaming tools and never gamble more than they can afford to lose.