How We Rate Casinos

At Kereru, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online pokies and casinos available to New Zealand players. Our ratings are based on thorough research and testing across multiple criteria. Here's how we assess each platform:

Licensing & Regulation

This is our most critical factor. We only recommend casinos that hold valid licenses from recognised gambling authorities. We verify licensing from:

Proper regulation ensures player funds are protected, games are fair, and operators meet strict operational standards. Casinos without verifiable licenses receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other features.

Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including:

We favour casinos with partnerships from established, licensed software providers and regular game releases.

Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We carefully review all promotional offers with particular attention to:

We flag casinos with unrealistic or hidden conditions and highlight those offering genuinely fair bonus structures.

Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We assess the convenience and reliability of banking options:

Casinos offering multiple options and fast, fee-free withdrawals score higher.

Customer Support

We evaluate the quality and accessibility of player support:

We test support channels directly and factor in player feedback regarding support quality.

Mobile Experience

With most players now accessing casinos via mobile devices, we assess:

Casinos with optimised mobile experiences and functional apps receive higher ratings.

Responsible Gaming Tools

Player safety is paramount. We verify the availability of responsible gambling features:

Casinos with comprehensive responsible gaming tools and clear commitment to player wellbeing are prioritised.

Our Rating Scale

We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10:

Casinos that fail to meet our licensing and regulation standards automatically receive a rating below 5, regardless of other features. We update ratings regularly based on operational changes and player feedback.