How We Rate Casinos
At We Christmas, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rate online casinos for New Zealand players. Our ratings are based on extensive research, player feedback, and industry standards. Here's how we assess each casino:
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of any trustworthy online casino is proper licensing and regulation. We prioritise casinos holding licenses from recognised authorities including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – One of the most respected European regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Strict standards and player protection requirements
- Curaçao eGaming License – Established licensing jurisdiction for online gaming
- New Zealand Local Licensing – Where applicable and available
We verify all licenses directly with regulatory bodies and check for any compliance issues or sanctions.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino should offer diverse gaming options with software from reputable providers. We evaluate:
- Slots – Variety, quality, and frequency of new releases
- Live Casino – Live dealers, table variety, and streaming quality
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variations
- Software Providers – We favour casinos partnering with industry leaders like Microgaming, NetEnt, Play'n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
While bonuses are attractive, we focus on fair terms and transparency. Our assessment includes:
- Terms & Conditions – Clear, easy to understand, and fairly presented
- Rollover Requirements – Reasonable wagering multipliers (we prefer 35x or lower)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Bonuses without unrealistic withdrawal caps
- Eligible Games – Whether bonus funds can be used on all games
- Time Restrictions – Realistic timeframes to complete bonus requirements
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Fast, secure, and diverse payment options are essential. We evaluate:
- Deposit Methods – Credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency options
- Withdrawal Speed – Processing times (we prefer instant to 24-hour payouts)
- Cryptocurrency Support – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major digital currencies
- E-wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- NZ Payment Options – Local banking methods relevant to New Zealand players
- Transaction Fees – Whether deposits/withdrawals incur hidden charges
5. Customer Support
Responsive and helpful customer service is crucial. We assess:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Immediate assistance when you need it
- Email Support – Response times and quality of answers
- Phone Support – Availability and accessibility for NZ players
- Response Times – How quickly the casino addresses player concerns
- Staff Knowledge – Whether support agents can solve issues effectively
6. Mobile Experience
With most online gaming now mobile-based, we evaluate:
- Responsive Design – Website functions smoothly on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android applications where available
- Game Library – Full game selection accessible on mobile devices
- Loading Speed – Fast performance without excessive lag or crashes
- Navigation – Intuitive interface optimised for touch screens
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection and responsible gambling resources are non-negotiable. We check for:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Options to temporarily or permanently close accounts
- Cooling-Off Periods – Time-out features to pause play
- Reality Checks – Reminders during gameplay about time and money spent
- Responsible Gaming Resources – Links to support organisations and helplines
- Problem Gambling Information – Clear guidance on recognising problem gambling
8. Our Rating Scale
Each casino receives a rating from 1 to 10 based on the above criteria:
- 9-10/10 – Excellent. Top-tier casinos with outstanding features across all categories. Highly recommended for NZ players.
- 8-8.9/10 – Very Good. Strong performance in most areas with only minor weaknesses. Great choice for most players.
- 7-7.9/10 – Good. Solid casinos with reliable services and acceptable terms. Suitable for most players.
- 6-6.9/10 – Fair. Meets basic standards but has some notable limitations. Play cautiously and compare alternatives.
- Below 6/10 – Not Recommended. Significant concerns regarding licensing, fairness, or player protection. We advise avoiding these casinos.
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve, and we continuously monitor for changes in licensing status, bonus terms, or player feedback. All ratings are independent and based solely on our evaluation criteria—we accept no payment for positive reviews.