Last updated: 24 June 2026

How we test casinos

Every review on this site starts with a funded account, not a feature list. Here is the process, in the order we run it, so you can judge whether our verdict means anything.

1. Sign-up and verification

We register like any new player and complete identity checks (KYC). We note what documents the casino asks for, whether the upload tool works on mobile, and how long verification takes from submission to approval. A site that drags KYC out until you try to withdraw gets marked for it.

2. A real deposit

We fund the account with our own money, in NZD where supported, and through crypto where the casino leans that way. We record the minimum deposit, any fees, and whether the payment method shown on the banner actually works at checkout.

3. The bonus, read line by line

This is where most players get caught. We claim the welcome offer and read the terms in full: wagering multiple, which games count and at what percentage, maximum bet while a bonus is active, game exclusions, and the expiry window. At Casino Kingdom, for example, the welcome bonus carries a 200x playthrough, far above the 30x to 40x most players expect, and that goes straight into the review.

4. Gameplay and game checks

We play across slots, table games and live dealer to confirm the studios behind them (Games Global, Evolution, Pragmatic Play and others), check that load times hold up on mobile 4G, and confirm RTP figures are visible in-game rather than buried.

5. The withdrawal, timed

The single most important test. We request a cashout, then time it from request to money in hand, including any mandatory pending period. We note minimum withdrawal amounts and method-by-method delays. A 48-hour pending hold is a real wait, and we say so.

6. Support and safer gambling

We message live chat and email with genuine questions and time the replies. We also check how easy it is to set deposit limits, take a time-out or self-exclude, tools we believe should be one click from the lobby. If you have to email support just to set a limit, that is a fail. See responsible gambling for why this matters.

The findings feed directly into our scores. Read how we rate for the weighting, our editorial policy for the independence rules, and Daniel’s profile for who runs the tests.