How We Rate Casinos
At the Mediation Research Project, we evaluate online casinos with a rigorous methodology to help Australian players find safe, fair, and rewarding gaming experiences. Our ratings are based on comprehensive research and independent analysis of each operator's offerings and practices.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos holding valid licences from recognised regulatory bodies. We assess operators for compliance with:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – EU-standard gaming regulation
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Strict UK oversight and player protections
- Curaçao eGaming Authority – Caribbean licensing with international credentials
- Australian Local Licences – State-based approvals (NT, ACT) for enhanced legitimacy
Unlicensed operators receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other merits.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings, including:
- Slots – Variety of themes, RTPs, and volatility levels
- Live Casino – Live dealers, game variety, stream quality
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants
- Software Providers – Partnerships with industry leaders (Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, etc.)
Casinos with diverse providers and exclusive titles score higher.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise all promotional offers for fairness and transparency:
- Terms & Conditions – Clear disclosure of bonus rules and restrictions
- Wagering Requirements – Rollover multiples (we favour 25x–35x)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Absence of unreasonable caps on winnings
- Bonus Validity Period – Reasonable timeframes for use
Excessive or hidden T&Cs result in lower ratings.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the ease and efficiency of deposits and withdrawals:
- Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoin support
- E-Wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay
- Bank Transfers – Direct deposits and withdrawals
- Withdrawal Speed – Processing times (we favour 24–48 hours)
- Withdrawal Limits – No unreasonably restrictive caps
Casinos offering multiple payment options with fast processing receive higher scores.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate the quality and availability of player assistance:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Real-time support availability
- Email Support – Responsiveness and resolution quality
- Phone Support – Direct contact availability
- Response Time – Average resolution timeframes
- Knowledge & Helpfulness – Staff competency and professionalism
Slow or unavailable support significantly impacts ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess casinos' mobile accessibility and performance:
- Responsive Design – Seamless play on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – Availability on iOS and Android
- Game Functionality – Full feature availability on mobile
- Loading Speed – Fast, stable performance
- User Interface – Intuitive navigation and design
Poor mobile experiences result in deductions.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise operators offering robust player protection features:
- Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Temporary or permanent account closure options
- Cooling-Off Periods – Time-out functionality
- Reality Checks – Session duration reminders
- Gambling Problem Resources – Links to support organisations (Gambling Help Online, Lifeline)
- Wagering Limits – Bet and loss limits
Absence of responsible gaming tools substantially lowers ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We use a 1–10 scoring system to rate Australian online casinos:
- 9–10 (Excellent) – Top-tier operator with exceptional standards across all criteria. Highly recommended for Australian players.
- 8–8.9 (Very Good) – Strong performance in most areas with minor shortcomings. Safe and rewarding choice.
- 7–7.9 (Good) – Solid offering with some areas requiring improvement. Generally trustworthy.
- 6–6.9 (Fair) – Acceptable standards but notable weaknesses. Proceed with caution.
- 5–5.9 (Below Average) – Significant concerns in key areas. Not recommended without careful consideration.
- Below 5 (Poor) – Major red flags including licensing issues, unfair terms, or inadequate protections. Not recommended.
Final ratings are weighted as follows: Licensing & Regulation (30%), Game Selection (20%), Bonus Terms (15%), Payment Methods (15%), Customer Support (10%), Mobile Experience (5%), Responsible Gaming Tools (5%).
Last updated: 2026. Our methodology is regularly reviewed to reflect industry changes and player needs.