How We Rate Casinos
At Friendly Feet, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and pokies platforms operating in Australia. Our ratings help players find safe, fair, and entertaining gaming experiences. Here's exactly how we assess each casino:
Licensing & Regulation
Licensing is the foundation of our rating system. We prioritise casinos holding valid licences from recognised regulatory bodies including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, and Australian state-based licences. We verify licence authenticity, check for any regulatory actions or complaints, and assess the operator's compliance history. A casino without proper licensing receives substantial penalty marks in our overall score.
Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options, including pokies (slots), live casino games, table games, and specialty games. We examine partnerships with reputable software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. The variety of themes, RTP (Return to Player) percentages, volatility options, and regular game updates all factor into our assessment. A diverse library with premium providers typically scores higher.
Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We thoroughly analyse welcome bonuses, promotional offers, and ongoing rewards. Our focus is on transparency and fairness. We examine wagering requirements (rollover), maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, expiry periods, and terms & conditions clarity. Bonuses with reasonable, achievable requirements and clear T&Cs receive higher ratings than those with excessive or confusing conditions.
Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the variety and convenience of deposit and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, e-wallets (PayID, PayPal, Skrill), cryptocurrency, and local Australian payment methods. We test actual withdrawal times, fee structures, and minimum/maximum limits. Fast, reliable, and transparent banking processes result in higher scores.
Customer Support
We evaluate the availability and quality of customer service. We test 24/7 live chat responsiveness, email support speed, phone availability, and FAQ comprehensiveness. We also assess staff knowledge and ability to resolve issues efficiently. Casinos offering multiple contact channels with quick response times rank higher in our ratings.
Mobile Experience
We thoroughly test mobile functionality across iOS and Android devices. We assess responsive web design, loading speed, user interface intuitiveness, and whether a dedicated mobile app is available. We evaluate game compatibility, banking options on mobile, and overall usability. A seamless mobile experience is increasingly important for modern players.
Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise casinos offering robust responsible gaming features. We check for deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, self-exclusion options, cooling-off periods, and access to support resources such as Gambling Help Online and Lifeline. We assess the prominence and ease of accessing these tools. Strong responsible gaming commitments significantly boost our ratings.
Our Rating Scale
10/10 - Excellent: Superior across all criteria. Fully licensed, premium games, fair bonuses, excellent support, and strong responsible gaming tools.
8-9/10 - Very Good: Strong performance in most categories with only minor areas for improvement.
6-7/10 - Good: Reliable casino meeting industry standards. Some areas may lack polish or offer limited options.
4-5/10 - Fair: Acceptable but with noticeable weaknesses. May have licensing concerns, limited game selection, or poor customer support.
1-3/10 - Poor: Significant issues including licensing problems, unfair terms, slow payouts, or inadequate responsible gaming measures. Not recommended.
Note: All ratings are based on our independent testing and research. We do not accept payment for reviews. Our goal is to provide Australian players with honest, detailed information to make informed decisions about online gaming.