How We Rate Casinos

At Friendly Feet, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and PayID pokies platforms available to Australian players. Our ratings are designed to help you find safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experiences. Here's exactly how we assess each casino.

Licensing & Regulation

Licensing and regulatory compliance is our top priority. We verify that casinos hold valid licenses from reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), or CuraΓ§ao eGaming. For Australian-focused operators, we check for compliance with local state-based regulations and adherence to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. A casino without proper licensing receives a significantly lower rating regardless of other features.

Game Selection & Software Providers

We evaluate the variety and quality of games available, including slots, live casino games, and table games. We assess partnerships with reputable software providers like Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. The breadth of titles, game variety, and frequency of new releases all factor into this criterion. We also verify that games are independently audited for fairness and RTP (Return to Player) percentages.

Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

We thoroughly examine bonus offerings and promotional terms, with particular focus on wagering requirements (rollover), maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and expiration dates. We highlight casinos with transparent, player-friendly terms and flag those with unreasonably high rollover requirements or hidden conditions. Our analysis includes welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty programs.

Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

We assess the range of deposit and withdrawal options available to Australian players, including bank transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and PayID services. We evaluate withdrawal processing times, minimum/maximum limits, and any associated fees. Fast, reliable payment processing and multiple options are essential for a high rating in this category.

Customer Support

Quality customer service is crucial. We evaluate availability (24/7 live chat, email, phone support), response times, staff knowledge, and the ability to resolve issues effectively. We test support channels ourselves and gather player feedback to assess responsiveness and helpfulness. Casinos with multilingual support and extended availability receive higher marks.

Mobile Experience

With most gaming now happening on mobile devices, we thoroughly test the mobile experience. We evaluate responsive web design, dedicated iOS and Android apps, loading speeds, navigation intuitiveness, and overall functionality. We assess whether all features available on desktop are accessible on mobile, and whether the mobile experience is optimised for Australian users.

Responsible Gaming Tools

We examine the availability and prominence of responsible gaming features, including deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, reality checks, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. We verify that casinos provide access to support organisations like Gambler's Help and provide educational resources about problem gambling. Strong responsible gaming features are essential for Australian compliance and player protection.

Our Rating Scale

9.0–10.0 (Excellent): Top-tier casinos meeting all our criteria with exceptional service, fair terms, and strong security. Highly recommended.

8.0–8.9 (Very Good): Strong casinos with minor areas for improvement. Reliable and trustworthy options for most players.

7.0–7.9 (Good): Solid casinos with adequate features and reasonable terms. Suitable for players with specific preferences.

6.0–6.9 (Fair): Acceptable casinos with some notable limitations or less competitive offerings. Use with caution.

5.0–5.9 (Below Average): Casinos with significant drawbacks or questionable practices. Not recommended for most players.

Below 5.0 (Poor): Casinos with serious compliance, security, or fairness concerns. We advise against using these platforms.

All ratings are calculated by weighting each criterion according to importance, with Licensing & Regulation being non-negotiable for Australian players. Our reviews are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino offerings and compliance status.