How we test NZ casinos with real money deposits, DIA verification, and transparent scoring criteria.
Many casino review sites publish opinions without actual testing. We take the opposite approach: every casino on BBQ Rib Runner has been tested with real money deposits (minimum $1-$10 per site), and our rankings are based on quantifiable factors like wagering requirements, payout speed, and game RTP.
This page explains our 6-step testing process, scoring criteria, and re-testing schedule so you can understand exactly how we evaluate online casinos.
We create an account and make a real $1 deposit (or $5-$10 for casinos with higher minimums) using POLi, credit card, or e-wallet. This tests the deposit process, bonus activation, and currency support (NZD availability).
We verify that the casino is monitored by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) or holds a valid international license (MGA, Curacao, Kahnawake). We check license numbers against official registries and note expiry dates.
We test POLi instant bank transfer (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank), credit/debit cards, and e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) to verify deposit processing speed, minimum deposit limits, and fee structures.
We count the total number of games (slots, blackjack, roulette, live dealer), verify RTP percentages (96%+ is excellent), and test whether $1 deposits unlock full game access or restricted libraries.
We test withdrawal processing times (e-wallet vs bank transfer), minimum withdrawal amounts ($20-$50 typical), and KYC verification requirements (ID upload, proof of address). Casinos with <24h payout receive bonus points.
We read the full bonus terms (not just marketing headlines) and publish exact wagering requirements (45x, 50x, 200x), maximum bet limits while bonus active, game exclusions, and withdrawal restrictions. Transparency is critical.
Each casino receives a score out of 100 based on the weighted criteria below. Casinos scoring 80+ are ranked as "Excellent", 70-79 as "Good", 60-69 as "Average", and below 60 are not recommended.
| Criteria | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Offer Value | 25% | Number of free spins (40-80), bonus game RTP (96%+), realistic withdrawal potential |
| Wagering Requirements | 20% | 45x = Excellent | 50x = Good | 200x = Standard | Higher = Poor |
| Payout Speed | 20% | E-wallet withdrawal speed (instant to 24h best), bank transfer speed, KYC turnaround |
| Game Variety | 15% | Total games (1,000+ excellent), high RTP slots (96%+), live dealer availability, progressive jackpots |
| Payment Methods | 10% | POLi support, NZD currency, minimum deposit ($1-$10), no fees |
| Customer Support | 10% | Live chat availability (24/7 best), email response time, phone support |
| TOTAL SCORE | 100% | Casinos ranked by total weighted score |
Our casino rankings are based on the scoring criteria above—not on which operators pay the highest affiliate commissions. We've ranked casinos with 45x wagering above casinos with 200x wagering, even when the 200x casinos offered higher payouts. Player value comes first.
Every casino on this site has been tested with real deposits. We don't publish theoretical reviews based on marketing materials—we create accounts, deposit money, play games, and test withdrawals. If we haven't tested it, we don't review it.
Casinos change their terms. We re-test every casino every 3 months to verify:
This website earns affiliate commissions when you sign up at casinos through our links. However, commission rates do NOT influence our rankings—casinos are scored by the criteria above (wagering, payout speed, game RTP). We also maintain affiliate relationships with lower-ranked casinos, but we still rank them lower because their player value is lower.
| Casino | Last Tested | Next Re-test |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwi's Treasure | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Jackpot City | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Lucky Nugget | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Spin Casino | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Ruby Fortune | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| 7Bit Casino | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| Mirax Casino | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
| KatsuBet | February 17, 2026 | May 17, 2026 |
If we discover significant changes during re-testing (e.g., wagering increases from 45x to 200x), we update the review immediately and notify readers with a "Recently Updated" badge.