How We Rate Casinos
At YesHow.org, we conduct comprehensive evaluations of online casinos and PayID pokies platforms to help Australian players make informed decisions. Our rating methodology is transparent and based on rigorous criteria that prioritise player safety, fairness, and value.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos holding valid licenses from reputable regulatory bodies. We assess licences from:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – One of Europe's most stringent regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Renowned for high player protection standards
- Curaçao eGaming – Legitimate but with varying oversight levels
- Australian State Licenses – ACT Gambling and Racing Commission or equivalent state authorities
Casinos without verifiable licensing receive significantly lower ratings, regardless of other strengths.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming offerings, including:
- Slots & Pokies – Variety, themes, RTP percentages, and game frequency
- Live Casino – Live dealers, table variety, streaming quality
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants
- Software Providers – Partnerships with industry leaders (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.)
We prioritise platforms offering games from multiple top-tier providers and transparent RTP disclosures.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise promotional offerings for fairness:
- Terms & Conditions Clarity – Easy-to-understand T&Cs without hidden restrictions
- Wagering Rollover Ratios – Lower multipliers (e.g., 25x) rank higher than excessive ones (50x+)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Reasonable caps on bonus winnings
- Game Restrictions – Fairness of which games contribute to rollover
- Bonus Codes & Accessibility – Ease of claiming promotions
Unrealistic or predatory bonus structures negatively impact ratings significantly.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess banking convenience and reliability:
- Payment Options – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency support
- PayID Integration – Native PayID support for Australian players
- Withdrawal Speed – Same-day or next-business-day processing preferred
- Deposit Limits – Flexible minimum and maximum thresholds
- Fee Transparency – Clear information on any transaction costs
Slow withdrawals or limited banking options reduce casino ratings.
5. Customer Support
We evaluate support quality and accessibility:
- 24/7 Availability – Round-the-clock live chat support
- Multiple Channels – Live chat, email, phone, and social media support
- Response Times – Average time to first response
- Staff Knowledge – Professionalism and problem-resolution capability
- Language Support – Australian English and appropriate regional assistance
Poor support responsiveness or limited availability significantly impacts overall ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
We assess mobile accessibility and functionality:
- Responsive Design – Seamless performance on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android apps where available
- Game Performance – Loading times, graphics quality, stability
- Mobile-Specific Features – Touch-optimised interfaces, mobile wallets
- Account Management – Easy deposits, withdrawals, and settings on mobile
Casinos offering optimised mobile experiences rank higher, especially for PayID pokies access.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise player protection and problem-gambling measures:
- Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, and monthly deposit caps
- Self-Exclusion Options – Temporary or permanent account suspension
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks from gaming
- Reality Checks – Session time reminders
- Loss Limits – Spending caps on losses
- Responsible Gaming Resources – Links to counselling services and gambling support organisations
Casinos lacking comprehensive responsible gaming features receive lower ratings. Compliance with NCPG (National Council on Problem Gambling) guidelines is essential.
8. Our Rating Scale
YesHow.org uses a 1–10 rating system:
- 9–10 (Excellent) – Highly recommended. Exceptional across all criteria with strong licensing, excellent support, and comprehensive responsible gaming tools.
- 7–8 (Very Good) – Recommended. Strong performance in most areas with minor limitations.
- 5–6 (Good) – Acceptable but with noticeable weaknesses. May lack certain features or have moderate concerns.
- 3–4 (Poor) – Not recommended. Significant issues with licensing, support, or player protection.
- 1–2 (Very Poor/Unsafe) – Avoid. Serious regulatory, security, or ethical concerns.
Rating Calculation: Each criterion is weighted by importance (Licensing & Regulation carries the highest weight). Individual scores are combined using a proprietary algorithm to produce the final 1–10 rating. All ratings are reviewed quarterly and updated based on new information, player feedback, and regulatory changes.
Disclaimer: YesHow.org ratings are provided for informational purposes only. Players should conduct independent research and verify all information with respective casinos. Gambling involves financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. Please gamble responsibly.