How We Rate Casinos
At When The Tomatoes Are Ready, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and help Australian players make informed decisions about where to play. Our ratings are based on rigorous testing and analysis across multiple criteria. Here's how we assess each casino.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Trust and legitimacy are paramount when choosing an online casino. We prioritise casinos that hold valid licenses from reputable regulatory bodies including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – One of Europe's most respected gaming regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Strict standards and player protection requirements
- Curaçao Gaming Authority – Established offshore licensing body
- Australian Local Licenses – Where applicable, compliance with state-based regulations
Unlicensed or poorly regulated casinos receive lower ratings regardless of other factors.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino offers diverse gaming options from reputable software providers. We evaluate:
- Slots – Variety, themes, RTP (Return to Player) percentages
- Live Casino Games – Live dealers, table quality, game variety (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Table Games – Roulette, poker variants, craps, and other classics
- Software Providers – Partnerships with industry leaders like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Play'n GO
Casinos with broader game selections and partnerships with multiple top-tier providers score higher.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are great, but the terms matter most. We assess:
- Transparency – Clear, comprehensive T&Cs without hidden clauses
- Wagering Requirements – Reasonable rollover multipliers (we favour lower requirements)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether bonus winnings have restrictive caps
- Game Restrictions – Which games count towards wagering and by how much
- Bonus Flexibility – Options to claim, reject, or modify bonuses
Casinos with fair, player-friendly bonus structures receive higher ratings.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the convenience and reliability of banking options:
- Deposit Methods – Credit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), bank transfers, cryptocurrencies
- Withdrawal Options – Flexibility to cash out via preferred channels
- Processing Speed – Instant withdrawals preferred; we check typical wait times (24-48 hours is good)
- Fees – Minimal or no charges for deposits and withdrawals
- Cryptocurrency Support – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital payment options
Casinos with multiple payment options and fast withdrawal speeds score higher.
5. Customer Support
Responsive customer service is crucial for resolving issues quickly. We test:
- 24/7 Live Chat – Availability around the clock
- Email Support – Response times and solution quality
- Phone Support – Availability (especially important for Australian players)
- Help Centre – Comprehensive FAQs and knowledge base
- Responsiveness – Speed and quality of answers to test queries
Casinos with knowledgeable, responsive support teams across multiple channels receive higher ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
Most players use mobile devices for casino gaming. We evaluate:
- Responsive Design – Seamless experience on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android apps where available
- Game Library – Full selection of games on mobile
- Performance – Loading speeds, stability, and user interface design
- Mobile-Specific Features – Touch-optimised controls, one-click payments
Casinos with excellent mobile optimisation and dedicated apps score higher.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is non-negotiable. We check for comprehensive responsible gaming features:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, and monthly limits
- Self-Exclusion – Options to temporarily or permanently ban yourself from the site
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks from gambling
- Reality Checks – Reminders of time and money spent during sessions
- Links to Support Services – Information on gambling addiction resources and helplines
- Loss Limits – Ability to cap losses
Casinos with robust, easily accessible responsible gaming tools receive higher ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1-10, with the following guidelines:
| Rating | Classification | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 – 10.0 | Excellent | Outstanding across all criteria. Highly recommended for Australian players. Exceptional security, game selection, bonuses, and support. |
| 8.0 – 8.9 | Very Good | Strong performance in all key areas. Minor weaknesses that don't significantly impact the overall experience. |
| 7.0 – 7.9 | Good | Solid casino with reliable services. Some areas could be improved, but generally trustworthy and enjoyable. |
| 6.0 – 6.9 | Fair | Acceptable but with notable shortcomings. May lack in certain areas like game selection, bonuses, or support. |
| 5.0 – 5.9 | Below Average | Significant concerns regarding service quality, fairness, or player protection. Proceed with caution. |
| Below 5.0 | Not Recommended | Major red flags including poor licensing, unfair practices, or inadequate security. We do not recommend playing here. |
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information becomes available. We continuously monitor FairGo Casino Login and other platforms to ensure our reviews remain current and accurate for Australian players.