Our Testing Methodology

Every casino on wanganuiautowreckers.co.nz is tested using a standardised 6-step process with real NZD deposits. This page explains exactly how we evaluate, score, and rank the casinos we recommend to New Zealand players.

Why Our Casino Testing Methodology Matters

Most casino review sites rank casinos based on who pays the highest affiliate commission. They copy bonus details from casino websites without verifying them, publish reviews without depositing a single dollar, and never re-test after the initial review.

We test differently. Every casino on our site receives a real money deposit at the $1, $5, and $10 tiers. We play through bonuses, verify wagering requirements, test withdrawal speeds, and evaluate customer support. If a casino does not meet our standards, it does not appear on our site regardless of the commission it offers.

Our 6-Step Testing Process

Step 1: Registration and KYC

We create a new account at each casino using genuine NZ identification. We evaluate the signup flow, time to complete KYC verification, and any friction points. Casinos that make registration needlessly complex or require excessive documentation upfront are marked down.

Step 2: Real Money Deposits

We deposit at three tiers: $1, $5, and $10. Each deposit tests a different payment method where possible: POLi, card, e-wallet, and crypto. We record deposit speed, any fees charged, and whether the bonus activates correctly. If a casino claims "instant deposits" but takes 10 minutes, that is noted.

Step 3: Bonus Evaluation

We verify every bonus claim: match percentage, free spin count, wagering requirements, game restrictions, time limits, and maximum cashout. If the casino advertises "500% bonus" but the terms cap winnings at $100, we report that. All bonus details on our site reflect what we experienced, not what the casino advertises.

Step 4: Game Testing

We play through each bonus across slots, blackjack, and roulette. We verify game availability, loading speed, RTP accuracy (compared to provider specifications), and mobile performance. We also test minimum bet sizes to confirm they work for low-deposit players.

Step 5: Withdrawal Testing

After clearing wagering requirements, we request a withdrawal using the same method as the deposit. We record the actual processing time (not the advertised time), any additional verification requests, and whether the full amount was paid. A casino that advertises "instant withdrawals" but takes 48 hours receives a lower payout speed score.

Step 6: Customer Support Evaluation

We contact support via live chat with NZ-specific questions: "Do you accept POLi deposits?", "What is the minimum withdrawal in NZD?", "How long does KYC take for NZ players?" Response time, accuracy, and helpfulness are all scored.

Website Design, Navigation, and Mobile Compatibility

We evaluate each casino's user experience on both desktop and mobile:

Transparent Scoring Criteria

Each casino is scored across six weighted categories. The total determines its ranking position.

Category Weight What We Measure
Bonus Value 25% Match percentage, free spins, wagering requirement, time limit, max cashout
Payout Speed 20% Actual withdrawal time by method, pending period, VIP processing
Game Selection 20% Total games, provider diversity, low-stake minimums, live dealer availability
Payment Options 15% NZ methods supported (POLi, NZD), deposit minimums, withdrawal limits
Trust & Licensing 10% Licence validity, eCOGRA/iTech certification, operating history, complaint record
User Experience 10% Mobile performance, navigation, support quality, registration ease

A casino scoring below 60% overall is not listed on our site. Casinos scoring 80%+ receive our top recommendation. Current top-rated casinos are displayed on our homepage.

Our Commitment to Editorial Independence and Transparency

We believe transparency is non-negotiable for a casino review site. Here is how we maintain editorial independence:

Affiliate Relationship Disclosure

wanganuiautowreckers.co.nz earns affiliate commissions from the casinos listed on this site. When you click an affiliate link and create an account, we may receive a referral fee at no cost to you. This revenue funds our testing program, site maintenance, and team salaries.

We have declined partnership offers from casinos that did not meet our testing standards. If a currently listed casino deteriorates during quarterly re-testing, we lower its ranking or remove it regardless of revenue impact. Our readers come first.

Quarterly Re-testing and Schedule

Online casinos change frequently. Bonuses are updated, terms are modified, support quality fluctuates, and payment processing speeds vary. A one-time review becomes outdated within months.

We re-test every recommended casino on a quarterly cycle:

Quarter Period Focus Areas
Q1 January - March Full re-test: deposits, bonuses, withdrawals, support
Q2 April - June Bonus and terms verification, new game additions
Q3 July - September Withdrawal speed re-test, payment method updates
Q4 October - December Full re-test: deposits, bonuses, withdrawals, support

Full re-tests (Q1 and Q4) involve new deposits and withdrawals. Mid-year checks (Q2 and Q3) focus on specific areas. If a user reports an issue between scheduled tests, we investigate immediately.

Have questions about our process? Contact us or learn more about our team.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income. Set deposit limits, take breaks, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, reach out for help.