How We Rate Casinos

At People's Inquiry, we evaluate online poker and casino platforms using a rigorous, transparent methodology. Our ratings help Australian players identify safe, fair, and entertaining gaming venues. Below, we outline the key criteria we assess, listed in order of importance.

1. Licensing & Regulation

Regulatory compliance is paramount. We prioritise casinos holding licenses from recognised authorities, including:

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Widely respected for robust player protections
• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Stringent standards and consumer safeguards
• Curaçao eGaming – Common for international operators with established track records
• Australian State Licenses – Where applicable, local licensing demonstrates commitment to local compliance

Unlicensed operators receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other features. We verify license status and check regulatory bodies' public records.

2. Game Selection & Software Providers

Quality and variety enhance player experience. We assess:

• Poker Variants – Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, and tournament formats
• Live Dealer Games – Authenticity, streaming quality, and game range
• Slots & Table Games – Diversity, RTP (Return to Player) percentages, and fairness
• Software Providers – Partnerships with reputable names such as Microgaming, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play
• Game Testing – Certifications from independent auditors (eCOGRA, GLI)

Casinos with limited or dated software libraries score lower. We favour platforms offering 100+ titles with regular updates.

3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Attractive bonuses mean little without fair terms. We scrutinise:

• Wagering Requirements – We flag excessively high rollover multiples (above 40x)
• Maximum Cashout Caps – Limits that prevent meaningful withdrawals are penalised
• Eligible Games – Whether bonuses apply to poker and live dealer or only slots
• Terms & Conditions Clarity – Transparent, easy-to-read bonus rules
• Expiration Periods – Reasonable timeframes for bonus completion
• Withdrawal Restrictions – Whether players must wager winnings before withdrawal

Operators offering transparent, player-friendly terms receive higher marks. We distrust hidden clauses or predatory conditions.

4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed

Reliable banking is essential. We evaluate:

• Deposit Options – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
• Withdrawal Methods – Variety and accessibility for Australian players
• Processing Speed – E-wallet withdrawals within hours; bank transfers within 1–3 business days
• Fees & Minimums – Absence of excessive charges on deposits or withdrawals
• Security – SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance

Casinos with slow or limited withdrawal options receive lower ratings. We favour operators offering instant crypto and same-day e-wallet payouts.

5. Customer Support

Responsive support builds trust. We assess:

• Availability – 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support
• Response Time – Live chat answered within 2 minutes; emails within 24 hours
• Agent Knowledge – Staff familiar with poker rules, bonuses, and account issues
• Multiple Channels – Live chat, email, phone, and social media presence
• Multilingual Support – Assistance in English and other languages

Casinos without live chat or slow responses are penalised. We prioritise operators with dedicated, knowledgeable teams.

6. Mobile Experience

Mobile-first players need seamless access. We rate:

• Responsive Design – Site functions perfectly on smartphones and tablets
• Dedicated Apps – iOS and Android applications for enhanced performance
• Game Compatibility – Poker, live dealer, and slots work smoothly on mobile
• Navigation & Speed – Intuitive menus and fast load times
• Mobile Payment – Easy deposits and withdrawals via mobile

Casinos with outdated or clunky mobile experiences score lower. We favour operators with modern, feature-rich mobile platforms.

7. Responsible Gaming Tools

Player safety is non-negotiable. We examine:

• Deposit Limits – Daily, weekly, and monthly spending caps
• Self-Exclusion Options – Temporary or permanent account closure
• Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks before reactivation
• Reality Checks – In-session reminders of time and money spent
• Gambling Addiction Resources – Links to Gamblers Help (1800 858 858) and counselling services
• Age Verification – Robust identity checks to prevent underage play

Casinos lacking responsible gaming features or those burying such tools receive significantly lower ratings. We prioritise operators demonstrating genuine commitment to harm minimisation.

8. Our Rating Scale

We rate casinos on a 1–10 scale, with the following breakdown:

• 9–10 (Excellent) – Fully licensed, exceptional game selection, fair bonuses, reliable support, strong responsible gaming tools, and seamless mobile experience
• 7–8 (Good) – Licensed, solid game range, reasonable bonuses, responsive support, and adequate mobile functionality
• 5–6 (Fair) – Licensed but with notable gaps in game variety, support responsiveness, or bonus transparency
• 3–4 (Poor) – Licensing concerns, limited games, unfair bonus terms, or inadequate player protections
• 1–2 (Avoid) – Unlicensed, untrustworthy operators, or severe player complaints and regulatory issues

Note: No single factor determines a rating. We weigh licensing and responsible gaming most heavily, followed by game quality, bonus fairness, and support. A casino lacking proper licensing cannot score higher than 4, regardless of other merits.

Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect operator changes, new complaints, and regulatory developments. For questions about our methodology, please contact us.