How We Rate Casinos
At Fair Go Casino, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos operating in Australia. Our ratings help players make informed decisions by assessing each casino across multiple critical factors. Below is our detailed evaluation framework.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritize casinos with legitimate licenses from recognized gambling authorities. We assess licensing from bodies including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Considered one of the most stringent regulators in the industry
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Provides strong player protections and operational oversight
- Curaçao eGaming License – A recognized jurisdiction for online casinos, though less rigorous than MGA or UKGC
- Australian Local Licenses – Compliance with local Australian gaming regulations where applicable
Casinos without valid licensing from reputable authorities receive significantly lower ratings. We verify all license claims through official regulatory bodies.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We evaluate the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including:
- Slots – Variety, themes, RTP rates, and progressive jackpots
- Live Casino Games – Live dealers, table limits, streaming quality
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, poker variants, and other classic games
- Software Providers – We assess partnerships with leading developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and other reputable providers
Casinos offering diverse game libraries from multiple top-tier providers score higher than those with limited selections or obscure software.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review all promotional offers and their associated conditions:
- Transparency of Terms & Conditions – Clear, easy-to-understand bonus terms
- Rollover Requirements – Reasonable wagering multipliers (we consider 35x-50x standard for the industry)
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether bonuses have restrictive caps on winnings
- Game Restrictions – Which games contribute to wagering requirements
- Expiration Periods – Reasonable timeframes to use bonuses
Bonuses with unreasonable terms or hidden conditions result in lower ratings. Player-friendly bonus structures are heavily weighted in our assessments.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the casino's payment infrastructure, including:
- Cryptocurrency Options – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies
- E-Wallets – PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar services
- Bank Transfers – Direct deposits and wire transfers
- Local Payment Methods – Australian-specific options where available
- Withdrawal Speed – Processing times (we prefer instant to 24-hour withdrawals)
- Transaction Fees – Whether casinos charge for deposits or withdrawals
Casinos offering multiple payment options with fast, transparent processing receive higher ratings.
5. Customer Support
We assess the quality and availability of customer service through:
- 24/7 Live Chat Support – Availability around the clock
- Email Support – Response times and quality of answers
- Telephone Support – Whether phone support is available
- Responsiveness – How quickly support agents answer and resolve issues
- Staff Knowledge – Whether support teams can adequately address player concerns
- Multiple Languages – Support in English and other relevant languages
Casinos with responsive, knowledgeable support staff available 24/7 receive higher ratings. Poor customer service significantly impacts overall scores.
6. Mobile Experience
We evaluate the casino's performance on mobile devices:
- Responsive Design – Websites that adapt seamlessly to smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Mobile Apps – Availability on iOS and Android platforms
- Navigation & Usability – Ease of finding games and account features
- Game Performance – Loading speeds and smooth gameplay on mobile
- Mobile Bonuses – Special promotions available to mobile users
A superior mobile experience is increasingly important, and casinos offering dedicated apps with full functionality receive higher ratings.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We assess the casino's commitment to player protection through:
- Deposit Limits – Ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps
- Self-Exclusion Programs – Options to temporarily or permanently exclude oneself
- Cooling-Off Periods – Mandatory breaks from gambling activity
- Reality Check Features – Reminders of time and money spent
- Loss Limits – Tools to cap potential losses
- Resources & Support – Links to gambling addiction support organizations
Comprehensive responsible gaming tools are essential. Casinos lacking these features receive significantly lower ratings, as player safety is paramount.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, with the following breakdown:
- 9-10 (Excellent) – Exceptional casinos excelling across all criteria. Highly recommended for Australian players.
- 7-8 (Good) – Well-established casinos with solid licensing, good game selection, and fair terms. Recommended with minor caveats.
- 5-6 (Average) – Acceptable casinos that meet basic standards but may have limitations in certain areas. Play with caution and review specific aspects.
- 3-4 (Poor) – Casinos with significant shortcomings in licensing, terms, or player protection. Not recommended.
- 1-2 (Unacceptable) – Unlicensed, fraudulent, or highly problematic casinos. Strongly discouraged.
Final Ratings are calculated by weighting criteria according to importance, with Licensing & Regulation being the most critical factor, followed by Game Selection, Bonus Terms, Payment Methods, Customer Support, Mobile Experience, and Responsible Gaming Tools.
Our methodology is updated regularly to reflect industry changes and emerging best practices. All ratings are conducted independently and are not influenced by affiliate commissions or promotional partnerships.