How We Rate Casinos
At child2017.com, we're committed to providing Australian players with transparent, fair assessments of online casinos. Our rigorous methodology evaluates each operator across eight key criteria to help you find the best gaming experience. Here's exactly how we rate casinos in 2026.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of a trustworthy casino is proper licensing and regulatory oversight. We prioritise casinos licensed by recognised authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, and local Australian licenses where applicable. We verify:
- Current, valid gaming licenses from established regulators
- Compliance with jurisdictional requirements
- Transparency regarding regulatory status
- Any history of regulatory breaches or complaints
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A diverse and high-quality game portfolio is essential for player satisfaction. We assess:
- Range and variety of slot games (classic, video, progressive jackpots)
- Live casino offerings (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker)
- Table games and speciality games availability
- Software partnerships with leading providers (Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, etc.)
- Game fairness certifications and RTP disclosure
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Promotional offers should be genuinely rewarding, not deceptive. We evaluate:
- Clarity and transparency of bonus terms and conditions
- Fairness of wagering/rollover requirements
- Maximum cashout limitations and restrictions
- Game contribution percentages towards wagering
- Bonus validity periods
- Overall value proposition for Australian players
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Convenient and secure banking options are crucial for seamless play. We analyse:
- Available deposit methods (credit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, bank transfers)
- Withdrawal processing times and reliability
- Currency support (AUD preferred for Australian players)
- Transaction fees and minimum/maximum limits
- Security protocols for financial transactions
5. Customer Support
Responsive, helpful customer service is essential when issues arise. We assess:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email support responsiveness and quality
- Phone support options
- Ticket system responsiveness and resolution times
- Knowledge base and FAQ comprehensiveness
- Support staff knowledge and professionalism
6. Mobile Experience
Mobile gaming is now essential. We evaluate:
- Responsive design optimisation for smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated mobile app availability (iOS/Android)
- App performance, speed, and stability
- Game variety on mobile platforms
- Touch interface usability
- Load times and overall user experience
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is paramount. We verify availability of:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and session time limits
- Self-exclusion options (temporary and permanent)
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check reminders during play
- Access to gambling addiction support resources
- Integration with national self-exclusion schemes
8. Our Rating Scale
Each casino receives a numerical score from 1 to 10, reflecting our overall assessment:
- 9-10 (Excellent): Exceptional casino meeting or exceeding standards across all criteria. Highly recommended for Australian players.
- 7-8 (Good): Solid offering with minor weaknesses. Trustworthy option for most players.
- 5-6 (Average): Acceptable casino with notable limitations or areas for improvement.
- 3-4 (Poor): Significant issues with licensing, terms, or player protection. Not recommended.
- 1-2 (Unacceptable): Major regulatory, safety, or fraud concerns. Strong caution advised.
Our ratings are updated regularly and reflect the state of each casino as of 2026. Scores are based on objective criteria combined with direct player feedback and industry research. We remain independent and accept no payment from casinos for improved ratings.