How We Rate Casinos
At Perth Cleanups, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online betting sites and casinos. Our ratings are based on rigorous testing, player feedback, and industry standards relevant to Australian players. Here's exactly how we assess each casino.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos that hold valid licenses from reputable regulatory bodies. The strongest credentials include:
- Australian Local Licenses: State-based licenses (e.g., ACT Gambling and Racing Commission) are our top priority for Australian players
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority): EU-regulated, widely trusted for player protection
- UKGC (UK Gambling Commission): Stringent standards and player safeguards
- Curaçao eGaming License: Common for international operators, though less rigorous than MGA or UKGC
We verify all licenses are current and active. Unlicensed or grey-market operators receive low ratings regardless of other features.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A diverse game library enhances the player experience. We evaluate:
- Slot Games: Variety of themes, volatility levels, and RTPs (Return to Player percentages)
- Live Casino: Live dealers for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker
- Table Games: Classic options including multiple variants
- Software Providers: Partnerships with top-tier developers (e.g., Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play)
More games and reputable providers = higher scores in this category.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise all promotional offers to ensure they're genuinely valuable:
- Terms & Conditions: Clear, transparent, easy to understand
- Wagering Requirements (Rollover): Lower multipliers are better (e.g., 25x is preferable to 50x)
- Max Cashout Limits: Unreasonable caps reduce scores significantly
- Game Contribution Rates: Some games may contribute less to wagering requirements
- Time Limits: Reasonable bonus expiry periods (typically 30+ days)
We compare bonuses against industry standards and penalise predatory T&Cs.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the banking experience:
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets (preferred by privacy-conscious players)
- E-wallets: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Apple Pay
- Bank Transfers: Direct deposits and local Australian payment methods
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard compatibility
- Withdrawal Speed: Instant, same-day, or within 24-48 hours is ideal
- Fees: Lower or no withdrawal fees are preferable
Multiple payment options and fast payouts significantly boost casino ratings.
5. Customer Support
Quality customer service is essential. We evaluate:
- 24/7 Live Chat: Immediate assistance available anytime
- Email Support: Response times typically under 24 hours
- Phone Support: Direct phone lines where available
- Responsiveness: We test support with common queries and track response quality
- Knowledge & Helpfulness: Staff training and problem resolution effectiveness
Casinos with slow, unhelpful, or limited support channels receive lower scores.
6. Mobile Experience
Mobile compatibility is increasingly important for Australian players:
- Responsive Design: Website functions smoothly on smartphones and tablets
- Dedicated Apps: iOS and/or Android apps offer optimised gameplay
- Loading Speed: Fast performance on mobile devices
- Feature Parity: Mobile platforms offer the same games and functionality as desktop
- Touch Interface: Intuitive controls optimised for touchscreens
Subpar mobile experiences or missing apps may result in score deductions.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is paramount. We check for:
- Deposit Limits: Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Loss Limits: Maximum loss restrictions
- Self-Exclusion: Players can voluntarily ban themselves (24 hours to permanent)
- Cooling-Off Periods: Mandatory breaks from gambling
- Reality Check Reminders: Session time notifications
- Gambling Problem Resources: Links to counselling services (e.g., Gamblers Help Australia)
- Reality Check Features: Display of total money wagered, won, or lost
Comprehensive responsible gaming tools are a hallmark of trustworthy operators.
8. Our Rating Scale
We use a 1-10 point scoring system:
- 9-10 (Excellent): Top-tier casino meeting or exceeding all criteria. Strongly recommended for Australian players.
- 8-8.9 (Very Good): Minor issues in one or two areas. Safe and enjoyable overall.
- 7-7.9 (Good): Solid operator with some notable weaknesses. Worth considering but not our top pick.
- 6-6.9 (Fair): Acceptable but with several limitations. Play at your own risk.
- 5-5.9 (Below Average): Significant concerns in multiple categories. We recommend better alternatives.
- Below 5 (Poor): Major red flags including licensing issues, poor support, or predatory practices. Not recommended.
Each casino review breaks down scores by category, so you can prioritise what matters most to you. Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information emerges.