How We Rate Casinos
At And In My Spare Time, we evaluate online casinos with a rigorous methodology to help Australian players find safe, reliable platforms for PayID pokies and other gaming options. Our ratings are transparent, independent, and updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations and offerings.
1. Licensing & Regulation
Regulatory compliance is our primary concern. We prioritise casinos holding licences from recognised authorities including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curaçao eGaming. For Australian players, we verify if operators hold appropriate local registrations or adhere to Australian standards. Unlicensed or unregulated casinos receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other factors.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the breadth and quality of gaming libraries, including slots, live casino games, and table games. We verify partnerships with reputable software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming. A diverse selection with regular game updates enhances player experience and influences our rating positively.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review promotional offers, focusing on transparency and fairness. Our evaluation includes examining wagering requirements (rollover rates), maximum cashout limits, game restrictions, and bonus validity periods. Reasonable T&Cs with clear terms score higher than exploitative bonus structures that favour the house.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We rate casinos on the variety of payment options available to Australian players, with emphasis on PayID integration. We assess processing speeds for deposits and withdrawals, fees charged, and support for multiple methods including e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and bank transfers. Fast, reliable withdrawals are crucial to player satisfaction.
5. Customer Support
Quality customer service is essential. We evaluate 24/7 live chat availability, email responsiveness, phone support options, and FAQ comprehensiveness. We test support channels ourselves to assess response times, professionalism, and ability to resolve issues effectively. Multilingual support is a bonus for our diverse player base.
6. Mobile Experience
In 2026, mobile gaming is paramount. We assess responsive web design, dedicated iOS and Android apps, game optimisation for smaller screens, and overall usability. We test navigation, loading speeds, and whether the full range of pokies and games is accessible on mobile devices.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We examine implemented responsible gambling features, including deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. We verify integration of resources for problem gambling support and assess how prominently these tools are featured. Strong responsible gaming commitments improve casino ratings significantly.
8. Our Rating Scale
10/10 - Exceptional: Outstanding across all categories. Fully licensed, excellent game selection, fair bonuses, fast withdrawals, responsive support, superior mobile experience, and strong responsible gaming measures.
8-9/10 - Excellent: Performs well in most areas with only minor weaknesses. Properly regulated, good game variety, reasonable bonuses, reliable payments, and good player protections.
6-7/10 - Good: Solid offering with some limitations. Licenced and regulated, adequate game selection, acceptable bonus terms, satisfactory support, but may lack in one or two key areas.
4-5/10 - Fair: Meets basic standards but has notable shortcomings. May have questionable licensing, limited games, unfair bonus terms, slow withdrawals, or inadequate support.
2-3/10 - Poor: Significant issues across multiple criteria. Weak licensing, limited options, restrictive T&Cs, or poor customer service.
1/10 - Avoid: Unregulated, fraudulent, or poses serious risks to players. Do not recommend under any circumstances.
Our ratings reflect conditions as of 2026 and are updated quarterly. All reviews are independent and based on comprehensive testing and player feedback. We receive no payment from casinos for ratings.