How We Rate Casinos
At wearejuststardust.com, we're committed to providing Australian players with transparent, honest casino reviews. Our methodology evaluates each online casino across eight key criteria to help you find a fair go. Here's how we rate them.
1. Licensing & Regulation
We prioritise casinos with verified licences from recognised regulatory bodies. For Australian players, we look for casinos licensed by:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming License
- Local Australian state-based approvals where applicable
A valid licence is non-negotiable. We verify all licencing claims and check regulatory compliance records. Unlicenced operators are automatically disqualified from our reviews.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
We assess the breadth and quality of gaming options available, including:
- Slot machine variety and quality
- Live casino offerings (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Table games and specialty games
- Software provider reputation (Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, NetEnt, etc.)
Casinos with diverse, regularly updated game libraries score higher. We also verify that games are certified for fairness and return-to-player (RTP) rates are competitive.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We scrutinise all bonus offers for fairness to Australian players. Our evaluation includes:
- Clarity and transparency of terms and conditions
- Wagering requirements (rollover multipliers)
- Maximum cashout limits on bonuses
- Game weighting and restricted games lists
- Expiry periods and time limits
We favour casinos with realistic, player-friendly bonus structures. Excessive wagering requirements or hidden clauses result in lower scores.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We evaluate the payment options available to Australian players:
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Cryptocurrency options (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Bank transfers and local payment methods
- Withdrawal processing times and fees
Fast, fee-free withdrawals and multiple payment methods earn higher ratings. We test withdrawal speeds and document any delays or issues.
5. Customer Support
We assess the quality and availability of customer service:
- 24/7 live chat availability
- Email and phone support responsiveness
- Support in Australian English
- Knowledge and helpfulness of support staff
- Resolution time for complaints
We contact support teams directly and rate them on professionalism, helpfulness, and response times. Casinos without 24/7 support receive lower scores.
6. Mobile Experience
Since many Australian players use mobile devices, we evaluate:
- Responsive web design and mobile optimisation
- Native iOS and Android apps (where available)
- Navigation ease and load times
- Game performance on mobile devices
- Mobile-specific features and functionality
Casinos with smooth, fast mobile experiences score higher. We test on multiple devices and screen sizes.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player safety is paramount. We verify that casinos offer comprehensive responsible gaming features:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss limits and spending caps
- Self-exclusion options
- Cooling-off periods
- Reality check notifications
- Links to support organisations (Gambling Help, Lifeline)
Casinos with comprehensive, easily accessible responsible gaming tools receive higher ratings. We check these tools actually function as advertised.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10:
- 9-10 (Excellent): Outstanding in all categories. Highly recommended for Australian players.
- 7-8 (Good): Strong performance across most criteria. Reliable and trustworthy.
- 5-6 (Average): Meets basic standards but has some notable shortcomings.
- 3-4 (Poor): Significant issues in key areas. Proceed with caution.
- 1-2 (Unacceptable): Serious concerns regarding safety, fairness, or legality. Not recommended.
Our ratings are updated regularly as casinos improve or decline. We encourage Australian players to use our reviews alongside their own research to find a casino that offers a fair go.