Last updated: June 2026 — Liam Harrington, Thek9way
At Thek9way, every casino review published on thek9way.co.nz is the result of a thorough, hands-on evaluation process carried out by Liam Harrington, the site's founder and lead reviewer. This page explains exactly how we assess each platform, what criteria matter most to New Zealand players, and why you can trust the scores and recommendations you find here.
We do not accept payments from casinos in exchange for favourable reviews. Our ratings are independent, honest, and built entirely around the experience of a real New Zealand player.
Before a full review begins, Liam checks whether the casino meets a basic set of requirements relevant to the New Zealand market. This includes confirming the site accepts NZD, services New Zealand residents, and holds at least one recognised gambling licence. Casinos that fail this initial check are not reviewed and are not listed on Thek9way.
Liam personally creates a real player account on every casino under review. This means going through the full sign-up process, submitting identity documents for KYC verification, and experiencing exactly what a new New Zealand player would encounter from day one. No review is written based on a demo account or promotional access provided by an operator.
A real deposit is made using payment methods commonly available to New Zealand players, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers where available. Liam records deposit speeds, available currencies, minimum and maximum limits, and any fees applied to transactions.
Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are claimed and tested rather than simply described. This includes reading the full terms and conditions, calculating the true value of the offer, and attempting to complete wagering requirements where practical.
Liam plays a cross-section of the casino's game library using real money. This covers slots from multiple software providers, table games including blackjack and roulette, and live dealer options where available. Game loading speeds, mobile compatibility, and return-to-player information are all noted.
Support channels including live chat, email, and telephone (where offered) are contacted during the review process. Liam records response times, the quality of answers given, and whether support staff demonstrate genuine knowledge of player-facing issues.
Where the review process allows, a withdrawal is initiated to test processing times, any verification steps required, and whether funds arrive in the stated timeframe. This is one of the most important practical tests carried out during any review.
Each casino receives a final score out of 10. That score is calculated using a weighted system across six core categories, reflecting what matters most to players in New Zealand.
| Category | Weighting | What We Assess |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing and Safety | 25% | Regulatory authority, SSL encryption, responsible gambling tools, fair play certification |
| Bonuses and Promotions | 20% | Bonus value, wagering requirements, time limits, game restrictions, terms fairness |
| Game Selection | 20% | Total library size, software providers, slots, table games, live casino, RTP availability |
| Payment Methods | 15% | Deposit and withdrawal options, NZD support, processing speeds, transaction fees |
| Customer Support | 10% | Availability hours, response speed, quality of answers, number of contact channels |
| Mobile Experience | 10% | Mobile browser performance, dedicated app availability, game compatibility on mobile |
All casinos on Thek9way are scored on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 represents an outstanding experience with no significant flaws and 1 represents a site that poses clear risks to players.
Only casinos scoring 7.0 or above are listed as recommended on Thek9way. Lower-scoring sites may appear in comparison tables or warning lists so players can make fully informed decisions.
Independence is fundamental to everything we publish. Liam Harrington funds all casino testing personally and does not receive free chips, complimentary balances, or sponsored access from operators. Thek9way earns revenue through affiliate referral partnerships, which means we may receive a commission if a reader signs up to a casino through a link on this site. However, this commercial relationship does not influence ratings or review conclusions. A casino cannot pay to improve its score or secure a listing. If a casino we are affiliated with receives a low score during testing, that score is published accurately.
Reviews are updated on a regular basis. If a casino changes its terms, withdraws a licence, or receives credible player complaints, the listing is revised to reflect the current reality. Our commitment is to the New Zealand player, not to the operator.
If you have questions about how a specific casino was rated, or if you would like to flag information that may affect a review, you are welcome to contact Liam Harrington directly through the contact page at thek9way.co.nz. Player feedback is taken seriously and contributes to keeping our reviews accurate and current.