Step 1 — Licensing verification
Before we deposit anything, we find the licence number — usually in the footer — and verify it directly on the regulator's website. We accept Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Curaçao eGaming, and Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Unverifiable licences are an immediate rejection, regardless of how good the bonus looks.
Step 2 — Account creation & KYC
We sign up as real Australian players with genuine identity documents. We complete KYC verification before depositing — because unverified accounts are the most common source of withdrawal delays, and we want our payout tests to reflect the genuine player experience.
Step 3 — Bonus analysis
We read the full terms document. For every welcome offer we calculate: wagering requirement type (deposit+bonus vs bonus only), game contribution rates, maximum bet rules during wagering, time limits, and withdrawal caps on winnings. We then calculate the real expected value of claiming it.
Step 4 — Real money withdrawal testing
We deposit A$200–A$500, play a sample of the game library, then request a withdrawal. We time everything. Our benchmarks for Australian players:
- PayID: under 3 hours is good, under 6 hours is acceptable
- Crypto (BTC/ETH): under 4 hours is good, under 24 hours is acceptable
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller): under 24 hours is good
- Bank transfer: under 3 business days is acceptable
Step 5 — Mobile & support testing
Every site is tested on iPhone (Safari) and Android (Chrome) on a 4G mobile connection — not Wi-Fi. We check load speed, cashier accessibility, and whether live dealer tables stream without buffering on mobile data. Support is contacted three times with escalating difficulty.
Rating weights
- Payout speed & reliability — 25%
- Bonus fairness (real expected value) — 20%
- Game library quality — 20%
- Mobile experience — 15%
- Customer support — 10%
- Licensing & security — 10%
Rankings are reviewed monthly. If a site's payout behaviour changes, its position changes.