How We Rate Casinos
At Frankie and Luna, we're committed to providing honest, comprehensive reviews of online casinos operating in Australia. Our methodology is transparent and data-driven. Here's exactly how we evaluate and rate each casino on fairgo and beyond.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of any trustworthy online casino is proper licensing and regulatory oversight. We prioritise casinos holding licenses from recognised jurisdictions, including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – One of Europe's most respected regulators
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – Stringent UK standards and player protections
- Curaçao eGaming License – Legitimate offshore licensing body
- Australian Local Licenses – Where applicable and legally available
We verify all licenses directly with regulatory bodies and check for any compliance issues or sanctions. Casinos without verifiable licensing receive significantly lower ratings regardless of other factors.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino offers diverse gaming options from reputable software developers. We evaluate:
- Slot Game Variety – Number of titles, themes, and RTPs
- Live Casino Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker with professional dealers
- Table Games – Virtual versions of classic casino games
- Software Providers – Partnerships with industry leaders like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and others
- Game Updates – Frequency of new releases and seasonal content
We assess the quality, fairness, and variety of offerings. A strong game library with multiple premium providers is essential for a high rating.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
While generous bonuses are attractive, we focus on fair terms and realistic conditions. Our evaluation includes:
- Welcome Bonus Structure – Match percentages, free spins, and deposit requirements
- Wagering Requirements – Rollover multiples and whether they're achievable
- Maximum Cashout Limits – Whether winnings from bonuses are capped
- Game Restrictions – Which games contribute to wagering and by what percentage
- Terms & Conditions Clarity – How transparent and fair the T&Cs are written
- Ongoing Promotions – Regular player rewards and loyalty programs
We penalise casinos with hidden terms, unrealistic wagering requirements (typically 40x+ deposit + bonus), or overly restrictive conditions.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Fast, secure, and convenient banking is crucial. We rate casinos based on:
- Deposit Options – Credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrency
- Withdrawal Speed – Average processing times for different methods
- Withdrawal Limits – Minimum and maximum amounts
- Transaction Fees – Whether the casino charges withdrawal fees
- Security – SSL encryption and fraud prevention measures
- Crypto Support – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies (where available)
Casinos offering multiple payment methods with quick processing (ideally within 24-48 hours) score higher.
5. Customer Support
Responsive, helpful customer service is vital when issues arise. We assess:
- Availability – 24/7 support coverage across all days
- Contact Channels – Live chat, email, phone, and social media support
- Response Times – How quickly support agents respond to inquiries
- Agent Knowledge – Whether staff can resolve issues competently
- Language Support – Assistance available in English and other major languages
We test customer support firsthand and factor in player reviews about their experiences. Casinos with slow or unhelpful support receive lower ratings.
6. Mobile Experience
With most players accessing casinos via smartphones, we evaluate:
- Responsive Design – Whether the website adapts smoothly to mobile screens
- Dedicated Apps – Availability of iOS and Android applications
- Game Performance – Load times and smooth gameplay on mobile devices
- Navigation – Ease of finding games, account settings, and support
- Features – Mobile-specific functionality and optimisations
A poor mobile experience significantly impacts our rating, as modern players expect seamless performance across all devices.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player protection is non-negotiable. We check for and rate the availability of:
- Deposit Limits – Options to set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
- Self-Exclusion – Ability to temporarily or permanently ban yourself from the casino
- Cooling-Off Periods – Breaks from gambling (e.g., 6 months or 1 year)
- Loss Limits – Caps on losses over specific timeframes
- Reality Checks – Pop-up reminders during gaming sessions
- Problem Gambling Resources – Links to support organisations like Gambler's Help (Victoria) or Gambling Help Online
Casinos demonstrating a genuine commitment to responsible gaming with accessible, easy-to-use tools receive higher ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We use a 1-10 scoring system to rate each casino:
| Score | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 | Excellent | Outstanding in all categories. Highly recommended for Australian players. |
| 7-8 | Very Good | Strong across most areas with minor weaknesses. Recommended with considerations. |
| 6 | Good | Solid casino meeting most standards but with some notable gaps. |
| 4-5 | Fair | Several concerns present. Play with caution or consider alternatives. |
| 1-3 | Poor | Significant issues regarding licensing, fairness, or player protection. Not recommended. |
Weighting: Licensing & Regulation carries the most weight in our scoring. A casino cannot achieve a high rating without proper licensing, regardless of other positive attributes. The remaining criteria are weighted according