18+ only Gamble responsibly · Gambling Helpline NZ 0800 654 655 · Offshore operators — play safe
Home › How We Rate

How We Rate — Tipu's Review Methodology

Every rating on Tipu follows the same transparent 25-point process. Here's exactly what we test and how each factor is weighted.

· Last updated 14 July 2026· 18+ · Gamble responsibly
25-point testReal depositsIndependent
Advertising disclosure: Tipu may earn a commission from operator sign-ups via our links; it never affects our independent ratings. 18+ · T&Cs apply.

Tipu ratings are set by our editorial team, not by operators. We open real accounts, deposit, claim bonuses, play, and request withdrawals — then score each operator against five weighted pillars. Commercial relationships never change a score.

Our five pillars

PillarWeightWhat we check
Safety & licensing25%Valid licence, SSL, fair terms, complaint history, RG tools
Bonuses & value20%Bonus size, wagering, game weighting, max cashout
Games & providers20%Range, certified studios, live dealer, published RTPs
Payouts & banking20%Withdrawal speed, NZD/crypto options, limits, fees
Support & UX15%Live chat, mobile experience, help centre, RG support

Testing process

  1. Verify licence and ownership.
  2. Deposit real money in NZD or crypto.
  3. Claim and stress-test the bonus terms.
  4. Play across pokies, tables and live dealer.
  5. Request a withdrawal and time it.
  6. Contact support with real queries.

Re-reviews

We re-check operators regularly and after major changes (terms, ownership, payout complaints). Ratings can go down as well as up.

FAQs

Does Tipu get paid to rank casinos higher?

No. We earn commission when readers sign up, but rankings are set independently using this methodology. Paid placement is never sold, and any advertising is clearly labelled.

Gamble responsibly. You must be 18+ to gamble online in New Zealand. Betting should be entertainment, never a way to make money. If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available 24/7 from the Gambling Helpline NZ — 0800 654 655, the Problem Gambling Foundation NZ and safergambling.org.nz. Set deposit limits, take time-outs, and self-exclude if you need to.