Last updated: June 2026 — Fraser Tomlinson, Rokondo
```htmlEvery casino review published on Rokondo.com is the result of a structured, hands-on evaluation process carried out by Fraser Tomlinson. This page explains exactly how that process works, what criteria matter most, and how we ensure our ratings remain independent and trustworthy for New Zealand players in 2026.
Fraser Tomlinson personally registers an account, makes real deposits using NZ dollars, claims bonuses, plays games, contacts customer support, and requests withdrawals at every casino reviewed on this site. No rating on Rokondo is based on press releases, operator briefings, or secondhand information. If Fraser has not completed the full testing cycle at a casino, that casino does not receive a scored review.
This approach means our reviews reflect the genuine experience of an ordinary New Zealand player, not a theoretical assessment conducted from a spreadsheet. We believe that direct, first-person testing is the only honest foundation for casino recommendations.
Each casino is scored across six weighted categories. The final Rokondo score is a weighted average of these six individual scores, each marked out of 10. Below is a breakdown of every category, its weighting, and what we specifically look at during testing.
| Category | Weighting | What We Assess |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Safety | 25% | Regulatory licence, encryption standards, responsible gambling tools, data protection |
| Bonuses & Promotions | 20% | Welcome offer value, wagering requirements, bonus terms fairness, ongoing promotions |
| Game Selection | 20% | Number of titles, software providers, game categories, RTP transparency |
| Payment Methods | 15% | NZD banking options, deposit and withdrawal speed, fees, payout reliability |
| Customer Support | 10% | Live chat response times, email quality, availability hours, helpfulness |
| Mobile Experience | 10% | Browser performance, dedicated app quality, game availability on mobile, load speeds |
This is our most heavily weighted category because nothing else matters if a casino is not safe to use. Fraser checks which regulatory body has issued the operating licence, whether the casino uses SSL encryption, what responsible gambling tools are available to NZ players, and whether the operator has a documented history of paying players promptly and fairly.
We evaluate bonuses on real value, not headline figures. A large welcome bonus with a 70x wagering requirement is worth far less than a modest offer with a fair 25x requirement. Fraser reads every page of the terms and conditions, tests the bonus claim process personally, and scores casinos on transparency, achievability, and overall generosity relative to industry standards in the NZ market.
Quality and variety both matter. We look at the total number of titles, the reputation and range of software providers, the availability of live dealer games, pokies, table games, and jackpot titles, as well as whether the casino publishes verified RTP figures so players can make informed choices.
Fraser tests at least one deposit and one withdrawal during every review. We prioritise casinos that accept NZD directly, offer popular local payment options, process withdrawals within a reasonable timeframe, and do not apply hidden fees that erode player winnings.
Fraser contacts support multiple times via live chat and email, timing responses and assessing the quality and accuracy of answers. Casinos that offer 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable agents score significantly higher than those relying solely on slow email-only support.
All sites are tested on both Android and iOS devices. We assess game loading speeds, navigation ease, account management functionality, and whether the mobile experience genuinely matches the quality of the desktop version.
Every casino on Rokondo receives a final score between 1 and 10. Here is what each range means:
Rokondo earns revenue through affiliate commissions when readers sign up to casinos via our links. We are transparent about this. However, our editorial process is completely separate from our commercial relationships. Fraser Tomlinson applies the same scoring methodology to every casino regardless of whether an affiliate agreement is in place. Casinos cannot pay to improve their scores, alter review content, or request removal of negative findings.
If a casino that was previously rated positively introduces unfair terms, delays withdrawals, or reduces its standards, Fraser revisits the review and updates the score accordingly. Our readers in New Zealand deserve current, accurate information, and we treat that responsibility seriously.
Fraser Tomlinson is the founder and sole reviewer at Rokondo. Fraser has spent years analysing the New Zealand online casino market, studying gambling regulations, bonus structures, and player protection standards. Every opinion, score, and recommendation on this site reflects Fraser's independent judgement based on direct personal testing, not editorial copy produced by operators or third parties.
If you have questions about our methodology or want to suggest a casino for review, you are welcome to reach out via the contact page at rokondo.com.
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