How We Rate Casinos
At Make Up by Tabetha, we've developed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate online casinos and PayID pokies platforms operating in Australia. Our rating system ensures players can make informed decisions about where to play. Below, we outline the seven key criteria we assess when reviewing casinos, listed in order of importance.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of any trustworthy online casino is proper licensing and regulatory oversight. We prioritise platforms that hold valid licenses from recognised authorities, including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curaçao eGaming, or legitimate Australian state licenses.
A valid license demonstrates that the casino operates transparently, undergoes regular audits, and complies with strict player protection standards. We always verify license status and check for any regulatory violations or complaints filed against operators.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino should offer diverse gaming options from reputable software providers. We evaluate the variety of slots, live casino games, table games, and specialty games available on each platform.
We look for partnerships with industry-leading providers such as Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and other established developers. The breadth and quality of the game library significantly impacts the overall player experience and entertainment value.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
We carefully review all promotional offers, welcome bonuses, and ongoing promotions to assess their genuine value to players. Our focus is on understanding the fine print: wagering requirements, rollover conditions, maximum cashout limits, and game restrictions.
Fair bonus terms should have reasonable wagering requirements (typically 25x-40x) and clear, transparent conditions. We flag casinos with unrealistic terms or hidden conditions that make bonuses difficult to claim or use effectively.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
We assess the range of payment options available to Australian players, with particular emphasis on PayID integration, as this is our site's primary focus. We also evaluate e-wallets, cryptocurrency options, bank transfers, and credit card processing.
Withdrawal speed is critical—we test and verify how quickly casinos process withdrawals. We look for platforms offering same-day or next-business-day payouts and transparent processing times for all payment methods.
5. Customer Support
Responsive and helpful customer support is essential for resolving issues and answering questions. We evaluate whether casinos offer 24/7 live chat support, responsive email services, and accessible help documentation.
We test support channels ourselves to assess response times, knowledge level, and helpfulness of staff. Players should feel confident that assistance is available whenever needed, particularly important given Australia's time zones.
6. Mobile Experience
With increasing mobile gaming adoption, we assess the quality of mobile platforms. This includes evaluating responsive web design, the availability and functionality of dedicated mobile apps (iOS and Android), and overall user interface optimisation for smaller screens.
Mobile platforms should offer seamless gameplay, quick loading times, and full access to casino features including deposits, withdrawals, and customer support. We test games on various devices to ensure consistent performance.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
We prioritise casinos that provide comprehensive responsible gaming features. These include deposit limits, betting limits, loss limits, time-out periods, self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods.
Platforms should also provide access to problem gambling resources and links to support services. Clear, accessible responsible gaming information demonstrates a casino's commitment to player welfare and compliance with Australian gambling standards.
Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, where:
- 9-10: Excellent – Outstanding in nearly all categories with minimal concerns
- 7-8: Good – Strong performance across most criteria with minor areas for improvement
- 5-6: Average – Adequate offerings but notable gaps in key areas
- 3-4: Poor – Significant issues affecting reliability or player experience
- 1-2: Not Recommended – Major regulatory or security concerns
Each of the seven criteria contributes to the overall score, weighted by importance. A casino's licensing status is fundamental—we will not recommend any platform lacking proper regulatory approval, regardless of other features. All reviews are updated regularly as casinos evolve and new information becomes available.