How We Rate Casinos
At Cheers Queers Events, we take casino reviews seriously. Our methodology evaluates online casinos across eight key criteria to help Australian players find safe, fair, and entertaining gaming platforms. All reviews are current as of 2026.
1. Licensing & Regulation
The foundation of any trustworthy casino is proper licensing and regulation. We prioritise casinos holding licenses from recognised authorities including:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curaçao eGaming Licensing Authority
- Local Australian licenses and compliance with state regulations
We investigate each casino's regulatory standing, complaint history, and adherence to local Australian gambling laws. Unlicensed operators receive our lowest ratings.
2. Game Selection & Software Providers
A quality casino offers diverse gaming options from reputable software developers. We assess:
- Variety of slot machines and themes
- Live dealer casino games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
- Table games and speciality games
- Software partnerships with industry-leading providers
- Game fairness certifications and RTP (Return to Player) transparency
Casinos with limited game libraries or obscure providers score lower in our evaluations.
3. Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Welcome bonuses and promotions matter, but terms and conditions are paramount. We scrutinise:
- Transparency of T&Cs and promotional terms
- Wagering requirements and rollover conditions
- Maximum cashout limits on bonus winnings
- Game restrictions and contribution percentages
- Fairness and achievability of bonus conditions
Casinos with predatory bonus structures or hidden restrictions receive lower ratings, even with generous headline offers.
4. Payment Methods & Withdrawal Speed
Fast, secure payments are essential. We evaluate:
- Cryptocurrency payment options
- E-wallet services (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Bank transfers and local Australian payment methods
- Average withdrawal processing times
- Withdrawal limits and transaction fees
- Security protocols for financial transactions
We prioritise casinos offering quick payouts (typically 24-48 hours) and multiple deposit/withdrawal options.
5. Customer Support
Reliable support is critical when issues arise. We assess:
- 24/7 availability of live chat support
- Email response times and quality
- Phone support availability
- Staff knowledge and professionalism
- Resolution rates for player complaints
Casinos with slow or unresponsive support teams receive lower scores regardless of other strengths.
6. Mobile Experience
Modern players expect seamless mobile gaming. We examine:
- Responsive web design across all devices
- Dedicated iOS and Android applications
- Navigation and usability on mobile platforms
- Game performance and loading times
- Mobile-exclusive features and bonuses
Poor mobile experiences significantly impact our overall ratings.
7. Responsible Gaming Tools
Player safety and wellbeing are non-negotiable. We verify availability of:
- Deposit limits and spending controls
- Self-exclusion options and cooling-off periods
- Reality check notifications during play
- Links to support services and problem gambling resources
- Transparent information about odds and house edge
- Compliance with Australian responsible gaming standards
Casinos lacking comprehensive responsible gaming features receive significantly lower ratings.
8. Our Rating Scale
We rate casinos on a scale of 1 to 10, with the following guidelines:
- 9-10: Excellent. Highly recommended for Australian players. Superior across all criteria with no significant concerns.
- 7-8: Good. Recommended with minor reservations. Strong performance in most areas with only minor weaknesses.
- 5-6: Average. Acceptable but with notable limitations or concerns in one or more key areas.
- 3-4: Poor. Not recommended. Significant issues with licensing, support, terms, or safety features.
- 1-2: Avoid. Major red flags including unlicensed operation, predatory practices, or unresolved complaints.
Our ratings are updated regularly to reflect changes in casino operations, regulations, and player feedback. All reviews are independent and based solely on our methodology—we do not accept payment for positive ratings.