Editorial Policy
This page sets out the editorial standards behind the SkyCity review on this site, so readers can hold us to a written rule. Background on the site is on the About page, and the review itself is on the SkyCity Casino homepage.
1. Editorial independence
This site earns affiliate commission when readers click through and register; the mechanics are on the Affiliate Disclosure page. Editorially, the rule is short: a partnership does not buy a better verdict, and weak points are published whether or not a commercial relationship exists. The pros and cons on the SkyCity review - including the NZ$50 minimum withdrawal, the lack of a native app and the smaller-than-average game library - are there because testing found them.
2. Sources we rely on
- Hands-on testing. A real account, real NZD deposits and timed withdrawal requests. This is the primary source for everything except third-party facts.
- Licence and corporate records. The Malta Gaming Authority public register for the operator, MT SecureTrade Limited, and SkyCity Entertainment Group's public company information for ownership claims.
- New Zealand official sources. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for gambling law and the licensing timeline, and New Zealand support services for helpline details.
- Operator-supplied content. SkyCity promotion pages and cashier notes. Used for context and marked as operator information where a number comes from the operator.
3. Fact-checking
Before publication the review is checked in four steps: the licence and operator name are confirmed against the regulator's register; the welcome-package arithmetic (up to NZ$1,000 across three deposits, 70 free spins, 1,000 SkyCoins, 35x wagering, NZ$10 minimum deposit) is recalculated from the published terms; payment methods and limits are checked in the live cashier; and helpline numbers are confirmed with each service. Numbers that change often are flagged and re-checked on the schedule below.
4. Authorship and AI assistance
Every article is produced by a named writer. The SkyCity review is led by Connor Walsh, whose profile and test method are on the author page. AI tools may help with narrow tasks such as grammar checks or summarising long terms documents. They are not used to produce test results, ratings or verdicts, and every factual claim is checked by a person before publication.
5. Corrections and updates
- Minor (typo, broken link, formatting): fixed within one business day.
- Substantive (a fact or number that affects a reader's decision): fixed within five business days, with the update date changed.
- Material (an error that would change the overall verdict): fixed within two business days, with a visible note on the page.
Readers who spot an error can report it through the Contact page.
6. Freshness
The SkyCity review is checked in full at least every 12 months, and key data points (welcome package, wagering, withdrawal speeds, payment methods, minimum deposit and withdrawal) are re-checked quarterly. The "Updated" date on the page reflects the most recent substantive revision.
7. Conflict of interest
Writers do not hold shares in, take fees from, or run personal affiliate deals with SkyCity or any operator they review. Where a possible conflict comes up, the piece is reassigned.
8. Reader safety
This site covers an 18+ product. No page presents gambling as a source of income, and every review links to the Responsible Gambling page and New Zealand helplines such as the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655. No content is aimed at minors or at people who have self-excluded.
9. Right of reply
Operators that disagree with a statement may contact us with a specific factual claim and supporting evidence. If the claim is correct, the review is updated; if it is not, the review stands. Verdicts are not negotiated. Personal-information requests are handled under our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.