Online Pokies in New Zealand

Author: James Barkley · Fact checker: Elara Whitfield · Updated: 2024/10/10 · Ad Disclosure
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Online pokies are the most common type of online gambling in New Zealand. Online slots are also called fruit machines and video slots. They are a type of game of chance involving a reel with different symbols on it that you spin. Symbols on the reels are matched to win payouts by designing winning combinations of the aimed results.

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What are Online Pokies?

Online Pokies

Online pokies are essentially digital versions of the ubiquitous slot machines players have come to enjoy. Here, the goal is to look for symbols on these special reels so that they can make winning lines and bestow payouts. Not only are online pokies wildly popular in New Zealand due to the fast action and thrilling possibilities, but you also have so much choice.

As long as there is an internet connection you can play online pokies from your computer, smartphone or tablet. They vary with their themes, architecture and features. Others may feature bonus rounds, free spins, multipliers or wilds, scatter and even jackpots.

Best Trusted Online Pokies Casinos in NZ

  1. Jackpot City Casino: Known for its wide variety of games and secure banking options.
  2. Spin Casino: Offers a wide range of deposit methods and high-quality games.
  3. LeoVegas Casino: Best for mobile-friendly platform.
  4. Wazamba Casino: Highly rated based on offerings, reputation, and user reviews.
  5. King Billy Casino: Known for its NZ payment methods.
  6. Rizk Casino: Known for its quick payout times.
  7. Golden Crown Casino: Offers a great selection of games.
  8. BetandPlay Casino: Offers a high win rate.
  9. BitStarz Casino: Offers a wide range of games and is popular among users.
  10. 5Gringos Casino: Offers a wide range of pokies, live games, progressive jackpots, and more.

* At the end of this page you can read more about the factors that we have used to rank these casinos.

Online Pokies Bonuses NZ

Online Pokies Bonuses NZ

Online pokies often come with various types of bonuses to enhance your gaming experience. Here are the most common types of online pokies bonuses:

  • No Deposit Bonus: You’ll get a free amount of bonus credits when you sign up. Generally, you’ll be able to use these credits on any pokies you like.
  • Matched Deposit Bonus: This is when a player makes a deposit and has their deposit matched by a certain percentage in bonus money.
  • Reload Bonus: These are bonuses that are offered to existing customers of a casino to encourage them to make further deposits.
  • Sign Up or Welcome Bonuses: These are bonuses given to new players when they first sign up to a casino.
  • Pokies Bonus Codes: Some casinos offer bonus codes that players can use to claim special bonuses.
  • Free Spins: The casino will give you a free number of spins when you sign-up.
  • Progressive Jackpots: Some games come with a prize pool which grows larger with every bet played, until it is won.

Best Online Pokies Games NZ

Best Online Pokies Games NZ

There are many online pokies games to choose from, but some of them stand out as the best ones for New Zealand players. Here are some of the best online pokies games NZ:

Mega Moolah

This is the most famous online pokie game in the world, as it holds the record for the largest online jackpot ever won. It is a progressive pokie with an African safari theme and four different jackpots that can be triggered randomly. The Mega jackpot starts at NZ$1 million and can grow to tens of millions of dollars.

Starburst

This is a classic online pokie game with a cosmic theme and dazzling graphics. It has five reels and 10 paylines and features expanding wilds that can cover the entire reel and trigger respins. It is a low volatility game that offers frequent wins and a maximum payout of 500x your bet.

Book of Dead

This is a popular online pokie game with an ancient Egyptian theme and a high volatility. It has five reels and 10 paylines and features a free spins round with a special expanding symbol that can fill the screen and pay up to 5000x your bet. It also has a gamble feature that allows you to double or quadruple your winnings.

Gonzo’s Quest

This is an innovative online pokie game with a 3D animation and a Spanish conquistador theme. It has five reels and 20 paylines and features the Avalanche mechanic that replaces winning symbols with new ones and increases the multiplier with each consecutive win. It also has a free falls feature that awards 10 free spins with up to 15x multiplier.

Thunderstruck II

This is a sequel to the original Thunderstruck online pokie game, with a Norse mythology theme and improved graphics and features. It has five reels and 243 ways to win and features four different free spins modes based on the four Norse gods: Valkyrie, Loki, Odin, and Thor. Each mode has its own special features, such as multipliers, wilds, extra spins, and rolling reels.

Popular Online Pokies Software Developers

Online slots software developers are the companies that create and provide online pokies to online and live casinos. There are many online slots software developers in the industry, but some of them are more popular and reputable than others. Here are some of the popular online slots software developers:

Microgaming

This is one of the oldest and most prolific online slots software developers, with over 800 online pokies in its portfolio. It is known for its progressive pokies, such as Mega Moolah, Major Millions, and King Cashalot. It also has a wide range of branded pokies, such as Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, and Terminator 2.

NetEnt

This is one of the most innovative and creative online slots software developers, with over 200 online pokies in its collection. It is known for its high-quality graphics, sound effects, and features. It also has some of the most popular slots, such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Dead or Alive.

Playtech

This is one of the largest and most diverse online slots software developers, with over 600 online pokies in its library. It is known for its branded pokies, such as Marvel, DC Comics, and MGM. It also has some of the best progressive pokies, such as Beach Life, Gladiator, and Jackpot Giant.

Aristocrat

This is one of the most famous and successful online slots software developers, with over 200 slots in its catalogue. It is known for its land-based pokies, such as Queen of the Nile, Buffalo, and Big Red. It also has some of the best pokies, such as 5 Dragons, Where’s the Gold, and More Chilli.

IGT

This is one of the most experienced and respected online slots software developers, with over 300 slots in its repertoire. It is known for its classic pokies, such as Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds, and Wheel of Fortune. It also has some of the best pokies, such as Siberian Storm, Wolf Run, and Cats.

Key Terms for Online Pokies Explained

Here is a list of some key terms you might come across when playing online pokies:

  • Pokies: Australian slang term for poker machines, covering everything from classic three-reel games to advanced five-reel video slots.
  • 1024 ways: An all-ways pokie game which offers 1024 possible winning combinations on each spin.
  • 243 ways: These machines use a standard 5 x 3-reel system which gives you 243 ways to win on each turn.
  • Advanced slots: Pokies titles which come with lots of special features, including wilds, multipliers, scatter symbols, and bonus rounds.
  • All ways wins: Some games award payouts for any left-to-right combination no matter where they fall on the reels.
  • Classic slot: An old-school game based on the original three-reel machines first developed in the late 19th century.
  • Fixed jackpot: When the main prize or the maximum possible haul is always the same amount, it is called a fixed or static jackpot.
  • Fruit machine: UK slang for a pokies machine, so called because they tend to feature traditional fruit symbols.
  • Payline pokies: On most slot games, a combination only wins if it falls on an active payline.
  • Progressive jackpot: Some games come with a prize pool which grows larger with every bet played, until it is won.
  • Video pokies: Any game which uses a digital interface powered by a random number generator, rather than traditional mechanised reels.
  • Expanded Wilds: Wilds that expand to fill up a reel.
  • Free Games: Another term for free spins.
  • Line: Short for payline.
  • Multiplier: Any symbol that multiplies a bet.
  • RTP: The percentage you can cash out after winning. The best pokies have an RTP of over 96%.
  • Volatility: The level of risk and variation in the payouts of any casino game.
  • Wagering: The act of betting.
  • Wagering requirements: How many times you have to re-roll the sum you got from the casino offer to cash it out.

Real Money vs Free Pokies

Real Money PokiesFree Pokies
Allow you to bet actual cash on each spin in various currenciesDo not require any payment or registration to play
Offer the potential to win life changing bonuses and progressive jackpotsDo not offer any real cash rewards or prizes
Provide more excitement and thrill of gamblingProvide more fun and entertainment without any risk
Have more variety and features of pokies to choose fromHave limited selection and functionality of pokies
Require you to meet wagering requirements and other terms and conditions before withdrawing your winningsDo not have any restrictions or limitations on your gameplay

Advantages

  • Wide range of themes, styles, and features to choose from. You can find online pokies that suit your interests, tastes, and moods.
  • Chance to win real money prizes, jackpots, and bonuses. You can win big with a small bet or a lucky spin.
  • Are easy to play and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their skill level or budget. You do not need any strategy or skill to play online pokies, just luck and fun.
  • You can play online pokies anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a device and an internet connection.
  • Are safe and fair. Play at reputable and trustworthy online casinos that use random number generators to ensure the outcomes of the spins are random and unbiased.

Disadvantages

  • Based on chance and luck. You cannot influence or predict the results of the spins, and you have no control over the outcome.
  • Can be addictive and harmful. You can get carried away by the thrill and excitement of online pokies and spend more money and time than you can afford. A gambling problem or addiction that can affect your health, finances, and relationships.
  • Online pokies can be frustrating and disappointing. You can experience losing streaks, dry spells, and near misses that can make you feel angry, sad, or hopeless. You can also encounter technical issues, such as slow loading, glitches, or errors, that can ruin your gaming experience.

FAQs

How can I win at online pokies?

There is no surefire way to win at online pokies, as they are based on chance and luck. However, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to increase your chances of winning and reduce your losses. For example, play slots that have a high RTP, low volatility, and generous features. Play online pokies that have progressive jackpots.

Are online pokies rigged or fixed? 

No, online pokies are not rigged or fixed, as long as you play them at reputable and trustworthy online casinos that use random number generators to ensure the outcomes of the spins are random and unbiased.

Is there a good system for beating pokies machines?

No. There is no method exists to consistently beat slot machines.

Is there a best time of the day to play online pokie machines?

No. Pokie machine payouts remain consistent, regardless of the time of day.

How Do We Rate and Rank Online Pokies in New Zealand

There are many casinos available online, but not all of them are equally good. The factors that Casino Newsroom consider when ranking these gambling sites are:

  • Game variety
  • Mobile experience
  • Sign up process
  • Payments
  • Unique features
  • Industry reputation
  • Security and support
  • Licensing and legislation