Online Pokies New Zealand

Best Online Pokies in New Zealand

Online pokies, or slots, make up a huge chunk of the online gambling market. It’s unsurprising really when you consider that they have the potential to provide players with instant cash prizes for the simple act of pressing a button. However, not all pokies are created equal; certain factors cause some to be much more popular than others.

Advancements in technology and modern-day innovations walk hand in hand when it comes to developing online pokies. In years gone by, NZ players were limited to classic games that were devoid of any special features but now the bar has been raised to a level where new mechanics and exciting features are key to any pokie’s success. Therefore, if you’re searching for the best online slots NZ has to offer, you’ll want to look out for games that include free spins, random features, in-game bonuses and potential jackpots for a complete experience.

New Zealand’s Best Pokie Games

One of the main reasons players from all around the world enjoy playing pokie games is that they come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Although some releases may share certain similarities, many are developed in such a way that you get a unique iGaming experience every time you load up a different slot.

Of course, not every release is a major hit; some titles simply fall into obscurity. However, if you want to guarantee top-tier gameplay there are certain pokies you’ll want to keep an eye out for, which we’ve outlined below.

• Branded Pokies: Thanks to many top providers securing licensing deals, you can enjoy many of your favourite TV shows, movies, game shows and bands in pokie game form. You’ll often find that these particular games are much more polished than other releases since brands backing their development want to put their best foot forward. As such, branded pokies will often contain top-quality visuals, interesting features and huge potential payouts.

• Video Pokies: Nowadays, video pokies are the bread and butter of the online slot industry. Due to the combination of varying paylines, engaging features, bonus rounds and free spins, these games are typically the most popular online pokie variant amongst NZ players. There’s plenty of excitement to be had in the base game of each video pokie but their true potential shines through whenever you manage to activate any of the special features - in doing so, you’ll secure the best chance of landing a huge win!

• Jackpot Pokies: Those of you who prefer to play slots that provide the opportunity for life-changing wins will want to look out for jackpot pokies. Thankfully, many of the best pokies sites have a section dedicated to this genre of slot game. Typically, jackpot pokies come in two forms - progressive jackpots and fixed jackpots. The standard fixed jackpot pokie has the potential to grant a predetermined payout whenever you land a specified symbol connection or trigger a winning combination from within an in-game bonus. Whereas progressive jackpot pokies offer a rising jackpot that increases until it is won - with a portion of your stake contributing to the overall total. NetEnt has released a few perfect examples of these in recent years, so if you want a shot at enormous payouts we suggest you try out either Mega Fortune or Hall of Gods.

• Classic Pokies: If you don’t want a glut of convoluted features and mechanics then your best bet is to play classic pokies. These particular slots offer straightforward gameplay that places the entire focus on symbol combinations. You won’t have to come to terms with confusing gameplay, simply match certain symbols on the reels and you’ll receive a payout. One of the biggest advantages of playing classic pokies over modern releases is that they tend to have a much higher RTP (Return to Player) percentage. Games such as Mega Joker and Jackpot 6000 offer upwards of a 99% RTP, which means you have a much greater chance of winning - at the end of the day, that’s the main reason to play online pokies!

• 3D Pokies: Again, technological advancements have meant that casino game providers can go to town on the visuals when creating pokies. In the past, you were limited to 2D graphics that weren’t particularly pleasing to the eye. However, with HD and 4K screens available on a mass scale, the top companies are creating pokies that utilise every pixel to create an immersive and engaging experience. This has led to the steady release of several high-quality 3D pokies. So, if you want to see those winning combinations from every angle you have several choices at your disposal.

• 3 Reel: Like classic slots, 3-reel pokies tend to offer simple gameplay. Although some releases may include a few special features, the majority focus on straightforward base game payouts. Therefore, these titles are ideal if you just want to spin the reels and see if a winning combination rolls in.

• 5 Reel: In recent years, 5-reel pokies have become a staple of the industry, if not the standard. With more reels in play, there’s more opportunity for better symbol connections and bigger wins. Additionally, you’ll often find these pokies have several base game enhancements and special free spins features to bolster your payout potential. Wild symbols are usually present to help create winning combinations and free spins typically gain lucrative multipliers that can enhance each spin!

Best NZ Mobile Pokies

As smartphones and tablets quickly became a modern-day convenience, with millions of people having access, both online casinos and top pokies developers soon noticed a gap in the market. Soon thereafter, many of the best online slots NZ had to offer were made available to players who preferred the smaller screen. Now, fans of online pokies can enjoy their favourite games whenever and wherever they have a stable internet connection and a full battery.

The pokies themselves are fully optimised for mobile play. Each release perfectly fits your device’s screen, regardless of size, and the visuals make use of the latest HD technology. Therefore, irrespective of whether you have an iOS, Android or Windows device you have the option to fit in a few spins whenever the urge strikes and see if you can land a big win at any top NZ mobile casino!

Online Pokies Apps NZ

The rise of the mobile casino has resulted in many fantastic options when it comes to handheld casino gaming. You can access many fine pokie sites from your smartphone and tablet, simply via your device’s browser. However, the best casino gaming sites have gone a step further and created dedicated apps to streamline the process for your convenience.

All you need to do is head to your smartphone or tablet’s app store, search for your chosen mobile casino and download the app. Once installed, you can use your regular login info to access your account. Alternatively, if you’re a new player you can register via the app. As soon as you’re set up, you can tap the respective icon on your home screen to gain access to all the casino’s games. What’s more, is that many NZ pokies apps also offer generous casino bonuses. Therefore, if you’re looking to kickstart your session there may be something available to take advantage of!

Are Online Pokies Different than Online Slots in NZ?

Gambling terminology is complicated enough at the best of times but when you throw different languages, dialects and lingo into the mix it can lead to even further confusion. However, here at NetEnt casino, we like to keep things simple. We aim to provide the relevant info in as straightforward a manner as possible.

Ultimately, online pokies and online slots are interchangeable terms that refer to the same thing. The only difference is that ‘online slots’ is the preferred term in Europe and The Americas, whilst ‘online pokies’ is favoured in Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, whenever you come across either of them, the details should always pertain to the same topic.

Why Play Pokies Online?

There are multiple reasons why many players prefer playing pokies online as opposed to visiting a land-based casino. A lot of it simply comes down to access. Finding time to get out and play at a brick and mortar casino can be difficult, which is why the online counterparts thrive to such a degree. Granted, playing online can diminish the overall experience for some but for others, it’s the ideal solution.

The fact that you can sit down, log-in and start playing offers a direct route to your favourite casino game - you can choose to play whenever you want. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes to spare or a few hours to relax, online pokies are only ever a few clicks away. Going a step further, the development of mobile pokies has even offered players the opportunity to fit in a few spins during their daily routine. You can fire up your favourite slot game within seconds, play a few games and still be in with a fantastic chance of winning.

Elsewhere, another key factor that some may overlook is the difference in RTP. Online pokies tend to offer more favourable percentages compared to physical terminals, meaning you get a much better deal. Typical online pokies NZ players can play have RTPs in the region of 95% - 97%, whilst those found in casinos can be much, much lower.

The other main reason is due to game selection. Developers create and launch online pokies on such a regular schedule that there’s always something new to look out for. Even if you somehow get bored with the current offering, new slots are always on the horizon and there are always different pokies sites that you can try out!

Top 10 Real Money Pokies to Play in New Zealand

Regardless of whether you’re a new player or a slot veteran, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to sift through thousands of different titles to find the best real money pokies. With so much to choose from even the top-tier releases can get lost in the vastness.

Thankfully, our NetEnt casino experts have done the necessary legwork and have come up with a selection of 10 real money pokies that we believe you’ll love. Take a look at the list below to discover high RTP slots with plenty of features, free spins and big win potential!

• 1 - Gonzo’s Quest: Big multipliers, free spins and straightforward 5-reel gameplay.
• 2 - Dead or Alive II: Multiple free spin bonuses and a max win potential of over 100,000x!
• 3 - Starburst: Classic slot gameplay with many casinos including Starburst free spins as part of their welcome bonus.
• 4 - Divine Fortune Megaways: An update to the fan favourite jackpot slot release, with plenty of features and fixed jackpots to win.
• 5 - Gems of Adoria: A first look at NetEnt’s 3D slots. Interesting features and big wins.
• 6 - Mega Joker: One of NetEnt’s most popular high RTP slots.
• 7 - Ozzy Osbourne Video Slot: A branded slot game with unique features.
• 8 - Vikings: Another top-quality branded slot based on the hit TV series. Huge win potential in the free spins bonus.
• 9 - Gods of Gold Infinireels: A classic 3-reel slot that can expand due to modern mechanics.
• 10 - Neon Staxx: A high RTP slot with wilds, free spins and random features.

How to Maximise Experience with Online Pokies Tournaments

Online pokies tournaments are a great way to win extra rewards by playing your favourite games. At various NZ online casinos, you can opt into these player versus player promotions and see how you fare against like-minded competitors. If you manage to rank high enough on the leaderboard you could be in with a chance to win prizes such as free spins, extra bonuses and even cash rewards.

Slot tournaments often come in two forms, both of which run over a specified time and on specific games. The first variant is a straightforward race to see who can win the most. Therefore, if you manage to accrue several big wins you could be in store for additional rewards. The second version, however, which ranks players based upon their highest win multiplier relating to the chosen stake, tends to be much more popular because it gives everyone an equal chance to win.

Regardless of which tournament you enter, it will provide an added thrill to regular slot gameplay. Keep an eye on your casino’s promotion page to see when you can next get involved!

Online Pokies Bonuses and Free Spins

It’s important to understand that pokies bonuses and free spins come in two specific formats. One refers to casino bonuses that you can claim to earn free spins and the other relates to in-game features you can trigger.

The former is what you can expect to find at top NZ casinos. When you sign up as a new player there will likely be some sort of welcome offer available, which tends to include a combination of a deposit match bonus and a bundle of free spins.

However, the latter is what you’re aiming to trigger when playing certain slot games. You’ll need to wager real money (or use a bonus) and hope that the correct combination of symbols land. If they do you’ll activate special features, which can improve your win potential with multipliers, wilds and other enhancements.

Play Free Pokies Online

You don’t always have to play for real money. If you want to check out a new release before making a deposit, many NZ casinos allow you to try out free pokies in demo mode first. Of course, this does mean you can’t actually win real cash but it does help you to become familiar with all the features and mechanics.

Alternatively, you could make use of certain sign-up bonuses and no deposit bonuses to play for free. There will likely be certain terms and conditions applied to these offers, namely wagering requirements, but it can be a risk-free shot at winning real money.

Online Pokies Software Providers in NZ

The New Zealand online pokies market is a fiercely competitive arena. As such, many top software providers are constantly vying for position. You may have already heard of some of the more well-known brands but there are also plenty of others that release high-quality pokies. Below, we’ve listed some of the best casino software providers in New Zealand to look out for.

• Microgaming
• Aristocrat
• NetEnt
• PlayTech
• Yggdrasil Gaming
• Play’N Go
• IGT
• Novomatic

Pokies Payment Methods

Online casinos and payment methods have evolved hand in hand over time, with many new banking innovations becoming available around the world. Thankfully, players from New Zealand are lucky in the respect that most NZ pokies sites cover a wide range of different deposit and withdrawal options.

First of all, there tend to be multiple card methods that you can use to perform transactions. Popular choices include the likes of Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, which offer instant deposits and swift withdrawals but bear in mind that UKGC-licensed casinos no longer accept credit card payments.

More recent banking technologies have also given rise to several prominent eWallets. These are often the go-to for many players as withdrawal requests are often processed within 24 hours. The likes of PayPal, Skrill and Trustly are great options.

Also, you can use bank transfers for larger transactions. Although this is one of the most secure payment methods available, the caveat is that these transactions often take longer to process.

6 Important Tips for New Online Pokie Players

If you’re just starting your online pokies adventure, we’ve got a few top tips that will help you along your journey.

1. Compare different pokies sites: You don’t have to play at the first site you come across. Even if it seems like your best choice, check out our casino reviews to discover many great options.
2. Look out for casino bonuses: Get that bit extra out of your deposit or try out a new site for free by using various casino bonuses. These offers can help you play for longer and, ultimately, give you more chance of landing wins.
3. Check the terms and conditions: Whether it be a bonus offer or the site’s overall T&Cs, always be sure to read the fine print before playing. This can be pivotal to your overall experience and your ability to cash out any winnings.
4. Only play at trusted sites: Your security is of paramount importance when gambling online. Make sure that you stick to licensed and regulated pokies sites to avoid any potential scams.
5. Check the RTP: When choosing a slot game, the RTP plays a huge part in determining your overall success. Pokies with a higher RTP often grant wins at a more consistent rate, which will help your balance go further.
6. Game responsibly: Remember that playing pokies is supposed to be fun. Therefore, always stick to a personal limit to avoid going over your budget. There are plenty of tools such as deposit limits and cool-off periods to help out!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I find the newest pokies games?

  If you’re looking for the latest online pokies NZ casinos have to offer, you’re in the right place. Choose any of our recommended New Zealand online casinos and you’ll be on the right track to playing the most recent games. You can also check out our NetEnt slot reviews to keep up to date with all of the current info!

• Which pokie site offers the best payouts?

  There is no single pokies site that offers better payouts than another. Payout percentages are determined by specific factors, which depend upon your chosen game - in the case of online pokies, this is the RTP percentage. Other casino games, such as table games, have a house edge and a theoretical RTP that you can meet by utilising an optimal strategy.

• Can I win real money on online pokies?

  Yes, you can definitely win real money by playing online pokies. In most cases, you will need to make an initial deposit to have the opportunity to win real money but you could also use various casino bonuses to be in with a risk-free chance.

• Are pokies safe to play?

  As long as you play at a reputable and licensed NZ casino, you’ll be in safe hands. Therefore, you can freely choose any pokies site advertised on this page. Additionally, all online slots are thoroughly tested before release to ensure they meet stringent fair play standards.

• How do I avoid rigged online pokies?

  There are several key things to watch out for when playing online pokies for real money. You’ll want to make sure that your chosen NZ casino is licensed and regulated by the relevant gambling commission as sites can only obtain a license if they meet strict safety regulations. Also, look out for certificates awarded by independent and third-party testing agencies. These ensure that each of the available pokies has been thoroughly tested and has met fair play standards.

• Can free spins be used on any pokie I wish?

  Unfortunately, free spins that you earn from a casino bonus are often limited to a preselected range of online pokies. That means you can’t just choose any game that you want to play, you have to decide from the list of eligible pokies found within the bonus’ terms and conditions. Nevertheless, free spins can often be used on many of the best online slots, which means you’ll always have something exciting to play!

• What percentages do pokies payout?

  Different online pokies have different payout percentages, which are determined by each game’s RTP (Return to Player). Usually, online pokies fall within a standard range of 94% - 97% but there are outliers on either side. However, you should only ever use the RTP as a guideline as it is used to estimate your theoretical returns over an extended period. You may be fortunate enough that your session yields better returns but you may also find that it doesn’t work out in your favour.

• Can you play pokies online for real money?

  Yes, provided you play at a secure and licensed NZ casino you can play for real money. You’ll need to sign up and make a deposit to start playing but once you’ve done so you’ll be good to go.

• What NZ online casino sites have the best legit pokies?

  This is, of course, a matter of opinion and there are plenty of different NZ online casinos to choose from. Select any of our recommended pokies sites on this page to guarantee an enjoyable and safe experience.