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Best Online Pokies New Zealand 2024

Online pokies in New Zealand have gained significant popularity as a popular choice for casino enthusiasts. With many top casinos accepting NZ dollars, players can enjoy their favorite games for real money. The compatibility with mobile and desktop devices ensures accessibility, allowing individuals to play pokies conveniently from different locations.

This page provides comprehensive information about best pokie sites, how we rate casinos for pokies, a list of pokie reviews, how to choose the best pokies and how to play them.

Betkiwi’s Favourite Pokies

After reviewing a lot of pokies, this selection of pokies stand out the most in our eyes!

best real money online pokies nz

How Do We Rate Casinos For Betting On Real Money Pokies?

Plenty of factors are considered when rating casinos offering real money pokies.

A good selection of casino games and table games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, pokies, and poker is important for the success of an online casino. All casinos allow players to check out the game library before signing up. A top-rated casino should also be fully compatible with desktop and mobile devices such as laptops and smartphones, so players can play wherever they may be. A solid online casino will have impressive bonuses and other promotions to entice potential players to not only sign up but stick around.

A reputable casino will be both licensed and properly regulated. This ensures that the required legal standards have been met. The games will be fair, and random number generators will be implemented. A licensed online casino will also implement specific policies to ensure the players’ identities are verified, and that all personal data is safely stored, putting the players minds at ease. You will also find that reputable casinos will display their licence information on its website. Most popular licenses are MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), Curaçao Gaming License and UK Gambling Commission. If this information is difficult to obtain, the authenticity of the casino site should be questioned.

A good casino will have high security, that includes an SSL encryption certificate. This will give you peace of mind when depositing and withdrawing money. A player’s financial information should always be protected. The player’s identity should be verified during the initial registration process.

An online casino offering an impressive welcome bonus is always a good sign. Often a welcome bonus is a match bonus, typically 100% of your initial deposit up to a certain amount, and many times the bonus will also come with free spins playing pokies. Other casino bonuses they may offer are – deposit bonuses and sign-up bonus.

The variety of payment methods is another important factor to consider. Always ensure that the casino offers your chosen banking methods before making a final decision to open an account. Deposit requirements, withdrawal limits, fees, and processing times also need to be taken into account.

Casinos should also offer professional, friendly customer support. A reliable, supportive customer care team is highly important when unforeseen issues arise. Players should be able to have direct 24/7 service via email, live chat, and phone. The service quality should also be noted. Positive reviews from happy customers give a great indication of their customer support skills and an overall good online casino.

Find the Best Online Pokie Sites for NZ Players

There are hundreds types of pokies casinos online available in NZ and it is important to find the ones that suit your playing style the best.

Types of Online Pokies for Real Money

Branded pokies are currently the most popular online choice. Since online pokies have become a global phenomenon, popular brands and franchises for TV shows, movies, etc., are now collaborating with this online casino game. Branded pokies are usually of a higher quality as the collaborating franchise or brand provides a more extensive budget and they usually partner with some of the best developers in the online pokies industry.

The brand’s expectations are usually higher too, as a poor quality pokie game can severely damage their reputation. The Simpsons, Jumanji, The Dark Knight, Scarface, and Jimi Hendrix are just a few examples of popular branded pokies.

Video slots are more of a conventional choice. These are reliable pokies with pay lines, bonus rounds, solid graphics, mini-games, and side games. Although RTP and overall gameplay will differ, current technology has been incorporated with the traditional pokie format to produce a video pokie. Dead or Alive, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Twin Spin are hugely popular video pokies.

You should know that no matter what pokies you play there is a risk when playing for real money. Players can end up losing more money than their original bankroll is. This is why it is important when playing pokies to have smart money management. You should always follow the rule of thumb in not betting more than you can afford to lose.

Jackpot games offer impressive cash wins. Players can choose between the standard and progressive jackpot styles. In a standard jackpot game, the top payout is fixed while in a progressive jackpot the jackpot will continue to increase until a lucky player hits the winning combination. As more players play the game, the cash prize amount rises. Since the software developer usually hosts these types of jackpots, the jackpot increases across a number of casinos resulting in big potential wins. Mega Fortune, Arabian Nights, and Major Millions are three popular progressive jackpot games offering impressive cash prizes.

Playable Pokies for Real Money at NZ Casino Sites

We found five of the top-rated NZ best online pokies. These titles all offer high rewards, bonus spins, multipliers, and additional features. Scroll down to see which pokies are worth a visit.

Mega Moolah

Offering 25 pay lines, five reels, and a Wheel of Fortune jackpot, Mega Moolah will take you on an African safari via desktop or mobile device. The high-quality graphics, bonus spins, multipliers, and decent RTP will keep you coming back for more wild animal entertainment.

Thunderstruck

This innovative five-reel pokie was created by the renowned software developer Games Global (formerly Microgaming). Based on Thor, the God of Thunder, the game has nine paylines and is fully compatible with desktop and mobile devices. Thunderstruck can be found at many of the most reputable online casinos.

Thunderstruck II

With its predecessor’s popularity, Thunderstruck II quickly gained notoriety online. Offering 243 payout combinations, this five-reel, three-row slot includes a betting range of NZ$0.30 to NZ$15.00 and has some great features.

Tomb Raider

Games Global launched this popular slot based on the action film of the same name. Although its graphics and sounds are perhaps a little dated, Tomb Raider offers 30 active pay lines and multiple bonuses. A sequel, Tomb Raider II Secret of the Sword, has also been released with upgraded graphics and additional features for fans of the gameplay.

Avalon

Set in the mythical Middle Ages, the Avalon slot includes five reels, multiple pay lines, and a betting range of NZ$0.01 to NZ$100.00. This popular pokie is another creation from Games Global, so you are assured of decent RTPs and bonus features.

Christmas Pokies

Dive into our favorite Christmas themed pokies:

What are the best online pokies

How to Choose the Best Pokies at New Zealand Online Casinos

Choosing the best pokies at an online casino can be overwhelming for even the most avid player. Important factors need to be considered. Read on to find out what we have outlined to keep an eye on.

Welcome Bonus and Free Spins

A welcome bonus is the most common promotion offered at online casinos. Players receive a cash reward once they register at the chosen casino. A player’s deposit amount can be matched up to 200% but is often matched at 100%. Research various casinos to find out the different welcome bonuses on offer. Always make sure you read the terms of conditions of the welcome bonus, or any bonus for that matter, so you know the wagering requirements you will need to fulfil in order to keep the bonus money.

The free spins bonus is available at many casinos. Players receive a set number of spins during gameplay when first signing up and depositing. This incentive is only available for specific slots or a range of slot games. A free spins bonus is usually offered to promote a new addition to the slot game collection. Certain slots include free spins bonuses to help elevate their popularity on the platform.

Safe and Secure NZ Pokies Sites

Selecting a secure NZ pokies online site is also highly important to help ensure stress-free gameplay. Casino sites should always offer high-end encryption technology for the secure financial processing of withdrawals and deposits.

The mobile gaming option should also provide secure encryption measures. The choice of available payment methods also needs to be extensive to accommodate most players. Always ensure that your chosen casino is certified by eCOGRA or iTech Labs. Casinos that offer faster payout rates are usually a better choice too. It is also vital to play at an online casino that carries a licence from a legitimate gaming body.

Culture Themed Pokies

Culture-themed pokies offer players an exciting way to explore different global societies while engaging in gameplay. These pokie themes vary around cultures like American, Asian, and Egyptian, provide an interesting variation to traditional slot games. Check them out down below.

Top Casinos To Play Real Money Pokies in New Zealand

Remember that gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly!

info How we Rate

Players' Choice

  • Crypto Casino

  • Newest Games

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20% Cashback for 7 Days - Up To NZ$1400 in Total
  • 24/7 Live Chat

  • Mobile Casino

  • 800+ Classic & New Games

100% Bonus Up to NZ$300
  • Fast Withdrawals

  • Mobile Betting

  • Many Games

100% Up To NZ$1,000 + 300 Free Spins
  • Fast Withdrawals

  • Jackpot slots

  • VIP Club

100% Deposit Match Up To NZ$2,000 + 100 FS on Big Bass Bonanza
  • Live Casino

  • Top Bonus

  • Highest Progressive Jackpot

Bonus up to NZ$2,000 + 200 free spins

Magical Themed Pokies

Below you will be able to find our favorite Magical themed pokies!

how to play and win at slots online

How to Play Online Pokies in NZ

The first step to playing best online pokies is finding the right casino. Royal Vegas, 7 Sultans are popular choices. Once registration has taken place, players can choose from various collections of pokie games. Playing for real money will require players to select a payment method for cash deposits and withdrawals. Any cash winnings will accumulate in a player’s casino account. This money can be withdrawn and a player’s winnings can be used for further gameplay.

Tips for NZ Pokie Players

Always play pokies at Kiwi-friendly casinos, as players can choose a payment method that accepts NZ dollars. Some of these casinos, including Jackson City, offer specific bonuses specifically tailored for New Zealanders.

Locate a reputable casino by checking the software developers providing the games. If they have a name in the online casino business, that’s always a good sign. Games Global (formerly Microgaming), NetEnt, IGT, Playtech, Aristocrat, and Betsoft, for example, are well-known in the field. Casinos should also be licensed and regulated by reputable organisations such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gaming Commission.

Legitimate online casinos will always offer welcome bonuses. Players will receive extra cash or additional spins to boost their gameplay and increase their bankroll. Terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, should always be clearly understood before registering.

Finding a casino with progressive jackpots can also be an incentive. Progressive slots offer bigger cash wins because they are connected with other games at casinos.

Following the principle of never spending above the budget is important to remember. Maintaining a log of online expenditures and earnings can be a helpful way of implementing mindful gameplay. Setting a specific time limit can also help to ensure safe gameplay. The golden rule when gambling is never play with more you can afford to lose.

Many pokies are available in demo mode, which means you can play them for free. Before committing to a specific casino site, registration on a platform is not required to try these online pokies free.

SSL encryption software is essential to secure casino site financial transactions. Reputable casinos will also be transparent about their encryption technology.

Understanding the concept of volatility is beneficial for a player’s gameplay. A high volatility pokie offers fewer opportunities to win, but the payouts are much bigger than low volatility pokies that offer smaller winnings more frequently.

Real Money Online Pokies – How to Play?

Although there is no foolproof formula to ensure winning with best online pokies NZ, there are a few strategies to help increase a player’s chance of winning and decrease the chance of losing.

A set budget should always be implemented before gameplay begins. Pokies offering higher denominations usually offer better payouts. If a player loses, they should refrain from increasing their bet level. Every session online should be given a time limit to ensure responsible gaming. Most casino sites offer VIP programs for loyal players. This is a great way to claim free bonus spins and other incentives.

Real Money Pokies: Paylines and Winning Ways

Paylines impact a player’s chances of winning. The greater the number of paylines, the better a player’s chances of winning. Although pokies offering more paylines may appear to be the better option, players will need to shell out more cash to play. It’s very important to remember that not all paylines need to be wagered on a spin.

The game’s paytable will determine the winning combinations. These are formed by the game’s traditional symbols, wilds, and scatters. Larger payouts are triggered when wilds or scatters are included in the winning combinations.

The wild symbol will substitute all other symbols, except for the scatter, to help create winning combinations. There are stacked wilds and expanding wilds and they usually come with multipliers to increase the payout.

RTP Value & Winning Odds

If you’re a slot player, it’s valuable to understand the RTP or Return to Player concept. This indicates a percentage that the slot will pay out over a substantial gaming period.

Slots are generally classified as high, medium, or low variance. Variance is the slot’s volatility and how often and much the player can expect to win. The higher the volatility, the less chance there’s of winning, but the greater the return when you win. A slot that returns small wins, often with fewer pay lines, is defined as low variance, with medium falling in between.

The slot RTP is given as a percentage. All slot machines are stand-alone applications that contain a random number generator (RNG) to deliver the results you see on the screen.

RTP is expressed by the casino and is the percentage of the total bets placed on a specific machine that’s returned to the players in jackpots or wins. Remember that this percentage is based on wagers placed at every casino in which this game is globally played over a substantial period of time.

For example, if a slot has an RTP of 85%, it means that the gamer can expect 15% of all bets placed will be returned to the casinos while the gamers will win 85% of bets placed. Again bear in mind this is a global figure and not specific to one casino or gamer.

Unfortunately for the player pokie games will never allow a 100% RTP, as this wouldn’t be in the best interests of the online casino. An RTP of 94% to 97% is quite common. The higher the pokies’ RTP, the greater your chances of winning cash. However, an RTP will only influence the gameplay if a player accesses the same pokie over an extended length of time.

Real Money Pokies Symbols

The symbols appear in certain combinations on the reels and can trigger various bonus features, such as free spins and multipliers. It’s a good idea to understand the different types of symbols included in most real money pokies.

The scatter symbol can award a payout or trigger a bonus feature of the game. There is usually a set number of scatter symbols required to claim rewards. The more scatter symbols appear, the more payouts are awarded.

The wild symbol is a substitute for regular symbols and can form part of a winning combination. Wild multipliers can trigger higher-value payouts. Random wild symbols, soaring wild symbols, and floating wild symbols occur randomly on various reels. Expanding wild symbols cover additional positions on the reels. These types of wilds are all designed to increase the payout amounts.

Real Money Pokie Regulations

New Zealanders need to understand the legalities of playing online pokies.

NZ Gambling Laws

The Gambling Act of 2003 dictates the gambling regulations in New Zealand. Only people over 18 years old are allowed to participate in gambling activities such as sports betting, purchasing scratch cards, lottery games, pokies, and horse racing. Gambling at a land-based casino has an age requirement of 20 years. It is illegal in New Zealand to gamble online in a domestic capacity, except for authorised providers such as Lotto NZ and TAB. However, Kiwis can access offshore gambling websites.

Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

The requirements for withdrawals and deposit methods vary from casino to casino. Typically, the banking options are credit and debit cards, like Visa and Mastercard, eWallets, like Skrill, Paypal, Apple Pay, Paysafecard and Neteller, online bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. You need to check the fees associated with deposits and withdrawals, as well as their processing times and limits.

Daily, weekly, or monthly withdrawal limits are set by most casinos. Members of loyalty programs tend to reap the benefits of increased limits. There are usually time limits that dictate the number of withdrawal funds allowed.

Casinos and certain payment options can also limit withdrawal amounts. It’s also necessary for casinos to verify their player’s identification and confirm the chosen payment method. Reputable casinos use encryption technology to protect all personal and financial information properly.

How to Win Money on Pokies?

With a plethora of pokie games available as online slots, it’s difficult to find a reliable strategy for guaranteed wins. The standard pokie is designed as a game of luck. Keep reading to learn helpful tips to create the best chance of winning money playing pokies. .

Increasing betting levels can equate to greater payouts even with the higher risks involved. Many pokies will only trigger the biggest jackpots if maximum bets are wagered. Spinning at a lower betting level can issue the same multiplier as higher betting levels, although the payout will be higher with a more substantial wager.

Pokies offering multiple paylines, bonuses, and multipliers are not always the best choice as the odds of winnings are often less. Simple pokie games have better odds and higher winnings because there are fewer chances to hit it big. Choosing a simpler pokie game will usually result in smaller wins more frequently. Patience is key!

Click on the pokie’s demo version before wagering cash. It’s the best way to understand the pokie’s functionality without losing money.

The concept of ‘cutting your losses’ is a good rule of thumb. Knowing when to stop playing is important. Pokies are unpredictable in design, so don’t assume a win is around the corner if multiple spins haven’t resulted in any wins.

play slots online on mobile device

Real Money Mobile Pokies

The present trend for mobile gambling has caused online money casinos to offer high-quality casino apps to access pokie games. HTML5 technology ensures full access via a browser and mobile device. Real money can be deposited and withdrawn via mobile apps through various popular payment methods. An online casino that is mobile compatible will either have a dedicated app (on Android or iOS) or will allow you to play directly from your mobile browser.

Mobile pokies allow you to play your favourite games on the go. Most online casinos that are mobile compatible (with optimized interface for iPhones and android phones) will offer many of the games that are available on the desktop version. Also, just like the desktop version at a mobile casino you can make deposits and withdrawals, contact customer service, and opt into a bonus all from your mobile device.

Lightning Link, Where’s the Gold?, Big Red, Queen of the Nile, and Indian Dreaming are top-rated mobile pokie games developed by the well-known software developer, Aristocrat.

Free Online Pokies

Testing out demo versions of new and old online pokies before committing real money to the gameplay is beneficial for all pokie fans.

Nearly all pokies at online casinos will offer their titles in the demo mode, which means you can play for free.Here are some popular pokies that you can try out for free.

Jammin’ Jars

With high variance, an RTP of 96.83%, and a maximum win of 20,000x, Jammin’ Jars offers a bonus buy feature, cascading reels, increasing multipliers, and multiple wilds.

Dead or Alive 2

This free pokie includes an RTP of 96.8%, high volatility, and a maximum win of 111,111x your stake. Players have a bonus buy option, increasing multipliers, a retrigger feature, scatter pays, and sticky wilds.

Razor Shark

This high variance pokie has an RTP of 96.07%, a maximum win of 50,000x your stake, stacked symbols, and increasing multipliers.

Book of Dead

Players can win up to 5,000x a stake with this high variance pokie. Book of Dead has a 96.21% RTP and includes expanding symbols and a retrigger feature.

Starburst

Offering a 96.09% RTP, Starburst is a low variance pokie with a maximum win of 500x your stake, stacked symbols, expanding wilds, and a respins bonus.

Starlite Fruits Mega Moolah

Starlite Fruits Mega Moolah is a five-reel and three-row game offers a 92,08% RTP with four progressive jackpots.

Online Pokies Facts

  • Pokies are what slots are known as in Australia and New Zealand
  • Online pokies can be played for real money and for free in the demo mode.
  • Pokies come in many different varieties from simple games with few paylines to more complex ones with many paylines and features.
  • You can play online pokies at reputable online casinos through your PC and most are mobile compatible allowing you to play through your mobile device.
  • Online casinos that offer pokies will offer bonuses and promotions to entice new players to sign up and keep existing players happy.
  • Progressive jackpot pokies are the games that have the biggest jackpots. The jackpot will continue to grow as more people play until a winning combination is hit.
  • The average RTP for online pokies is 96%. This means that for every $100 you wager you can, on average, expect to get $96 back.

Conclusion

We recommend that you try your luck with online pokies NZ, as it can give you a great gaming experience. There are a wealth of various pokies available for Kiwi players at reputable casino sites. With high-quality encryption technology to ensure data protection, full compatibility with mobile devices, and accredited licensing to ensure responsible gambling, potential pokie players can have peace of mind to spin the reels and reap the cash rewards.

FAQs About Best Online Pokies In NZ

Scroll down to find the answers to the most common pokie questions.

Are there any free pokies that I can play for real money?

Yes, free online pokies in New Zealand options are available for real money wins. They are typically in the form of a free spins bonus or free spins given as a member of a VIP program. However, while they may be free you will usually always have to fulfill the wagering requirements before you can withdraw the money won with free spins.

How can I win online pokies?

With pokies, there is not much strategy you can go for. The only thing you can do is to ensure that you play in a licensed casino that is trustworthy and has high RTP games so that when you win money, you will be able to withdraw it.

What is the house edge for online pokies?

The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run-thousands or even millions of bets. For example, if a pokie has a house edge of 5%, that means for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose $5 on average. So, if you bet $100 on a pokie and then walk away with $95, the pokie has done its job.

What is the highest RTP pokie?

The answer may surprise you – it’s not the newest, most flashy game. In fact, the game with the highest RTP is a humble little game called Jackpot 6000, which was released way back in 1998. Despite its age, this game is still going strong and is enjoyed by many people all over the world. The game is simple to play and very addictive, which is probably why it has been so successful.

5+ Years of Experience as Casino Writer & Editor
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Casino & Sports Betting Expert 11 Articles
5+ Years Experience

Wayne has been writing about iGaming news and sites for several years, with a particular focus on New Zealand casinos. His background includes being an English teacher, and a professionally-published writer/editor for over ten years.

Expert On: casino payments table games sports betting
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University University of Derby
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