The popularity of online pokies in New Zealand is at an all-time high, with industry-leading providers scrambling to release the next blockbuster slot game. This means that there are heaps of fantastic pokies to choose from, making it difficult for players to find the best, which is why we have put together this comprehensive guide. This article looks at the top casino sites with the best pokies, pokies with the highest payouts and biggest jackpots, and much more.
At CasinoCrawlers, we want players to have the best experience possible in a secure online environment. Our team of experts consistently monitors online casinos that offer pokies to ensure they meet our strict requirements. We don’t only review the games; we look at all aspects of a casino to determine its excellence rating. Here are just a few of the factors we analyse when we rate online casinos:
Security
We assess the SSL certification and data encryption techniques online casinos use to keep players’ data safe and secure. Encryption is crucial as it keeps data exchanges between a casino and a player private and ensures that it cannot be stolen.
License
Top-rated online casinos hold valid licenses from trusted and respected gaming authorities, ensuring the sites follow gambling rules. An online casino can only retain its license if the regulating authority is satisfied that the pokies are fair and the casino is reliable.
Games
Online casinos should offer a well-rounded selection of games. We assess the availability of games and the game developers that create them. The games must be fair and operate fair payout rates and have low volatility.
Bonuses
We look at the value of the bonuses and free spins on offer. Wagering requirements on all types of rewards must be reasonable, so we scrutinize the terms and conditions to check whether there are any hidden clauses.
Banking Options
The best online casinos offer many reliable and accessible payment options for deposits and withdrawals. For instance, Paysafecard is an outstanding prepaid option, and e-wallets are great for people who don’t want to link their bank accounts to their online gambling activities. We like casinos that offer diverse payment methods, including debit and credit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid cards.
Customer Services
The level of customer service at a casino makes up an essential part of our rating. The customer service team must be trained, professional, and able to resolve queries speedily. We prefer online casinos that offer multiple ways to get in touch with the customer service team.
How to Find the Best Pokies in New Zealand
Whether you are a new player overwhelmed by the enormous number of online pokies or a veteran pokie enthusiast looking for a new slot game to try, you’re in the right place. At CasinoCrawlers, we review thousands of pokies to bring you the best. Follow our simple steps, and you’ll be spinning the reels in no time.
Estimated time needed:00:06Tools needed:CasinoCrawlers’ online pokies listsSupply needed:Money
Learn about pokies in New ZealandRead our online pokies guide to understand the dynamics of the games. When it comes to online pokies, knowledge is power. Step 1
Choose a casino with a diverse selection of pokiesSelect an online casino from the lists in this guide. These casinos offer a diverse collection of the best pokies in New Zealand so there is guaranteed to be a pokie that suits you. Step 2
Sign up at the online casinoClick ‘play here’ at the online casino you have chosen and you will be taken to the casino site to sign up. Register by entering your details. Step 3
Have fun playing online pokies!Once you are registered, select any pokie to play for fun. Make a deposit and play pokies for real money and stand a chance to win!Step 4
Top 3 Online Pokie Sites NZ September 2023
Casumo
4.8 / 5
Pros:
Cons:
Limited NZ payment options
No phone support available
Pokie Bonus Overview at Casumo
Casumo generously gives 20 free spins to players who sign-up. What’s more, players can claim an extra 20 free spins and 100% up to $1200 upon their first deposit.
Terms and conditionsTerms and conditions apply. Play responsibly | 18+
Wheelz
4.7 / 5
Pros:
Cons:
Lacking some key payment methods
Low maximum weekly withdrawal limits
Branding is a little gimmicky
Pokie Bonus Overview at Wheelz
Just like Casumo, new players who sign-up to Wheelz can claim 20 free spins without a deposit. However, once a player makes their first deposit, they can claim 100 free spins, along with 100% up to $300.
Terms and conditionsTerms and conditions apply. Play responsibly | 18+
Club Riches
4.7 / 5
Pros:
Cons:
Many restricted countries
Relatively high wagering requirements
Pokie Bonus Overview at Club Riches
While there is no registration bonus at Club Riches, players can claim 100 free spins, along with 100% up to $1000, upon their first deposit at the casino. Pretty generous!
Terms and conditionsTerms and conditions apply. Play responsibly | 18+
Pros & Cons: Online Pokies
Online pokies are convenient because you can play them wherever you are. There’s no need to get dressed up or pay a casino entrance fee to play online. At land-based casinos, you need to end your ‘session’ before you leave the casino and start a new one next time. With online pokies you can stop playing at any time and continue your session when it suits you. Let’s review the advantages and drawbacks of online pokies.
Pros
Huge variety of online pokies and massive network progressive jackpots
Play pokies from anywhere
Higher payout percentages than land-based pokies
Online pokies have better gameplay, graphics, and animations
Cons
Online pokies don’t provide you with a land-based casino atmosphere
The timeframe for withdrawing winnings from online pokies depends on the payout method
Players need a stable internet connection to play online pokies
Convenience of online pokies may lead to over gambling
Different Types of Online Pokies
One size doesn’t fit all; the same is true for pokies. There are plenty of differences between them, and online pokies are constantly evolving. The best pokie game providers worldwide are continually thinking up new ways to make pokie games more entertaining and give players more variety. Players can choose pokies with different wheels, themes, pay-out rates, mechanics, animations, and more. Check out a few well-known online real money pokies below.
3-Reel pokies are modelled on classic casino games. They’ve been around since the dawn of online gaming and consist of three reels and, typically, only three rows. This means the screen displays a total of nine symbols. Today’s 3-reel pokies include features such as scatter symbols, wild symbols, and free spins, unlike their purist-classic predecessors. Some players avoid 3-reel pokies because they think they can’t win big on them. However, the symbols on 3-reel pokie machines usually have higher values, which can result in lucrative payouts.
As you can imagine, 5-Reel pokies have two more reels than 3-reel pokies. The presence of two extra reels means that the chances of landing winning combinations more frequently are higher. The two additional reels allow the game to offer additional paylines. 5-Reel pokies generally have more bonus features such as free spins and special symbols. Some players prefer 5-reel pokies because they pay out more frequently, even though the frequent payouts typically have lower values than those of 3-reel pokies.
A progressive game features a jackpot prize that keeps growing until someone wins it. Every time a player wagers on a progressive pokie, a percentage of that wager is added to the progressive jackpot prize. When someone wins the progressive jackpot, the pokie resets to the starting value. Operators regularly add to the prize pool of progressive pokies, starting the progressive jackpot at a certain value. Progressive jackpots can be specific to a particular pokie at an online casino, or they may cover a range of pokies at the casino. The progressive pokies that offer the biggest jackpots are network progressive pokies linked to numerous online casinos.
These pokie games incorporate 3-dimensional symbols, graphics, and animations. Players don’t need special headsets to view the pokies in 3D as the developers have used advanced digital technologies and computer graphics to create the games. Video pokies currently dominate the 3D category of games. These exciting and captivating pokies are rapidly growing in popularity.
Bonuses for Online Pokies
One of the most exciting parts about playing online pokies is the exciting bonuses you can claim. Online casinos offer slot machine game bonuses for new players to come and play with them. You can pay little to no deposit and get free spins on online pokies.
These bonuses aren’t just for new players since both regular and new players can claim free spins. Free pokie bonuses keep old players returning for more and bring in new players. While new players get bonuses when registering, regular customers receive daily free spins monthly as thanks for their loyalty.
No Deposit Free Spins
No deposit free spins bonuses offer the chance for players to claim a number of free spins on an online pokie without depositing any money. While this bonus sounds too good to be true, you should always read the terms and conditions, as these types of bonuses may have a large wagering requirement or a restriction on the amount of winnings that can be withdrawn.
Free Pokies vs Real Money Pokies?
If you’re ready to explore the world of pokies but don’t know where to start, you can try a large selection of free online pokie games at many casino sites. The games work exactly as they would if you were playing for real money, and you don’t need to register or sign up before you can play. There is also no need to download any software; simply click on the pokie you want to play, and the game will start.
Many casinos also have free trials for their games, giving players a chance to try out new games without risking any money. You can play pokies for free and win money, but only if you use a valid no deposit bonus.
There are a number of benefits of playing free slots over real money ones. Free play slots allow players to try out a number of different slot games without putting unnecessary risk to their bankroll. This also allows players to familiarise themselves with the slots they prefer before moving on to real money pokie sites.
New Online Pokies
Game developers release hundreds of new pokies every month. This is the nice thing about online pokies; players never get bored since there are so many choices. Here is a list of the best online pokies released in 2023, along with the game developers that created them and the return to player percentages (RTP):
Online Pokie
Developer
RTP
Midas Coins
Quickspin
96.02%
Fire Toad
Play N’ Go
94.2%
Dragon Slayer
Lady Luck Games
93.9%
Night Roller
Red Tiger Gaming
94.74%
Bushido Ways xNudge
Nolimit City
96.1%
Wild Chapo
Relax Gaming
96.36%
Power of Thor Megaways
Pragmatic Play
96.97%
Gold Collector
All41 Studios
96.4%
Cluster Slide
Elk Studios
96%
Fruit Shop Megaways
NetEnt
96.06%
The RTPs stated above are default RTPs. However, many game developers create pokies with adjustable RTPs. It’s advisable to check the RTPs with the online casino.
Best Online Pokies by RTP
When playing online pokie real money games, looking at the return to player percentages (RTP) to which games offer the best chances of winning is worthwhile. Below you’ll find a list of pokies launching in 2023 with the highest RTPs. Check with each online casino you play at to ensure the RTP selected by the casino, as some of the pokies listed have RTP ranges.
Online Pokie
Developer
RTP
Book of 99
Relax Gaming
99%
Triple Bar
1×2 Gaming
98.15%
Happy Holi
AllWaySpin
97.48%
Divine Immortals
Electric Elephant
97.16%
Casanova’s Ladies
Amatic Industries
97.1%
Starry Witch
AllWaySpin
97.04%
Quadruple Da Vinci Diamonds
High 5 Games
92% – 97%
Joker’s Luck Deluxe
Skywind Group
97%
Fort of Fortune
High 5 Games
92% – 97%
Power of Thor Megaways
Pragmatic Play
96.55% – 96.97%
Pokies Features
Online pokies in NZ have evolved over the years meaning there are varying features between slot games. There are a lot of features to consider when choosing the best online pokies, which we’ve outlined below:
Volatility is a term used while calculating the risk of losing the bet. There are three types of volatility; high, medium, and low. Online casinos offer games at different levels. With low volatility machines, the chances of winning are high, but the prize money is small, etc.
Random Number Generator technology is the technology that determines the outcomes of online pokies as well as land-based pokies. The RNG arranges several positive and negative outcomes in a row. The order is entirely random, meaning there is no telling when a player can win or lose a bet.
In some pokies, wild symbols have a high value. The more wild symbols you get, the more significant the prize you'll win. Scatter symbols are pretty rare and if you get these symbols, there is a chance for you to win a bonus. When a certain number of scatter symbols appear, you get a chance to unlock new features in online pokies.
With the jackpot symbols, you stand to win the biggest prizes offered by slot machines. Games like Greedy Goblins and Mr Vegas have some of the best jackpot prizes to win. The chances of a person hitting the jackpot in a typical slot machine are around one in 8000.
In games with avalanche reels, players can keep spinning until there can be no payouts. You get a prize when you spin the winning combination. Then, the winning symbols disappear, and new ones are filled in until no combinations are possible.
Casinos offer free spins rounds on online pokies to play new games. Playing some games can also unlock a free spins bonus. With these free spins, you get a chance to win real money without having to risk your own. It is also a chance for players to increase their winnings.
Online pokies use RNG to decide on a sequence of winning or losing. So, the slot machine triggers a bonus or a prize at random. No one can predict when a slot machine will give away prizes.
Best Progressive Jackpot Pokies in NZ
When it comes to progressive pokies, network progressive jackpots are much more profitable than standalone progressive jackpots because numerous online casinos take part in them. Progressive online pokies in New Zealand are very popular since you can win a huge amount; for example, a jackpot of NZ$6 million was won on Mega Moolah on 29 October 2020. Speaking of Mega Moolah, it tops our list of best progressive pokies. Here are three of the biggest progressive jackpot pokies:
Mega Moolah
Biggest jackpot payout:
$19 million
Average period:
33 days
Average payout:
$8 million
Average daily increase
$212,121
Developer:
Microgaming online casinos
Mega Fortune
Biggest jackpot payout:
$17,8 million
Average period:
67 days
Average payout
$3,4 million
Average daily increase:
$47,294
Developer:
NetEnt online casinos
Hall of Gods
Biggest jackpot payout:
$7,8 million
Average period
164 days
Average payout:
$5,3 million
Average daily increase:
$29,465
Developer:
NetEnt
Most Popular Pokies Providers
Popular pokies providers are consistently developing top-performing games. Some world-class pokies providers include Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Red Tiger, Gamomat, Betsoft, No limit City, Spinomenal, Rival Gaming, and Booming Games. Game developers that deliver iconic pokie experiences with top-notch artwork and high-quality sound design regularly win awards at iGaming conferences worldwide.
The explosion of online gaming in the past few years has led to a rapid increase in the number of game providers, with new gaming studios popping up around the world. Innovation sets popular pokies providers apart from other software providers, and their focus on entertainment and delivering the best experience for players is what makes them truly great. Here’s more information about these excellent pokie software developers.
Play’n Go offers more than 50 online mobile casino games. The company’s pokies have excellent graphics, instant games, and outstanding audio effects. The company has created amazing games like Gigantoonz, Love Joker, etc.
Pragmatic Play has licenses and certifications to operate in more than 20 countries. Colossal Cash Zone, Rock Vegas, and Might of Ra are some of the games by Pragmatic Play. This company provides the right tools for online pokies, live casinos, bingo, and more.
Net Entertainment (NetEnd) is one of the most popular online casino software developers. The Swedish firm was the first to create Java-based online casino software and has created online games like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Silverback Gold, Divine Misfortune, Hotline 2, etc.
Red Tiger is a well-known software supplier specialising in casino game creation and is a leading provider in the European and Asian markets. The provider offers online pokies for NZ players like Last Chance Saloon, Get the Gold and Blazing Clusters.
Aristocrat is the largest gambling machine manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand. This company is the creator of some of the most well-known pokie online games. Buffalo Gold Revolution, Dollar Storm, and Aristocrat legends are some of their popular game titles.
Betsoft is a gaming solution provider that specializes in 3D cinematographic presentation. The company began with slot3 games for the iOS platform. Triple Juicy Drops, and Gold Tiger Ascent, are Betsoft’s most famous video pokie online games.
Nolimit City is a casino software development firm based in Stockholm, Sweden. The Malta Gaming Authority has evaluated, licensed, and approved its casino games. Dragon Tribe, Punk Rocker, Tombstone, and Deadwood are some of the company’s best online pokies.
Booming Gaming is well-known in the iGaming sector, well recognized for its B2B services and stunning 3D online pokies. Some popular game titles include Flaming Chillies, Howling Wolves Megaways, and Crystal Classic.
Microgaming was the first firm to design and distribute pokies online. The business broke another global record in 2015 when its Mega Moolah game produced a prize of nearly eighteen million euros! Micrograming is also the developer of the Immortal Romance games.
Playtech is the world’s largest online gaming software provider and has shares listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market. Playtech offers mobile casino games like Cinerama, The Matrix, Top Gun, etc., with good RTPs.
No Deposit Pokies
The online casino industry is a very competitive market. One of the reasons that online casinos hand out no deposit pokies bonuses is to attract new players. Another reason is to promote a particular game, typically new games. Here is a selection of our favourite no-deposit pokies, listed with the game provider and RTP.
Online Pokie
Developer
RTP
Gonzo’s Quest
NetEnt
95.97%
Twin Spin
NetEnt
96.55%
Reel Rush
NetEnt
96.96%
Booming Bananas
Booming Games
96.55%
Reels of Wealth
Betsoft
95.29%
Online Pokies on Mobile
More players are enjoying online pokies on the go, and most mobile pokies are available on operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows, and more. Whether you use your tablet, iPad, or mobile phone, there are mobile pokies that will meet your needs. We have listed our top 5 pokies below, alongside the pokie’s developer and the payout percentage.
Online Pokie
Developer
RTP
Book of Dead
Play N’ Go
94.25%
Starburst
NetEnt
96.09%
Wolf Gold
Pragmatic Play
96.01%
Legacy of Dead
Play N’ Go
94.51%
Fire Joker
Play N’ Go
94.23%
Maximize Your Winnings on New Zealand Online Pokies
Online pokies NZ are anything but dull, but it isn’t always easy to win big. Fortunately, there are many things you can do when trying to maximise your winnings. Check out our tips below to make the most out of NZ pokies.
1. Look for the payout percentage
A payout percentage refers to the amount a pokie will pay back to players in the long run. Let’s take an example of a pokie with a payout percentage of 95%, and let’s make the long-run period ten years. If players have wagered $1 million on the pokie in those ten years, then the pokie would have paid players back $950 thousand. This means that the casino made $50 thousand off that pokie machine over ten years. Higher payout percentages are better for players. The payout percentage is frequently referred to as Return to Player (RTP), and it varies considerably from pokie to pokie.
2. Read game reviews
Reading other players’ reviews gives you a good idea of their experience playing the game. Players may discuss how much they won or lost, the value of the bets they were playing, how long it took to get a bonus round, how many bonus rounds they got, how much they spent, and other factors. They may also mention technical aspects of the pokie, such as graphics, animations, and device compatibility. A second opinion goes a long way and can help you find the best pokies to maximise your winnings.
3. Keep a budget
If you want to maximise your winnings on New Zealand pokies, you have to minimise your losses. One of the best ways to do this is to keep a budget and not go over it. You can always try again, but chasing losses is never a good idea. Always go into a pokie session knowing exactly how much you are prepared to spend.
4. Cash in smaller winnings
After a win, players tend to raise their bets. This typically results in players losing their winnings which is why it is essential to cash in smaller winnings. Remember the RTP we spoke about earlier? Well, the longer you play, the more likely you will win according to the game’s RTP.
Online Pokies Strategies
Even though pokies are games of chance, there are plenty of pokies strategies that players follow in an attempt to maximise their winnings. Naturally, some methods work while others don’t. Nevertheless, thousands of players use them, so it’s worth taking a closer look. We will discuss some of the most prominent pokies strategies and examine whether they work or not.
🎰 Playing hot pokies
This strategy involves playing ‘hot’ pokies and staying away from ‘cold’ pokies at all costs. A hot pokie pays out frequently, and a cold pokie hasn’t paid out recently. This strategy is popular among land-based casino goers because mechanical pokie machines had cycles back in the day because they didn’t have the technology that we do today. Observant casino patrons could figure out these cycles and potentially beat the odds.
However, thanks to technology, online pokies now have Random Number Generators (RNGs) that determine the outcomes of online pokies and land-based pokies. The pokies are no longer cyclic, and nobody can predetermine their outcomes. Pokies may seem hot or cold, but it’s only because the RNG has randomly generated a few positive or negative results in a row. It seems playing a ‘hot’ pokie is not a reliable strategy.
🎰 Switching up the bet size
Avid gamblers use this strategy across the globe. It involves changing your bet size frequently to ‘trick’ the pokie machine. For instance, a high-roller could make a maximum bet and hit a few spins with no wins. The player will then lower their stake for a few spins to make the pokie ‘think’ that lower bets have been played. The player then raises the bet again, hoping the pokie will payout based on the previous, lower wagers they made.
As we all know, pokie machines don’t think, so this strategy is a myth. A good betting strategy is to wager according to your bankroll to prolong your playtime, increasing your chances of hitting a win.
🎰 Playing pokies with exciting bonus games
Many players seek out pokies with plenty of features and profitable bonus games. This strategy works more often than not. When using this strategy, choosing pokies with bonus games that include free spins and multipliers is a good idea. If you unlock the bonus game on this type of pokie, then all the spins are free during the bonus round, so they aren’t diminishing your bankroll. There’s also a chance that you could unlock additional free spins. The multipliers will increase the value of your wins by their multiplier value each time one lands.
As you can see, the potential for a nice win is relatively high. You will also enjoy your gaming session as the combination of free spins and multipliers is pretty exciting. You should stick to a bet size your bankroll will allow so that you can play long enough to unlock the bonus games.
Tips for Online Pokie Players
It is easy to get lost in the world of online pokies as a novice, and even professionals have a hard time finding the right online pokies in NZ. Here are some tips to have a great online pokies experience.
💡 Test Various Pokies and Casinos
Many casinos offer free games or spins to play on pokies, and you can try out these free versions before spinning the reels with your own money. Moreover, different casinos have different free bonuses. Find the pokies that work best for you.
💡 Look for Free Spins and Other Bonuses
As mentioned, there are free spins and bonuses like welcome bonuses or registration bonuses. These bonuses can be free spins or other perks like a cash bonus.
💡 Check the Fine Print
Sometimes, there is some important stuff that you might miss if you are not reading the T&Cs carefully. Make sure you read the documents carefully and check the important stuff.
💡 Play Safely
When playing pokies online, you need to remember to be safe. Set some rules for yourself to avoid taking risks. This way, you can enjoy the games without worrying.
💡 Remember to Gamble Responsibly
Try to recognize irresponsible gambling habits like betting too much at once, wanting to ‘beat’ the game, or gambling with money you don’t have. Follow tips like not gambling during work hours or gambling with money that is not accessible. Moreover, try to gamble on a budget, so you never spend more than you want.
Alternative Casino Games to Online Pokies
If you find yourself getting a small bit tired from online slots but still want something to play at NZ online casinos, you may want to try one of these other casino games:
The online pokies scene in NZ has become extremely popular, and you can win a lot of real money playing online slots. A significant part of online pokies is that you can try out new games without worrying about losing, thanks to bonuses. Find the best casinos for online pokies on this page, and start winning today!
References
Cloudflare. “What is an SSL Certificate”, https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/ssl/what-is-an-ssl-certificate/
Online Pokies FAQ
What online pokies are the best?
Players have different preferences. Some players prefer high volatility pokies and others prefer low. Some prefer video pokies and others prefer classics. If you’re unsure which pokie game to play, try a few different pokies to find the right match. Start with the games listed in this guide.
Can I play free online pokies?
Yes! Most casinos have the option for players to try the games for free. Select an online casino from our list, click ‘play here’, and you will be directed to the casino’s site. Then select the ‘play for fun’ or ‘demo mode’ option on any pokie icon.
Is it legal to play online pokies in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand does not have any laws that prohibit playing online pokies. The Gambling Act of 2003 states that New Zealanders are allowed to legally gamble online as long as the online casino is not in New Zealand.
Can I play online pokies for real money?
Yes. Playing pokies for real money is the best way to play because you stand a chance of winning real cash. The online casinos listed at CasinoCrawlers are licensed casinos that offer real money play.
What is RTP?
RTP is the Return to Player percentage, also known as the payout percentage. It indicates the percentage pokies pay back to players in the long run. In the long run, pokies with higher RTPs earn the casinos less money than pokies with lower RTPs.
Can I claim a welcome bonus when playing online pokies?
Yes. To claim a welcome bonus, simply select a casino from this site and follow the instructions. Remember to enter a bonus code when signing up if our guide provides one. Welcome bonuses are a great way to increase your bankroll at online casinos.
Lily, a Casino Content Specialist, has amassed an impressive wealth of experience in the iGaming industry for well over a decade. She infuses this experience with each review, casino guide, and blog post. She spends her time playing titles like Mega Moolah and Starburst when not writing or spending time with her family in Auckland.
