Best Online Pokies in NZ
If you have been looking for more information about online pokies in NZ, then lucky you because you have come to the right place. We know how difficult it can be to find casinos with the latest online slots in New Zealand.
Hence, NachoCasinos.com provides an in-depth overview of the online pokie scene in NZ. We look at the variety of slot games, gameplay, payout ratio and much more to make your choice easier.
Best Casinos for Online Pokies
All Online Casinos with Pokies
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⭐ Great Bonuses & Promotions
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⭐ Sports betting available
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⭐ Bitcoin Casino
Table of Contents
- Online Pokies Guide Intro
- How we Review Online Pokies Casinos
- Types of Online Pokies
- Popular Real Money Online Pokies in NZ
- Online Pokies Game Providers
- Online Pokie Bonuses
- Popular Pokies to play with free spins
- Best Pokie Online Casinos 2022
- Free Pokies vs. Real Money Pokies
- Responsible Gaming
- Online Pokies NZ FAQ
- Author
Online Pokies Guide Intro
We continue to witness consistent growth and improvement in the gambling industry. At the forefront of significant improvements are players who are always searching for the best online pokies in New Zealand. At NachoCasinos, our principal goal is to provide expert information to help you play better at top-notch pokie casinos in NZ. Our professionals from the gambling industry have assessed the best-performing sites and ascertained the leading real money pokies online casinos in 2022.
With so many pokie sites on the web, it’s somewhat difficult for new players to find the most remarkable ones amongst them. Our detailed guide aims at assisting Kiwis in finding the most famed casinos with outstanding pokie offerings.
We conduct thorough research on every notable site, especially regarding integrity and licensing, software fairness, game library, banking options, promotions, player safety, etc. As such, the New Zealand pokie casinos on this page have gone through our rigorous tests and come out victorious. We have ensured that they have all it takes to entertain New Zealanders. Continue reading our insightful guide to learn more about online pokies and the best casinos offering them.
A closer look on online pokies in NZ
Online pokies are a localised term for online slots coined by New Zealanders, with every online casino in NZ offering them. These games are simple to learn, straightforward to play, and usually have captivating graphics and soundtracks. Hence, they are a wholesome leisure activity for many Kiwis, including those new to casino gaming.
The recent years have opened up an increasing demand for different kinds of online pokies in NZ. As a direct reaction, most online casinos go to great lengths to provide excellent pokies online. These casinos also focus on offering quality gambling services by constantly improving their game library and overall offerings. Consequently, the leading sites have tons of attention-grabbing pokies fully complemented by great welcome packages, regular bonuses, and mind-blowing jackpots.
We have also noticed a striking link between players in New Zealand and real money pokies online. This link exists typically because casino enthusiasts can access any interesting pokie on their mobile wherever and whenever they like. Players enjoy pokies while on lunch breaks, casually enjoying any free time or journeying home on a train/bus. Since a plethora of casinos are on the web, players only need their mobile or laptop/PC device with an active internet connection to access them. With such smooth access, Kiwis can explore an online world of fun, have a wonderful time and maybe rake in some wins while at it.
Given that our site focuses entirely on assisting potential players, you’ll always find helpful information about pokies in the country. We provide ample information on choosing quality pokies and casinos, tips to play better, pokie bonuses and many more. Considering that we have built a solid reputation, we only provide factual and reliable information on casinos. However, suppose you pay keen attention to our guides and informative reviews. In that case, we guarantee you’ll have remarkable experiences playing online pokies.
How we Review Online Pokies Casinos
Since online pokies are popular in New Zealand, there may be some difficulty in finding a reliable pokie casino. We don’t want you to sign up with a dodgy casino that doesn’t meet industry standards.
For this reason, we have devised parameters for examining every casino we come across. We’re strict about these parameters. Thus any casino that falls short of them will not have our approval.
As professionals ourselves, we always want you on the best platforms. In addition to other areas, we strictly look at the following core parameters when reviewing online pokie casinos.
Casino Reputation
If you plan to play online pokies for real money, it must be a credible casino. Anything besides a reliable casino is a big “No”. Hence, we always verify every casino’s licensing and regulatory authorities and their licence validity.
We prefer casinos licensed by A-list regulators like UKGC, MGA, AGCC, etc. To make it to our top-rated lists, casinos must also be known for adhering to the rules of their regulator; otherwise, we don’t recommend it.
Game Providers
Leading casinos partner with reliable software providers to ensure you enjoy many great titles. We always look out for popular providers such as Betsoft, Evolution, RTG and Microgaming.
Most well-established providers are licensed in multiple jurisdictions and have games with several fascinating features. Additionally, by playing their games, you can ensure that the software has been tested and certified fairly.
The range of pokies
A standard casino should have an impressive game catalogue featuring numerous themed pokies, various return to player (RTPs), volatility levels, payouts and designs. In the same light, you should be able to access progressive jackpots and explore recent games on the market.
With a massive library, you’ll be able to try out numerous genres, themes and kinds of pokies online – after which you may choose your favourite.
Pokie bonuses
In addition to fabulous varieties of pokies, a casino must offer some incredible bonuses to pokie players. Such bonuses help keep players in high spirits over their gaming activity, leading to more fun.
Thankfully, our recommended pokie online casinos have great welcome packages, frequent reloads, no deposit offers, free spins and other cool perks. A casino must offer some of these bonuses before we add them to our lists.
Banking methods
You may not always give special attention to payment methods when considering casinos, but they are noteworthy. This is why we prefer pokie casinos with a relatively long list of deposit and withdrawal methods. These include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, electronic transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies and more. Also, we consider whether or not the casino imposes unscrupulous fees on players.
Online safety
Security is everything to us, so we prioritise it by recommending casinos with fair and transparent pokies. After ensuring that a casino is well regulated, we ascertain that the casino’s software is thoroughly tested and certified transparent. Such certification is better when carried out by independent software testing organisations like BMM Testlabs, eCOGRA, QUINEL, Gaming Associates, GLI and so on.
Types of Online Pokies
If you pay close attention to pokies, you’ll notice that they have different setups, structures and perhaps kinds. And that’s right because there are different kinds of online pokies you can enjoy at any genuine casino. These pokies are broadly categorised into five types. However, you’re likely to find some titles that cover two or more kinds. We’ll look at these pokie game kinds so that you can try them and choose your favourite option.
3-Reel or Fruit Pokies
3-reel pokies are a reflection of pokie machines at land-based casinos. Also known as fruit pokies or classic pokies, these titles are often basic – possessing just three reels, three rows and five paylines. Typically, 3-reel pokies may come with one or even zero bonus features. Just spin and claim what you win.
5 or More Reels
Pokies with five or more reels are an upgrade in terms of designs, features, audiovisuals, paylines and everything that makes gaming fun. They are far more popular these days as they bear specific standard themes, which increases their appeal. Further, they come with any feature the casinos deem worthy, including free spins, cascades, etc.
Video Pokies
Video pokies have exciting mechanics and many betways, such as what you have in Megaways pokies. They have much grander gameplay and bigger payouts required for a powerful session. Concerning features, some video pokies have a long list of features and game enhancers to keep you joyfully busy.
3D Pokies
The concept of 3D pokies is similar to 3D video games, which present a near-real-life action thanks to ultra-modern designs. 3D pokies are packed with highly sleek visual designs and displays of all characters, game grids, backgrounds, symbols and more. And these are dutifully accompanied by some great features.
Progressive Pokies
Progressive pokies are jackpot pokies with increasing maximum prizes that can grow into vast amounts within some time. Sometimes, these games pay out millions of NZD to extremely lucky players. The jackpots do not drop quickly, but they often come with fascinating features you can always leverage.
Tips to Win on Online Pokies
In our bid at NachoCasinos to always help you play pokies better, we have created the tips below to guide you. You may adopt or add them to your existing strategies to maximise each session.
Tip 1: Only play at reliable casinos
Integrity is everything in the gambling world; thus, we always advise joining sites with proven integrity. The casinos on our lists have been handpicked through rigorous procedures to establish their credibility in the industry.
Tip 2: Play demo games first
Most casinos on our list offer a free version of each pokie game. We advise playing such free versions for some time and getting acquainted with the game before playing for real money. The free games give enough room to make mistakes and lose nothing while learning.
Tip 3: Wager the maximum paylines
To have an improved shot at winning better, you have to bet on all the paylines. It’s always uncertain which paylines winning symbols will land; hence wagering all paylines still offers more potential.
Tip 4: Play more non-progressive pokies
Many progressive jackpots have great prizes that are quite alluring, and it’s sometimes hard to avoid them. However, your winning chances are higher when you play non-progressive pokies more.
Popular Real Money Online Pokies in NZ
Despite the thousands of online pokies at many casinos, some games continue to soar high amongst Kiwi players. Such pokies have gained robust popularity in the lobbies of top sites in New Zealand and worldwide. These games are designed to facilitate a memorable gaming experience as they possess exciting features, vast winning chances and fair RTPs.
Given the success of real money pokies over the years, this section looks at popular online pokies for real money in New Zealand.
Starburst
NetEnt
Starburst has been a sensation since it was released in 2013 to New Zealanders. Filled with gems and neons, Starburst has become one of the most successful online pokies of all time. Starburst comes with five reels, three rows and ten betways, a 96.09% RTP, low volatility and a 600x maximum payout.
Sweet Bonanza
Pragmatic Play
Explore a world of candies, cakes and ice cream in Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza. This pokie has been designed to create an excellent session with a 96.48% RTP and high volatility. The action takes place on six reels, five rows, and a cluster pays mechanic that pays out everywhere. A Tumble feature, a Free Spins feature, win multipliers, and a 21,000x maximum win will help to sweeten your gameplay.
Gonzo’s Quest
NetEnt
You can’t talk about pokies in general without mentioning Gonzo’s Quest. It’s a NetEnt title that has achieved a cult following in New Zealand and most other countries. With Gonzo’s Quest, you’ll delve into the thick bushes of the lost City of El-dorado in 3D. The game plays on five reels, three rows and 20 paylines, while the volatility is in the medium to high range. The RTP comes at 95.97%, while the maximum payout is 3,750x the bet.
Bonanza Megaways
Big Time Gaming
Bonanza is a highly followed Megaways title that boasts six reels, seven rows and up to 117,649 ways to win. You’ll unlock more ways to win to the maximum as you play, making this mining-themed pokie compelling. The volatility is high, but a 96% RTP sure makes up for it. You’ll enjoy great features in this Big Time Gaming pokie, including Cascading Reels, Free Spins and win multiplier features. The maximum win is impressive, standing boldly at 26,000x your stake.
Book of Dead
Play’n Go
Book of Dead is one of many “Book of” titles centred on ancient Egyptian civilisation. This pokie excels greatly amongst Kiwi players, despite the flooded Egyptian theme. The gameplay comes with five reels, three rows, ten paylines and immersive graphic designs. This Play’n Go title has an industry acceptable 96% RTP supplemented by a Free Spins feature and 5,000x maximum reward.
Sakura Fortune 2
Quickspin
Like most other widely played pokies in New Zealand, Sakura Fortune 2 is a sequel to the initial title that enjoys a massive audience. This Quickspin title boasts an Oriental theme with a 3-4-4-4-3 layout and 576 ways to win. The maximum payout of 19,664x makes Sakura 2 even more alluring. But it doesn’t end there, as you can always relish features like Re-spins with up to 3x multiplier boost. In the Free Spins feature, the game takes a more interesting turn, where Sakura wild reels are activated for more winning chances.
Big Bass Bonanza
Reel Kingdom
Get ready for the most epic fishing adventure you’ll ever find in online pokies. Big Bonanza from the Reel Kingdom has garnered great success, leading to multiple sequels. The fisherman brings some fantastic goodies through wilds with a simple layout of 5 reels, three rows and ten paylines. Appearing during the Free Spins feature, the fisherman adds new free spins and extra multipliers up to 10x as you play. The volatility is high, supported by 96.71% RTP and 2,100x maximum reward.
Gates of Olympus
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is noted for making outstanding titles, and Gates of Olympus lives up to that standard. This pokie has six reels, five rows, and a cluster pays mechanic. Powering a prominent Greek theme in which Zeus leads an array of Greek gods, you’ll find a 96.5% RTP and high volatility on this pokie. There’s the Tumble feature which increases winning chances in the base game. Zeus helps activate the Free Spins feature, during which you can land multipliers and unlimited free spins. All multipliers will pile up for a shot at the 5,000x highest win.
The Rave
NoLimit City
Join a memorable fun spree anchored on music and parties in The Rave pokie from NoLimit City. Made to distinction, The Rave invites you to party with DJ P5ychØ Manhunt. Presenting a 5-reel, 3-row and 243-ways to win gameplay, The Rave has high volatility and 96.09% RTP. This pokie has many impressive features, including Drop the Bass, Double xWays, Murder on the Dance Floor, God is a DJ and NoLimit Bonus features. Each component has an enriching mini-feature, while the highest reward is a whopping 41,500x your stake.
Champions of Mithrune
Play’n Go
Kiwi players will enjoy this fantasy-themed title from Play’n Go as the base game. The bonus round will deliver some thrilling action. The action happens on five reels, five rows and 20 paylines, complemented by high volatility and a 7,500x maximum payout. 3D graphics and 96.25% RTP make for riveting gameplay on Champions of Mithrune. This title has the Champion features, which boast five enthralling mini-features, and the Free Spins feature. These mini-features offer
Online Pokies Game Providers
A lot goes into designing and creating online pokies and other casino software. Well-established software houses deploy cutting-edge technology like HTML5 markup language to make sure every release is up to par. In addition, they are constantly evolving to facilitate their software on smartphones, tablets and PCs.
These software companies are usually regulated, and each software is tested and certified by reliable testing agencies like TST, eCOGRA, etc. With certifications from such agencies, you can count on the transparency of games at the best pokie casinos in NZ. Below are the leading software makers in NZ casinos.
Microgaming
Microgaming is a software behemoth primarily considered the biggest software brand in the casino landscape. Having established its business in 1994, Microgaming is one of the earliest companies to start creating online casino software. The company takes credit for some of the most exciting pokies in the industry, including successful progressive jackpot series like Mega Moolah, Major Millions and more.
Playtech
Since its establishment in I999, Playtech has been contributing to the global online casino market. Over two decades of creating a wide variety of software have given the company sufficient experience to tailor its games to almost all players. Although headquartered in the Isle of Man, the company’s pokies are present in every genuine online casino in New Zealand and most other gambling-friendly countries. Playtech’s Age of the Gods series is breathtaking, as well as Top Gun, Miss Fortune, Gladiator, Mr Cashback and others.
NetEnt
NetEnt is another brand in the cream of the crop regarding software development. The company commenced business in 1996 and continues to pioneer innovation and technology through its pokies. NetEnt is not only licensed in many jurisdictions; their titles are well sought-after in those places too. This is also the case in New Zealand casinos, with tons of players making NetEnt pokies their favourites. These titles span numerous kinds, themes, designs and payouts. Titles like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Divine Fortune and Twin Spin are some of the countless excellent pokies from NetEnt.
Play’n Go
Play’n Go is an easy name to come across if you’re interested in online pokies in NZ. Backed by multiple regulators, this software brand has been making games that pierce through barriers since 2005. Their portfolio encompasses over 300 pokies that are richly created for players who want optimum entertainment. This is why Play’n Go pokies remain on top of the competition at the best online pokies casinos in New Zealand. Play’n Go is behind the massively successful Book of Dead pokie, Rise of Olympus, Legacy of Dead, Reactoonz series, etc.
Betsoft
Having begun software development operations in 2006 and its headquarters in Malta, Betsoft has over 200 pokies. If you value excellent graphics and soundtracks, robust features and 3D animations, Betsoft pokies are an ideal place to start. With creativity and profound imagery, Betsoft has consistently placed its pokies amongst the top games in New Zealand casinos. We’re confident you will also enjoy popular Betsoft pokies. These include Take the Bank, Mr Vegas, Book of Helios, The Glam Life, Wilds of Fortune, and many more.
Yggdrasil Gaming
Yggdrasil Gaming is a quality-driven developer that makes games that stand the test of time and innovation. The company has only been around since 2013, yet it has over 110 pokies to its credit. Top gambling regulators worldwide licence Yggdrasil, and its titles are action-packed. The developer is known for some of the most impressive unique game mechanics, such as Splitz, Gigablox, DoubleMax, MultiMax and GigaRise. In addition, you can explore titles like Viking Go Berserk, Valley of the Gods, Jackpot Raiders, Raptor DoubleMax and others.
IGT
IGT began business in 1975 and has remained a steadfast and resilient brand in the gambling industry. The company made widespread recognition for developing land-based games but has since gone into online game development. Possessing a knack for value, IGT makes games with different kinds of players in mind. IGT is notable for branded pokies modelled on popular TV shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, etc. Meanwhile, Battleship, Cleopatra, Pharaoh’s Fortune, Wolf Run and Da Vinci Diamonds are some other fun-filled IGT pokies.
Aristocrat
Aristocrat is an Australian-based company that has existed since 1958, mainly producing pokie machines for land-based casinos. The company has since expanded their services to over 90 countries, including New Zealand. Kiwis can have a fun time playing Aristocrat online pokies like Moon Festival, Red Baron, lucky 88, Dragon Emperor, Werewolf Wild and lots more.
Online Pokie Bonuses
Casino bonuses help to make your pokie gameplay far more worthwhile. Lots of pokies can be played using generous offers that seek to help you maximise your gaming.
Prominent real money casinos in New Zealand, especially those on our lists, have superb bonuses for all players. These range from no deposit rewards to welcome packages, reloads, cashback, etc.
Bonus information
Welcome bonuses are widely offered at the best real money pokies online casinos in New Zealand, including our recommended sites. Welcome bonuses help you start gaming on a good note by rewarding your deposit as a new player.
While some casinos only offer this bonus on your first deposit, many others award them on your second, third and sometimes fourth deposit. It’s not uncommon to find that some welcome bonuses only have cash, while others have cash and free spins.
For instance, 100% of your 1st deposit up to NZD1,000 and 200 free spins on Book of Dead. You can make the most of your bonus and withdraw your winnings if you meet the attached wagering requirement.
Biggest Welcome Bonuses NZ
| Rank | Casino | Welcome Bonus | Play Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Craze Play Casino NZ | NZ$2500 | To casino |
| #2 | Slotman Casino NZ | NZ$2500 | To casino |
| #3 | Cadoola Casino NZ | NZ$2500 | To casino |
Free spins bonuses are some of the most recurrent offers at Kiwi casinos. Free spins are awarded to pokie enthusiasts so they can use them on pokies specified by the casino. So, with your offer, you can spin the reels of these pokies, have fun and perhaps rack up some wins.
These free spins usually have a cash value stated on the terms and conditions page. So, they are the equivalent of free cash from the casino to play several engaging pokies.
Have a look at our recommended free spins online casinos in New Zealand, claim your offer and enjoy yourself!
Top Free Spins No Deposit Casinos
Existing New Zealanders at top casinos are often given a bonus after making regular deposits. These bonuses are known as reloads, and casinos use them to appreciate players either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
So, you’ll quickly come across NZ casino sites that match any of your deposits, as long as you’re an existing active player. These match offers can be in the form of real cash, free spins, or both. Whichever reload offer you receive, ensure you study the bonus terms and adhere to them strictly.
Top Casinos With Reload Bonuses
A no-deposit bonus is an offer awarded to players without needing to place real money in the casino. No-deposit rewards are well coveted amongst casino players, but sadly, they are rarely offered. These bonuses may be awarded as free spins or cash, which you can use to win real money.
No-deposit free spins are more commonly awarded, providing you with several spins on some selected pokies for free. The free spins are usually moderate, ranging from 10 to 50 and sometimes 100. It’s important to stress that a wagering requirement often applies, so you must meet any such requirement before possible withdrawal.
Popular No Deposit Bonuses NZ
- No Deposit Free Spins
- No Deposit Welcome Bonus
- No Deposit Daily Bonuses
Popular Pokies to play with free spins
Mega Moolah and Starburst are among the best free online slots at popular NZ online casinos. Rather than play demo versions of pokies from Microgaming and NetEnt, you can play their real money pokies instead. When you play for real money, you can receive cash prizes that let you play even more popular NZ online pokies.
We have listed the most popular pokies played by NZ players.
| Online Pokies | Software Provider | RTP |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzo’s Quest | NetEnt | 96% |
| Book of Dead | Play’N Go | 96.21% |
| Starburst | NetEnt | 96.1% |
| Mega Moolah | Microgaming | 88.12% |
| Wolf Gold | Pragmatic Play | 96% |
| Fire Joker | Play’N Go | 96.15% |
| Piggy Riches Megaways | Red Tiger Gaming | 95.71% |
| Rainbow Riches | Barcrest Games | 95% |
| 9 Masks of Fire | Microgaming | 96.24% |
| Lucky Larrys Lobstermania | IGT | 94.14% |
Best Pokie Online Casinos 2022
Skol Casino is among the newest operators to join the New Zealand gambling market. The casino was formed in 2021 by White Hat Gaming and holds a license from the Malta Gaming Authority. Partnership with multiple gaming providers means players enjoy access to a variety of pokies, table and live games.
With a large number of NZ subscribers, the site offers you suitable Kiwi payment options like Skrill and Neteller amongst others. New players enjoy a welcome package up to NZ$1300 and 250 free spins
Launched in 2014, Hello Casino continues to attract interest from NZ players. The site is managed by White Hat Gaming and operates with a license from the Malta Gaming Authority.
It partners with top-tier gaming providers. These include Microgaming and Evolution, which give users access to premium titles. Payments are also smooth thanks to the suitable Kiwi banking options like Neosurf, Skrill, and Neteller. Discover what this operator has in store for you and how to benefit from the NZ$500 welcome package.
Frank & Fred Casino was established in 2018. The operator holds a coveted license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The MGA’s remarkable reputation makes provider players from New Zealand with trust and fairness.
What’s more, the casino treats you to a welcome bonus sufficient to test what it has in store for you. The diversity of the game library is another thing that endears this casino to kiwis. We invite you to read our comprehensive review below for more insight.
Free Pokies vs. Real Money Pokies
We are firm advocates of free pokie gaming because free pokies allow you to practise any appealing game without depositing real money. Nonetheless, playing for free means that you can’t win real money.
So, even if you’d like to play online pokies for real money, it’s also good to try out the free games for some time. Below are the upsides and downsides accompanying both choices.
Free Pokies
- You can learn how any game works and what it offers in terms of features, audiovisuals, payouts and so on without depositing real money
- You can’t win real money when playing pokies online for free.
- A great way to spend your leisure and grab some fun with no risks attached
- It’s impossible to qualify for bonuses and promotions with free pokies
- You don’t need to have a casino account before you can play for free
- Most free games require you to refresh your game after some minutes of play
- It’s also possible to play just about any pokie in the lobby, however long you may like to
Real Money Pokies
- If you’re lucky, you can win real money on these pokies, including the biggest progressive jackpot titles
- Real money pokies are risky, as you can win or lose your funds.
- Bonuses and promotions are reserved for real money pokie players
- If you claim real money pokie bonuses, it may be challenging to meet their wagering requirements and withdraw your winnings
- Better customer support attention is given to players who wager real money.
- Only real money players can receive loyalty points/credits and benefit from loyalty program perks.
Author
Nonso.
A digital media practitioner with several years of experience in iGaming content writing. Enjoys writing engaging blogs and reviews to keep readers in the loop on what’s trending in the gambling world.
I also deliver fresh insights into the toughest issues you might have with online gambling and gaming.
Sources
- wikipedia.com
- casino.org
- askgamblers.com
