Best NZ Online Pokies – Play for Real Money

Do you have trouble deciding which NZ online pokies to play? We are here to assist you. Our team at OnlineCasinoNZ specializes in selecting the best online pokies for all Kiwi players who can’t make up their minds. Kiwi players are exceptionally keen on playing slots, so It’s no wonder they struggle to choose the best online pokies real money NZ.

Best online pokies in New Zealand - a list of the best pokie sites

A variety of online pokies - the best slots

So, here, we’ll provide a list of our top selected slots, the reasons why we chose them, our selection criteria, the most popular software providers and also explore the types of pokies NZ deeper. 

Online Pokies for Real Money for Kiwis
NZ websites with real money pokiesMore than 70
The Best Pokies CasinoSkycrown
Top Online PokiesGonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah, Starburst
Minimum depositNZ$1
Maximum prize375 free spins
Playthrough Requirements20-60x
CountryNew Zealand

TOP 10 Online Pokies Sites in New Zealand

We at OnlineCasinoNZ are a reliable and honest review site and you can definitely rely on our choice for the best online pokies.
We deliver our verdict regarding these websites after thoroughly and carefully inspect all the aspects that are important to our Kiwi reader – all with the purpose of presenting candid and fact-based reviews for you.

You can confidently consult with our rank and rate for online pokies sites and decide on one on your own.

Top online pokies sites for Kiwis players - detailed review

#1

Skycrown Casino

Skycrown

4.8

A brand new site launched in 2022, Skycrown offers lots of pokies, tables, cards, and live games by 50+ software providers.

  • A rich lobby of diverse online games.
  • A very well-developed conscientious gaming section.
  • Option to switch between currencies.

Bonus Icon

300% up to NZ$4,000
SkyCrown Casino Review

#2

stay casino Logo

Stay Casino

4.7

Another new addition to the gaming industry, Stay Casino provides games by 50+ software providers and many bonuses.

  • A great VIP Club.
  • Satisfactory diversity of online games.
  • A long list of available payment methods.

Bonus Icon

400% up to NZ$1020
Stay Casino Review

#3

Joo Casino Logo

Joo Casino

4.6

Launched in 2014 and licensed by Curaçao, Joo still offers top casino games and generous promos.

  • Crypto-friendly gambling website.
  • A vast portrayal of software vendors.
  • A great variety of casino games.

Bonus Icon

200% up to NZ$3,000
Joo Casino Review

#4

Tsars Casino Logo

Tsars Casino

4.6

Tsars is a safe casino site licensed by Curaçao that offers a substantial prize of NZ$2,000.

  • Exceptional segment and ofer of live dealer games.
  • Rapid withdrawals.
  • Live Chat available in multiple languages.

Bonus Icon

215% up to NZ$2,000
Tsars Casino Review

#5

Casino Rocket Logo

Casino Rocket

4.6

Rewarding players since 2020, newcomers at Casino Rocket can spin the fortune wheel for an amazing start.

  • Favourable monthly payout caps.
  • Bountiful promotions for existing players and new arrivals.
  • Accepts payments in crypto.

Bonus Icon

150% up to NZ$1,500
Casino Rocket Review

#6

golden crown casino Logo

Golden Crown

4.5

Golden Crown offers more than 2,500 games for all Kiwi gamblers, and it is licensed by Curaçao.

  • Quick withdrawal processing time.
  • Accepts payments in cryptocurrency.
  • 24/7/365 support.

Bonus Icon

100% up to NZ$10,000
Golden Crown Casino Review

#7

tangiers casino Logo

Tangiers

4.5

Tangiers Casino is a Kiwi gambling site with many games on disposal, and it has actively operated since 2016.

  • Bitcoin-accepting site.
  • Nice site layout.
  • Customer support reached by live chat 24/7.

Bonus Icon

750% up to NZ$7,500
Tangiers Casino Review

#8

N1 Casino Logo

N1 Casino

4.6

Impressive online casinos for first-time players with nice bonus offers and loyalty program.

  • Minimalistic website layout and great visual effects.
  • A plethora of online games on offer.
  • Cryptocurrencies available.

Bonus Icon

300% up to NZ$600
N1 Casino Review

#9

hell spin casino Logo

Hell Spin

4.4

Another new site, Hell Spin, portrays a great welcome pack and games by 60+ software vendors.

  • Huge selection of games.
  • Tournaments with high prize pools.
  • A great VIP program.

Bonus Icon

150% up to NZ$1,200
Hell Spin Casino Review

#10

Ricky Casino Logo

Ricky Casino

4.4

Licenced and regulated by multiple supervisory bodies, Ricky Casino is exceptionally risk-free and also fun to gamble at.

  • Pleasant website design.
  • Multiple valid licences obtained.
  • A generous welcome offer upon the first 6 deposits.

Bonus Icon

450% up to NZ$7,500
Ricky Casino Review

The Most Popular Varieties of Online Pokies

Types of pokies games at online casinos in New Zealand

Pokies are undoubtedly the most popular games among Kiwi players. These games involve the spinning of reels and rows, and winnings are acquired by triggering a set of combinations of high-paying and low-paying symbols.

We all know the common features pokies share, but these games also differ in some aspects. Real money online pokies are divided into several categories based on their inherent, essential features.

Classic Pokies

The very first game of this kind, classic pokies, is a notion that is linked to the traditional versions of these games that firstly appeared in offline, land-based casinos. Usually based upon 3 reels and with fruit-themed gameplay, there are many popular classic pokies still played today.

Classic slots games for Kiwis players

Pokies with three reels - line out

3 Reel

The simplest subtype of classic online slots NZ are the 3-reel slots, based on a payline with 3 columns and 3 rows.

These games are basic and don’t include many bonus features or possible winning combinations, which makes them the simplest type of pokies and very easy to get the gist of. 3-reel pokies most frequently come with just one winning payline, even though there are cases when more upgraded 3-reel pokies come with as many as 9 paylines.

5 Reel

5-reel New Zealand online pokies are a modern type of slots that are based upon precisely 5 columns and 5 rows, with more paylines and symbols that can appear. These games come with individual features and mini-games integrated, and also paylines can vary from one slot to another, with the most common number being 20 paylines.

Compared to 3-reel slots, these games feature advanced graphics and sound effects and pay special attention to creating an attractive storyline for players.

Slots with five reels - the number of paylines

Casino games with themes and advanced graphics - Video Pokies

Video Pokies

Video pokies are just an upgraded version of the classic ones, delivering more bonus opportunities, advanced graphics and state-of-the-art visual effects. Among the most remarkable features of Video Pokies are the divergent themes on which their storylines are based, some of the most popular being Egyptian history and mythology, Asian themes, Action topics, Mediaeval themes, Western themes, Wildlife and Animal Kingdom themes, and many more.

Providers have switched towards releasing video slots mostly, so this type of game is among the top-played pokies among Kiwis today.

3D Pokies

3D real money pokies are the latest generation of this type of game which allows players to enjoy a life-like screen that appears as realistic as possible. Special attention is paid to cutting-edge visual technologies, sound quality and storyline.

The newest pokies with great graphics and sounds - 3D Pokies

Slots with the possibility of winning the Jackpot for players from New Zealand

Progressive Pokies

Progressive online pokie machines feature an increasing jackpot whose amount rises each time a player wagers on that particular game. These types of slots are hugely popular among Kiwis because of the opportunity to win a whopping sum of money.

Fruit Slots

Probably the most common and numerous types, these slots are based on a fruit theme, with the high and low paying symbols consisting of different kinds of fruits. These are evergreen and are present at all NZ pokie sites.

Pokies in New Zealand online casino with fruit symbols

Tournaments in casino games for Kiwi Players

Slot Tournaments

The most confident of Kiwi players can participate in slot tournaments and play pokies online to win real money while competing with other players in a given timeframe. Online pokies sites often host tournaments and display them in their special section for easier navigation.


Top Real Money NZ Pokies for Kiwis

New Zealanders tend to play some online pokie games over and over again. The reasons for repeatedly choosing the same ones can be different – a progressive jackpot, a certain theme, or some favourable feature like a high-paying wild symbol.

Take a look at the most-played online pokies real money NZ.

The most popular pokies in New Zealand - a list of famous games

  • Mega Moolah Logo

    Mega Moolah

    The most sought-after Microgaming release, Mega Moolah has been the top choice of Kiwis since 2006. This progressive slot is based on a 5-reel grid, with 3 rows and 25 fixed paylines. Its RTP is 88.12%, and its volatility is medium to high.

    Mega Moolah has 25 winning bet lines and the minimum coin size is NZ$0.25 per bet and the maximum is NZ$6.35 per bet. Players can enjoy the theme of the hot and dry, tropical African Savanna and also several features can be triggered such as free spins, and a jackpot bonus game.

  • Immortal Romance Logo

    Immortal Romance

    Another popular release by Microgaming, Immortal Romance, revolves around a fantasy of vampires, taking place in an eerie castle.

    This 5-reel online pokie has 243 paylines, medium variance and an RTP of 96.86%. The minimum wager players can set per line is NZ$0.30, while the maximum is NZ$30. Immortal Romance can be played at most New Zealand pokies sites and comes with a bonus round of free spins, but this game doesn’t include a jackpot that can be triggered.

  • Book of Ra Logo

    Book of Ra

    Book of Ra was launched in 2005 by Novomatic and explored the omnipresent theme of ancient Egypt. This pokie is the perfect choice for rookies in the field, featuring 9 paylines, 5 reels and 3 rows. Its RTP is 96%, and it has a high volatility range.

    The highest payout that can be generated by playing this game is 25,000x your wager, and the minimum bet per line is NZ$0.01, while the maximum is NZ$5. Book of Ra offers an exciting free spins bonus round to be triggered, as well as a ‘Gamble’ feature, which lets you choose whether you’ll keep your winnings or ‘gamble’ them with the risk of losing them but also with the benefit of doubling them.

  • Starburst Logo

    Starburst

    All who wish to play online pokies cannot skip Starburst – a widely-known NetEnt release that was introduced in the industry in 2012. Featuring an amazing Starburst Wild symbol, this 5-reel slot has 10 paylines, and the highest payout is 250x your stake, amounting up to NZ$5,000. Its volatility is low, and the RTP is 96.09%.

  • Sunrise Reels Logo

    Sunrise Reels

    Realistic Gaming may not be as big a name as the others on the list, but Sunrise Reels is greatly played among Kiwi players. This classic 3-reel slot with simple visuals and symbols will satiate the needs of beginners, offering 5 paylines and a top jackpot prize of 60x your wager.

    The RTP of this entertaining slot is 95.27%, and the minimum coin size is NZ$0.25, while the maximum is NZ$200. The game is arcade-like, with fruit and nature symbols, including lemon, watermelon, the Sun, the sea, among others.

  • Gonzo's Quest Logo

    Gonzo’s Quest

    Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt is among the most popular slots NZ found on most gambling sites. Players are on a quest to find the lost city of El Dorado together with Gonzalo, while an Inca temple is placed in the background. The game’s RTP is 96%, and it has 20 paylines and several bonus features, including free spins.

  • Buffalo King Logo

    Buffalo King

    Pragmatic Play’s impressive release, Buffalo King has been chosen over and over again at online pokies real money sites. This game comes with 4096 betways, an RTP of 96.06% and high volatility. The 6-reel slot is based on an Old western theme featuring symbols such as buffalo, eagle, cougar, and moose.

  • The Dog House Logo

    The Dog House

    Another release by Pragmatic Play, The Dog House, is a 3-reel slot with a maximum win of 6,750 times your wager. This highly volatile slot with an RTP of 96.51% can be played on Autoplay mode, but there are also two other modes to be activated – Quickspin and Turbospin.

  • Bonanza Logo

    Bonanza

    An amazing game produced by Big Time gaming, Bonanza is a simple game with a free spins feature of a maximum of 12 spins by triggering 4 scatters, which in the game are the letters G, O, L, and D. The RTP of the game is 96%, and it has high volatility.

    The least you can wager per line is NZ$0.20, while the maximum bet is NZ$500. The most amazing fact about this game is that it comes with a whopping 117,649 paylines.

  • Elvis Frog in Vegas Logo

    Elvis Frog in Vegas

    BGaming deserves a spot on the top pokies list, with its most popular release – Elvis Frog in Vegas. The theme is already fun, and Elivs frog takes over Las Vegas, with great sound effects along the way. It’s medium-high volatility, a 5-reel slot with 25 paylines and a mega jackpot of 1,000x your wager.

    The RTP of Elvis Frog in Vegas is 94%, and the minimum bet per spin is NZ$2.5, while the maximum is NZ$25. The game offers the opportunity to activate a couple of special features, such as the Coin bonus round, where you collect as many coins from the reels as possible, and also the Tutti-frutti jackpot.


Try Playing Online Pokies for Free

Pokies demo mode for Kiwi players

The best NZ online pokies come with the possibility of free, or demo, play, which is one of the most used features of online pokies in recent years.

We definitely recommend trying to play pokies online for free prior to investing your own money. This is quite beneficial because it gives you a hint of what the overall gameplay is, the paylines and symbols to watch out for, and also the features you can trigger.

Once you are familiar with the game mechanics and the gameplay after trying the free play slot, you can easily and more confidently switch to real money play.


By what criteria do you choose the best online Pokies sites

Our selection process is thorough and meticulous because we always pay the most attention when analysing the games in order to present the best online pokies NZ for our valued readers.

Take a look at the criteria we rely on when choosing the best online pokies for Kiwis.

Choosing the best casino pokies site - criteria for evaluation

Official Casino Sites for New Zealand Players

Accessibility to New Zealanders

Imagine looking for a site that accepts Kiwi players on your own – it can be quite long-lasting. To make it easier, we make sure that the sites we suggest to you are also legal, licensed and officially accept players from New Zealand.

Popularity, legality and licence

The reputation of a pokies site should never be overlooked, so we always read players’ reviews to check their experiences.

We determine the best online pokies sites by following several strict criteria, popularity, legality and licence of NZ casinos. That being said, having obtained a proper licence is a must for a casino to be included in our reviews.

The reputation of the casino site in New Zealand and the existence of a license

Variety of pokies as an indicator of a good site

Number of games in the lobby

The best sites usually come with the biggest diversity, especially when it comes to New Zealand online pokies. Thousands of 3-reel, 5-reel, bonus buy, progressive, pays any, or any other type of pokie should be included in the lobby. Alongside slots, the selected casino should offer a satisfactory selection of other games as well, such as table and card games, live dealers, progressive slots, and specialty games.

Welcome Bonus for Newbies

We pay special attention to how an NZ pokies online site greets their new customers. A great welcome bonus awards players with multiple prizes, such as a deposit bonus and some free spins on the side, and also comes with fair terms, conditions, and requirements.

In order to determine the best pokies sites, we always thoroughly rate and rank their welcome offer and all the bonus terms that are attached to it.

Awarding new Kiwi players a welcome bonus from online casinos

New Zealand casino freespin incentives for players

Free Spins available

Whether incorporated in the welcome offer, given as a daily prize or, even better, as a no deposit bonus – free spins should be an integrated part of a casino’s bonus offer. Playing with free spins, you can explore more pokies, and your opportunity of winning is increased.

The criteria we use when determining which pokies sites to recommend are whether they include free spins in their bonus offers, and how fair are the bonus terms that Kiwis need to meet when playing with the spins.

Average RTP of the games

We also search for the RTP of most of the games present in the lobby of a certain casino. The Return To Player ratio directly impacts how much you can win by playing on the site. Such gambling sites with high RTP games are in a far more advantageous position than other competitive brands.

The rate of return of funds to the Kiwis player from online casinos

Loading speed of slots as an indicator of a good casino

Slots loading speed

It’s not about having a plethora of pokies on offer; it’s about their loading speed and the quality of the gameplay. How fast pokies load is of utter importance for players to enjoy a comfortable gaming experience. The games shouldn’t lag or glitch because, in that case, players are facing risks of losing money, and nobody wants to play on problematic slots. Another point we inspect is how slots behave on 3G, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi connections.

Online pokies New Zealand found at reputable casino sites should load quickly and offer a quality experience embellished with great visual and sound effects.

Mobile Gaming

Many Kiwi players nowadays prefer using their mobile phones when gambling. As a result, we inspect whether casino websites have their mobile version fully adapted to handheld devices and also whether the pokies are optimised to be played via mobile. We do this by testing the games on all Android, iOS, and Windows devices.

Checking online casinos for mobile devices

Pokies providers in casinos - the number and variety

A wide range of providers

The names present among the list of software providers at a certain pokies site also play an important role. The presence of widely-known software vendors with years of experience behind them can guarantee a fair and delightful game experience, and their quantity is a crucial factor.

Having a wide range of software developers to choose from is a vital feature that online casinos must possess.

Ability to pay NZD

Being able to pay in your own currency makes things significantly simpler. Most of the NZ pokies sites accept payments in their native currency, the New Zealand Dollar, but there are some which don’t include it on the list of accepted currencies, even though they warmly welcome Kiwi players.

Deposit via NZD currency in online casino

Security

Checking how secure your personal data and transactions are at a certain NZ pokies site is always our top priority. We never fail to check whether the site uses SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, or other security measures which guarantee the safety of the information you provide and the money you deposit.

Protection of personal data and payment methods at online casinos in New Zealand


Main Terms of Online Pokies

Before you start playing slots on one of the gambling websites that we recommend for you, it would be helpful to know some of the most used terms in almost all games of this type.

  • Wild Logo

    Wild

    The Wild is usually the highest-paying symbol that appears on the reels of a slot machine. The Wild’s best feature is that it can replace any other symbol, except the Scatter symbols, which can maximize the win from a payline. Imagine the Wild being the counterpart of the Joker when playing cards or the Deuces Wild when playing poker.

  • Symbols Logo

    Symbols

    Symbols are the various images that switch when spinning the reels of a pokies online real money machine. These are categorized as low-paying and high-paying symbols and depending on the theme of the slot. Certain combinations they make result in a scored win.

  • Payline Logo

    Payline

    A payline is a specific, predetermined combination of symbols on a reel that results in a payout. Depending on the slot’s mechanics, these combinations can appear vertically, horizontally, diagonally, zigzag, or in any way on the reels. The number of paylines is determined by the software producer.

  • One-armed bandit Logo

    One-armed bandit

    This somewhat derogatory term refers to the big handle that classic slot machines in land-based casinos had, i.e. the ‘one arm’. It was a handle that players pulled down to trigger the spinning of the reels.

  • Rollup Logo

    Rollup

    The roll-up is a special, celebratory sound effect that occurs when a great win has been scored, such as a jackpot, for instance. It usually sounds like the counting of coins, which emphasizes the credits that have been won.

  • Fruit machine Logo

    Fruit machine

    This is an old term for a slot machine that was used in the past in land-based casinos. Pokies were called fruit machines because the theme and the symbols they shared were all based on different fruits.

  • Stakes Logo

    Stakes

    Stakes, or wagers, refer to the money you invest when playing a specific pokie. Slots usually come with a minimum or maximum stake you can enter per spin. The stake amount influences your payout, depending on the symbols and payline as well.

  • Auto-play Logo

    Auto-play

    Autoplay is a type of mode which is available at most pokies online NZ. Instead of hitting the button to spin manually, you can activate the Autoplay, and the reels will stop and spin on their own.

  • Big Bertha Logo

    Big Bertha

    Big Bertha cannot be played online because it is a physical slot machine based only in offline casinos. The slot is more than 2 metres tall, and each reel comes with 20 symbols, making it possible to trigger 26 billion combinations.

  • Bet per line Logo

    Bet per line

    Since how much you win is determined by the amount of money you bet on each payline, if you wager NZ$10 on 10 possible paylines, this means that your bet per line is NZ$1.

  • Bet Max Logo

    Bet Max

    Each slot comes with a minimum or maximum bet you place per spin. These are displayed towards the bottom of the screen when you play pokies online.

  • Coin Hopper Logo

    Coin Hopper

    In the past, slot machines functioned by inserting coins in a designated place. A Coin Hopper is a place where coins are kept in order to be given to players when they score a win.

  • Instant Win Logo

    Instant Win

    Instant wins are fast-paced mini-games where players are quickly notified of whether they have won a round or not. They are an integrated feature that can be triggered at some online pokies.

  • Scatter Logo

    Scatter

    Scatters, or scatter symbols, are usually high-paying icons that appear on slots and provide a certain payout once you score them in a particular number and a particular combination.


The Best Online Pokies Software Developers

There are numerous software providers that produce online pokies NZ that Kiwi players enjoy while playing on gambling sites. Nevertheless, out of the many, there are several names that stand out and whose pokies are sought-after throughout New Zealand pokies online sites.

Below, we’ll share some information on the most prominent software vendors in the iGaming industry right now.

List of well-known and reliable software providers in New Zealand

  • Microgaming Logo

    Microgaming

    This widely-known software provider started creating quality games in 1994, and its main headquarters are in Douglas, Isle of Man. Microgaming has produced hundreds of online casino games, including slots, tables, and card games. Their online slots NZ can be found at almost every online casino, and the most popular releases include Immortal Romance, Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck, Book of OZ.

  • NetEnt Logo

    NetEnt

    NetEnt is another reputable brand among software vendors, and the company was established in 1996 in Sweden. The provider has been creating exceptional gambling software and top-quality games for over 20 years now and collaborates with a lot of sites where Kiwi players can play pokies online. The most popular NetEnt games are Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Dead or Alive, Twin Spin.

  • Playtech Logo

    Playtech

    Founded in 1999 in Tartu, Estonia, Playtech is a world-renowned brand that has been developing online casino games of all kinds – poker, slots, scratch games, bingo, mobile-adapted games, and many others. Play tech games offer high-end entertainment and are available at most NZ pokies sites. Some of the most played Playtech pokies are Green Lantern, Age of Gods Series, Miss Fortune.

  • aristocrat logo

    Aristocrat

    Even though it might not be as popular as the rest of the names on our list, Aristocrat’s games are widely popular among Kiwi players because they offer unique gameplay and great visual effects. The company was established in Sydney, Australia, and currently, the most famous games produced by this software vendor are Buffalo, Queen of the Nile, 5 Dragons Gold.

  • BetSoft logo

    BetSoft

    BetSoft is yet another widely-acclaimed software vendor, providing top-notch casino games, including the most recent 3D slots. Though not as experienced as other providers on the list, Betsoft has been creating quality online slots since 2006. The most played games by this software vendor are Good Girl, Bad Girl, ChilliPop, Safari Sam, Ogre Empire.

  • Play’N Go logo

    Play’N Go

    Play’N Go was launched in 1997 in Vaxjo, Sweden. Since then, it has produced hundreds of online games for lots of online gambling websites, each release bringing even more innovation than the previous. Kiwi players can enjoy many of the pokies provided by this software vendor at the best NZ online pokies sites, and the most played are Book of Dead, Moon Princess, and Fire Joker.

  • IGT Logo

    IGT

    International Game Technology, or IGT, is a popular software provider which has been actively embellishing the iGaming industry with its quality game releases since 1975. As one of the oldest-functioning companies on our list, IGT has gone through several milestones in its existence but keeps on producing entertaining online games. The most popular among Kiwis are Cleopatra, Double Diamond, Coyote Moon.

  • Evolution Gaming Logo

    Evolution Gaming

    Evolution Gaming is another popular software provider which originates from Sweden, and the company was launched in 2006. Since then, the producer has spread throughout Europe and America, having recently opened studios in Riga, Latvia and Malta. The company produces all kinds of online casino games, mostly focusing on tables and live dealer games. Some popular releases include Sic Bo, Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack.

  • Yggdrasil Gaming Logo

    Yggdrasil Gaming

    Yggdrasil is a software vendor which was established in 2013 in Sweden but nowadays has offices throughout Europe, such as Poland and Malta. The games that Yggdrasil provides promise uniqueness and fun, and it’s one of the most popular providers with a solid reputation among Kiwi gamblers. The most popular online pokie machines from Yggdrasil are Jackpot Riders, Niagara Falls, Vikings go to Hell.

  • Real-Time Gaming Logo

    Real-Time Gaming

    Launching its software services in 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia, Real Time Gaming, or RTG, is an American software vendor that has been producing exceptional casino games, ranging from pokies and bingo to mobile and flash games. Numerous online pokies sites offer games produced by Real Time Gaming; the most played are Cash Bandits, Bubble Bubble Series, Fire Dragon, Spirit of the Inca, Megasaur.


We Give you 7 Basic Tips for Playing Online Pokies NZ

Basic tips for Kiwis players to play at the casino

If you want to make the most of playing the best online pokies real money NZ, then it’s best to be equipped with some useful tips and strategies. This shouldn’t be your primary source of income because, after all, pokies are games of chance.

Our team at OnlineCasinosNZ has gathered enough info and presents the top 7 tips you should keep in mind when you play pokies online.

  • 1

    Test The Game via Demo Mode – Even though some of you wouldn’t like wasting time playing the pokies without any stakes involved, we recommend using the demo free play mode that many sites offer as a means of testing the game. It’s handy to get familiar with the game mechanics and the overall gameplay before depositing and playing for real money.

  • 2

    Take Advantage of Bonuses Linked to Pokies – Bonuses are popular for a reason, and they might give you the little push that you need in order to get a winning streak at your favourite pokie. Read the terms and conditions carefully and claim a bonus for a better start, especially one that rewards several free spins to be used on a particular game you would have played anyway.

  • 3

    Allocate Funds Beforehand – It’s very important to remember to set a budget when playing online pokies for real money. Estimate beforehand how much you can afford to lose and do your calculations the right way. It’s not only about playing as much as you can; it’s always about smart and responsible playing.

  • 4

    Carefully Choose the Casino – Do your research and avoid registering anywhere just so you start playing sooner rather than later. The reputation of the casino, its security and its licence directly influence your withdrawals of potential winnings. To stay in a safe area, always choose from the list of NZ pokies sites that we recommend for you.

  • 5

    Look for Pokies with the Highest RTP – The RTP determines how much money that players have wagered will the game give back in the form of winnings. The higher the percentage, the bigger the chances to score a win while playing high RTP games.

  • 6

    Choose RNG Programmed Pokies to Avoid Playing Rigged Ones – RNG, or Random Number Generator, guarantees that the pokie is fair and generates a random set of numbers that are improbable to predict in any way. Choose sites that offer pokies with RNG and steer away from the risk of rigged pokies.

  • 7

    Pay Attention to Volatility in Slots – Volatility matters because if you play low-volatile slots, you will get frequent wins, but they’ll be small and less significant. On the other hand, high volatility slots bring winnings less frequently but the ones you score are larger and more profitable.


Take Your Best Bonus at Online Pokies

Promotions are present at almost every pokies online real money site, and Kiwi players are eager to take advantage of the best prizes that come with each. Each casino bonus has its own set of conditions that players need to get familiar with before claiming it.

The best promotions at online slots for casino Kiwi players - conditions of wagering

No deposit bonuses at online casinos in New Zealand

Playing Online Pokies NZ No Deposit

Surely the most desired bonus among Kiwis or any other gambling enthusiast is the no-deposit online pokies bonus. Claiming this kind of bonus means playing real money pokies without depositing at all. This bonus usually comes in the form of free spins or free money that should be used on specified slots NZ.

If you come across such a bonus on the best online pokies sites, carefully check the terms and all details around it before claiming it.

Free Spins

Free spins are the best prize when you are a slot machine fan. These spins are usually an integral part of some other bonus, such as a welcome offer or reload promo, but can often be given out to players as a no deposit bonus.

Free spins can come without restrictions, meaning that you can use them on whichever pokies NZ you wish, or the casino might limit several games where you can play the spins through.

Promotions in online pokies in the form of free spins for Kiwis players

Conditions for bonuses at online casinos in New Zealand

Terms and Conditions

Whichever bonus you claim, don’t skip reading the terms and conditions attached to it. These conditions will give you valuable data regarding the wagering requirements, maximum wins, withdrawal limits, designated games, the minimum deposit, and other aspects.

If you find any of these points hard to reach, then it’s better to skip claiming that particular bonus and look for another one.

How to Find the Best Online Pokies Bonuses

Finding the best online pokies bonus requires patience and research. What you need to do is check our table with casinos and their bonuses, and narrow down your selection to compare and contrast the bonuses they provide.

Once you have a clear picture of their bonus offer, you’ll be able to choose the one that seems fairest and suits your preferences the most.

Search top bonuses for online casino Kiwi players


Free Pokies vs. Real Money Pokies

Comparison of demo mode and real-money games at online casinos

There is a huge, obvious difference between playing free pokies and real money pokies. Free slots are there to enable you to practise and get to know the game better, but you cannot win actual money, which is the case when playing real money pokies only.

Free Online Pokies Real Money Online Pokies

Demo pokies are available without registration or depositing actual funds.

To play for real money, you need to register, but you are in for winning large jackpots and other prizes like free spins.

Kiwis can enjoy as many games as they wish without doing any budget calculations or playing responsibly.

If you play for real money, a whole new set of games that don’t come with a free mode will be available to you.

Though you won’t spend any money, if you play free pokies, you can’t earn loyalty points, claim bonuses, or participate in VIP clubs.

There is a plethora of bonuses and other rewarding opportunities for those who choose to play real money pokies.

Demo play is the best for beginners who are getting to know how pokies function and need further practise to feel confident.

Real money is at stake all the time, so you need to be careful on how much you can afford to spend.


Mobile Pokies NZ

Playing pokies via mobile is a common appearance among players from New Zealand. NZ pokies sites have done their best to enable mobile pokies to be smoothly played on handheld devices, and there are two possible options.

Some of them develop a dedicated mobile app for Kiwi gamblers to download on their Android and iOS devices. However, this is a less preferred option because it’s not always possible to download and install them via the App Store or Google Play.

Another, more common option is to optimise the official casino site for mobile usage, thus offering mobile-adapted pokies for Kiwi gamblers. Additionally, casinos strive to present as many mobile pokies as possible in their online mobile lobbies.

Playing pokies via cell phone for Kiwi players


Advantages of Online Pokies Casinos

List of pros at online slots in New Zealand

Playing NZ pokies online has a lot of benefits compared to visiting the nearest traditional casino venue. We present below some of the benefits Kiwi players can enjoy if they choose to play pokies online.

  • 1

    Play whenever, wherever you like – The obvious advantage is that if you are willing to spend a short gambling session playing your favourite pokie, you can just log in from your laptop or mobile to the chosen online casino and play at any hour, from home or while you commute.

  • 2

    A vast collection of games – New Zealand pokies online sites portray a huge diversity of games that players can select from. When compared to a land-based casino, the quantity is quite larger when playing at online gambling platforms.

  • 3

    Bonuses with free spins rewards – When playing online, you are in for a real treat coming from the bonuses you can claim at almost any online casino you choose. Pokies sites offer many promotions to Kiwis, such as welcome offers, free spins, and reload bonuses, among others.

  • 4

    Low minimum wagers – Online slots make it possible to bet with really low amounts; some of them even make it possible to play with NZ$0.01, which isn’t the case with slot machines at land-based casinos.

  • 5

    Payments in native currency – New Zealanders who play online can choose a site that allows payments in their currency, NZD. This is a convenient advantage that Kiwis appreciate, especially because


How to Find and Start playing Best Online Pokies NZ

In order to make sure that you are playing your favourite pokies, we have prepared for you a thorough, step-by-step process regarding how to find and start playing the best online pokies NZ.

  1. Step 1 – Check out our list of real money pokies sites and choose one of our recommendations.
  2. Step 2 – Register an account.
  3. Step 3 – Visit the lobby and try playing some NZ pokies via demo mode.
  4. Step 4 – Go to the Cashier, choose a payment method, and deposit a certain amount.
  5. Step 5 – Go back to the lobby and choose the pokies to play for real money.

Kiwi Player's Guide to Finding an Online Casino


Nicole Goodwin - Main Author of the OnlinecasinosNZ site

Nicole Goodwin

23.08.2022
27.12.2023

FAQ

Which Games are Called Online Pokies?

Online pokies are a certain type of casino game that is made up of reels and rows. They are the online version of slot machines that are available and played at land-based casinos.

In What Way do Online Pokies Function?

Online pokies work by forming certain paylines when players spin the reels, and the payout is determined by a combination of symbols that appears on the reels. The number of paylines and how much the symbols pay are determined by the software producer.

Is There a Difference Between Online Slots and Online Pokies?

No, there isn’t. Slots and pokies are just different notions that refer to the same type of games. The term pokies is more commonly used among players from Australia and New Zealand.

Which are the Best NZ Online Pokies?

Every player chooses their favourite NZ pokies, but there are several games that are most played among Kiwi gamblers. Some of these are Immortal Romance, Book of Ra, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Sunrise Reels.

Am I Legally Allowed to Play Pokies Online in New Zealand?

Yes, it is absolutely legal to play online pokies on legit and reputable casino sites. Before deciding on deposit money to play real money pokies, make sure that the site you choose is validly licensed by a gaming authority.

Is It Safe and Secure to Play Real Money Slots?

Yes, it is completely safe to play pokies for real money if you take certain things into consideration. Always sign up at licences and secure casino sites and choose pokies that are provided by widely-known, veteran software vendors.

Payout Percentage – How Big Is it at Online Pokies?

The payout percentage, or RTP, is the portion of the money the game will return to players when compared with the money they used to wager on it. Every pokie has a different RTP, but the percentage you see isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get that much of the money back because it is just an average amount.

What’s the Maximum Amount I can Win by Playing Online Pokies?

The amount you win when playing a certain slot can never be specifically determined because it is arbitrary and different for every session. However, some players have won jackpots on progressive slots, ranging from several thousand to more than a million NZD.

Is Cheating Allowed When Playing Pokies and Can I Win?

Cheating when playing slots is never a good idea, and it doesn’t increase the chances of winning some money at all. Serious problems might arise if you are caught cheating at an online casino, which is clarified in their terms and conditions.

What Are the Most Popular Progressive Jackpots among Kiwi Players?

Progressive slots are quite sought-after by Kiwi players because of the opportunity to win a substantial amount of money. Currently, the most popular progressive jackpots are Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods, Jackpot Giant.

How do I Get Access to the Best Free Slots?

Free slots are available at most of the best online pokies sites, and this enables players to get the gist of the game before depositing. To make sure you are making the right choice, go for any of the sites that we recommend above and play your free pokies without worry.

What’s the Best Way to Win at Online Pokies?

There isn’t a 100% guarantee that you will win when playing pokies, but several strategies might be beneficial while trying. Firstly, we advise you to try the game in the demo mode to find out more about the symbols, paylines, and overall gameplay and only then play for real money. Also, you might want to play progressive jackpots if your goal is to win money.