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Recomended Casinos
Before creating this list, our team analyzed hundreds of reviews on independent online resources and tested all casinos on their own. You can use this info to make the right choice and boost your game experience.
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How We Review the Best Pokies Casinos in NZ
When making this review, our team experts followed clear algorithms for the analysis of each casino. We also found answers to key questions, which are given below.
Types of Online Pokies for Kiwi Players
Below, you can see all types of pokies for Kiwi players that we found on NZ casinos. All of them are relevant, and you can find them in our list.
Classic 3-Reel Pokies
This is the best option for newbies. It is fairly simple since it comes only with a few symbols on reels. On the other hand, most 3-reel pokies can not offer high betting options and the same big wins. All you need to do is to activate reel spinning and collect three matching symbols.
Video Pokies
Technically, they are similar to 5-reel pokies in terms of graphics and features and offer bigger betting options thanks to additional paylines. The peculiarity of these games is that they are often themed: there may be famous movie heroes, members of popular music bands, and so on. They also have “Wild” and “Scatter” symbols, triggering bonus rounds.
Progressive Jackpot Pokies
As a rule, these are also themed online real money NZ pokies, which use the mechanics of the 5-reel game. But they also feature a jackpot that gradually grows as gamblers play the pokie until someone wins it. Hence the word “progressive.”
No Download Pokies
Games from this category do not differ from all other pokies gameplay-wise. The peculiarity is that you do not need to download any software on your device to start playing. Instead, you just register on one of the platforms from our list, create an account, place a real money deposit and start playing.
Mobile Pokies
Most of modern pokies is optimized for playing from mobile devices. This is the rapidly growing niche in the pokies industry since most casinos try to cover the needs of gamblers who play on the go. You can launch them directly from the mobile version of the site or through that casino’s app.
Pokies Bonuses
Bonuses are a perfect method to attract and promote new game software and attract potential clients to boost the casino income. But for you, it is an option to diversify your game experience and get a chance to increase your income. Below, you can see the most popular pokies bonuses available for Kiwi players.
Pokies Symbols
These are special images that appear on reels and pay tables after each spinning. They collect into particular combinations to give you a signal of winning, provide you free spins, various bonuses, multiple payouts, and many more.
Shifting Wild
This is a special symbol that can move or shift from one position to another on the reels. When a Shifting Wild Symbol appears on the reels, it can help you form winning combinations by substituting for other symbols to complete a payline. Normally, these symbols stay on a particular line and move to the left or right with each spin until they are removed from the final reel. However, the behaviour of the Scatter Wild symbol also depends on the particular pokie. Therefore, you can try playing the slot in Free Play mode or read the casino game descriptions to understand how the wild symbol works in the game of your choice.
- Shifting Wilds can be a fun and exciting feature as they create more chances to win and keep the gameplay interesting
Suppose you're playing a five-reel, three-line pokie and a Scatter Wild symbol appears on the second reel. If there are two matching symbols on the first and third reels, the Shifting Wild can move to either the first or third reel to complete the payline and give you a win.
Sticky Wild
This is another type of special symbol that stays on the reels for a certain number of spins or until a certain condition is fulfilled. When a Sticky Wild appears on the reels, it can help you complete winning combinations by substituting for other symbols. Sticky Wilds can be a fun and rewarding feature in pokies. One of the characteristics of the Sticky Wild Symbol is the number of spins the Wild symbol remains on the screen. You can read more about this in the game description.
- Sticky Wilds can come with multipliers to increase your winnings
- Sticky Wilds can stay in place for more than one spin (although there are some Sticky Wild pokies that only stay in place for one spin)
Imagine a pokie with five reels and three lines and a Sticky Wild symbol appears on the third reel. If there are two matching symbols on the first and second reels, the Sticky Wild can substitute for the missing symbol on the third reel to complete the payline and give you a win. The Sticky Wild will then remain in place for the next spin and possibly more, meaning you'll have an even better chance of winning on the next spin.
Trailing Wild
Trailing Wild is a special symbol that leaves a trail of wild symbols behind it as it moves across the reels. Symbols are placed one on top of the other and occupy the entire level. When a Trailing Wild appears on the reels, it can help you complete winning combinations by substituting for other symbols. Overall, by creating more chances to win and keeping the gameplay interesting, Trailing Wilds can be a fun and exciting feature in slot machines.
- Trailing Wilds can pay multipliers
- Trailing Wilds can only move down one line at a time, while in some pokies Trailing Wilds can move across the entire reel set
As in the previous examples, we will take any slot machine with five reels and three lines. Suppose the Trailing Wild symbol appears on the second reel. As the reels spin, the Trailing Wild moves down one row on each subsequent spin, leaving a trail of wild symbols behind it. This means you'll have more wild symbols on the reels each spin, which can help you make more winning combinations.
Expanding Wild
The Expanding Wild can, you guessed it, cover an entire reel or even several reels. This gives you more chances to win. For this reason, it could be the most expected type of wild, but of course, you should read the description of the pokie you are playing to understand the behaviour of the Scatter Wild. Returning to the Expanding type, when it appears on the reels, it can help you complete winning combinations by substituting for other symbols.
- Expanding Wilds can come with other features, such as multipliers
- Depending on the game, some Expanding Wilds only expand if they are part of a winning combination, while others expand whether they are part of a winning combination or not
Let us look again at our standard five-reel, three-line pokie. While an Expanding Wild appears on the second reel, the next few spins you take will see the Expanding Wild grow to cover the entire second reel, increasing your chances of making a winning combination. Some Expanding Wilds can even continue to expand to cover additional reels, giving you even more chances to win.
Guide How Real Money Pokies Work
Our team prepared a detailed guide to help you understand how real money pokies in NZ work. Virtual pokies may include up to 256 symbols. They form winning combinations (a.k.a play lines). The “heart” of each pokies machine is an RNG that creates a random combination and guarantees that the casino does not manipulate the outcomes.
Random Number Generator
This special program controls the outcomes after each spin activation. All spinning symbols in pokies have their specific values. Gamblers can win if the symbol matches its specific value.
Though it is a nice option for scamming, all pokies from our list have special fairness certificates from reputable third-party auditors like eCOGRA and do not allow them to interfere with this process from the outside.
Check and Understand the Pay Table
Paytable contains information about available pay lines, main requirements, jackpot details, and other data. During the review, we tried to focus on pokies with the interactive paytable, which are easy to read and understand for newbies and experienced gamblers.
Volatility of the Pokies Game
This parameter shows the risk you take while playing particular NZ pokies, the size of real money winnings, etc. Currently, you can find pokies with the following volatility types.
Betting Limits
This is an individual feature that differs from one NZ casino to another. However, you should understand two basic types of limits.
The Dependency Between Bets and Winnings
Most NZ casinos with pokies utilize only the amount of individual bets to calculate possible winnings and do not increase your chances by using multi bets. The more you bet - the higher the payout ratio you get. At the same time, you have a fairly low probability of getting big wins (like jackpots). While playing on pokies casinos, try to avoid overbetting by using only multi-denomination games.
Bonus Rounds Playing for Real Money
Bonus rounds can diversify your game experience and help casino providers to keep players engaged. Check out the most popular bonuses available in pokies from our list.
How to Understand the Paytable
Understanding the paytable in slot machines is crucial for anyone looking to try their luck at the game. The paytable is a chart that outlines the different winning combinations and their corresponding payouts. In the paytable, you can check which symbols are available and what value they have, how they work, what possible outcomes you can count on, etc. It also explains how Wilds and Scatters work during the regular games and Bonus Rounds.
To read the paytable, look for the different symbols and their values, which can be found either on the screen or in the game's instructions. Most paytables will also explain the rules of any bonus features that the game might have. It's important to note that the paytable will also indicate the minimum and maximum bets for each spin, as well as any special features or jackpots that may be available. Understanding the paytable is essential for knowing what to expect from the game and how to maximize your chances of winning.
How to Select the Best Real Money Pokies in NZ?
First, you can check pokies from the list we provided, but if you want to do little research on your own, just follow the simple rules
- Pick casinos with a license, as they’re safer.
- Use pokies by verified providers (Novomatic, Microgaming, Betsoft, etc.).
- Try to choose online New Zealand pokies with a high RTP level (95% or higher).
- The more paylines, the higher chance of winning you have.
- Pay attention to pokies with free spins and other bonuses.
How to Play Pokies for Real Money
There is a standard algorithm to get started with any real money game.
- Search for a licensed casino or use trusted platforms from our review.
- Create the profile and complete the verification process if required.
- Replenish your balance with the minimum required deposit via available payment methods.
- Check the pokie’s description and select the suitable one.
- Start the game, collect winnings and meet the wagering requirements to withdraw funds.
To withdraw funds, most real money pokies require you to bet from x20 to x40 (or even) more than your deposit bonus amount. For example, if you use a 200% bonus on a 20 NZD deposit with wagering requirements of x30. In this case, you should wager at least NZD 600.
Real Money Pokies: Popular Types and Genres for Kiwi Player
Variants from our best online NZ pokies list are often themed games that use various popular movie or cartoon characters, members of top music bands, etc.
Mobile Pokies in NZ
These are games you can launch on your Android/iOS mobile device via special casino app or through the mobile version of the site. They have their own pros and cons.
- Ease of access and use
- Some casinos have exclusive bonuses for mobie players
- Faster loading speed
- Small screen size
- Dependence on stable internet connection
Comparison Pokies for Real Money & Free Pokies
Each pokie type has its one strong and weak sides, you can check from the table below.
Real money pokies online
- A lot of various prizes
- Huge promo offers (free spins, sign-up packages, tournaments, etc.)
- Ability to win real money
- You should place the initial deposit
- You need to provide personal information
Free pokies
- You do not need to pass registration
- Instant playing
- Ability to try new games
- Low or absence of real money winnings
- A narrow range of rewards
Popular Pokies Payment Methods
Below, you can check the list of trusted financial gateways you can use on casinos from our list.
The Best Pokies Software Providers
Below, you can check the short list of the top providers based on real gamblers’ reviews and our own experience.
Benefits of Pokies Casinos
Check the key advantages of playing online pokies:
- High payout percentages
- Simple control over bet limits
- Ability to play on the go
- High jackpots
- A wide variety of games
- Bonuses and extra cash prizes
Drawbacks of Pokies Casinos
The main minuses of pokies are the following:
- No socializing compared to when you play at home
- Lack of special casino atmosphere
- May be long withdrawal time
Pokies Tips and Strategy
Though this game mostly depends on your luck, there are some tips that can help you boost your game experience.
- Set your budget limits.
- Start with playing free pokies.
- Learn available paytables, symbols, and wagering requirements.
- Explore the legality of casinos and particular game operators by checking their licenses and certificates.
Odds of Winning Pokies for Real Money
Always remember that every casino has an advantage in a long-term perspective. It is reflected in the level of RTP and shows the percentage of the total bet amount casino gives back to players.
As a rule, most pokies offer from 85% to 99%. But in our list, you can find examples with 97% and more. We recommend you to pay attention exactly to real money pokies online from the high RTP category.
My analysis of this product shows that playing for real money gives players the opportunity to win real cash prizes while enjoying a wide range of gaming options. Options such as classic three-reel, video pokies and progressive jackpot pokies allow you to find something for every taste. The convenience of download-free pokies and mobile device compatibility makes it easy to play on the go. The inclusion of different poker symbols increases the chances of winning through unique features. In addition, understanding the payout tables is crucial to maximizing your winning potential. For the best experience, I recommend choosing licensed casinos, reliable providers and high RTP levels.