Best Online Pokies NZ

Online Pokies History

The history of online pokies is a journey of innovation and technological advancement. It all began in Brooklyn, New York, with the creation of the first pokie machine by Sittman and Pitt Company in 1891. This machine, which comprised five drums bearing symbols of fifty playing cards, quickly became popular, appearing in bars all over New York. Prizes back then were not cash but cigars, cigarettes, or free drinks!

Charles Fey, often referred to as the father of pokie machines, developed the Liberty Bell in the late eighties, a machine that laid the foundation for modern pokies. Fey’s machine, which had 20 symbols and 3 reels, became so popular that he had to produce a large number of Liberty Bell machines. He later partnered with Mills Novelty Company to produce another version of Liberty Bell, the Mills Liberty Bell, which introduced several changes that revolutionized the pokie industry. Some of these changes included:

• Adding a bell symbol, which gave the machine its name
• Adding a coin slot, allowing for easier and faster play
• Replacing the card symbols with fruit symbols, which became a popular theme in pokies

These changes made the Mills Liberty Bell even more popular than its predecessor and set the stage for the development of modern pokie machines. The evolution of pokies didn’t stop there. Here are some key milestones in their development:

1. In 1964, Bally Manufacturing introduced an electro-mechanical pokie machine called Money Honey, the first machine of its kind to have a design different from the Liberty Bell.
2. The advent of computerized pokies in the eighties further revolutionized the industry.
3. The launch of online casino games in the mid-nineties, however, was the biggest game changer. Playing online pokies became convenient as online casinos offered hundreds of them under one roof.

Top-Rated Online Casinos for NZ Players

When it comes to the best online pokies sites for NZ players, there are several top-rated online casinos, including Skycity Online Casino. These casinos, licensed by respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Body, ensure strict safety protocols and fair gaming. Casinos like Spin Casino, Jackpot City, and Christchurch Online Casino offer an extensive variety of pokies, some featuring thousands of slot games with attractive features like regular cashback bonuses and prize draws.

Moreover, many online casinos prioritize fast payouts. For instance, Vegas Lounge Casino often processes withdrawal requests within hours, providing players with instant access to their winnings. What makes these casinos even more appealing are the lucrative bonus offers and large jackpots. Establishments such as Jackpot City and Wiz Slots Casino feature generous promotions and exclusive jackpots that significantly enhance the gaming experience.

The Best Free Spins Welcome Bonus – Wiz Slots Casino

Our Verdict on Wiz Slots Casino

Wiz Slots Casino entered the market in 2023 and has quickly become one of the best places to play slot games online. The online pokies bonuses are unmatched and with great software providers on offer we think Kiwi players will love Wiz Slots Casino.

Best Casino for Mobile Slot Games – Spin Casino

Our Verdict on Wiz Slots Casino

With a good welcome bonus, great mobile pokies and a reliable customer support team, Spin Casino is a top choice for playing online slots in New Zealand.

Best Overall Pokie Casino in NZ – Christchurch Casino

Our Verdict on Christchurch Casino

The Latest New Zealand-based online casino to hit the market and already a fan favourite among our players. With a trustworthy name based on years in the gambling industry in New Zealand and great online slots to play, Christchurch gets our pick for the best overall online casino.

Online Pokies in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Overview

Online pokies, also known as slot games or online slot machines, are digital versions of traditional slot machines where players spin reels to match symbols and win prizes. It all began with the Liberty Bell machine created by Charles Fey in 1895, and by 1991, this captivating game had made its way to New Zealand. Since then, online pokies in NZ have evolved from simple machines into games with multiple paylines, reels, and special symbols, providing players with round-the-clock access to a wide variety of games on online pokies sites. Now, you can easily play online pokies from the comfort of your home or on the go.

But how safe is it to play these games? Well, certified real money online pokies ensure a secure gaming experience for Kiwi players. These games are regulated by licensing bodies that enforce strict measures to ensure fair play and protect players from potential scams.

Types of Online Pokies

In the diverse universe of online pokies, players can choose from three main types:

1. Classic pokies, also known as 3-reel pokies, provide a straightforward gaming experience with minimal features, resembling traditional one-armed bandit slot machines. These games are perfect for players who appreciate a nostalgic, uncomplicated gaming experience.
2. Video pokies offer more advanced features, including multiple paylines, bonus rounds, and interactive gameplay. These games often have immersive themes and high-quality graphics and animations.
3. Progressive jackpot pokies are linked to a network, with a portion of each bet contributing to a growing jackpot. These games offer the chance to win life-changing sums of money, with jackpots that can reach millions of dollars.

On the other hand, video pokies take the classic design up a notch with more reels, thematic narratives, 3D graphics, and interactive elements that create a more immersive gaming experience. These games often come with exciting bonus features and free spins, adding an extra layer of thrill to the gameplay.

Then, there are progressive jackpot pokies that offer potentially life-changing prizes that grow with each player’s bet. This category was popularized by games like Microgaming’s Cash Splash, which started the trend in 1998.

Other types of online pokies include mobile pokies, high RTP pokies, and high volatility pokies, each catering to different player preferences and gameplay styles.

Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Welcome bonuses are a cornerstone of online casino promotions. These bonuses allow players to get a feel for the casino and its offerings without having to risk their money. For instance, BetVictor Casino offers a 100% match-up to $500 and 150 Free Spins for the first three deposits, while SkyCity offers $100 and 120 free spins as a welcome bonus. In addition to welcome bonuses, free spins are also a significant part of casino promotions. Free spins provide players with more opportunities to play and win without increasing their bet amount. Generous allocations such as Hellspin’s 150 free spins included in their welcome bonus and SpinYoo’s offering of 100 free spins upon sign-up are examples of how online casinos use free spins to attract and retain players.

Payment Methods and Security

Top online casinos provide NZ players with a broad range of payment options, including:

Bitcoin
Neteller
PayPal
Paysafecard
Neosurf
Credit Cards

These payment methods offer ease of transactions and enhanced security, ensuring that players’ financial information remains protected. To protect personal and financial data, top online casinos implement security measures such as 128-bit SSL encryption and advanced firewalls. Furthermore, choosing casinos that offer NZD as a currency option allows players to deposit, play, and withdraw using New Zealand dollars, thus avoiding conversion fees. It’s important to select online casinos that do not impose unnecessary charges on transaactions.

Legality of Online Pokies in NZ

While the 2003 Gambling Act prohibits the operation of online casinos by New Zealand-based developers, it doesn’t prevent Kiwis from playing at international online casinos. In fact, there are no laws that prevent New Zealand residents from legally playing online pokies at offshore casinos.

These offshore casinos, licensed by renowned jurisdictions such as Malta, Alderney, and Curaçao, cater specifically to the New Zealand market and must adhere to the regulations of their licensing jurisdictions. It’s important to note that the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, which regulates domestic gambling, does not extend its jurisdiction to overseas gambling operators.

Key Terms for Getting Started with Online Pokies

When starting your journey with online pokies, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with key terms. The pay table, for instance, displays the game symbols and the amount they payout when they match up in a combination. This can be used to identify the low and high-value symbols. Another important term is the payline, which shows the different ways players can line symbols across the reels to win money. Paylines may include:

• Straight lines
• Multiple patterns
• Diagonal lines
• Other directions depending on the style of pokies

Then, there’s the multiplier, a slot feature that provides a boost to wins. There are base game multipliers, which typically have a set payout rate, and progressive multipliers found in bonus games that allow players to stack big wins with a multiplier value that continues to rise. Other key terms include scatter and wild symbols, which offer value for slot fans. Landing three scatter symbols in a game often wins entry to the bonus free spins, while wild symbols act as a substitute, letting more paylines connect and helping players win more cash. Understanding these terms can greatly enhance your gaming experience and increase your chances of winning.

Best Online Pokies Providers in NZ

There’s no denying the impressive lineup of online pokies providers in NZ, each contributing to games’ rich diversity and quality. Some are bigger than other but we will discuss the main providers below:

Microgaming

They are the pioneer of the NZ online pokies market, introducing games such as Fruit Fiesta and Cash Splash in 1994. Another notable innovation by Microgaming was Cashapillar, featuring an extensive play area with five reels and 100 paylines, setting the trend for ‘multi-way’ games in New Zealand. Microgaming’s extensive portfolio includes licensed and fan-favorite titles such as:

• Avalon
• Game of Thrones
• Jurassic Park
• Tomb Raider
• Mega Moolah (jackpot giant)

These games have made a significant impact on the NZ online pokies scene. The Quickfire platform has enabled Microgaming’s games to be easily integrated across various online casinos and is compatible with desktop and mobile devices.

NetEnt

Possibly the most reputable online pokies provider, has created popular online pokies such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Finn and the Swirly Spin. These games remain favourites among NZ players because of their unique gameplay, immersive graphics, and generous bonuses. NetEnt’s pokies portfolio includes a range of progressive slot jackpots and classic titles like Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst. Among the newer titles from NetEnt, Let It Burn stands out as a game that sustains the company’s reputation for high-quality pokie experiences.

Playtech

Possibly everyone has played a machine from Playtech seeing as they are one of the oldest online gambling companies, has made significant contributions to the online pokies market. They are the creators of the popular jackpot pokie, Age of the Gods, constantly advertised at online casinos. Playtech’s offerings also extend to popular online casinos like Casino Tropez, where they are a primary game provider. Casino Tropez offers a welcome package of up to $3000 for games, including those by Playtech, enhancing the player’s gaming experience

Aristocrat

These are an Australian group that creates most of the pokie machines used throughout New Zealand in locations such as hotels and bars. Aristocrat’s slot machines have become so popular, that many have been turned into real money online pokies, including Mad Max Fury Road and Buffalo Link.

Big Time Gaming

BTG was founded in 2011 and became very popular after creating the massively popular Megaways range of online pokies, providing players with more ways to win. 

Play’n Go

These are most recognised for the trendy Book of Dead slot game, and Playtech, creator of the popular jackpot pokie Age of the Gods.

Strategies for Playing Online Pokies

Playing online pokies can be an exciting pastime, but it’s essential to approach it with the right strategies. One fundamental strategy is to set a betting budget and stick to it. This helps to effectively manage your bankroll and avoid chasing losses through impulsive betting. Understanding the payables and the value of each symbol is also crucial. This knowledge helps players recognize the most lucrative combinations. Moreover, practising with free games is key to learning the specifics of the game before risking real money.

When playing online pokies for real money, it’s also important to fully utilize in-game bonuses such as free spins, wilds, and scatters. These bonuses can boost your winning chances without increasing your bet amount. And for progressive jackpot slots, betting the maximum amount is often necessary to be eligible for the top prize.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is a critical aspect of a successful gaming experience. It involves:

• Setting a realistic budget and strictly adhering to it
• Ensuring you only gamble with money that you can afford to lose
• Dividing your bankroll into smaller portions for each gambling session

This can help control spending and avoid quickly depleting your funds. Setting strict win and loss limits also helps maintain discipline and protects the bankroll from impulsive betting during gameplay. Understanding game odds, like RTP percentages and volatility, is key for selecting games conducive to managing a bankroll. Higher RTP games offer better long-term winning chances, while volatility informs how frequently wins can be expected.

Understanding RTP and Volatility

Understanding the concepts of Return to Player (RTP) and volatility can significantly enhance your pokies gaming experience. RTP refers to the payout percentage or the percentage of all money bet on pokies that is paid back to players over time. RTP rates vary between games, with some offering as high as 97% or more, which can lead to better odds of winning over the long run. Volatility, on the other hand, affects the risk and reward of a pokie. There are three types of volatility in slots:

1. High volatility slots provide larger but less frequent payouts, catering to players willing to take more risks.
2. Medium volatility slots strike a balance by offering more frequent small wins along with opportunities for larger payouts, suiting a broader player base.
3. Low volatility slots offer frequent small wins, making them ideal for players who prefer a steady stream of payouts.

Most Popular Online Pokies in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to a diverse range of online pokies that cater to all types of players. Among the most popular online pokies in New Zealand are Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst by NetEnt, Book of Dead by Play’n Go, and Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play. These games have captivated Kiwi players with their vibrant graphics, immersive gameplay, and lucrative payouts. Other fan favourites include:

• Bonanza Megaways by BGT, which offers up to 117,649 ways to win
• The Rave by NoLimit City with its funky nightclub theme
• Big Bass Bonanza by Reel Kingdom, takes players on a fishing adventure with a high payout rate.

New releases like Champions of Mithrune by Play’n Go and Sakura Fortune 2 by Quickspin have also gained popularity among Kiwi players, offering unique gameplay features and generous rewards. Lastly, Gates of Olympus by Pragmatic Play, with its classic Ancient Civilization theme and special Pay Anywhere mechanics, continues to attract players with its exciting gameplay and massive winning potential.

Tips for Real Money Online Pokies NZ

Playing online pokies for real money can be a thrilling experience, especially when you hit that winning streak. However, it’s important to approach it with some strategies to maximize your winnings and experience. One such strategy is to take advantage of welcome bonuses offered by online casinos. These bonuses allow you to play more with your money at the best online pokies casinos.

Another tip is to find your volatility. Different real money online pokies games have different levels of volatility. In high volatility games, you lose often but win big when you do, and in low volatility games, you win more often but less. Understanding your preferred level of volatility can help you choose games that align with your risk tolerance and gaming style.

Finally, consider signing up for newsletters from your favorite online casinos. This is recommended because you’ll receive welcome bonus offers straight to your inbox, giving you more ways to claim extra spins to play pokies. Remember, there is no secret strategy that guarantees a win. If you win or lose is down to luck, so no need to stress over a perfect pokies strategy. Simply choose how much money you’re willing to risk (and stick to it), and there’s nothing else to do besides watch the action and have a good time.

Responsible Gambling in New Zealand

Responsible gambling is an essential aspect of enjoying online pokies. It involves wagering within predetermined limits and avoiding chasing losses through impulsive betting. Recognizing the necessity of responsible gambling practices is a crucial aspect of preventing gambling-related issues. Fortunately, there are several resources available in New Zealand to help manage gambling behaviors. Organizations like Safer Gambling Aotearoa offer tips and resources to help distinguish between gaming and gambling, understand the mechanics of lotto, and offer advice on online gambling.

The Problem Gambling Foundation in New Zealand provides support through its confidential services available during weekdays, assisting those affected by gambling. Other resources like PGF Services aid gamblers and their loved ones through support groups and facilitate self-exclusion from gambling venues. Online self-assessment tests are also available to help individuals evaluate whether gambling has become harmful to themselves or others. Lastly, the Gambling Helpline offers free support and a safe space for discussing concerns about personal or others’ gambling habits.

Summary Of Online Pokies NZ

From their fascinating history and legality to the most popular games and top providers, online slots offer a diverse and thrilling gaming experience for New Zealand players. With numerous types of pokies, various strategies to enhance your gaming experience, and tips for playing pokies for real money, there’s something for everyone in the world of online pokies. Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrilling ride that New Zealand online pokies provide!