Want to know where to play the best online pokies in New Zealand? You’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll guide you through finding and playing real money pokies. You’ll learn about everything from special features and bonuses to the best strategies for winning big on high-volatility pokies.
Where to Play the Best Online Pokies New Zealand
Top 7 Recommended and Trusted Pokie Sites in New Zealand
To help you get the most from the best online slots in NZ, our gambling experts have compiled a top list of leading casinos.
LeoVegas – Trusted by 1 Million Pokie Players Worldwide
One of the world’s most established online casinos, LeoVegas is trusted by over 1 million players worldwide. It’s a great place to play the best online pokies in NZ, with games from all the top software providers, from NetEnt and Yggdrasil, to ELK and Habanero. So, whether you’re looking for classics or the latest modern pokies packed with bonus rounds, LeoVegas is well worth checking out.
Pros
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Nearly 100 pokie providers
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Well-established and multiple licenses
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Good responsible gambling tools
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Mobile apps for Android and iOS
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Sports and esports betting
Cons
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No crypto payment options
Rizk Casino – The Best Pokies Site for Extra Prizes and Rewards
Rizk, one of the flagship online casinos from the Betsson Group, has earned a well-deserved reputation for trust and safety. It provides a secure place to enjoy the best online pokies from providers like NetEnt, NoLimit City, Play’n GO, Blueprint Gaming and many more. You’ll also benefit from top-notch player support and fun promotions featuring Captain Rizk, including Rizk Raffles, the Wheel of Rizk, and Risk Races.
Pros
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Generous welcome bonus
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Great choice of pokies and software providers
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Raffles, wheel of fortune and tournaments
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Excellent reputation
Cons
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No sports betting
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No crypto options
7 Signs – The Pokies Site with 7 Welcome Bonuses to Choose From
A bright, upbeat crypto casino, 7 Signs stands out for offering no fewer than seven welcome bonuses. Yep, when you register, you can choose a character with a personal welcome bonus. They range from deposit matches worth thousands of dollars to 3 Free Spins for a tiny NZ$2 deposit. Of course, there’s a huge choice of slots from top providers like Netent, NoLimit City, Playtech, and Microgaming, plus player loyalty is encouraged with plenty of ongoing promos and rewards.
Pros
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Thousands of slots and live casino games
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Clean, bright mobile-friendly design
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Lots of ongoing bonuses and chances to win prizes
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Top-quality software providers
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Crypto and fiat banking options
Cons
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No sports or esports betting
Spin Casino – The Site with Exclusive Must Win Progressive Jackpot Pokies
Love progressive jackpots? Then Spin Casino could be the best place to play online pokies for real money. Why? Because their innovative Must Win Jackpots are exclusive to their site, they have a much smaller pool of players – meaning you get a bigger chance of winning. Like many other top offshore casinos, it has multiple gaming licenses and offers games from great providers like Red Tiger, Evolution, and IGT.
Pros
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Exclusive Must Win Progressive Jackpot Slots
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Over 50 game providers
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Thousands of slots and live games
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Extensive choice of crypto and fiat banking options
Cons
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No sports or esports betting
JackpotCity Casino – The Pokies Site Giving You the Chance to Win NZ$1,000,000 Daily
Operated by Baytree Ltd, Jackpot City is one of the world’s oldest online casinos and is the perfect choice if you’re looking for big jackpots. In fact, as a new customer, you can get up to 10 free chances per day to win a million-dollar jackpot. Big-name providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and nearly 50 other studios provide the real pokies here.
Pros
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Generous welcome bonus
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Million-dollar daily jackpots
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Over 50 software providers
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One of the world’s most established online casinos
Cons
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No sports betting
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No crypto payments
Voodoo Casino – Best Pick for Buy Bonus Pokies
One of the latest brands from well-known crypto casino operator Dama NV, Voodoo Casino offers thousands of pokies from dozens of popular providers. You’ll find slots from studios like Red Tiger, BetSoft, Push Gaming, BGaming and many more. Plus, this casino makes it easy to find your favourite Buy Feature pokies and jackpot games.
Pros
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Thousands of slots and live games
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Nearly 60 software providers
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Generous welcome bonus
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Crypto and fiat banking options
Cons
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No sports betting
Royal Panda – Top Choice for Drops & Wins Pokies
Operated by the same people behind LeoVegas, it shouldn’t be surprising that Royal Panda is one of the most trusted places to play pokies online. In fact, you’ll find all kinds of extras here, like the exclusive Royal Panda-branded Megaways slot from Iron Dog Studio, plus plenty of exclusive jackpot slots. And, it’s also a great choice for the full range of Drops & Wins slots from Pragmatic Play.
Pros
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Thousands of pokies
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Almost 100 software providers
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Exclusive jackpots
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Drops & Wins slots
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Well-established and trusted
Cons
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No sports or esports betting
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No crypto options
10 Most Popular Online Pokies NZ
Today, Kiwis widely refer to online slots as pokies – but have you ever wondered why? Well, the term is derived from early poker machines, not slots as such. But, because they were so similar to slot machines – known as ‘fruit machines’ in Britain and ‘one-armed bandits’ in America – the term became used interchangeably. And, even today, in the era of online gaming, the term ‘pokies’ is still widely used in New Zealand and Australia.
So, what are the most popular online slot machines in NZ today? Let’s run through ten of the most popular according to SkyCity Casino. Note: the RTPs quoted are the best available – some casinos may offer lower RTPs for some games, so check first.
Gates of Olympus
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.5%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.20 / $100 (NZD)
- Reels: 6
- Paylines: 20
This ancient Greek mythology-themed slot features wilds, scatters, multipliers, cascading symbols, and free spins. It’s extremely volatile, so wins can be few and far between, but when you do strike it lucky, winnings can be big. There’s also an Ante Bet option, which allows you to double your chance of hitting the bonus round for just a 25% increase in your stake. No wonder, it’s one of the most popular slots in NZ.
Sweet Bonanza
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.49%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.20 / $100 (NZD)
- Reels: 6
- Paylines: 20
Another one of Pragmatic Play’s most popular online slot machines in NZ, Sweet Bonanza is a burst of bright fruit-themed fun. Again, scatters, multipliers, free spins, and cascading symbols keep things entertaining. As a highly volatile slot, you may have to keep your nerve through many rounds before a big win. As you’d expect from a Pragmatic Play, the pokies graphics and sound effects are top-notch.
Wanted Dead or a Wild
- Developer: Hacksaw Gaming
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.38%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.20 / $100 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 15
Since being released in late 2021, this western-themed slot has become one of the most-played online pokies in NZ. And, with its immersive graphics and special interactive features like The Great Train Robbery, Duel at Dawn, and Dead Man’s Hand, it’s easy to see why.
Sugar Rush
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.5%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.20 / $100 (NZD)
- Reels: 7
- Paylines: Cluster Pays
Got a sweet tooth and want to play online slots for real money? Try Sugar Rush – another one for the NZ pokies Hall of Fame. This highly volatile game features gummy bears, jelly beans and gumballs, and can deliver plenty of free spins. Notably, the Cluster Pays game mechanics means 5 or more matching symbols will pay, no matter where they land on the grid.
Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.07%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.10 / $100 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 15
For a few years, Greek mythology has been one of the most popular themes for online pokies, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War continues that trend. The standout feature here is the ability to pick your side – either Zeus or Hades. There are also two wilds, one of which can expand to cover an entire reel and add a random multiplier up to 100x.
Mustang Gold
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: Medium
- RTP: 96.53%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.25 / $5 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 25
Another popular theme for New Zealand slots is the American Wild West – a gritty, dramatic place that Mustang Gold portrays very well. In addition to features like a free spins bonus round, this pokie also gives you the chance to win one of three jackpots; minor, major, and grand.
Mega Moolah
- Developer: Games Global (Microgaming)
- Volatility: Low
- RTP: 88.12%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.25 / $6.25 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 25
Mega Moolah may have been released way back in 2006, but it is still one of the most popular progressive jackpot slots in the world. Why? Well, it’s all down to the record-breaking wins it has delivered; a €19.4 million jackpot win in 2021, €18.9 million in 2018, and €17.9 million in 2015 to name just a few. Sure, the graphics look a bit dated, but it still gives you the chance to win a life-changing sum, so it’s not surprising it remains one of the best NZ online pokies for real money play.
Big Bass Splash
- Developer: Pragmatic Play
- Volatility: Very high
- RTP: 96.71%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.10 / $250 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 10
Ever tried fishing with a bazooka? Big Bass Splash is a highly volatile pokie featuring scatters, free spins, retriggers and collector game mechanics. With a low minimum bet of just $0.10, it’s accessible for all, but the max bet of $250 means it’s also a top choice for high rollers and risk takers looking to land a big win (or, should I say ‘catch’?).
Lucky Nuggets Megaways
- Developer: Blueprint Gaming
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 95.5%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.10 / $10 (NZD)
- Reels: 6
- Paylines: 15,625
For something different, why not head underground with Lucky Nuggets from Blueprint? As a Megaways slot, there are thousands of potential paylines to deliver crazy wins. The game features a free spins bonus round, and a collecting mechanism which awards free spins and multipliers. Additionally, there are two special random modifiers – the Gold rush respin feature and Big Blast Bonzanza dynamite chuck which changes random symbols into money symbols.
Money Train 2
- Developer: Relax Gaming
- Volatility: High
- RTP: 96.4%
- Min bet / Max bet: $0.20 / $20 (NZD)
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 40
The sequel to Relax Gaming’s massive 2019 hit Money Train, this pokie has upgraded pretty much everything. It’s still set in the American West, but this time in some kind of steampunk alternative future. Bonus Buy, which boosts the RTP to an impressive 98% is available, and there are features like respins and the Money Card Bonus Round.
New Zealand Slots Providers and Vendors
Back in the early days of Flash-based casinos, you could count the game providers on one hand, but today’s HTML5 casinos offer a huge range of pokies from hundreds of studios. Here are a few short guides to some of the most popular providers of online pokies in New Zealand.
Pragmatic Play
One of the world’s premier pokie providers, Pragmatic Play is known for high-end graphics and innovative game mechanics. The provider is licensed and certified in no fewer than 40 jurisdictions globally. Popular pokies from this company include Sweet Bonanza, Chilli Heat, Gates of Olympus, Wolf Gold, Sugar Rush, Buffalo King Untamed Megaways, and Big Bass Mission Fishin’.
IGT
A well-established player in the gaming space, IGT provides online slots, gaming platforms, land-based gaming machines, and many other related products. Notable pokies from this brand include Plants vs Zombies, Deal or No Deal, Hells Bells, and officially licensed hits like Ghostbusters, Wheel of Fortune, and Star Trek.
Hacksaw Gaming
Founded in 2017 and based in the iGaming hub of Malta, Hacksaw Gaming was a trailblazer in mobile-first online slots. Today, the provider is known for popular pokies like 2 Wild 2 Die, Alpha Eagle, Bloodthirst, Feel the Beat and Immortal Desire.
Nolimit City
One of the most controversial pokies providers thanks to its gritty, graphic, mature-themed slots, Nolimit City has quickly become an iconic brand. In 2022, Nolimit City was acquired by gaming giant Evolution. Popular No Limit City pokies include Deadwood, Mental, Punk Rocker, Tombstone RIP, and Pearl Harbor.
NetEnt
One of the biggest slot providers, NetEnt has produced classics like Aloha! Cluster Pays, Blood Suckers, Dead or Alive, Divine Fortune, Fruit Shop, Gonzo’s Quest, Guns N’ Roses Video Slots, Mega Fortune, and Starburst. In 2019, NetEnt acquired Red Tiger, another popular pokies provider.
Play‘n GO
One of the first game providers to launch mobile-optimised slots way back in 2005, today Play’n GO has a portfolio of over 300 titles. Some of the studio’s most successful slots include Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Moon Princess.
How to Play Online Pokies NZ?
Playing real money pokies as a Kiwi is super easy. Just follow these steps:
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1RegisterComplete the registration process at your chosen online casino, or login if you already have an account.
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2DepositIf you don’t already have a real money balance, make a deposit.
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3Find a pokieFind a pokie you’d like to try. If you’re not sure, select ‘demo play’ to play for free first.
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4Check infoClick the game info button (usually an ‘i’) to familiarise yourself with the symbols, special features, paylines, and payout tables.
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5Set your betDepending on the specific pokie, you may need to select a pre-set bet, or set your bet level and coin value individually.
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6PlayHit the ‘Spin’ or ‘Play’ button.
The best NZ pokie sites often run slot tournaments, giving you the chance to win extra cash and free spins. Pokie providers, such as Pragmatic Play, also run network-wide slot tournaments that offer huge prize pools.
Types of Online Slots in NZ
Today, there are several types of special pokies available in New Zealand. Here are some of the most popular.
New Zealand Slots Features: Volatility, RTP and More
Here’s a quick overview of the core features of online pokies.
Best Bonuses When Playing Online Pokies For Real Money
Good online casino bonuses can give you more spins for your money, giving you more chances to win. You’ll find a range of bonuses available for online pokies in NZ, including the following:
What is Important When Playing Real Online Pokies
Most importantly, you should find a reputable casino that can be trusted. The easiest way to do this is to register with one of our recommended casinos is the easiest way to do this.
Beyond that, always look for a valid license from a good regulator, like the MGA or UKGC, and don’t forget to check things like community forums to find out what other players are saying. Additionally, check the promotional offers – terms and conditions should be easy to find and clear.
How to Verify the Fairness of Real Money Online Pokies in New Zealand
Look for well-known software providers to ensure fair pokies. You can also check for things like eCOGRA certification – the logo will usually be in the footer of a casino. This shows that the casino has been independently audited to ensure fairness.
Additionally, some casinos now offer blockchain-based provably fair games. These allow you to independently check the hashes of each round to verify they are genuinely random.
Real Money Pokies Tips & Tricks For Beginners
While it is important to remember that all pokies are based on random number generators (RNGs), here are some pokies tips for beginners:
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1Play pokies for free firstMost New Zealand casinos offer demo versions of pokies. This lets you find games you like before betting real money
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2Choose a pokie with a high RTPThe higher the return to player percentage, the more you can expect the game to return to you. Anything above 96% is good.
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3Understand volatilityHigh volatility pokies will tend to deliver bigger wins, but they will be rarer. Conversely, low volatility slots will deliver more frequent, smaller wins. Choose accordingly.
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4Familiarise yourself with the game rulesTake some time to learn about the symbols, paylines, and special features.
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5Think carefully before using Buy BonusYes, they can improve your chances of winning big, but make sure you know exactly how much it will cost you first because they can be expensive.
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6Set a budgetThe most important advice of all is to set a budget and stick to it. Never chase your losses.
Expert Strategies for Advanced Players
If you’re a high roller with a big bankroll, you may want to consider boosting your chances of winning big in several ways. This can include betting the maximum allowed per spin, setting autoplay, and using the Buy Bonus or Buy Feature options. If there’s a gamble feature available, you may also want to use that after each win.
However, while these strategies can lead to massive wins, they are high risk. You should expect to lose a lot in between striking it rich. Hence, you should only follow them if you have a substantial bankroll and can afford to lose it.
Available Payment Methods When Playing Online Pokies NZ
The best real money pokies sites in New Zealand offer many convenient ways to deposit and withdraw. The latest SSL encryption will protect payments and sensitive information, and if you find yourself needing assistance, you can get support via live chat, email, and at some casinos, phone.
However, be aware that you must complete KYC (know your customer) identity verification procedures before cashing out. Hence, completing these as soon as possible is best to avoid frustrating delays later.
Payment Method | Deposit / Withdraw | Fees | Transaction Time |
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Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) | Deposit only | Free | Instant |
Prepaid vouchers (Paysafecard, CashtoCode, Neosurf, etc.) | Deposit only | Free | |
Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, etc.) | Deposits and withdrawals | Deposits are free. Withdrawals usually free. | Instant deposits. Withdrawals can take a day or two |
eWallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Skrill, etc.) | Deposits and withdrawals | Deposits are free. Withdrawals usually free. | Instant deposits and withdrawals |
Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether, Dogecoin, etc.) | Deposits and withdrawals | Deposits are free. Withdrawals usually free. | Depends on specific crypto. Ranges from instant to several hours |
Bank Transfer | Deposits and withdrawals | Deposits are usually free. Withdrawals can be subject to high fees (percentages vary) | Can take 5-7 business days |
Can You Play The Best Online Pokies For Free?
Yes. Most New Zealand slots can be played for free by selecting the demo version. Of course, during free play, you can’t actually win real money. Here on our website you can play more than 80 of the most popular pokies for free. You can filter by game feature, software provider and pokie theme.
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RTP:96.50%
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Volatility:Medium
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Reels:6
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Paylines:10
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RTP:96.21%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:5
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Paylines:10
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RTP:96.50%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:6
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Paylines:20
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RTP:96.51%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:5
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Paylines:20
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RTP:96.53%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:5
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Paylines:25
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RTP:96.01%
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Volatility:Medium
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Reels:5
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Paylines:25
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RTP:96.58%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:6
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Paylines:200704
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RTP:96.51%
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Volatility:High
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Reels:5
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Paylines:40
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RTP:96.57%
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Volatility:Medium
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Reels:5
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Paylines:20
Is it Possible to Play Real Money Pokies on Mobile Device?
Yes. Virtually all pokies released over the last few years are optimised for playing on smartphones and other mobile devices. Some even have special features available, like single-handed controls.
Advantages of Playing Real Money Pokies
- Online pokies are very easy to play, requiring no special skills
- Many pokies are playable for just a few cents per spin
- There’s a massive choice of themes and gameplay styles
- Play for just a few minutes, or for as long as you want
- You can win huge amounts of money
How Are Online Pokies NZ Regulated?
The New Zealand Gambling Commission (NZGC) regulates all domestic gambling, including sports betting and land-based casinos. However, it does not have authority over offshore casinos. These are regulated by the authorities in the jurisdiction they are licensed in, for example, the UK, Malta, or Curacao.
Can Online Pokies Be Played With No Deposit?
Yes. It is possible to play pokies and win real money without making a deposit. Look for No Deposit casino bonuses. You’ll usually get free spins just for opening a new account.
Alternatives To Online Pokies in New Zealand
If you fancy a change from online slots, there are plenty of other great games available at NZ casinos.
Originals
Some online casinos have exclusive original games available. For example, LeoVegas has branded versions of Mines, Plinko, and slots. Original crash and dice games are also playable at many sites.
Live Casino / Table Games With Live Dealers
For the most authentic real-world casino experience, check out the live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps tables from providers like Pragmatic Play Live and Evolution. Some sites offer dozens of live poker rooms if poker is more your thing.
Game Shows
One of the newest trends at online casinos is TV-style game shows with live hosts. Check out games like Pragmatic Play’s Treasure Island and Mega Wheel, or Evolution’s smash hit Crazy Time.
Match Betting
Many NZ pokies sites also feature full sportsbooks. These allow you to easily switch to sports betting, and place a bet or two on rugby, football, or any other popular sport. Today, many also offer esports betting.