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Online Pokies and Casino Games New Zealand

Interested in finding the best pokies the online world has to offer? What about online casinos that offer them? What are pokies, anyway?

We at NZonlinepokies answer these questions and many more on this very page! However, we also offer insightful reviews of safe casinos that always pay out.

So, check out our game and casino reviews if you want to jump right into the action. However, if you’re interested in learning more about pokies, keep reading! 

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Online pokies are the most popular casino games in New Zealand and many other countries. And there are many reasons why. Namely, pokies (or slots) are simple games of chance with straightforward gameplay. They are ideal for every player since they don’t require many skills or expertise. Even new players can easily figure them out. 

On top of that, pokies are often eye-catching, packed with attractive graphics and action. You can find so many slot games with fascinating topics and designs, as well as those with plenty of features. Things like free spins, expanding wilds, and multipliers are even more fun and bring you more opportunities to win. 

Finally, the main reason players enjoy pokies that much is the amount of money they can deliver. Many slots with massive maximum payouts may make you a millionaire overnight. With that in mind, pokies are undoubtedly among the most lucrative casino games available in today’s market. 

Best Online Pokies

Every gambler has specific preferences and desires regarding the choice of games. However, some games are simply better in terms of payouts and experience. This especially applies to pokies. Namely, there are so many different slot games with exciting features, attractive looks, and massive payouts. Thus, choosing the best one is a challenge! 

Luckily, you can focus on specific factors when looking for the best slot to play. They include RTP (Return to Player), volatility level, jackpot type, special features, and many more. If you know what to pay attention to, you’ll have an easier time finding what you want and need.

So, here are the most important pieces that make the perfect pokies!

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Payout Potential & Hit Frequency

Online pokies have various volatility levels, RTPs, and maximum payouts. These factors indicate how the game pays out and the amount you can expect to win. The RTP describes the percentage a slot returns back to players throughout a very long period of time. Meanwhile, volatility describes the balance between win frequency and average win quantity (low volatility means frequent, smaller wins, and vice-versa).

The RTP describes the percentage of money that a slot returns back to players throughout a very long period of time.

Volatility describes the balance between win frequency and average win quantity (low volatility means frequent, smaller wins, and vice-versa).

However, an important thing to keep in mind is that the slot works with an RNG chip. Accordingly, it ensures random outcomes, and there’s nothing you can do about it. One game may deliver you a massive reward one day and suck in all your money the next. So, you can go with the most lucrative game there is and lose. 

On the other hand, you statistically stand better chances if you play a game with an RTP of over 95%. Additionally, a slot with a massive maximum winning amount surely appears more attractive. Everyone wants to get at least a chance to win 10,000x their bet or more. Thus, picking pokies with a better payout ratio and potential is wise. 

When it comes to the volatility level, the situation is a bit different. Highly volatile online pokies deliver significant rewards less often, whereas those with a low variance level provide frequent wins in small portions. There are also slots with a medium volatility level, which works well for everyone. 

So, if you have a low budget at the moment and simply wish to have fun, you may choose a low-volatility slot. It’s more dynamic since it ensures frequent wins, enabling you to keep playing for longer. On the other hand, highly volatile games are perfect for players with a higher bankroll who enjoy risky pokies and the adrenaline rush they cause. 

Jackpot Size & Type

Some pokies have a jackpot prize or even several of them. The jackpot can be fixed, capped at a specific amount, or progressive (which increases over time). 

While progressive jackpots can pay out more, fixed jackpots are fun, too!  Many online slots have a jackpot or money feature. In most cases, you can trigger it by collecting a sufficient number of special symbols. Also, there are usually three or four jackpot prizes ranging from mini to mega. At the end of the feature, all the rewards you collect get added to your balance. 

Paying Mechanic and Winning Lines

A standard slot game has a specific number of paying lines. To form one of them, you have to land several matching symbols in a particular way. The wilds, which mostly replace other symbols, can help you during the process.

Each time you form a payline, you win. However, modern online pokies have various paying mechanics. For instance, there are many Megaways games with an increased number of winning ways. These pokies have an unusual and extended slot grid and an enormous number of possible paylines.

Modern online pokies have various paying mechanics. For instance, there are many Megaways games with an increased number of winning ways. These pokies have an unusual and extended slot grid and an enormous number of possible paylines.

In addition to the Megaways pokies, some games have a cluster pays mechanic. This function was introduced by the famous pokie developer NetEnt and became pretty popular among both game developers and players. Instead of paylines, these pokies deliver coins for forming a paying cluster. Slots with paylines usually pay from left to right, except those with a pay-both-ways function. Symbols in cluster pays games need to contain clustered matching symbols (typically 5+) which pay anywhere on the reels.

Symbols in cluster pays games need to contain clustered matching symbols (typically 5+) which pay anywhere on the reels.

Of course, you can still find good old pokies with five fixed paylines. However, you’ll also find games with an increasing number of winning ways, cluster pays, pays-both-ways, and other modern mechanics. As you can see, new pokies often have many fascinating and lucrative functions and features. 

Special Features of Online Pokies

As mentioned before, up-to-date pokies have a great variety of special features. You can find so many games with free spins, expanding and sticky wilds, multipliers, money and random features, etc. Almost each of them ensures the chance for hitting a big win and, at the same time, delivers an exciting and engaging experience.

However, keep in mind that a slot packed with action doesn’t need to deliver massive payouts. The number of special features is not an indicator of the game’s payout potential. On the other hand, pokies with plenty of special features will keep your attention for longer and boost your gaming experience. 

Where to Play Online Pokies?

Online slots are available at almost every virtual gambling venue. That said, you’ll have zero issues finding a platform holding over 1,000 fantastic slot games. What’s more, many of them provide you with the chance to play games both for free and for real money. Hence, you can also explore the casino’s slot collection and place a real-money bet when you feel ready. There are also casinos that welcome you with a terrific bonus!

Nonetheless, to choose the best online casino, you must research and get informed. Since there are so many scams, you may prefer to consult slot review and watchdog platforms before signing up. Also, the casino’s website is a useful source of information. Here’s what to look for when picking the best online casino with a vast collection of pokies:

Reliability & Safety

An online casino needs to be reliable, legal, and secure. It’s supposed to have a license issued by a trusted jurisdiction, high safety standards, and a fine reputation in the online gambling community. After all, you’re supposed to trust this platform with your money and personal information. Thus, you should take your security seriously. 

To learn about the venue’s reliability, check out casino reviews. There are many trustworthy platforms offering plenty of insightful info about online casinos. Also, you should go through the platform’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions sections. The regulatory details at the bottom usually contain licensing information.

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Availability of Games & Bonuses

If you’re looking for an online pokies casino, you should surely check its game selection. As mentioned earlier, almost every gambling platform has more slots than other casino games. Hence, finding the one with a numerous slot section is not an issue. 

Nonetheless, you should also take a look at the providers catering to the casino. Some software developers are famous for their top-notch pokies, like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Aristocrat, and many others. A slot game is supposed to be tested for fairness and licensed. If you stick with the pokies produced by reliable providers, you need not worry about fairness. 

In addition to the games, online casinos typically offer lucrative bonuses. Players love claiming the casino promotions since they can boost deposits, add free spins, or return a percentage of losses. Fans of online pokies especially love free spins, which are easiest to use and often reserved for the most popular game.

However, each bonus and promotion is subject to the wagering requirements, time limits, cashout restrictions, and so on. These rules can be reasonable or overly restrictive, and you can’t know unless you go through the Bonus Policy page. The unreasonable limits and requirements may even be a sign of the casino’s shady terms and conditions. Thus, make sure to check the T&C’s out, no matter how boring they may be.

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Payments & Other Services

Modern online casinos support various payment methods. They range from credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers to digital wallets, online banking methods, and cryptocurrencies. A decent venue typically offers at least several different banking options so that every player can use the one that suits the most.

Simultaneously, online casinos impose maximum withdrawal limits and require a minimum deposit. The limitations and requirements are supposed to be reasonable for any fan of online pokies and casino games. So, you should be able to withdraw your winnings without issues. A platform that needs weeks to process a withdrawal request or imposes too low monthly limits may be rouge and shady. 

In addition, online casinos should offer more services to ensure a user-friendly and safe experience. For instance, you’re supposed to have customer support service at your disposal. Up-to-date venues have a live chat feature, allowing you to contact support agents in a minute. 

Also, players prefer casinos with a user-friendly, multilingual website. Many enjoy mobile gaming and seek mobile-friendly platforms. Each online casino should offer these modern options, and you should not agree to anything less.

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Free Online Pokies: Why Play Them?

In addition to researching, you can also practice games for free. After all, you can’t know if the game is the right choice for you or not. Reading slot reviews is a crucial step to take. On the other hand, playing the game for free will help you to create a complete picture. 

Luckily, most online casinos have a free play option. It allows you to practice various games before placing real-money stakes. On top of that, you’ll get to explore the venue’s game library and check multiple titles. Once you find a perfect match, you can finally play it for real money. 

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Other Casino Games

Pokies aren’t the only casino games available in the gambling market. Today, you can find plenty of games at every well-supplied gambling venue. They range from table and live games to lottery and bingo. Each of them delivers a unique experience and a chance to win some cash. On top of that, you can enjoy them from the comfort of your home. 

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Lottery & Bingo Games

Like online pokies, lottery and bingo games are entirely based on luck. You probably know how to play them, and even if you don’t, you only need a minute to learn how to play. Lottery and bingo games are simple to comprehend and play. Also, you can win a solid portion of money while playing them. 


Table Games

If you prefer games combining skills and luck, table games are perfect for you. If you pick blackjack or poker, you can implement strategies and affect the outcome in your favour. Roulette and baccarat games are more based on luck, though. However, you can still use betting strategies to win a roulette game. Most table games offer fantastic payouts and experiences simultaneously. 


Video Poker

Poker fans can play this game version on a machine. It’s based on one of the simplest poker variations, a three-card draw. Today, you can find many lucrative and engaging video poker games with special functions. Examples include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Even though they look like pokies, video poker games require more skills. 


Live Games

Playing live games feels more real than virtual ones. Luckily, you can enjoy blackjack, baccarat, poker, and roulette games in live mode at many well-supplied, modern online casinos. Also, you can easily find some live game shows and even titles like Monopoly. 

The live casino option creates an authentic vibe and offers additional options you can’t enjoy when playing online pokies, like live chat. Live games are hosted by actual dealers and occur in real-time. So, if you seek a different online gaming experience, the live casino option is for you. 

Whichever game you choose, make sure to explore the online casino in detail. You should get the quality experience you seek and avoid unnecessary problems. Thus, research multiple gambling sites before making your decision. 


Online Pokies and Casino Games for New Zealand: FAQ

1. Is gambling in New Zealand legal?

You can play pokies in New Zealand legally. Just make sure to use a legitimate, licensed casino.

2. What are the best online pokies in New Zealand?

It all comes down to your preferences. NetEnt and Microgaming pokies are among the best games. However, you may also enjoy pokies by Pragmatic Play, NoLimit City, Play’n GO, etc.

3. What’s the best online casino in New Zealand?

It depends on your expectations and desires. Some venues you may enjoy are National Casino and King Billy, which hold over 4,000 and 5,000 pokies.

4. Do online casinos actually pay out?

Yes, a legitimate and secure online casino pays out its users.

5. How do online pokies work?

Online pokies use an RNG chip, which ensures random outcomes and fair play. There’s much more to them than that, so check out our reviews for more info! 

6. How much can I win on online pokies?

Winning on online pokies takes nothing but luck. Hence, you can’t affect the outcome. However, if you get lucky, you can win millions on online pokies, depending on your game.

7. Are real-money pokies safe to play?

If you play a licensed real-money game at a reliable online casino, you have nothing to worry about.

8. Can casinos affect the pokies?

Pokies are produced by game developers and tested for fairness by third parties. On the other hand, a casino with a license and fine reputation wants to gain more popularity. So, if you pick a suitable casino and game, you’ll get fair play.

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nzonlinepokies.net is an independent source of information unrelated to any gambling operator. Our autonomous expert team creates all of our guides and reviews honestly, according to their best judgement and knowledge. However, our reviews and guides are written solely for informative purposes. Therefore, they should neither be construed, nor relied upon, as legal advice. Ensure you meet all regulatory requirements at all times before playing at any selected casino. Copyright ©2020