There are jackpots to play for, bonus features to look for, and some even have mini-games built-in for added fun and variety. Each game will have its own reel and payment options, betting options and winning combinations.
NZ online gambling is regulated by a government department to ensure it is a fair bet for everyone involved. The link will take you to the government site. It is possible to play a pokie for free but if you want to win real money you will need to register and open an account with an online pokie casino of your choice.
All you need to do to play is to download an app and you can play from your desktop, laptop or Smartphone. Most of the online pokies can be accessed without downloading an app and you can just play from the website. Many online casinos will offer you a welcome bonus just for opening an account to play online.
What is a pokie
A pokie is a slang term for a slot machine where you play by betting on a winning combination appearing in the window. This is a term you will only find in Australia and New Zealand. Other countries call them slot machines.
There will be a Pay Table listed that lists all the various pays available on that particular machine. Decide on your bet and see how much you can win. If you are not sure, play for free first to see if you like a machine or not.
Types of pokies
Free pokies
These offer you a demo style game without any money changing hands. These are free versions of the real games available at online casinos NZ.
Classic 3 reel
A classic pokie is a 3 reel machine with a simple paytable and simple winning combinations such as 3 of a kind. Usually, the middle row is the only winning row, but you will find pokies where all rows will pay. They will have 1, 3 or 5 paying lines and are straightforward to play. These often give you the best chance of winning. Payouts may seem high but might not occur as often as on machines with more reels and winning lines.
5 reel or video
A 5 reel pokie or video pokie offers you more winning combinations but it is not necessarily easier to win on them. The more reels and the more row configurations there are, gives you a wider scope to win. These are often themed after movies or computer games and feature multiple paylines, bonuses, free spins and special features. Payouts are not as high but are much more frequent than on a 3 reel machine.
Progressive jackpot machines
These are 5 reel machines that give the player the chance to win a huge jackpot that will accumulate with every spin of the reels by every pron online playing that particular game. The large jackpots are sometimes networked across several casinos at any one time in order to offer these huge sums of money.
The downside to some of these jackpots is you have to play the maximum bet on the maximum number of lines.
Top pokies software
- Microgaming
- NetEnt
- Real time Gaming
- Betsoft Gaming
- Playtech Gaming
RTP
The Return to Player percentage is what the online pokies playback to each player. The higher the RTP, the greater your chance of winning. In New Zealand, the law states that the return must be a minimum of 87%. In some cases the payout percentage can be as high as 90%. The progressive jackpots give a return of the minimum required 87%.
Online safety
Online safety is a priority for every player and every organisation. If your safety and security cannot be guaranteed, players will not use a website and word will get around as to ones you can and cannot trust.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I play online?
There is a greater variety of machines available in one place. You can play from home or anywhere you have a stable internet connection for your phone or tablet. Online playing offers you the chance to win real money from home and frequent players will often receive surprise bonuses for playing.
Are online pokies legal in New Zealand?
Online pokies playing in New Zealand is legal as long as the casino you play at is offshore. You can play at a NZ online pokie casino or choose one from across the globe.
Are online pokies secure?
If you play on a reputable NZ online casino on a home computer or phone, all of your gambling history is protected by security on that website. Any personal information and payment details will be secure.
Are online pokies fair?
In a word, Yes. The result of every spin has been randomly generated and winning is on the same percentage as you would find at a casino. All results are audited by independent teams and only a licensed and regulated site should be used. If it is not endorsed and licensed by NZ government stay clear.
Do I play for NZ dollars on an NZ online pokie machine?
Yes you do. You make a deposit with your debit or credit card in NZ dollars and you bet in NZ dollars. All winnings are then paid out in NZ dollars.
