NZ Pokies Online Guide 2024 - Play for Free or Real money With No Download

Quintin van Wyk by Quintin van Wyk Reading time: 30min

For the ultimate casino experience in New Zealand, you can't go wrong with online pokies. Considered the most popular real money games for NZ players in 2024, our guide to the best pokies online will show you how to win, play with free spins and no deposit bonuses, and use the best strategies and tips. Whether it's classics, progressive jackpots, or branded slots you'll find it all. We used our expertise to evaluate and review the top Kiwi sites so you can start winning pokie games right away.

Best Casinos Online for Pokies in New Zealand

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What Makes Pokies The Most Popular Real Money Game?

The largest selection of games offered at the best casinos in New Zealand will always be pokies. These fast-paced, feature-rich, and alluring titles are exciting with phenomenal graphics, crystal-clear sound effects, and life-changing payouts. Their popularity stems from the fact that they are extremely easy to play and provide an assortment of attractive themes and storylines, various payline structures, plenty of bet limits to suit all pocket sizes and there are new titles added every month to keep you entertained. They are also jam-packed with an incredible selection of bonus features that make them even more popular when compared to other games in the industry. You can take advantage of multipliers, free spins, colossal symbols, nudging reels, progressive jackpots, win both ways and megaways to mention but a few. There are also tons of generous promotions and bonuses you can claim as both a new and existing New Zealand player and they contribute 100% towards your playthrough requirements. Our team can name loads of other reasons why online pokies are so popular, but we think you get the point.

types of nz online pokies

Types of NZ Online Pokie Games To Play

Online pokies for New Zealand players come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be categorised in various ways, including number of paylines, number of reels, coin denominations, and themes. However, we at NZCasinos.com believe that the best way to differentiate the plethora of titles online is to group them by type. This includes classic 3-reel machines, 5-reel video slots, branded titles, progressive jackpots and megaways. Below, you'll find a detailed description of each type and what makes them so unique and popular among New Zealand players in 2024. We'll also provide a few popular examples to give you a better understanding of what to look for when browsing through our list of top online pokies casinos as a New Zealand player.

Classic 3-Reel Pokie Machines

If you enjoy the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and want to bring the excitement of fruit machines to your front door, you merely need to play classic 3-reel machines. These games are ideal for beginners who want a simple experience without having to deal with complex bonus features and intricate payline structures. Most classic 3-reel titles only feature 1 to 3 paylines along with 3 reels. They are perfect for those who want to learn about payouts, rules, and symbols without getting too confused. These classic titles usually feature fruit symbols that resemble the first land-based pokie machines from the 1980's, such as cherries, lemons, watermelons, plums and oranges. Some of the best 3-reel titles include Bar Bar Blacksheep, Wheel of Wealth, Fire Joker, Couch Potato, Mega Joker and Break Da Bank. Start your experience on a budget by only depositing $1, $5, or $10 at some of the best minimum deposit casinos in New Zealand.

5-Reel Video Slots

Those who want a more modern approach will enjoy the fascinating world of 5-reel video slots. These games provide cutting-edge graphics and animations coupled with captivating storylines and themes. You'll also benefit from incredible bonus features to further enrich your reel-spinning adventures, including wild symbols, scatter symbols, bonus rounds, multipliers, cascading reels and more. Most 5-reel titles offer between 10 and 100 paylines and provide an assortment of bet options, giving you the freedom to adjust bet levels, coin denominations and number of paylines. Some of the top 5-reel video slots worth exploring include Da Vinci's Diamonds, Kitty Glitter, Zeus III, Golden Goddess, Thunderstruck II, Cleopatra, Immortal Romance and Starburst.

Branded Pokies

Branded pokies can be seen as the official games inspired by movies, television shows, musicians, board games, superheroes and cartoons. These titles are usually instantly recognisable and are extremely popular among Kiwi players. We are spending more time on our screens than ever before and software providers develop branded titles as they form part of our everyday culture. It's a great source of material and we can easily relate to a certain movie or rock band as opposed to an Irish-themed or an ancient Egyptian-themed slot. Microgaming released the first branded title in 2004, known as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Other providers soon followed with NetEnt releasing Frankenstein in 2011. Other examples include Who Wants to be a Millionaire by Big Time Gaming and The Dark Knight Rises by Playtech.

Best New Zealand Branded Real Money Pokies

New Zealand has played an integral role when it comes to branded pokies. Some of the best movies ever made have been filmed in New Zealand and there are loads of branded titles that New Zealand players can enjoy on both desktop and mobile devices in 2024. Below, we included a list of branded titles that have been inspired by movies made in New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud.

  1. Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World (Playtech): As the official title of the 2005 movie, Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World from Playtech comes equipped with 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 paylines. You can choose between Big City mode or Jungle mode, each offering two bonus features. You can unlock a Pick Me style bonus round or Respins where you will benefit from wild reels and sticky wild symbols. It also comes with a maximum jackpot prize of 5,000x your stake.
  2. Lord of the Rings: Rule Them All (WMS): The Lord of the Rings: Rule Them All from WMS has been a massive hit in New Zealand in both land-based and online casinos. It will take you on a journey from the Shire to Mordor and you can unlock up to 8 bonus features to help you on your journey through Middle-earth. You'll also be presented with clips from the movie and background sounds that make your experience more engaging.
  3. Lord of the Rings (IGT): IGT has also created their own version based on the Lord of the Rings movies. Their adaptation comes with 5 reels, 3 rows and 25 paylines. You can also take advantage of several bonus features while spinning the reels, including the Prancing Pony Bonus, the Gimli Bonus Round and and Amon Hen Bonus. You'll also find wild symbols, scatter symbols and other high-paying symbols to enhance your experience.
  4. Wolverine (Playtech): Playtech's Wolverine is a Marvel Studios title based on the blockbuster movie. You will discover Wolverine clawing at the reels as he unlocks wild reels and extra wild symbols. He will also be injected with Adamantium during the free spins round. It is presented on 5 reels with 25 paylines and comes with a maximum jackpot of 3,000 coins. You can also make use of a Turbo mode to speed up the reels along with an Autoplay feature.

Progressive Jackpots

One of the biggest attractions of real money pokies in NZ is the ability to win a life-changing sum of money. If you are interested in winning millions from a single bet, we highly recommend progressive jackpots. With these titles, a small percentage of every bet you place is added towards the overall jackpot. The progressive jackpot will continue to grow until someone triggers the accumulated jackpot winnings. Once this happens, the jackpot will reset to a seed amount. You can enjoy classic 3-reels with a progressive jackpot element or video slots coupled with a progressive jackpot bonus round. Below, we included the top 3 progressive jackpots that are renowned for their jackpot bonus, graphics, animations and entertainment value.

Win Big With Progressive Pokies

  • Mega Moolah

    Mega Moolah

    Mega Moolah from Microgaming is an immensely popular progressive jackpot that has created more millionaires than any other online pokie in the real money gambling industry. With an African safari theme, you'll find 5 reels with 25 paylines along with a selection of bonus features, including multipliers, free spins and 4 progressive jackpots. In April 2021, Mega Moolah paid out NZD 32.8 million to one lucky New Zealand player.

  • Mega Fortune

    Mega Fortune

    Mega Fortune developed by NetEnt comes equipped with 5 reels and 25 paylines along with a rich and luxurious theme. It's one of the most famous progressive jackpots that burst onto the scene in 2008 and continues to attract players from around the world. It offers a pick me style bonus round and free spins along with 3 progressive jackpots. In 2013, it paid out 30.1 million New Zealand Dollars to one lucky player.

  • Hall of Gods

    Hall of Gods

    Hall of Gods powered by NetEnt is propelled by 5 reels and 25 paylines. The game comes equipped with a Norse mythology theme and offers a wide range of excellent bonus features, including a pick me style bonus round, multipliers, free spins, expanding wilds and 3 progressive jackpots. The game offers an average jackpot prize of 8.9 million New Zealand dollars but has also paid out a maximum of 13 million New Zealand dollars.

Mega Ways

Megaways is a slot term that was first used by Big Time Gaming, a popular software developer based in Australia. It essentially refers to a mechanic where you'll have the opportunity to unlock up to 117,649 paylines, or ways to win. It's worth noting that this is just the standard number of ways to win as you'll also find megaways titles with 16,807 ways to win or titles with more than a million ways to win. These games are developed using a unique mathematical system, providing a random reel modifier to determine the number of symbols that will be presented on the reels, usually ranging between 2 and 7. That can create a wide range of paylines for each reel, ranging from 324 ways to win to 117,649 ways to win and more. Some of the most popular megaways titles include Holy Diver Megaways, White Rabbit Megaways, 1 Million Megaways B.C, and Eastern Emeralds Megaways.

how to play pokie machines online

How To Play Pokie Machines Online

Online pokies are extremely attractive due to the fact that they are so easy to play. You don't require any skills as you'll simply press the button to set the reels in motion. To play real money pokies online in New Zealand, you simply need to register with one of our recommended casinos, choose from an assortment of reliable banking methods to make a deposit, and browse the game library to find a title you like. Once you launch the online slot on your desktop or mobile device, you can set your bet amount, select the number of paylines (if you can adjust them), and press the button. We recommend that you review the paytable before wagering real money to familiarise yourself with the symbols, payouts, bonus features and payline structures. You can also play in demo mode where you can use demo credits to play your favourite pokies for free before playing for real money.

  • Payouts, RTP and Volatility Explained

    Pokies are renowned for their incredible payouts. However, have you ever wondered how payouts are calculated on these popular games? This is where volatility and Return to Player percentages come into play. The volatility will indicate how often the game will typically pay out, while the Return to Player (RTP) will indicate how much a particular title will pay back to players. For instance, a title with an RTP of 95% means that the pokie will pay $95 for every $100 wagered. You will also find that online pokies can have three volatility levels, including low, medium and high. Low volatility games will provide small but frequent payouts, while high volatility games will offer huge winning opportunities but these enormous payouts are few and far between. You'll need to have a sizable bankroll and loads of patience to take advantage of the lucrative winnings from high variance titles.

  • What is an RNG?

    RNG stands for Random Number Generator and its essentially the brains of an online pokie. Most players are aware of the fact that a computer chip determines the results, but they do not fully understand how it functions, leading to misconceptions about these games. Inside every pokie is a microprocessor that is similar to the one found in your computer. The RNG will generate numbers that correspond with the symbols on a slot machine. The RNG can generate up to 4 billion numbers every millisecond and translate it into specific numbers that correspond with the symbols on the reels. The results are determined by the numbers that are selected by the RNG. Online casinos have no control over the Random Number Generator so New Zealand players can rest assured that the results are completely fair. Now that you have a better understanding of RTP, volatility and the Random Number Generator, it's time to take a look at the top 10 online pokies for NZ with the highest RTPs.

Top 10 High RTP NZ Online Pokies To Play in 2024

Slot Software RTP Casino Jack Hammer 2 NetEnt 97.10% 888 Casino Mega Fortune Dreams NetEnt 96.40% LeoVegas Casino Castle Builder II Microgaming 96.46% Jackpot City Casino Immortal Romance Microgaming 96.86% Royal Vegas Casino Mega Moolah Microgaming 88.12% Casumo Casino Thunderstruck II Microgaming 96.65% Ruby Fortune Casino Demolition Squad NetEnt 97.10% Mr Green Casino Gonzo's Quest NetEnt 95.97% PlayOJO Casino Secrets of Atlantis NetEnt 97.07% PlayAmo Casino Starburst NetEnt 96.01% King Billy Casino

Online Pokie Features and How They Work

Apart from the lucrative payouts, attractive storylines, unique payline structures and flexible bet limits, pokies also impress with an incredible selection of bonus features to further boost your chances of winning at top real money online casinos in NZ. These bonus features give you the opportunity to unlock additional winning opportunities and can sometimes even expand on a particular theme or storyline to keep you engaged. Below, we included some of the most popular features you'll come across while playing online pokies in New Zealand.

  1. Wild Symbols: The most common symbol you'll find in online pokies for real money in NZ is the wild icon. This special symbol has the power to substitute for all regular symbols, making it easier to create winning combinations. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can perform different tasks once they are displayed on the reels. Some titles will have expanding wild symbols, while others will feature sticky wild symbols that will remain in place for the next go. You'll also come across wild reels where the entire reel is wild to further boost your bankroll.
  2. Scatter Symbols: Scatter symbols were initially designed to double your bet amount before they transformed into symbols that unlock bonus features, specifically free spins. Some titles still double your bet amount when displaying two scatter symbols anywhere on the reels, but their true purpose lies in the fact that they unlock bonus rounds in most games. You will need to display 3 or more scatter symbols to unlock a special feature. The more scatter symbols you display, the more free spins you'll unlock.
  3. Multipliers: Multipliers can present themselves in various ways but will always serve the same objective, to multiply your win amount before its credited to your cash balance. Some titles will feature multipliers in the base game, while others will have multipliers in bonus rounds. Multiplier values can range from 2x to 100x and are fantastic features to use when you want to boost your winning potential. You'll often find multipliers coupled with cascading reels where you'll increase the multiplier value with each consecutive cascading of reels.
  4. Free Spins: As previously mentioned, free spins are unlocked when you display three or more scatter symbols anywhere in view on the reel set. Once triggered, you can enjoy between 5 and 100 free spins, depending on the online pokie you play. Most of these rounds will also include other special features and symbols to boost your winnings, including expanding wilds, multipliers, wild reels, sticky wilds, etc. Some might remove all low-paying symbols, giving you the opportunity to create huge wins as you'll only deal with high-paying symbols during each free spins feature.
  5. Win Both Ways: Most online pokies will calculate payouts starting from the leftmost reel. You'll need to land three of the same symbols from the first to the third reel to receive a payout. However, you'll also come across slot titles where wins are calculated from left to right as well as right to left. This means that you'll have more opportunities to create winning opportunities as winning combinations are calculated from both sides of the reel structure.
  6. Avalanche Reels: Avalanche reels, also known as rolling reels, tumbling reels or cascading reels, are slot features that work similarly to a respin feature. However, instead of getting another try for free, all winning symbols will be removed from the reel set to make space for new symbols that often fall in from above. This creates new opportunities for additional combinations without spending your own money. The more successive combinations you create, the bigger the rewards.
  7. Nudge: The nudge feature made its first appearance with classic fruit machines, allowing you to choose an individual reel with the ability to nudge it up or down to get a desired symbol. This is a great feature if you are missing a high-paying symbol on a particular reel or a scatter symbol to unlock the free spins round. Using the nudge feature does come with an additional cost but the rewards can be astronomical if you get the right symbols to line up.

Free NZ Online Slots vs Real Cash Pokies

Players in New Zealand have the ability to play the best online pokies for free before making a real money deposit. This provides the rare opportunity to learn about different symbols, payouts, bonus features, game mechanics, bet limits and payline structures. However, playing slots for free does not yield any real money rewards. When you play online pokies for real money, you can look forward to real money payouts and enjoy progressive jackpot titles that you can't enjoy while playing in demo mode. You can also take advantage of excellent promotions and bonuses to further boost your chances while playing for real money. Thankfully, there are promotional offers that give you the capacity to play slot machines for free while still providing real money rewards. Below, we'll discuss the types of bonuses you can claim as a pokie fan and how you can use these promotional offers to your advantage in 2024.

bonuses for online pokies

Bonuses For Pokie Fans

There are several promotions and bonuses you can claim as a pokie enthusiast from New Zealand. Whether you are a newcomer or an existing player, you can take advantage of no deposit bonuses, welcome packages, reload deals, cashback promotions and loyalty rewards to mention but a few. It should come as no surprise that free spins promotions are the most popular bonuses claimed by New Zealand players in 2024. Below, we'll take a look at top free spins promotions you can claim to further increase your chances of winning on online pokies and why they are so popular among players in New Zealand.

  • No Deposit Free Spins

    If you are looking for the best way to play online pokies for free with the opportunity to claim real money rewards, you need to take a look at our list of the best no deposit bonuses with free spins in 2024. These incredible promotions can be claimed by simply registering a new account where you'll receive between 10 and 250 free spins on a new or popular slot machine. The winnings you accumulate from no deposit free spins will be credited to your bonus balance, giving you the freedom to play other casino games. You can also withdraw your winnings without making a real money deposit. However, you'll need to meet all playthrough requirements before doing so.

  • Free Spins Bonuses with Deposit

    If you don't mind making a real money deposit on your casino account, you'll have access to a plethora of promotions and bonuses offering free spins as a reward. The best online pokies casinos in New Zealand will frequently offer free spins as part of a welcome package or will give you free spins on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as part of their reload promotions. You can also look forward to exclusive free spins offers when you unlock new loyalty tiers as a frequent player. This will usually involve complimentary free spins or tailor-made offers where your account manager will create promotions based on the games you play the most. You can even look forward to free spins as a birthday bonus, giving you tons of winning opportunities while playing your favourite pokies in 2024.

Best NZ Pokies Online To Play Free

Kiwi players on the lookout for the best free online pokies will be able to browse through hundreds of top-rated titles when registering a new account at any of our suggested sites. You will often have the ability to sort free online pokies by theme, available features, volatility or software provider. There is no need to download any additional software and you can play your favourite titles on desktop or mobile devices in demo mode or by claiming top no deposit bonuses offered by our industry experts. Below, we included the best New Zealand online pokies based on Māori themes, Island themed machines and mountain themed online pokies to help you make a more informed decision in 2024.

  • Māori Themed Games

    In Māori culture, the name that was given to the first human was Tiki and the small sculptures that were produced by native Polynesian people are also known as Tiki. Online casino software developers were fascinated by the exotic culture and created a wide range of slots incorporating the Māori statues. All Māori-themed online pokies will give New Zealand players valuable insight into the culture while taking advantage of winning opportunities and fascinating storylines. Some of the best Māori themed pokies online worth checking out include the Hoonga Boonga slot, the Tiki Party slot and the Tiki Wonders slot.

  • Island Themed Machines

    There are hundreds of islands scattered across the globe, and many of them have been used by leading software providers to provide island-themed pokies. While most players will think of tropical islands situated in the Caribbean, most New Zealand players tend to think of the 600 islands located around the two main landmasses. If you want to experience the thrill and excitement of island-themed pokies, we highly recommend taking a look at the Lost Island slot, the Fire Toad slot or the Aloha! Cluster Pays slot. Each of these titles are packed with excellent bonus features to boost your bankroll on desktop and mobile devices.

  • Mountain Themed Pokies

    With great mystique and beauty hidden within them, mountains are undoubtedly the most incredible land masses on planet Earth, especially those located in New Zealand. Most mountains have turned into tourist attractions and have provided unique content for software providers in the online casino industry. You will often find mountain-themed slots with wildlife, imaginary creatures, gold digging adventures or picturesque backgrounds to further enrich your experience as you hunt down winning combinations. Some of the best mountain-themed pokies you can enjoy on desktop and mobile include the Mount Mazuma slot, the Hall of the Mountain King slot and the Lost City of Incas slot.

New Zealand Online Pokie Software Providers

The online pokies you'll find at the best casinos in New Zealand are often created and developed by software providers. These third-party software specialists create the games and supply them to gambling sites on a monthly basis. There are more than 100 software providers in the industry, each creating their own unique titles with different themes, payline structures, bonus features and bet limits. Below, we'll take a closer look at the most prestigious software providers in the industry and the most popular games they've created over the years.

  • microgaming

    Microgaming

    Established in 1994, Microgaming is widely considered to be the first software provider in the online casino industry. The company based out of Isle of Man has been at the forefront of innovation and are the brains behind some of the most popular online pokies in the industry. The company is probably best known for the Mega Moolah slot series which have provided over £1 billion in jackpot prizes. New Zealand players can explore more than 800 games from Microgaming, including branded slots, progressive jackpots, three-reel classics and tons of video slots.

    Top 3 From Microgaming

    With more than 800 titles, it's difficult to choose the top 3 from Microgaming. Every time the software provider releases a new title, it's a big event. However, over the years there have been several titles that have attracted millions of online casino players and continue to do so even today. The Immortal Romance slot is a vampire-themed game launched in 2011. With 5 reels and 243 Ways to Win, you can look forward to 4 free spin features, multipliers, transforming wild symbols and more. The Thunderstruck II slot is another fine example, giving Kiwi players the opportunity to unlock the Great Hall of Spins feature where 4 differnt features await. The 5 reel, 243 Ways to Win slot also comes with a Wildstorm feature, extra wild symbols and multipliers. If you are looking for a movie-themed slot from Microgaming, we recommend the Terminator 2 slot. The slot was released in 2014 and offers 5 reels with 243 Ways to Win. You can also take advantage of the T-800 vision feature, special transforming symbols and more!

  • netent

    NetEnt

    There are only a handful of software providers that are more experienced than NetEnt. The software developer was established in 1996 and launched their first online casino in 2000. Over the years, NetEnt has expanded into a wide variety of territories across the globe and have formed partnerships with some of the world's largest operators, including LeoVegas Casino, Paddy Power Casino and Betfair. With more than 200 online casino pokies, their games are available at over 200 casino sites. In 2019, they acquired Red Tiger Gaming and in 2020, NetEnt was acquired by Evolution Gaming.

    Top 3 From NetEnt

    If you enjoy real money slots, chances are you've played a title from NetEnt. The Swedish software provider is behind some of the hottest games in the industry, ranging from Spanish conquistadors to sci-fi adventures and beyond. One of the biggest hits from NetEnt is the Starburst slot. With 5 reels and 10 paylines, the game was released in 2012 and comes equipped with a wins both ways engine. You'll also benefit from a Starburst wilds feature and a maximum payout of 500x your stake. Another smashing hit is the Gonzo's Quest slot. This game was first released in 2011 and follows the adventures of a Spanish conquistador. Players will benefit from the avalanche reels feature, multipliers, free spins and a maximum win of 37,500x the bet amount. We also recommend taking a look at the Jack and the Beanstalk slot. Based on the classic fairy-tale, players will find 5 reels with 20 paylines along with walking wild symbols that can award respins, expanding wild symbols, multipliers and a top prize worth 3,000x your stake.

  • playngo

    Play'n Go

    Play'n GO is an award-winning software provider that has been creating incredible titles since 1997. The company was founded in Sweden and delivers content with volatile gameplay and exciting features. Their games catalogue is based on ancient deities, graffiti artists, superheroes and lost civilisations. Play'n GO was the first software provider to release mobile online slots for real money and is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Slot Provider of the Year award in 2017 and 2019. With more than 200 online pokies, there is loads of action available at the best Play'n GO casinos.

    Play'n Go's Top 3

    If you are looking for a wide selection of themes and styles, you can't go wrong with the catalogue produced by Play'n GO. One of the most popular titles from this leading software provider is the Book of Dead slot. This super volatile title comes with an ancient Egyptian theme and offers 5 reels with 10 paylines. The bonus features embedded within the game include free spins, special expanding symbols, and a top prize worth 5,000x your stake. The Legacy of Egypt slot is another Play'n GO title worth checking out. The 5 reel, 30 payline pokie comes equipped with a free spins feature, multipliers, a Pyramid Spins feature and a top prize worth 5,000x your bet. Lastly, we would also recommend the Reactoonz slot from Play'n GO. This sci-fi themed slot offers a 7x7 cascading reel structure with added wild icons and symbol transformation features. You'll also benefit from colossal symbols and a top prize worth 5,470x your stake.

  • playtech

    Playtech

    Playtech was established in 1999 and provides more than 200 games to top-rated real money casinos in New Zealand. The software developer is considered the biggest publicly traded software provider in the industry and offers various products and services to gambling operators. They are best known for their online pokies, especially the Age of the Gods slot series and the Kingdoms Rise slot series. They also produce branded titles, such as Ace Venture Pet Detective, Robocop and the Flintstones. Additionally, they provide live dealer games, such as multiple variants of online blackjack and roulette. The company has been on the London Stock Exchange for more than a decade and has gained noteworthy credibility from both online casinos and online players.

    Best 3 From Playtech

    Apart from the branded slots mentioned above and the incredible Age of the Gods and Kingdom Rise slot series, there are tons of other sensational online pokies from Playtech worth your time and money. We recommend taking a look at the Gladiator: Road to Rome slot. It's the official title to the legendary Gladiator movie, featuring 5 reels with 25 paylines. The game comes with a Colosseum free spins round along with multipliers, nudging wild reels and a top prize worth 45,000x your stake. Another excellent title is the Great Blue slot. It is propelled by 5 reels with 25 paylines and comes with a killer whale theme where players can take advantage of multipliers, free spins, and a top prize worth 20,000x their stake. If you are looking for more Playtech action, we recommend taking a look at the Jackpot Giant slot. With 5 reels and 50 paylines, this progressive jackpot slot comes with a prehistoric theme along with plenty of epic bonus features to boost your chances of winning. You can also look forward to the progressive jackpot that pays out an average of NZD 8.6 million.

  • igt

    IGT

    IGT was established during the 1950s, making it one of the oldest and most recognisable software providers in the industry. The company went public in 1981 and had a huge impact with their games in land-based casinos. IGT is responsible for some of the most played pokies of all time. When the internet was introduced, IGT was quick to transform all their land-based slots into online versions, giving players the ability to enjoy their favorite real money pokies on desktop and mobile devices. Below, we included the top 3 online pokies you can enjoy at the best IGT casinos online in 2024.

    IGT's Best 3

    When it comes to the best slots from IGT, Cleopatra is undoubtedly the most popular title from this renowned software provider. It was first released in land-based casinos and features an ancient Egyptian theme with 5 reels and 20 paylines. New Zealand players can also take advantage of a free spins feature, multipliers and Cleopatra wild symbols that can double the multiplier value up to 6x. This title also excites with a 10,000x prize on every free spin. Another hugely popular title from IGT is Da Vinci's Diamonds. Inspired by the Renaissance period, this title comes fitted with a Tumbling Reels feature and a free spins feature where you can unlock up to 300 free spins. Lastly, we recommend taking a look at IGT's Pharaoh's Fortune. It will transport you to ancient Egypt and offers up to 999 free spins along with a 6x multiplier. It is powered by 5 reels and 15 paylines and comes with a top prize worth 10,000x your stake.

Smaller Providers With Great Pokie Machines

Apart from the industry giants we mentioned above, there are plenty of other creative software providers that are constantly releasing exceptional online pokies for New Zealand casino players. Below, you'll find a brief overview of each and the most popular titles you are bound to find while exploring their library selection at any of our recommended sites in 2024.

  1. Amaya: Amaya started in 2004 and is now trading under The Stars Group name. This major software provider owns several brands, including Full Tilt, BetStars and PokerStars. Some of the most popular Amaya pokies include Barn Yard Bookie, Dolphin King, Mad Monkey and Pirate Treasure.
  2. Bally Technologies: Bally Technologies was founded in 1968 but operated under a different name, known as Advanced Patent Technology. The software provider is based in Las Vegas and have created some incredible titles over the years, including Dragon Spin, 88 fortunes, China River, Michael Jackson King of Pop, Titanic and Quick Hit.
  3. Quickspin: Quickspin is a Swedish software provider operated by former NetEnt employees. The company's aim is to deliver unique titles with crisp graphics and high-quality animations with a Scandinavian feel. Some of the most popular titles from Quickspin include Raven Rising, Spinions Game Day, Eastern Emeralds, and Slugger Time.
  4. RTG: Realtime Gaming has been around since 1998 and was one of the first software providers to go online alongside Microgaming and Playtech. The company introduced the RTG Real Series and created some innovative titles over the years. Some of the most popular RTG online pokies include Jackpot Pinatas, Aztec's Millions, Ronin and Fruit Frenzy.
  5. Red Tiger Gaming: Red Tiger Gaming was established in 2014 and was acquired by NetEnt in 2019. The software provider still creates titles under its own brand name and are responsible for some of the most entertaining titles in the industry, including Wild Spartans, Golden Lotus, Emerald Diamond, Laser Fruit and Esqueleto Mariachi.
  6. Yggdrasil Gaming: Yggdrasil Gaming launched in 2013 and are best known for online scratch cards and online pokies. Their games are both amusing and edgy with some dark themes to grab your attention. Some of the best Yggdrasil titles include Florageddon!, Time Travel Tigers, Vikings go to Valhalla, Raptor DoubleMax and Word of Thoth.
  7. Aristocrat: Aristocrat is the biggest software provider in Australia that dates back to 1953. Licensed in more than 240 jurisdictions, Aristocrat operates in more than 100 countries and are best known for titles like Wild Panda, Pompeii, Lucky 88, Zorro, Queen of the Nile and branded slots like Big Bang Theory and Walking Dead.

Gaming on the Go : Play NZ Online Pokies on Your Mobile

Players in New Zealand will be pleased to know that all our suggested sites use the latest HTML5 technology, giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your favourite online pokies while on the move. You can download dedicated mobile casino apps for Android and iOS devices, or you can visit your preferred online casino through your mobile's web browser with no additional download required. All our recommendations will allow you to sign up for new accounts without having to use your desktop computer. You can also make safe and secure online transactions, claim promotions and bonuses, play all the new and popular online pokies, contact support and manage your account while away from home. You'll also have access to other titles that are similar to slots, including online bingo with an assortment of variations along with online keno for a simplistic gaming experience with loads of incredible prizes up for grabs.

how to choose the best pokie site

How To Choose The Best Online Pokies Site

Kiwi players are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best online pokies casinos in 2024. However, with such an extraordinary selection of online destinations, it can be difficult to choose a safe and reliable site, especially if you don't know what to look for. Thankfully, we have decades of industry experience and follow a strict rating criteria to ensure you only play at reputable and trustworthy sites on desktop and mobile devices. Below, we included a list of requirements all our suggested gambling sites need to meet before they are recommended to our readers.

  1. Gambling License: A licensed and regulated online casino provides a safe and secure gambling environment with fair games and fast payouts. All licensed operators are regularly tested by third-party auditing companies and strive to deliver the best experience to maintain a good reputation within the industry.
  2. Huge Game Selection: It goes without saying that the more games you have at your fingertips, the less likely you'll jump from one gambling site to the next. We always look for operators with 1,000+ titles provided by multiple software providers so you can enjoy a diverse selection, such as online pokies, table games (like online roulette or blackjack), live dealer titles, video poker, specialty games and more.
  3. Diverse Range of Payment Methods: All our recommendations will allow you to deposit and withdraw in NZD. We also ensure that our suggested sites offer a diverse selection of popular banking methods, including credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers and e-wallets.
  4. Generous Promotions and Bonuses: Newcomers and existing players should have a wealth of promotional offers to claim on desktop and mobile devices. You should be able to claim no deposit deals, welcome packages, reload promotions, cashback deals and more. The online casino should also offer fair and transparent terms and conditions, especially when it comes to wagering requirements, contribution percentages, expiry dates and withdrawal limits.
  5. Mobile Compatibility: More and more players are enjoying online casino sessions on their handheld devices, so it's vital for gambling sites to offer a mobile casino app or access via a mobile web browser so you can enjoy your favourite online pokies on the go. You should also have the freedom to manage your account, claim promotions, contact support and request withdrawals.
  6. 24/7 Customer Support: You will eventually need support when something goes wrong or when you have additional questions about a specific promotion. When this happens, it's good to have friendly and professional support 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We also check that you can contact support in various ways, including telephone, live chat and email.

Our Recommended Online Pokies Sites by Category

The online gambling industry is a fierce and competitive environment filled with thousands of online casinos fighting for your business. To stand out in a crowded market, several gambling sites have started to specialise in certain areas, making it easier for you to select an operator based on your playstyle and preferences. If you are new to the world of online gambling and looking for a gambling site with the best progressive jackpots, best mobile pokies, or the best slot tournaments, we got you covered. Below, you'll find a list of online pokies sites by category to help you make a more educated decision in 2024.

Best For Casino Progressive Jackpots PlayOJO Casino Mobile Pokies 888 Casino Microgaming Jackpot City Casino NetEnt Mr Green Casino Bonuses LeoVegas Casino Slot Tournaments Casumo Casino Fast Withdrawals Zodiac Casino Overall PlayAmo Casino

Top Tips to Help You Win on Slots

It should come as no surprise that online pokies are games of chance which means there are no guaranteed methods to beat the house. However, there are a handful of tips and strategies that you can incorporate to increase your chances of winning more often. Below, we included valuable tips and strategies that you can use while playing slots in 2024.

  1. Search for Titles with High RTP Percentages
  2. Practice in Demo Mode Before Playing for Real Money
  3. Claim Promotions and Bonuses to Boost Your Chances of Winning
  4. Ensure You Bet Enough to be Eligible for Progressive Jackpots
  5. Higher Denominations Provide Higher Payback Percentages

What Next for Interested Online Pokie Players In New Zealand

With this comprehensive guide to the best online pokies casinos in New Zealand, you should have everything you need to confidently choose a reputable gambling site in 2024 from our recommended list. You also have the knowledge to know the types of pokies you will find online in New Zealand and how to search for the best-paying titles in the industry. Don't forget to claim promotions and bonuses as both a new and existing player and don't be afraid to play your favourite titles while on the move with a dedicated mobile casino app. All our suggested New Zealand online pokie sites have surpassed our expectations and will deliver a safe and secure online casino experience in 2024. Take a look at our Casino Rewards guide where you'll find some of the most generous deals and hundreds of games to enjoy for both new and existing players in NZ!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I pick the best online pokies casinos to play at?

    Apart from utilising our list of online casinos, you will need to review and compare different sites and evaluate the game selection. We also urge you to read the terms and conditions and to make sure that the site is licensed and regulated for a safe and reliable gaming experience.
  • Can I play pokies online for free?

    Yes. Most of our recommendations will have a fun play options where you'll receive demo credits to play online pokies for free. This is a fantastic way to learn about payouts, bonus features, payline structures, various themes and bet limits before playing for real money.
  • Can I really win money playing free pokies?

    Yes. However, you will need to claim no deposit bonuses to win real money and meet all playthrough requirements before you can request a withdrawal. Playing with demo credits in demo mode will not yield any real money winning opportunities. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of no deposit bonuses before redeeming these offers on your account.
  • Are pokie casino sites legal in New Zealand?

    Yes. While local online casinos are not permitted to operate in the country, offshore gambling sites are technically legal. This means that Kiwi players can choose any operators that accept New Zealand registrations regardless of the fact that online casinos in question are not regulated by the Gaming Commission in New Zealand.
  • Do I have to pay taxes on my online pokies winnings?

    No. You will be pleased to learn that both New Zealand and Australian natives are exempt from paying taxes on gambling winnings. This is due to the fact that betting or online gambling is considered a recreational activity or hobby as opposed to a profession.
  • What is the best bonus for Kiwis to claim in 2024?

    The best online casinos in New Zealand are packed with a wide range of promotions and bonuses. Newcomers can look forward to no deposit bonuses and welcome packages on their initial deposits, while existing players can take advantage of reload promotions, loyalty rewards and cashback deals. Review the terms and conditions of every offer to find the best bonus as a New Zealand player.
  • Can I play all my favourite games on my mobile?

    Yes. All our suggested sites support the latest HTML5 technology which means you can play all your favourite online pokies on Android or iOS operating systems. You will also be able to use the same features and services as the desktop versions which means you can register new accounts, claim bonuses, make online transactions and more while on the move.
  • How do I know the real money pokies aren't rigged?

    All our online casino recommendations use a Random Number Generator to calculate the results. This is essentially a microprocessor running in the background that delivers completely random results that cannot be controlled by online casinos.
  • Which payment method is best for fast withdrawals?

    This will depend on your preferred payment method and how long you are willing to wait for your winnings at online casinos. While debit/credit cards take between 3 to 5 working days, e-wallet options are renowned for reflecting your winnings within 48 hours. However, if you are looking for the fastest withdrawals, we highly recommend cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin or Ethereum.
  • What are the best games to play for big cash wins?

    If you are looking for jaw-dropping wins that can change your life for the better, you can't go wrong with progressive jackpots. There are hundreds of progressive jackpot titles in the online gaming industry but we recommend Mega Moolah, Hall of Gods, Mega Fortune and King Cashalot.
About this Author
 Quintin van Wyk
Quintin van Wyk - Editor in Chief

Quintin has been supplying his wealth of iGaming knowledge since 2012. As an accomplished writer and editor, his work at NZcasinos.com range from legal and editorial articles to evaluations and reviews of the most established casino brands in the New Zealand gambling market.