Online Pokies in New Zealand

Most Popular Online Pokies in New Zealand: 5 Options to Note in 2023

Most New Zealanders cherish online pokies due to their exciting and rewarding attributes. Unlike other gambling categories, you won't need to seclude yourself to understand extensive technicalities.

If you'd like to revamp your iGaming adventure via pokies and yield positives, consider these five alternatives:

#1 Starburst

Featuring an intergalactic theme, Starburst ranks as the most popular pokie at NZ online casinos. Created by NetEnt, this online pokie has five reels and ten paylines. 

Released in 2012, Starburst has earned a vast following due to its bonus features and immersive sound tunes. With a 96.1% RTP, this exciting casino game will see you attain decent winning margins with relative ease.

#2 Gonzo's Quest

Gonzo's Quest revolves around a Spanish Conquistador — Gonzalo Pizarro (Gonzo). His aim? Go through the topsy-turvy Amazon city to uncover El Dorado (the lost city of Gold). Albeit released in 2011, this Mayan-themed game showcased graphics that screamed futuristic on all fronts.

Although the pokie's 95.97% RTP doesn't meet the industry's average, players can edge closer to wins via several bonuses. Notable variants in this NetEnt-produced game include the Avalanche Feature, Free Falls Feature, and Avalanche Multiplier Feature. 

#3 Big Bass Bonanza

Consider Pragmatic Play's Big Bass Bonanza if you're interested in a fish-themed online pokie. With cartoonish graphics and tunes bound to move your feet, hitting the "SPIN" icon has never been more exhilarating. 

Set on five reels, three rows, and ten paylines, Big Bass Bonanza hosts a 96.71% RTP. This value, alongside the game's bonus highlight — the Free Spins Feature — will suit your march towards decent winning combinations.

#4 Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is a Safari-themed progressive jackpot pokie has five reels and 25 paylines. Released in 2006 by Microgaming, this pokie ranks as a classic amongst other classics, showcasing symbols reminiscent of animals in the Serengeti. 

While Mega Moolah's 93.42% RTP seems low compared to industry standards, the rewards lie in the Jackpot Bonus Game Feature. Activated randomly, spinning its associated wheel grants you one of four jackpots — Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. If the pointer lands on "Mega," you'll be eligible for rewards exceeding the $5 million mark!

#5 Book of Dead

Play'n GO is known for releasing high-quality online pokies. In January 2016, this revered software provider outdid itself with a variation tagged "Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead."

Tell-tale of ancient Egyptian mythology, the most rewarding icon is Rich Wilde himself. Landing this symbol five times across the reels grants you 5,000 times your initial stake. 

Featuring an above-average 96.2% RTP, this pokie takes rewards further with a Free Spins Feature. Players are eligible for payouts reaching 200 times their wager alongside ten Free Spins during this feature. With these extras available, resurrecting your casino balance is 100% attainable.

Classification of Real Money Online Pokies

Online pokies are fun, and Kiwis have access to thousands across their favourite NZ casinos. Here are some popular pokie categories you should note:

#1 Progressive Jackpot Pokies

Progressive jackpots differ from typical pokies with preset winning values based on a player's wager. 

On progressive pokies, the casino adds "seed money" alongside a specific percentage of players' wagers to the pot. The jackpot grows until someone's lucky enough to win it all emerges.

Notable progressive pokie examples include Mega Moolah, Arabian Nights, and Sisters of Oz WowPot™.

#2 Classic Pokies

Classic pokies deliver the nostalgic thrill attached to the "good ol' days" of placing wagers on one-armed bandits featured at land-based casinos. Integrating three reels, classics usually feature symbols such as bars, fruits, lucky 7's, and diamonds.

Staying true to the original format, classic pokies rarely feature bonuses or fancy sound tunes. Straightforward as ever, classic pokies are for those who love to kick-start gameplay without distractions.

Some classic pokie examples include Triple Magic, Couch Potato, and Flying Ace.

#3 High Volatility Pokies

High volatility pokies feature high risks. During gameplay, players might make numerous spins without anything to show for their efforts. However, when they land a winning combo, associated values are enormous.

Playing these pokies requires patience to wait long periods without landing a dime! A typical high volatility pokie example is the Book of Ra (Novomatic).

#4 Branded Pokies

Branded pokies have taken centre stage in the last few years. These pokie alternatives are themed around TV shows, rock bands, singers, board games, and celebrities. 

Produced under licence, notable software developers like Microgaming and Playtech have created several branded pokies since their inception. At New Zealand casinos, you'll encounter iterations like Deal or No Deal, MONOPOLY Live, Rocky™, Gordon Ramsay: Hell's Kitchen, and Downton Abbey™.

#5 Mobile Pokies

As their naming suggests, mobile pokies are playable via smartphones. Most NZ casino sites have proprietary applications on the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple Store (iOS). 

By installing these apps, you'll have access to the platform's pokie catalogue and can commence gameplay accordingly.

Free Pokies Vs. Real Money Pokies: Examining Their Pros and Cons

Most players prefer free pokies as it gives them the leeway to commence gameplay without financial commitments. Conversely, some gamblers prefer real money pokies as they issue decent to seismic winning margins.

So, which variation is more advantageous? We'll leave you to decide by examining the pros and cons attached to each:

Pros and Cons of Free Pokies

Pros

• Practice without losing cash
• You don't need to insert financial or personal data to kick-start gameplay
• You can use it as an exciting pastime without any attachments

Cons

• Limited alternatives
• Inability to win real money
• Some NZ casino sites don't offer "Demo" games

Pros and Cons of Real Money Pokies

Pros

• Ability to win real money
• Excitement heightens during real-money gaming
• Numerous alternatives are at your disposal

Cons

• High chance of losing valuable funds
• These games can lead to problem gambling

NOTE: If you don't want to get addicted while playing real money pokies, utilise the Responsible Gaming tools on your preferred NZ casino site.