Best NZ Online Pokies - NZ Online Slots

Online pokies are great games for players who just want to relax and have fun without bothering about skill development and strategies. They are pure chance-based games with simple rules. Since using strategies does not improve one’s odds of winning, players can just sit back and enjoy the gaming experience.

Pokies owe their popularity to the fact that they come in so many varieties. Every online casino offers hundreds of titles with innovative features such as free spins, gamble games, bonus games, scatter payouts, expanding wilds, and others. Their realistic sound effects, animations, and graphics never fail to deliver the brick-and-mortar casino gaming experience in the comforts of home.

Online slot games, commonly known as pokies, are one of the most popular types of casino games. They are typically games of chance that don’t require any skill to play, but can create big money wins.

When slot games first came on the scene at the casino, they were simple three-reel games with basic symbols like fruits, BARs, and gold coins. If you landed three symbols in a row, the machine would spit out some coins. These types of slot games were affectionately known as the one-armed bandit. You had to pull down a lever to start the game, and more often than not, it kept your money.

However, as the online casino industry grew, the quality and style of online slot games also grew. Now, dozens of reputable gaming companies develop unique and creative slot game titles. You can find themes for nearly every niche including TV shows and movies, traveling, comics, fantasy, drinks, vacations, history, Egyptian, Asian, Irish, Greek mythology, and the list can go on and on.

There are many different ways to win. From a fixed number of paylines, to games that don’t even use paylines, but instead rely on symbols on adjacent lines or clusters of matching symbols.

Casino.com New Zealand is a popular choice among Kiwi players, thanks to a large selection of games from all the top providers.

Pokies are the newest online casino games in the industry as they appeared only 120 years back at Brooklyn in New York. The first pokie was designed by Sittman and Pitt Company in 1891. The machine comprised five drums bearing symbols of fifty playing cards, and its rules were similar to those of poker. These machines appeared in bars all over New York, giving away cigars, packets of cigarettes, or free drinks as prizes.

Charles Fey is widely acclaimed as the father of pokie machines. In the late eighties, he developed the Liberty Bell, a machine that had 20 symbols and 3 reels and worked just like the modern pokie. Since it became very popular, Fey had to produce a large number of Liberty Bell machines.

In 1907, he partnered with Mills Novelty Company, which produced another version of Liberty Bell called Mills Liberty Bell. In the thirties, the company made certain changes to the Mills Liberty Bell—changes they claimed would completely revolutionize the pokie industry.

In 1964, Bally Manufacturing introduced an electro-mechanical pokie machine called Money Honey, the first machine of its kind to have a design different from the Liberty Bell. In the eighties, computerized pokies were created. Sircoma, a startup, created a video pokie machine that became very popular though players couldn’t trust it in the beginning.

Pokies became more popular than ever with the launch of Best casino games in the mid nineties. Playing online pokies turned out to be convenient especially as online casinos offered hundreds of them under one roof. Moreover, technological developments led to the creation of feature-rich pokies with enormous jackpots, varied themes, and betting ranges.

Online pokies are designed and tested to ensure they deliver a particular payout percentage, which is the percentage of the bet amount players will receive as payouts. For example, if a casino offers a payout percentage of 90%, it means that it will receive 10% of all player bets and give away as prizes the remaining 90%.

Gambling laws require casinos to deliver specific payout percentages. Most online pokies have payout percentages that are more than the minimum required, in the range of 90% to 97%. Online casinos want their games to be as rewarding as possible because they do not want to lose customers to competitors.

Thanks to the latest technology, neither casinos nor players can manipulate pokie machines to their advantage. The results of each spin on a pokie are random, which means that all players have equal chances of hitting the jackpot.

Since modern pokies are packed with multiple paylines, free games, bonus games, and so on, players’ chances of winning are now higher than ever.

Since pokies are based on simple rules, playing them is very easy. Pokies vary with regard to bonus features, theme, payout structure, and number of paylines, but the basic rules that govern them are the same.

To start playing a pokie, players have to first place a bet. To do this, they must choose a coin value from the given coin value range and the number of coins they would like to bet. Some pokies also require players to activate the number of paylines they would like to play.

The next step is to hit the Spin option to set the reels spinning. If players do not like to do this manually, they can select the autoplay option, which allows players to spin the reels automatically for a particular number of spins or till the desired amount is won.

If a winning combination of symbols is displayed when the reels come to a stop, players can collect payouts according to the pay table displayed on the screen. To view this pay table, players may have to click on the Game Rules or Game Info tab.

In case of bonus pokies, a particular combination may activate the free spins feature or a bonus game round. If players activate a bonus feature, they will be returned to the base game only after they play the bonus feature.

Some pokies come with progressive jackpots or jackpots that keep increasing in size till a lucky player wins it. Sometimes, this jackpot gets activated at random at the end of every paid spin irrespective of the size of players’ initial bet. However, in case of most pokies, players will have to bet maximum in order to qualify for the progressive jackpot.

Beginners must understand the significance of the buttons on the screen of a pokie before beginning to play it for real money.

+ and -: This button is mostly seen in classic pokies and enables players to adjust their bet size.

Auto Play/Auto Start: Players can use this option to spin the pokie’s reels automatically for a specific number of spins or till a desired amount is won.

Bet One: An option commonly seen on classic pokies, it enables players to increase their bet size by one coin.

Bet Max: An option that is available on all variants, it allows players to bet the maximum that the pokie allows.

Pay Table/ Game Info: If players click on this option, they will be taken to a screen displaying the prizes that can be won for specific winning combinations. The screen may also display information about bonus features and basic game rules.

Collect: Hit this option if you want your winnings to be credited to your account.

Spin: If you hit this option, the reels will start spinning.

Lines: Some pokies have this option to let players select the number of paylines they would like to play.

Gamble: This option gets activated as soon as players win a prize. If players click on it, they can play a gamble game to either double their winnings or lose them all.

Pokies are games of pure chance and players can do nothing to increase their odds of winning. However, they can use the following tips to maximize their chances of winning.

Bankroll Management: Before beginning to bet max, players should learn the art of bankroll management. In fact, all responsible players know the importance of bankroll management, which actually means betting within one’s means. Players should never bet more than they can afford to lose.

The best way to build one’s bankroll is to start by betting minimum and piling up one’s winnings. Once players have saved enough of their winnings, they can start risking a bit more money on our most lucrative games.

Play Pokies that You Love: Avoid playing pokies just because they have large fixed jackpots or progressive jackpots. Instead, play pokies based on themes that appeal to you. Play pokies that you are familiar with or those with betting ranges that you can afford. You will have better luck if you play online casino games that you really enjoy.

Play Feature Rich Pokies: Play pokies that offer plenty of bonus features such as free spins, bonus game rounds, expanding and stacked wilds, scatter payouts, and so on. Your chances of winning prizes will increase if you unlock a bonus feature.

Know When to Quit: Avoid chasing your losses. In other words, never insist on playing when you are consistently losing in hopes that you will soon win a jackpot. Once you have lost a pre-determined amount, quit playing.

Bet Max: As far as possible, players should bet maximum because it qualifies them to unlock bonus features and win large fixed and progressive jackpots.

Save the Winnings: Never blow up all your winnings on gambling. Withdraw a part of your winnings to your bank account and use the rest to play more games.

The following is a glossary of commonly used pokie terms, which new players must understand before they start spending money on our pokies.

Fixed Jackpot: The value of this jackpot does not change. If you hit the jackpot winning combination, you can take home this fixed jackpot.

Progressive Jackpot: A progressive jackpot increases in size with every bet placed on the game till a lucky player wins it. Once it is won, it is reset to its seed value or the amount contributed by the house.

Wild Symbol: A wild symbol is capable of substituting for other icons to help players complete winning combinations.

Scatter Symbol: Scatter symbols need not appear along an active payline to fetch payouts.

Auto Play: Players can use this feature to automatically spin the reels a specific number of times.

Bonus Games: Some pokies come with bonus games that get triggered when a symbol or combination of symbols appear on the screen.

Expanding Wild: It is a wild symbol that expands all over the reel and maximizes players’ winnings.

Free Spins: These are games that do not require players to place a bet.

Multiplier: It is a feature that multiplies players’ winnings by a specific value.

Payline: A horizontal, vertical, zigzag, or diagonal line or any other pattern that holds winning combinations of symbols.

Reels: It is that part of the pokie that moves when the Spin button is hit.

Sticky Wild: It is a wild symbol that remains frozen in position while the rest of the reels are re-spun to give players another chance of winning.

Classic Pokies: These are traditional pokies that comprise one or more paylines, three reels, and a bonus feature or two.

Coin Size or Coin Denomination: A coin value that has to be selected while placing a bet.

Coins: Coins are multiplied by the selected coin value while placing a bet.

Fruit Machine: These are UK pokies that have special features such as bonus games, nudge, and hold.

Random Number Generator (RNG): A feature that ensures that each spin of a pokie’s reels leads to a random result.

Spin: A spin is simply a game, which lasts from the time players hit the Spin button to the time the reels stop spinning.

Stacked Wilds: These are wild symbols that appear stacked one over the other.

Symbols: They are the pictures or icons that appear on the reels. Players need to create combinations of similar icons to win prizes.

Wild Multiplier: A wild multiplier is a wild symbol that multiplies the payouts of any combination it helps to create with a specific value.

Winning Combination: A winning combination is one of the several ways to win payouts while playing a pokie.

Online slot games fall into several different categories. Understanding the different types is important, as it can help you decide what slot to play. Some games may look visually appealing but lack the bonus features or jackpots you’re hoping to win. Others may seem simple but have big jackpot wins.

• Straight Slots: The one-armed-bandit style slots are a good example of straight slots. There are no bonus features or modifiers that can increase the win potential. Wins are set on a paytable based on the value of each symbol.
• Bonus Slots: Also known as bonus multiplier slots, these games allow players to win extra money with bonus features. These features may have a pick-and-click game or special symbols, that can award players with multipliers based on their total bet.
• Progressive Slots: Progressive slot games pool a small percentage of the wager from players at all participating online casinos to create a consistently growing jackpot.
• Wild Symbols: A wild symbol will typically substitute for all regular symbols to help create a win. Some slot games have special wild symbols that can also trigger bonus features.
• Bonus games: There are plenty of different types of bonus games that can be triggered while playing pokies. These games are typically triggered when special scatter symbols are on the reel. Some popular bonus games are free spins, increasing multipliers, and sticky or roving wild symbols. Some slot games have bonus features that are connected to the theme of the slot or revolve around different characters from the game.
• Multiple Paylines: Most online slot games have multiple paylines, which is good because it increases the odds of winning. Some games have a fixed number of paylines; for others, you can choose how many lines to activate before the game starts.

RTP in Online Pokies NZ: Understanding Return to Player Percentages

So what is RTP (Return to Player)? From my experience, it’s a crucial metric that’s used in online slots / pokies. Basically, it indicates the percentage of wagered money that a slot game can possibly return over time. Here’s an example in my experience, a slot game with a RPT of around 95% can potentially return $95, that’s if $100 was wagered. Of course, this doesn’t always work out but can be used as an average.

How does RTP work? It’s calculated from a wide range of spins and is designed into the game by the software developer. Ultimately, I think it shows the game’s potential to pay a certain sum. This makes it a crucial factor in returning money to the player. But just keep in mind that RTP doesn’t always generate wins after each and every spin, it’s more of an average.

I believe that RTP is important because it can help players choose which game to play, since a high RPT percentage will eventually return better results over time. Who doesn’t want higher returns? Of course, there’s no guarantee but using the percentage can help a lot. But just remember that RTP isn’t the only factor to consider, there’s game volatility and personal preferences.

It's essential to note that RTP is calculated over millions of spins and doesn’t affect individual game outcomes. Misconceptions arise when players assume RTP influences short-term results. In reality, each spin is random and independent. I think this ensures fairness and unpredictability in every slot / pokie game.

Mobile Slots in New Zealand: Play Online Pokies Real Money NZ on the Go

Mobile slots have totally changed the game, in my opinion. They allow you to play your favourite slots directly from your mobile device at any time and in any location. The biggest perk? You get to enjoy all the fun of slot games while you’re on the move. Plus, many casinos throw in special bonuses just for playing on mobile, so you get extra perks for being on the go.

Playing slots on your mobile device is pretty much the same as on your desktop, though you might notice some small differences in graphics or features because of the smaller screen. But don't worry - game developers are making sure mobile games look and work great. Popular mobile slots like "Starburst" and "Book of Dead" are built to run smoothly on different devices.

You don’t need a high-tech phone to enjoy mobile slots; most modern smartphones and tablets will do just fine. You can also switch between your phone and computer without missing a beat, thanks to cross-device compatibility. While offline play isn’t common, some casinos offer apps that let you play without being connected to the internet. So, you can keep spinning even when you’re not on Wi-Fi!

As a premier comparison site for online casinos in New Zealand, we take pride in showcasing a diverse array of top-tier casino game providers. Our focus is on bringing players an expansive selection of games characterized by varied styles, engaging themes, and a multitude of bonus types.

Each provider we feature is renowned for its quality and innovation, ensuring that our users have access to the finest gaming experiences available. From classic slots to cutting-edge video games, these providers consistently deliver thrilling gameplay, impressive graphics, and unique features.

Our collaboration with these industry-leading game creators allows us to present a comprehensive and exciting gaming portfolio, catering to all preferences and styles of play. Whether you're a fan of traditional casino games or seeking the latest in gaming technology, our selection of providers guarantees a premium and diverse gaming adventure.

Playtech is one of the biggest names in the industry. They have two of the best collections of games with a combined progressive. The Age of the Gods series has over 30 pokies, each focusing on a different Greek god or mythological being. Another popular series is the fantasy-themed Kingdom Rises. In addition to multiple progressive jackpots, it also has a Feature Store, where you can use tokens earned during games to buy features.

Red Tiger is another excellent provider with a creative list of games. Most Red Tiger pokies have multiple progressive jackpots. However, what makes it special is that two of the jackpots must pay out before a certain time. This gives the player an advantage, as they can increase their play as the deadline approaches.

Microgaming is one of the oldest slot game brands and has the Guinness World Record for the largest single-game progressive jackpot payout. The win came from the African jungle theme Mega Moolah slot.

NetEnt has amazing graphics and animations that take the pokies to the next level. The Fairytale Legends collection, Starburst, and Jack Hammer are some of the most popular games.

Big Time Gaming originally developed Megaways slot games, but other providers use their technology. Instead of having a set number of paylines, the size of the symbols changes with each spin, which changes the number of possible paylines. Megaways slots can have up to 117,649 ways to win on a six-reel gameboard.

The list of the best Megaways slot games:

• Buffalo Blitz Megaways
• Fire Blaze: Blue Wizard Megaways
• Big Bass Bonanza Megaways
• Curse of the Werewolf Megaways
• Great Rhino Megaways
• Hot Spin Megaways
• Mystery Reels Megaways
• And much more

Winning progressive jackpot pokies can be a life-changing experience. Of course, not all progressive jackpots have million-dollar payouts, but a casino player can dream. Most progressive jackpots are not connected to the main game but rather have random triggers to determine a winner. Some games state that you can increase your stake size to increase your odds of winning a jackpot. Other games have a time-based deadline or max jackpot value determining when a jackpot will payout. These are typically low-value prizes since they payouts multiple times a week.

Some of the best progressive jackpot pokies are:

• The Age of the Gods series
• Gladiator Jackpot
• Justice League
• Mega Moolah
• Great Blue

Online pokies come in such a wide range of themes and styles. There is really a game that fits every casino player. The popularity of a game differs based on location and culture. The games below are proven to be popular among our Kiwi players.

Playing online pokies can be a fun experience! Exploring the world of online pokies becomes even more exciting when you discover the variety offered by other top-rated online casinos in New Zealand. These platforms feature an extensive range of slot games, from classic single line slots to innovative ones offering over 117,000 ways to win. Players can enjoy a plethora of bonuses, multipliers, and diverse progressive jackpots.

Before diving into the thrill of NZ pokies, it's essential to set up an account with your chosen online casino. Once registered, you can take advantage of various Welcome Packages and immerse yourself in some of the finest online pokies available in New Zealand. These casinos also provide a rich selection of other premium casino games, including Online Blackjack, Online Roulette, Videopoker, and an array of Live Dealer games, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable gaming experience.

To enjoy the excitement of real money games at various recommended online casinos in New Zealand, players must first set up a casino account. This process generally involves a few straightforward steps that ensure a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.

Here's a general guide to getting started at these casinos:

1. Account Registration: Navigate to the sign-up section of the chosen online casino and complete the registration form. This typically requires basic personal information. Make sure to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the casino. During registration, select New Zealand Dollars (NZD) as your preferred currency, if available.

2. Funding Your Account: Once your account is set up, you'll need to deposit funds to start playing. Access the casino's cashier or banking section. Here, you can choose from a range of payment methods that are popular and convenient for New Zealand players. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction.

3. Claiming Bonuses: Look out for welcome bonuses or new player offers. Many casinos provide a match bonus on your first deposit, which might include additional perks like free spins. These offers vary, so be sure to understand the details and conditions of the bonus.

4. Start Playing: With your funded account, you can now explore the casino's lobby to find your preferred online pokies and other casino games. Simply select the game you wish to play and begin your real money gaming journey.

Remember, each online casino may have specific nuances in their registration and account setup process, so it's essential to follow their individual guidelines and requirements for a seamless experience.