A Guide to Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies) in NZ
Electronic gaming machines, EGMs, or pokies, as they’re better known, are one of the most common forms of gambling you’ll see in New Zealand. You’ll find casino gaming machines inside the country’s land-based casinos, but you’ll also see NZ slot machines in pubs and clubs; the classic “local pokies” setup.
In the online gambling world, things are no different, and you’ll find digital versions of these games that follow the same core concept as the electronic casino games NZ players can play in land-based casinos and arcades.
In today’s guide, I’ll be breaking down how pokies work, the most common gaming device options NZ players encounter, and the real-world differences between casino machines and pub pokies .
How Do NZ Slot Machines Work?
At the simplest level, pokies are randomised games. Each spin (or button press) is determined by an RNG, a random number generator, which selects a result independently of what happened before. That’s why “it’s due” thinking is such a trap: the machine doesn’t remember anything from the past!
Now, behind the scenes, the second you press the “Spin” button, the software generates a random result. The animation you then see (the reels stopping, symbols landing, etc) is just a visual representation of that result.
If the result matches a winning combination, the game’s payout then decides your payout.
Now, most pokies and online slots are designed around a theoretical return-to-player (RTP) figure that’s calculated over billions of spins. That’s a very short overview, and if you want the deeper maths, and a plain-English breakdown, make sure to check out our How Do Pokies Work? The Mathematics Behind Pokies and What is RTP in Slots? guides.
Types of Casino Gaming Machines in New Zealand
When people say “casino gaming machines”, they often think of the classic three-reel fruit machine. Modern NZ slot machines, however, come in a few different “core” types:
- Classic Reel Pokies: Usually designed with 3-reels, these games offer simple layouts, fewer bonus features, and straightforward wins.
- Video Pokies: This is the most common type of pokie today; more reels, bonus features, free spins, wilds, multipliers, and so on. Check out our Video Pokies in New Zealand guide for more info!
- Progressive Jackpot Machines: Progressive jackpot pokies are a special type of game where a portion of every bet is added to a growing jackpot pool. This is sometimes linked across multiple machines, or online gambling websites.
Those are the three main types of pokies, and online or offline, they both work the same – just in slightly different formats.
The Difference Between Casino and Pub Pokies
This is where a lot of players get confused, because the games look similar – but the experience can be very different.
The most important difference is that all casino pokies must use a random number generator on every round, and they’re not allowed to remember past results. Some pub slots, however – fruit machines – are allowed to take previous spins into account. These games are called AWPs; Amusements with Prizes.
In practical terms, that means casino pokies are entirely outcome-independent: every spin is a fresh roll of the dice, and the only thing that affects the outcome of each spin is the game’s programmed RTP and volatility. Pub pokies and AWPs, however, work a bit differently.
While they’re still regulated, some are designed to cycle through payout patterns over time, meaning they can feel “due” or noticeably dry after a win. This often feeds into common myths about machines being ready to pay, but it also explains why pub slots can feel more streaky or frustrating compared to casino pokies.
Where to Play Electronic Casino Games in NZ
If you’re interested in playing electronic casino games – pokies – in New Zealand, you’ll find yourself with three main options:
- Land-Based Casinos
If you want the full casino floor experience – modern cabinets, progressive machines, and the casino atmosphere – you’ll want to head to land-based casinos in New Zealand. These brick-and-mortar establishments often offer thousands of slot machines, and some of the best include Skycity Auckland and Christchurch Casino.
- Pubs and Clubs (local venues)
If you’re looking for the nearest pokies to you, then often, land-based casinos aren’t a convenient option. In that case, you’ll want to check out pubs and clubs. Check out our Pokies Near Me Tool to find exactly where to play in New Zealand!
- Online Pokies
For many players, online pokies are the best option. Playing at online casinos in NZ offers unrivalled convenience. Online slots generally have much higher payout percentages compared to those found in land-based casinos.
Another major benefit of playing at online casinos is the fact that you’ll be able to find thousands of different pokies. In land-based casinos, while there are still plenty of solid options, you’re a lot more limited with the availability of games.
Conclusion: Playing Pokies Responsibly in New Zealand
Whether you prefer casino gaming machines on a real casino floor, or electronic casino games NZ players access online, the most important thing to remember is this: pokies are designed to be entertaining, not predictable – and certainly not a means of making money!
The fact that pokies use a random number generator means there is simply no way to predict the outcome of future spins; even if you’ve lost the previous 10,000,000 spins, the odds of the next spin winning are identical – and this is why it’s important to always manage your bankroll (and your expectations) accordingly.
That doesn’t mean you can’t win on pokies in the short-term; you absolutely can, and if you’re playing progressive jackpot slots, you could even win millions of dollars! But treat any money you deposit into an online casino as lost – and if you do manage to hit a win, it’s just a bonus!
Gambling is a fun activity that isn't intended to be used for financial gain. Chasing losses and expecting to win are two main behaviors that may lead to gambling addiction with dire consequences on your life. If you feel like you have a problem, stop immediately, read our Responsible Gambling page, and seek help. Problem Gambling Foundation offers free and confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling in New Zealand.
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