Online Pokies: Top Sites to Play Pokies in New Zealand
Online pokies – or slots, as they’re also called – are hugely popular, and my personal favourite game to play when gambling online. If you’re looking for the best online pokies NZ sites – then stick with me, because on this page, I’m going to show you exactly where I recommend playing. I’m also going to share more about pokies – so you know exactly what to expect, and the things you need to know before playing them yourself.
Best Online Pokies Platforms for Real Money 2025
These sections give you a broad look at what real money online pokies in New Zealand have to offer. Dive in and enjoy the experience—and always play responsibly.
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 77.5
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- Fast sign up via any device
- Fiat and crypto payments
- Instant payouts
- Low fees
- 8,000+ games
- Cashback bonus for loyal players
- Excellent interface
- Mobile-friendly
- Withdraw limits
- Slow loading time
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2024
Pokies games: 8000
Live games: 100
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay...
Payout options: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Google Pay, Apple Pay...
Providers: Pragmatic Play, BGaming, Thunderkick, TrueLab Games, Gamzix, 1spin4win...
Secure Link
90DashScore details
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Licence: Kahnawake
Established: 2023
Pokies games: 800
Live games: 100
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Apple pay, Skrill, Neteller...
Payout options: Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, Ecopayz...
Providers: Pragmatic Play, BGaming, Thunderkick, TrueLab Games, Gamzix, 1spin4win...
Secure Link
85DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 16
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- Thousands of pokies and live dealer games
- Crypto + fiat payment methods available
- Generous four-stage welcome bonus available
- Sports betting facilities available
- Exclusive DashTickets welcome bonus available
- Cashback up to 25%
- Weak (or non-existent) licensing
- Low daily withdrawal limit of €1,000
Licence: Costa Rica
Established: 2025
Pokies games: 4610
Live games: 200
Deposit options: Credit cards, Bank transfer, ApplePay, GooglePay, Crypto, Skrill...
Payout options: Bank Transfer, Crypto, Skrill, Neteller
Providers: Pragmatic Play, Pragmatic Play Live, Playson, InOut Studio, BGaming, Booongo...
Secure Link
85DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 52.5
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- 4,000+ games
- 112 software providers
- Beautiful and artistic interface
- Professional customer support
- Large welcome bonus
- VIP program
- Fiat and crypto payments
- High wagering requirements
- Live chat replies take about 10 minutes
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2025
Pokies games: 4000
Live games: 50
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, POLi, Paysafecard, Neosurf, Cash2Code...
Payout options: Visa, Mastercard, POLi, Neosurf, Cash2Code, Flexepin...
Providers: Bgaming, Pragmaticplay, Hacksaw, Felixgaming, Belatra 3 Oaks, Fugaso...
Secure Link
85DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 69
Play with Confidence
Independently tested and verified by our Kiwi experts. This operator has passed our comprehensive audit, achieving a DashScore™ of 80 or higher. We deposited real NZD, played the games, and successfully cashed out.
Discover our full testing process →
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- Engaging theme and easy navigation
- Over 5,500 games
- Award-winning software providers
- High bonuses with fair wagering
- Multiple payment methods including crypto
- Friendly and fast customer support
- ID verification required
- Resolving complaints may take up to 2 days
- Some games can’t be played with crypto
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2020
Pokies games: 5500
Live games: 30
Deposit options: Poli, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin...
Payout options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Poli, MuchBetter, Skrill...
Providers: Bet2Tech, Igrosoft, Playson, 1spin4win, 1×2 Gaming, 3Oaks...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 48.8
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- Games by top pokie providers
- Interesting slots tournaments
- Dedicated to player protection
- Dated website design
- Many mirrors exist
- No reload bonuses
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2019
Pokies games: 1500
Live games: 400
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller...
Payout options: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Bank transfer, Paysafecard, Skrill...
Providers: NetEnt, Nolimit City, Playtech, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Blueprint Gaming...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 67.5
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- Easy sign up and login
- Fiat and crypto payments
- Jackpots and live dealer games
- Weekly cashback
- Nice and responsive design
- Negative reviews
- Poor customer support
Licence: PAGCOR
Established: 2023
Pokies games: 4000
Live games: 100
Deposit options: POLi, Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Paysafecard, Skrill...
Payout options: Visa, Bank Transfer, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Neteller, Jeton...
Providers: Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Spinomenal, Nolimit City, Wazdan, BF Games...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 40.3
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- Simple registration process
- Over 5,000 games
- 30+ software providers
- Welcome bonus with FS
- Cashback for loyal players
- Fiat and crypto payments
- No phone number support
- Occasional website issues
- Crypto payment may take longer than at other casinos
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2025
Pokies games: 5000
Live games: 100
Deposit options: VISA, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, PaySafeCard, Skrill, MuchBetter...
Payout options: VISA, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, Skrill, MuchBetter, Neteller...
Providers: Hacksaw, Play’n Go, Relax, Inspired, Kalamba, Fantasma...
Secure Link
85DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 22
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- Generous welcome bonus available
- Wide range of deposit methods
- Huge game library + sportsbook
- Weak licensing
- Low maximum withdrawal limits for new players
Licence: PAGCOR
Established: 2020
Pokies games: 4500
Live games: 100
Deposit options: VISA, MasterCard, Bitcoin, PaySafeCard, Neteller, Skrill...
Payout options: VISA, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Neteller, Skrill, Dogecoin...
Providers: Microgaming, Nolimit City, Foxium Games, Yggdrasil Gaming, Betsoft + over 40 others
Secure Link
90DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 57.3
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- Speedy registration
- Fiat and crypto payments
- 3,000 + games
- Generous promotions
- VIP Program
- Competent customer support
- Slightly high playthrough
- Verification can be complicated
Licence: Curacao
Established: 2021
Pokies games: 3000
Live games: 200
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neosurf, paysafecard, Crypto (USDT ERC-20...
Payout options: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Crypto (USDT ERC‑20, USDT TRC‑20, USDT SOL...
Providers: Pragmatic Play, BGaming, Felix, Belatra, Fugazo, Wazdan...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 66.8
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- Over 2000 games
- More than 100 software providers
- Numerous responsible gambling tools
- Small live casino section
- No mobile app
Licence: Malta
Established: 2018
Pokies games: 2400
Live games: 55
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Skrill, Revolut Cards, Neteller...
Payout options: Bank Transfer
Providers: NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Red Tiger Gaming...
Secure Link
78DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 59.8
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- Reputable GCB licence
- Reputable Dama NV group
- Decent design
- Very good payment console
- Fast registration
- Fast payments promised
- Limited number of pokie providers
- Bad bonus playthrough rules
- 3x deposit turnover is mandatory
- Pokies set to lowered RTP payout
- Only Evolution live games
- Lots of deposit options missing
Licence: Curaçao
Established: 2024
Pokies games: 2000
Live games: 100
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Neteller, Skrill, Payz...
Payout options: Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller...
Providers: 1Spin4Win, 3 Oaks Gaming, 4ThePlayer, AceRun, Apparat, AvatarUX...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 287.5
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- Extensive range of games, with over 15,000 titles
- Decent 3-deposit welcome bonus
- Treasure map with daily awards
- Simple achievements to get loyalty coins
- Accepts fiat money and cryptocurrencies
- Lacks a native mobile app
- Short bonus expiration dates
Licence: Curaçao
Established: 2024
Pokies games: 15000
Live games: 200
Deposit options: MasterCard, Rapid Transfer, Paysafecard, Skrill, Noda Pay, Revolut...
Payout options: Bank Wire Transfer, Skrill, Rapid Transfer, MiFinity, Neteller, Litecoin...
Providers: Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, NetGame, Quickspin, BGaming, Thunderkick...
Secure Link
80DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 55.3
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- Pokies RTP set to high payout
- Fast same-day payouts
- Quality selection of pokie providers
- Lots of small bonuses and free spins to claim
- Reputable GCB licence
- Reputable Dama NV group
- Awesome design
- Bad bonus playthrough rules
- Bonus maximum win capped
- No Evolution live games
Licence: Curaçao Gaming Control Board
Established: 2022
Pokies games: 3000
Live games: 100
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, MiFinity, Neosurf...
Payout options: Skrill, MiFinity, Bank Transfer, Crypto (Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin, Dogecoin...
Providers: 1Spin4Win, 1×2 Gaming, 3 Oaks Gaming, 4ThePlayer, Absolute Live Gaming, AceRun...
Secure Link
85DashScore details
Aggregated rating: 62.8
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- Decent welcome package with lots of free spins
- Strongest Curaçao licence (GCB)
- Part of a renowned and reputable Hollycorn group
- Over 70 quality pokie providers
- Lots of games in the live dealer section
- Doesn’t use NZD natively
- Reduces RTP of pokies to as low as 92%
- Website is new and still has a few glitches
Licence: Curaçao
Established: 2023
Pokies games: 3500
Live games: 180
Deposit options: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Gpay, paysafecard, Skrill...
Payout options: Skrill, MiFinity, Bank Transfer, Crypto (USDT ERC20, Bitcoin, Ethereum...
Providers: 1Spin4Win, 1x2Gaming, ThePlayer.com, 5Men, Absolute Live Gaming, Amigo Gaming...
Secure Link
How We Rate NZ Pokies Sites
Our number one priority is a secure and fair gaming experience for Kiwis. Here’s a breakdown of some of the core factors we look at when reviewing pokies sites in New Zealand.
- Game Range: We always like to see – of course – thousands of pokies available – and we also look at diversity. We seek out high RTP titles, interesting themes, and innovative features that will keep you entertained. It’s also important that players have easy access to free online pokies for testing games or playing for fun.
- Payment Methods: Banking must be convenient and reliable for Kiwi players. Here we look for sites with locally accepted methods, low fees, and quick withdrawals. That way, we can recommend with confidence only the best sites to play online pokies in New Zealand.
- Customer Support: While things are very unlikely to go wrong when playing at the top NZ pokies sites recommended on this page, it’s always nice to know support is available if needed. That’s why we look closely at which customer support options are available – and test them ourselves.
- Withdrawal Speeds: Casinos in NZ take your deposits instantly – and we feel that means they should pay you quickly, too. We personally test all of the online casinos we review, so we can provide you with up-to-date and accurate information on cashout speeds.
Jackpot Size by Provider
Jackpot casino slots list divided by providers.
| № | Name | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betsoft Gaming |
€1,851,014
|
|
| 2 | iSoftBet |
€441,074
|
|
| 3 | Microgaming |
€10,720,105
|
|
| 4 | Netent |
€219,152
|
|
| 5 | Play'n GO |
€168,904
|
|
| 6 | Playtech |
€3,983,442
|
|
| 7 | Yggdrasil |
€402,884
|
Jackpots by Online Pokies Name
We have developed an interactive widget to view the jackpot size in different online pokies, divided by slot game provider.
Microgaming Pokies Jackpots
Watch the jackpot size increase on different games and choose the best time to play your favorite online slot.
Microgaming
Absolootly Mad: Mega Moolah
African Legends
Ancient Fortunes: Poseidon WowPot! MEGAWAYS
Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah
Book of Atem WOWPOT
Book of Goddess Mega Moolah
Book of Mega Moolah
Break Da Bank Again Mega Moolah
Break Da Bank Again Mega Moolah 4Tune Reels
Fortunium Gold Mega Moolah
Juicy Joker Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah 4Tune Reels
Mega Moolah Goddess
Mega MoolahMGS_MegaMoolah
Pots O'Riches Mega Moolah
Queen of Alexandria WOWPOT!
Sherlock & Moriarty WOWPOT!
The Finer Reels of Life WOWPOT
Treasure Nile
Wheel of Wishes
Types of Real Money Pokies
Classic slots are for those players who prefer the old-school, three-reel style with less complicated mechanics. Titles like Double Magic, Break Da Bank, or Joker 8000 offer that classic feel. They’re typically modeled after the land-based pokies from which the modern pokies evolved.
Some of the different types of online pokies include:
- Video Pokies: Video slots provide interesting themes, bonus rounds, and more paylines that enhance the excitement level. A few of my favorite ones include Immortal Romance, Book of Dead, and Reactoonz.
- Jackpot Pokies: Jackpot pokies stand out by offering progressive or fixed jackpots that sometimes reach life-changing amounts. Mega Moolah, Wheel of Wishes, and Major Millions are some of the favorite Kiwi games in this category. If you like having frequent opportunities for bonuses, the dynamic elements in hold and win pokies ensure that the action is frequent.
- Megaways Pokies: Megaways is my another favorite, with titles like Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli, and Great Rhino Megaways using a dynamic reel-modifier model that exponentially increases the ways to win. Whether you’re after massive jackpots or modern multiplier features, there’s a world of real money online pokies available to Kiwi players.
Popular Online Pokies With New Zealand Players
These games always reach the top of the charts because of their appealing themes, easy-to-use mechanics, and generous features. Besides, they take the leading positions among the best payout pokies.
Book of Dead
Book of Dead is one of the most iconic slots ever released – and it features the world-famous expanding symbols bonus round. Boasting a high RTP and a maximum win potential of 5,000x, it’s a game well-worth checking out.
Sweet Bonanza
Sweet Bonanza is a deliciously fun slot from Pragmatic Play that’s all about cascading symbols and big cluster wins. With its vibrant visuals, high volatility, and a chance to win up to 21,175x your stake, it’s a treat for any player’s sweet tooth!
Wolf Gold
Wolf Gold is a classic Pragmatic Play slot featuring a majestic wildlife theme and the popular Money Respin feature. With stacked wilds, free spins, and three in-game jackpots, it’s an adventure into the heart of the American wilderness.
Gates of Olympus
Gates of Olympus is a Greek mythology-themed pokie with tumbling reels and a powerful multiplier feature. High volatility and a max win potential of 5,000x make this a thrilling ride to the heavens.
Big Bass Splash
Big Bass Splash reels in fans of fishing slots with an upgraded free spins round and bigger catch potential. With scatter symbols triggering the bonus and stacked wilds, it’s a high-volatility game that’s perfect for big catch hunters.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest takes players deep into the jungle in search of El Dorado’s treasure. With its Avalanche feature, increasing multipliers, and high volatility, this NetEnt classic is not a pokie to miss!
9 Masks of Fire
9 Masks of Fire is a pokie from Gameburger Studios featuring scatter pays and a high-paced free spins round. With a simple, classic gameplay style and wins of up to 2,000x, it’s a sizzling addition to any collection.
Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah is the legendary progressive jackpot pokie that’s made millionaires. With its African safari theme and four-tiered jackpot, it’s known for life-changing wins – and one of the most famous slots ever!
Starburst
Starburst is an iconic NetEnt pokie with expanding wilds and respins that can light up any session. Known for its vibrant visuals and low volatility, it’s a perfect pick for both new and seasoned players.
88 Fortunes
88 Fortunes is an Asian-themed pokie from Shuffle Master that’s all about prosperity. Featuring Fu Bat jackpots, free spins, and a chance to win big with golden symbols, it’s a game that offers potential good fortune!
Cleopatra
Cleopatra is a legendary pokie from IGT, featuring the Queen of the Nile herself. With its iconic free spins round and classic Egyptian theme, it’s a timeless game that’s captivated players for years.
Bonanza Megaways
Bonanza Megaways from Big Time Gaming is the game that populariwed the Megaways mechanic. With 117,649 ways to win, cascading reels, and a free spins bonus with unlimited multipliers, it’s a pokie well-worth checking out!
These pokies stand out due to their generous bonus rounds, engaging graphics, and smooth gameplay experience. If you’re looking for more of New Zealand’s top-rated pokies, explore my comprehensive list of the best online pokies sites in NZ. I’ve reviewed and ranked the top 20 games, highlighting exactly why Kiwi players love them.
Free Pokies
We at Dashtickets provide the opportunity to try these well-known Kiwi pokies in a demo mode. Playing free slots, you are able to find out the combinations, paylines, and the best strategy to win. Explore them with us!
Rad Maxx
Mega Moolah
Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe
Amazing Link Zeus
9 Masks of Fire
Fire and Roses Joker
Progressive Jackpot Pokies
Progressive jackpot pokies link a number of players’ bets from all over the globe, fueling a prize pool that accumulates until a winner claims big. Those that I usually try in this category are Mega Moolah, Age of the Gods: Jackpot, and Divine Fortune. Because the jackpot grows with every bet, suspense is heightened, and every spin becomes more exciting.
Though the mechanics beneath are the same as normal slots, progressive pokies tend to require max bets or specific bonus triggers to unlock the jackpot feature. These risks are worthwhile to many Kiwi players given the life-changing sums on offer. For some, chasing progressive jackpots adds that perfect mix of thrill and strategy. Yet keep in mind the responsible gambling principles.
There are a few different types of jackpot pokies, including:
- Progressive Jackpot Pokies — Jackpots increase each time the game is played until someone wins, with contributions from each spin.
- Networked Progressive Pokies — Multiple machines (or even multiple casinos) are linked together, creating massive jackpot pools.
- Standalone Progressive Pokies — The jackpot builds only on a single machine, offering smaller but still decent prizes!
- Fixed Jackpot Pokies — The jackpot amount is set and doesn’t change regardless of player activity.
Online Pokies Software
Pokies software determines the overall quality, speed, and fairness of a game. Veteran developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Play’n GO lead the way by consistently releasing polished titles. Many newer pokies now use HTML5 technology, ensuring you can enjoy seamless experiences across desktop and mobile without extra installs.
Software also plays a big role in how fun and fair a game feels. Volatility and return-to-player (RTP) rates are set by the math behind the pokie, which in turn depends on who developed it. With software from trusted providers, you can be confident that every spin plays out fairly, especially when games are verified by independent labs.
Some of the most popular game developers in New Zealand includes:
- Microgaming — Pioneer in online pokies, famous for Mega Moolah and Thunderstruck II.
- NetEnt — Known for Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, plus their signature high-quality graphics.
- Pragmatic Play — Behind hits like Sweet Bonanza and Gates of Olympus.
- Play’n GO — Creator of the iconic Book of Dead and dozens of other top slots.
- Quickspin — Known for bright, engaging games like Big Bad Wolf and Sakura Fortune.
- Yggdrasil — Innovative features and striking visuals, found in titles like Vikings Go Berzerk.
- IGT — Land-based slot legend turned iGaming provider with titles like Cleopatra and more.
- Red Tiger — Known for daily jackpots and slick visuals in pokies like Pirates’ Plenty.
- Push Gaming — Smaller studio with a cult following thanks to Jammin’ Jars and Razor Shark.
- Big Time Gaming — The inventor of the Megaways mechanic, featured in Bonanza and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways.
Free vs Real Money Pokies
Free pokies enable you to spin the reels without risking your bankroll, so they are perfect for practicing strategies or testing new releases. I always try games like Starburst, 9 Masks of Fire, or Big Bass Bonanza in demo mode for casual fun and to get whether a casino is fast-loading and doesn’t have any glitches that might affect my playing experience.
Pros
- No risk of losing money
- Great for testing new casino games, or trying out a new casino
- No account or deposit required
Cons
- Can’t win real money
- Can feel less exciting
- Some bonus or jackpot features are unavailable in demo mode
Online pokies for real money in NZ add the element of risk and reward, giving each spin more weight. Popular titles in this category I recommend in the first place are Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, and Book of Dead. If you’re confident in a game’s features or just want to go beyond demo mode, playing with actual money might be your next step.
Pros
- Chance to win real money
- Every spin is very exciting
- Qualify for jackpots and other bonuses
Cons
- Risk of losing real money
- Volatility can lead to long losing sessions
- Not all games are available in every country
Video Pokies
Video pokies introduce cinematic graphics, narrative-driven themes, and interactive bonus games onto your screen. Most of them have additional paylines, interactive features, and dynamic in-game features in addition to the standard three-reel classic slots. Kiwi gamblers are drawn towards video pokies for the experience of adventure as well as for the myriad of gameplay elements they have in store.
If you like your graphics boosted and your graphics amplified, it’s worth trying some of the more immersive 3D pokies. What a choice option!
Apps and Mobile Pokies
Mobile pokie play is the norm as mobile site and app technology deliver fast, stable play. I enjoy the convenience of using dedicated NZ pokies apps like Casumo or Jet Casino to jump into games instantly, anytime.
For those who enjoy a fuller mobile experience without an app, responsive browser-based casinos are equally effective. Mobile pokies I played adapted to my screen size, with easy navigation and seamless game performance. This flexibility allowed me to pick a method that suited my memory at that exact time—either downloading a NZ pokie app or accessing the mobile browser directly without the need to download one more app.
If you don’t want to download an app but still wish to enjoy the adaptive and fast-loading slots, you can even explore niche formats like Telegram pokies. With this option, you can spin directly via messenger bots in mini apps or enjoy smooth, on-the-go gameplay with mobile pokies, tailored to different play styles. I tried it several times, and I can tell for sure that it’s really fast and doesn’t lack any important features.
The casinos we mention are all checked with various devices so that you can enjoy your favorite games on the desktop, Android, and tablet. I personally can recommend iPhone pokies since I mostly test them on my phone.
Different Pokies Game Mechanics
When you play pokies, you’ll run into a number of different mechanics – and we’ll look at some of the most popular and common ones below:
| Mechanic | Explanation |
| Paylines | Traditional slots use fixed or adjustable lines across the reels, and you win by landing matching symbols on these lines. |
| Ways to Win | Instead of fixed paylines, winning combinations form by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, left to right (e.g. 243 ways). |
| Megaways | Developed by Big Time Gaming, this mechanic randomises the number of symbols on each reel, creating up to 117,649 (or more) possible ways to win. |
| Cluster Pays | Wins are awarded for groups of matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically, rather than standard lines. |
| Cascading Reels | Winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones falling from above, potentially creating chain reactions of wins. |
| Expanding Symbols | A special symbol can expand to cover a whole reel during bonus rounds, increasing chances of big wins. |
| Stacked Symbols | Symbols appear stacked on reels, covering multiple positions, and can lead to bigger wins if they align. |
| Wild Symbols | Substitutes for other symbols to help form winning combinations. Variations include expanding wilds, sticky wilds, and walking wilds. |
| Multiplier Symbols | Multiply the value of a win by a set amount (e.g. 2x, 3x, 5x), often appearing in bonus rounds or base games. |
Bonus Rounds in Online Pokies
When you play online pokies, you’ll find a number of bonus rounds in play – and below, we’ll explore some of the most common and popular bonus mechanics:
- Free Spins Bonus — Triggered by scatter symbols, this round gives players extra spins at no cost. Often includes multipliers or special features like expanding wilds.
- Pick-and-Click Bonus — You’ll need to choose from a set of hidden symbols (like treasure chests or coins) to reveal instant cash prizes, multipliers, or additional features.
- Wheel of Fortune — A spinning wheel that lands on prizes such as credits, multipliers, or free spins – often played before a free spins bonus to determine your “starting perks.”
- Hold and Win (Respins) — Bonus symbols lock in place while the remaining reels respin. You job is to try and fill the grid with more bonus symbols for bigger prizes, often including jackpots.
- Multiplier Bonus — A feature that multiplies winnings during free spins or other bonus rounds, sometimes with increasing multipliers on each consecutive win.
- Progressive Jackpot Bonus — This can be a standalone bonus or part of an existing bonus – and it simply gives you the chance to win the game’s progressive jackpot, if applicable.
Overall Pros & Cons
Pros
- Giant Variety: Thousands of themes, volatile levels, and mechanics—never feels stale.
- 96 %-ish RTP Norm: My cash stretches; I usually see at least one bonus feature per session.
- Mobile Freedom: HTML5 engines mean one tap from my Samsung home screen to live reels.
- Low Barrier: Ten-buck deposits and 20-cent spins let me play without denting the grocery fund.
Cons
- Volatility Can Bite: High-variance games love long dry spells—budget for them.
- Bonus T&Cs: That shiny 200 FS offer often hides 40× wagering—read it.
- Jackpot Odds: Mega Moolah can feel like lotto; I treat those spins as entertainment tax.
- Theme Overload: Do we really need a tenth leprechaun slot? Finding gems means sifting through clutter.
What else Should You Know about Pokies?
So you choose your perfect casino, what are the next steps? Make sure you have learned the principles of the responsible gaming and check the ToC of the chosen casino. Now how to select your match in terms of slots? You can try our favorite titles I mentioned in the article above or choose some pokies from the ‘Popular’ or ‘Recommended’ section at the casino. Don’t forget to educate yourself on the mechanics of the pokies and how pokies work. And if you are still unsure how to play pokies and which strategy to choose, we also have materials for this.
Update Log
23 October 2025: Quick updates, added internal links to the new slot reviews.
17 May 2025: Added pros and cons of online pokies websites.
6 May 2025: Updated intro.
30 April 2025: Added a bit of my experience to the content.
18 March 2024: Added review process description, 11 new brands.
25 Jul 2023: Added the advantages and disadvantages of real money pokies. I have provided extensive reviews of what I believe are the three best real money casinos in NZ: SkyCity, Casimba, Spin Samurai.
References
- https://payz.com/welcome-to-the-future/
- https://www.prezzycard.co.nz/
- https://www.megamoolah.com/
- https://games.evolution.com/slots/
- https://responsiblegambling.org
- https://www.pgf.nz
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsible_gambling
- https://www.safergambling.org.nz
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.
Our New Zealand-based reviewers and editorial team, trusted by 12,000 visitors, test 4 online casinos per week. The reviewers, including Edward Howarth, Mark Dash, Sophia Novakivska, thoroughly test each casino as mystery shoppers who actually deposit money into the casino and then report back on what their experience was like from the player's perspective. Our ratings are based on the testers' experiences as well as diligent research of the casino background, the legal terms and conditions, and the reputation among New Zealand players, in compliance with Gambling Act of 2003. Our DashScore provides a comprehensive evaluation of each casino we tested. Our reviews comply with the Gambling Act of 2003 ensuring legal reliability.
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While we may earn commissions from brands listed on this website, our reviewers' unedited opinions, based on first-hand experiences, are always their own and are not influenced by the financial aspect in any way. Our Kiwi Experts review the brands from the player's perspective and present their own opinions. This allows us to publish objective, unbiased and true reviews.
Online casinos mentioned on this website allow players aged 20 and over to gamble. For New Zealand players, legal gambling age is 20, as enforced by the Gambling Act of 2003 and its amendments. Fine can be up to NZ$500 for persons caught underage gambling. If you are visiting us from another country, you are expected to obey the local laws regarding legal gambling age.
All our content is reviewed by a certified expert at least quarterly. We update data on terms and conditions, regulation, bonuses, payment systems, reread our content, make corrections and update pages. So you can be sure you are receiving up-to-date data on our website.