Best online pokies in New Zealand for real money (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the best online pokies? Our online slots guide has you covered. Our experts will fill you in on what to play for potential big cash prizes, so read on to discover the latest and greatest online slots New Zealand has to offer.
Top NZ online pokies casinos in December 2024
- 1JackpotCity CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $1,600
Games: 800+
Win Rate: 97.84%
Payout Speed: 1 working day
Pros and cons
Rewarding welcome bonus
Established and secure casino
No phone support
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 35x Valid for 7 days from signing up Payment Options
- 2Spin CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $1,000
Games: 550+
Win Rate: 98.65%
Payout Speed: 1 working day
Pros and cons
Up to $1,000 welcome bonus
Many progressive jackpots
No. of games smaller than some competitors
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 35x Valid for 7 days from signing up Payment Options
- 3Ruby Fortune CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $750
Games: 450+
Win Rate: 97%
Payout Speed: 1 working day
Pros and cons
24-hour withdrawal times
Multiple e-gaming licences
Not many promotions
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 35x Valid for 7 days from signing up Payment Options
- 4Rizk CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $4,000 + 50 free spins
Games: 2,800+
Win Rate: 96.89%
Payout Speed: 1 working day
Pros and cons
Low wagering requirement
Many promotions
No Rizk casino app
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 45x Valid for 24 hours Payment Options
- 5WildzRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $1,000 + 200 free spins
Games: 1,200+
Win Rate: 97.13%
Payout Speed: 1-3 working days
Pros and cons
Great games selection
Cashback bonuses
Slower withdrawal times
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 35x Valid for 8 days Payment Options
- 6TonybetRead reviewWelcome Package
150% up to $2,000 + 170 free spins
Games: 6,000+
Win Rate: 98.35%
Payout Speed: 0-1 working day
Pros and cons
Over 6,000 casino games
Generous $2,000 + 170 free spins bonus
No dedicated tab for table games
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 50x Valid for 14 days Payment Options
- 7Betway CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to $1,000
Games: 450+
Win Rate: 98.28%
Payout Speed: 1-3 working days
Pros and cons
Licensed by UKGC and MGA
$1,000 welcome bonus
No phone or email support
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 50x Valid for 30 days Payment Options
- 822BetRead reviewWelcome Package
100% Up to $500
Games: 4,000+
Win Rate: 96.46%
Payout Speed: Up to 15 minutes
Pros and cons
4,000+ casino games
100+ payment methods
Withdrawals can be slow
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 50x Valid for 30 days Payment Options
- 9Mirax CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
Up to 5 BTC + 150 free spins
Games: 7,000+
Win Rate: 96.96%
Payout Speed: 0-7 working days
Pros and cons
Over 7,000 casino games
Variety of banking options
No phone support
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 30x Valid for 35 days Payment Options
- 107Bit CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
Up to 5 BTC + 250 free spins
Games: 7,000+
Win Rate: 96.94%
Payout Speed: Instant
Pros and cons
7,000+ casino games
Instant payouts
No mobile app
Bonus offer
Wagering requirements 35x Valid for 14 days Payment Options
Play popular online pokies – 16,000+ free slots
At OnlineCasino.co.nz, you can play 16,000+ free pokies among our collection of free casino games. We have free play slots from over 400 providers, meaning you can try out the latest and most popular pokies available at top NZ casinos for absolutely no cost.
Playing free pokies is a good way to learn more about how a slot works, its in-game features and bonuses, and most importantly, whether you like it. Check out our full selection of free pokies below:
Best pokies for real money in NZ
With thousands of pokes available online, it can be difficult to know where to get started, which is why our experts have selected their top five picks:
| Slot game | Software | RTP | Reels | Paylines | Volatility | Jackpot | Min/max bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88.12% | 5 | 25 | High | Progressive | $0.25/$6.25 | ||
Games Global | 96.24% | 5 | 20 | Medium | 2,000x | $0.20/$60 | |
| 96.48% | 6 | Scatter pays | Med/high | 21,100x | $0.20/$100 | ||
Big Time Gaming | 96% | 6 | 117,649 | High | 12,000x | $0.20/$20 | |
| 95.96% | 5 | 1,024 | High | 300x | $0.10/$50 |
1. Mega Moolah | 88.12% | Games Global
Games Global's Mega Moolah is loved by slots fans worldwide for its record-breaking wins and fun and immersive gameplay. The African savannah-themed slot features a simple 5-reel/25 paylines configuration, double-paying wilds, up to 30 free spins, and four progressive jackpots.
2. 9 Masks of Fire | 96.24% | Games Global
This popular African-themed video slot has a high RTP of 96.24% and medium volatility. Other noteworthy features of 9 Masks of Fire include 2,000x maximum win and free spins bonuses, making this a great choice if you're looking to boost your bankroll.
3. Sweet Bonanza | 96.48% | Pragmatic Play
This colourful, candy-coated slot offers an enticing max win of 21,100x your stake. Keep a look out for candy symbols that have the potential to sweeten your bankroll considerably, for instance, the lollipop scatter symbols and the rainbow bomb, which could boost your free spins winnings by 100x.
4. Bonanza Megaways | 96% | Big Time Gaming
You can anticipate up to 26,000x your stake maximum wins thanks to the 117,649 paylines on Bonanza Megaways. Better still, you can play with as little as $0.20 up to $20, making this perfect for pokies players of all budgets.
5. Buffalo | 95.96% | Aristocrat
You're in for a wild ride with Aristocrat's Buffalo slot. This classic slot is excellent for beginners as gameplay is easy to pick up, and the low volatility will help to build your confidence as you make regular but smaller wins. Meanwhile, seasoned slots players can enjoy Buffalo's higher bet limits and high-win potential.
What is a pokie’s RTP and volatility?
Every pokie game at NZ online casinos has something known as a return to player (RTP) rate, also known as the payout rate. This indicates how much money a slot is expected to pay out, expressed as a percentage. For instance, if a pokie has a RTP of 97%, then it pays out an average of $97 for every $100 of bets wagered on the game.
The average RTP for online pokies is 96%, so if a slot features a higher RTP rating, it can be considered as having an above-average payout rate.
However, it’s also important to check a pokie’s volatility, as this provides information on how often a slot pays out. Pokies with low volatility tend to award small, frequent wins, while those with high volatility pay out less often, but are more likely to involve larger wins when they do.
Top 5 highest RTP online pokies
We recommend playing pokies with high RTPs, as these pay out more money on the whole compared to low RTP slots. To help you out, here are the top five slots with the best payout rates available at NZ online casinos:
1. Ugga Bugga - 99.07% RTP
Ugga Bugga is a 2006 pokie from Playtech that that boasts a very generous RTP of 99.07%, along with low volatility for frequent wins. The 3x10 reels are set in the deep jungle and feature symbols such as tropical fruits and tribal relics, plus a top prize of 1,000x your stake.
2. Book of 99 - 99% RTP
While there are dozens of pokies set in ancient Greece, none can match the payout rate on Book of 99. In this fun title from Relax Gaming’s ‘Book of’ series, there’s various in-game bonuses, sharp graphics and high volatility, which may appeal to high rollers.
3. Shang Dynasty - 99% RTP
Enjoy the colourful and exotic delights of ancient China in Shang Dynasty, a 99% RTP pokie by YoloPlay. On reels overlooking a cherry blossom garden, you need to line up the traditional Chinese symbols and take advantage of the win both ways reels for the chance to win up to 3,000x your bet.
4. All Ways Fruits - 99% RTP
All Ways Fruits by Amatic Industries entertainingly combines a classic pokie theme with a massive 99% RTP. There’s 243 paylines at your disposal on every spin, and bonuses including wild multipliers that instantly double your payout and the chance to gamble your winnings for bigger prizes.
5. Pixies of the Forest II – 98.83% RTP
Pixies of the Forest II upgrades the original pokie with an eye-catching 98.83% RTP, 99 paylines and an in-game free spins bonus that can award up to 180 free spins. The 2019 slot from IGT also accepts a wide range of betting limits and has multiple wild bonuses such as fixed wilds and wild reels.
Types of online pokies
There are slot games to suit all kinds of pokie players. Whether you're looking for simple gameplay or games loaded with bonus features, here are some of the most popular types of pokies on the market:
Classic pokies
Classic slots are the perfect introduction to online pokies, comprising straightforward themes and uncomplicated reel/row concepts. These games look and feel like classic mechanical slot machines found in NZ land-based casinos.
Video pokies
Most of the best pokies these days are video slots and are noted for their crisp and clear graphics, catchy soundtracks and vibrant nature. These options work the same way as any online slot, except they're a little more interactive because they use computerised reels.
Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpots are very similar to video slots, but the big difference is that the top payout is not fixed. Instead, it's a progressive amount that increases when players bet real money. This jackpot pool will continue to build until one lucky player bags the prize, which can be in the millions.
Penny pokies
These budget-friendly pokies are playable for just $0.01. You can test your luck and practise your slots skills without risking huge amounts. Some penny slot games also come with progressive jackpot features, like Mega Fortune.
Best payout pokies
New Zealand players can look forward to potential big payouts with high RTPs pokies. These games feature higher return-to-player percentages, usually over the 96% average, and you could expect to see more of your cash back over the game.
Key features of online pokies
When playing online pokies in New Zealand, it's important to understand the gameplay mechanics to maximise your chances of success. Here are some of the most common features of online pokies and how they work:
The lines that cover the reels in a set pattern are known as paylines. You need specific symbol combinations to line up across the active payline to secure a win in slots. Even though different symbols may pop up on a slot grid, the payline stays constant.
An abbreviation of return to player, these percentages indicate how much of your wager you'll have returned to you throughout a pokie game over time. The standard pokie RTP is 96%, so if we use that as an example, you should expect to see around $96 back on average if you wager $100.
There are many different types of symbols in pokies games, for instance, wilds and scatters. Some need to line up on the payline to trigger wins, whereas others can appear on the slot grid and have the power to unlock bonus features.
You can earn a specific number of free spins in a slot game if you land particular symbols (typically scatter symbols) on the reels. These are great for boosting your bankroll without spending any more.
These are special symbols that can take the place of most other symbols with a view to creating winning combinations.
A scatter win typically requires a minimum of three symbols to match, and the slot game may offer increased prizes or jackpots depending on what lands. Scatters are commonly used to trigger bonus games, such as free spins.
Bonus games are additional rounds within a slot game that allow you to play for extra prizes, like free spins. Some can include progressive jackpots.
Multipliers are special symbols that instantly boost your payout by the specified amount, which can be anything from 2x to several hundred. Multipliers may combine with other in-game bonuses, such as wilds and scatters.
Progressive pokie jackpots
If you’re looking for the biggest possible payouts from online slots, then we suggest playing progressive pokies. These are special pokies featuring a top prize that increases in real time with every wager placed on the game. The jackpot starts at a base amount and continues to grow until it’s triggered by one lucky player.
The largest progressive pokie jackpots at NZ casinos regularly hit seven and eight figures, meaning they offer the chance to win life-changing amounts of money from bets of just $0.20 or less. Best of all, there are dozens of progressive pokies you can play, so there are lots of options when it comes to massive slot jackpots.
Popular progressive pokies include Mega Moolah, Age of the Gods and Major Millions. We have some of the best jackpot slots available to players in New Zealand below:
New online pokies
Both the popularity of online slots and sheer number of studios that make them means that new pokies are released all the time. It’s estimated that over 2,000 online pokies are produced every year, and the best NZ casinos are constantly updating their games libraries with the latest titles.
Playing new pokies is not only a good way to discover new games to enjoy, but it also offers the chance to experience the latest innovations in online slots. These may include cutting-edge graphics, fresh formats and mechanics, and exhilarating in-game bonuses and features.
You can hit the reels on new real money online pokies available at top gambling sites below:
Best pokie casino bonuses
There are numerous casino bonuses that you can use on online pokies. The popularity of slot games means that casino sites are keen to offer frequent pokie promotions to both new and existing players.
As with bonuses for other casino games, there are terms and conditions attached, such as wagering requirements, time limits, and minimum and maximum deposits. Always read through the bonus T&Cs before opting in so that you fully understand how it works.
Pokie bonuses you can claim at NZ online casinos include the following:
Free spins
Free spins are the most common pokie bonus. These give you an allocated number of spins on a slot game or a selection of slots that don’t cost you any money. Free spins are often included in casino welcome bonuses and can also be earned through the likes of reload promotions, prize drops and pokie tournaments.
No deposit pokie bonuses
Some pokie bonuses don’t require you to make a deposit to claim them, such as no deposit free spins. These effectively give you free chances to win real money playing online pokies, although such bonuses normally tend to have stricter T&Cs and wagering requirements.
No wagering pokie bonuses
While most pokie bonuses have wagering requirements that you need to complete before you can cash out, you can get no wagering bonuses on online slots that let you immediately keep any money you win. This makes it easier to earn real money through the bonus, and there’s no risk of losing out because of harsh playthrough requirements.
Deposit matches
Deposit match promotions can give you bonus cash to use on online pokies. For example, if you claim a 100% match bonus with a deposit of $100, you’ll get $200 to wager on slots. Just make sure to check that pokie games are eligible for the deposit match bonus in question.
You can see the latest bonus up for grabs at top pokies casinos in NZ below:
Free pokies vs. real money pokies
Most of the top online casinos in NZ offer you the chance to play slots for free in demo mode. You can also play 16,000+ slots for free right here at OnlineCasino.co.nz. Here are some of the pros and cons of playing for free versus for real money:
| Real money pokies | Free pokies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Chance to win real cash | ✅ No financial risk |
| ✅ Greater selection of games | ✅ Can practise playing pokies for free |
| ✅ Rewarding bonuses and promotions you can claim | ✅ Try new games without wagering your bankroll |
| ❌ Risk of losing bankroll | ❌ Can’t win real money when you play free pokies |
| ❌ Need to sign up to an online casino and deposit | ❌ Can’t earn loyalty points or claim bonuses when playing for free |
How to play pokies online
So, are you ready to start spinning the reels? To help you get started, here's a quick step-by-step guide to how to sign up and start playing free and real money pokies at an online casino in NZ:
Find a casino
Check out our recommended list of pokies casinos in NZ and choose the one that best suits you and your needs.
Register an account
Click on the link provided on this page to navigate to your chosen casino and find the 'Register' or 'Sign up' button. To register, you must provide personal details like your name, date of birth, email, and home address. Agree to the casino's T&Cs and opt-in for the welcome offer (if available) to complete the process.
Play in demo mode
You can get to grips with how the game works by playing for free. If not, press the 'I' icon to open the info box for more details.
Select your wager
Use the buttons to select your preferred bet. We recommend wagering a small amount to start with.
Spin the reels
Press the 'Spin' button and wait for the reels to stop spinning to see if you've matched any symbols.
For more information, you can also check out our in-depth guide to how to play online pokies.
Best pokies software providers
Games must be top-quality and fun to make it onto our best online pokies New Zealand review list. We also pay attention to the software provider behind the title – that way, we can guarantee it is reputable, offers seamless gameplay, and boasts top graphics. Here are some of the leading pokies software providers:
Top 5 tips for how to win at online pokies
Pokies are games of chance that use random number generators (RNG) to decide spin outcomes. However, there are things you can do to improve your odds of winning at online pokies, as well as generally enhancing your experience when you play them. To get you started, here are our top five tips for how to win at pokies:
Play in demo mode first.
If available, practise online slot games using this free-to-play feature. You can brush up on your skills before committing your hard-earned cash.
Look out for bonuses and promos.
These will help to boost your bankroll and familiarise yourself with promoted games.
Study the paytable before you start playing.
Think of this as your online slot cheat sheet. It shows all the information about the game, including symbol values and combinations, details on bonuses and features, and potential payouts.
Remember always to gamble responsibly.
Only play with money you can afford to lose and don’t chase losses. If you’re not having any luck, walk away and come back another day.
Read slot reviews.
Our in-depth slot reviews offer helpful tips and advice. Discover which pokies titles offer rewarding bonus features and high payout potential.
Playing pokies on mobile
If you enjoy playing at NZ mobile casinos, the good news is that they have thousands of online pokies which you can play on your smartphone. These days, slots are built using HTML5 technology, which enables them to run quickly and smoothly across all devices and screen sizes.
To play mobile pokies, all you have to do is the load the casino’s mobile site on your iPhone or Android internet browser, or download its dedicated casino app from your respective app store if it offers one to players. The best mobile casinos even run exclusive bonuses that you can use on pokies, such as free spins that are only available to smartphone players.
Top 5 online pokies sites in NZ
Our experts have checked our top slot sites in NZ and assessed crucial features, like games portfolios, bonuses, banking methods, mobile capabilities, and more. Here are the top sites in NZ that made the cut:
| 🏆 Best overall pokies casino | |
| 🎰 Best for free slots | |
| 🏟️ Best for slots tournaments | |
| 💰 Best for jackpot games | |
| 🙌 Best for popular slots |
How we rate online pokies
There are a number of objective criteria that we use so as to decide which online pokies sites to recommend to our Kiwi readers. The list below gives more detailed information that you can use when doing your own research on NZ pokies sites:
Game variety & software providers
Casino sites must have a strong selection of top-quality pokies machines. We look for classic slots, video pokies, progressive jackpots, Megaways titles, and more. However, we also love seeing casinos with plenty of table games, live casino titles and instant win options.
Jackpots & bonuses
Any casino site we feature must offer a range of online slot bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, cash reloads, and no-deposit offers.
Security & licences
It's essential that any online pokies New Zealand site is licensed and externally audited by legit gambling authorities to keep your data encrypted, and games maintain fair and random outcomes. Our experts will only recommend slot casinos that take player security as seriously as they do your entertainment.
Mobile experience
Modern gaming sites should be built using HTML5 technology so that you get a seamless experience regardless of whether you're playing on a desktop or mobile.
Deposits & withdrawals
To feature on our pages, online casinos must offer a robust selection of popular payment methods. Deposits should be instant, and withdrawals should be swift – without compromising safety. Our experts look for sites with effective banking options and tight security measures.
Check out other real money game guides
Online pokies FAQs
Ugga Bugga, Book of 99, All The Way Fruits, 9 Masks of Fire, Sweet Bonanza and Pixies of the Forest II have made our experts' top 10 online pokies NZ list. They all have high RTPs and are extremely fun to play.
Rizk is our experts' current favourite – but there are many top online slot sites to enjoy in NZ, like Spin Casino, Ruby Fortune, Wildz, and more. Check out our recommendations in this guide.
Pokies are games of chance, so there's no way to guarantee wins. You can still read our expert guide on how to win online slots, which provides valuable tips on maximising your chances.
Yes. Most online pokies are available in demo mode, which allows you to practise slots for free. New Zealand players can also grab promotions that enable them to play for free, such as online pokies no deposit bonuses.
Of course, you can enjoy online pokies for real money, just like at brick-and-mortar casinos. If you're wagering real cash, you can expect real money wins.
Free spins, online slots no deposit bonuses, deposit matches… the list goes on! There are all sorts of online pokies bonuses up for grabs when you play at any of our recommended casinos.
No, the online pokies at our recommended NZ casinos are completely fair to play. They use verified random number generator (RNG) software to ensure fair outcomes for players.
The RTP, or return to player, for a pokie indicates as a percentage how much it’s expected to pay out for every $100 of bets. As an example, a slot with a RTP of 97% will pay out $97 on average for every $100 in wagers.
Theoretically, you can win big real money prizes playing any online pokie in NZ. However, pokies with the best payout rates include Ugga Bugga, Book of 99 and Shang Dynasty.
Courtney has an extensive background in creative and commercial writing across numerous iGaming verticals. As a self-professed lover of pokies, Courtney is passionate about the casino and gambling industries. While her writing covers a wide range of topics, slots and bonuses are arguably her favourite gambling subjects.
