About Us
NZOnlinePokies.co.nz was launched in early 2016 after online casino experts and pokies fanatics, Simon Philips and fellow Kiwi Greg Foster decided to establish a go-to guide for other Kiwi online pokies fans who might be in the dark as to what to expect from online gambling.
After scores of Kiwis had approached Simon over the past year or two, asking for help in finding reputable online pokies to play at, Simon had the bright idea of organising helpful and useful information into an easy-to-follow and understand guide.
Not being much of a website expert, Simon roped in his IT mate Greg to help with the technical side of designing the site and before they knew it, NZOnlinePokies was born!
Before long the site began to receive significant traffic as word spread throughout the Kiwi pokies community that these two lovable mates had actually gone and done it!
Meet the Team
Greg Foster – Owner and Founder
Greg Foster – Owner, Founder & Casino Industry Expert
Greg Foster is the founder of NZOnlinePokies.co.nz and a casino industry veteran with 9+ years of specialized experience in New Zealand’s online gambling landscape. Since launching the site in 2016, Greg has personally tested over 300 online casinos and evaluated thousands of pokies games for Kiwi players.
Professional Background:
– Former casino operations specialist at SkyCity Casino Auckland
– IT systems expert specializing in gambling platform technology
– 9+ years analyzing NZ gambling regulations and licensing compliance
– Certified in responsible gambling practices and player protection protocols
Greg’s unique combination of technical expertise and hands-on casino experience makes him New Zealand’s leading authority on safe, legal online pokies. His mission is ensuring every Kiwi player has access to secure, fair, and entertaining gambling experiences.
Based in Auckland, Greg continues to actively test new casinos and pokies while hiking New Zealand’s stunning trails and enjoying Muriwai Beach.
Our Expert Writers
Borislav Donchev
International iGaming Expert & Software Provider Specialist
Borislav brings 7+ years of international iGaming expertise to NZOnlinePokies.co.nz, with specialized knowledge in online slots, software developers, and global gambling markets. His extensive travels and research, including recent time in New Zealand studying Māori culture and rugby, provide unique cross-cultural gambling insights.
Professional Expertise:
– Software provider analysis and game portfolio evaluation
– International gambling market trends and regulation comparison
– Advanced slots technology and feature development tracking
– Cross-platform gaming analysis and optimization strategies
Borislav’s global perspective helps position New Zealand’s online pokies scene within the broader international context, ensuring Kiwi players access world-class gaming experiences.
Kia Marie
Senior Casino Operations Analyst & User Experience Specialist
Kia Marie brings 6+ years of professional casino analysis expertise to NZOnlinePokies.co.nz, graduating top 3% of her class in Business Analytics from Australia before specializing in New Zealand’s online gambling market. Her systematic approach to casino evaluation has resulted in comprehensive testing of over 250 online casinos across Australia and New Zealand.
Professional Expertise:
– Comprehensive casino platform testing and user experience analysis
– Customer service evaluation and response time analysis – Payment system security and processing speed verification
– Game portfolio assessment and software provider evaluation – Mobile casino optimization and cross-platform performance testing
– Regulatory compliance verification for Australian and NZ licensing Testing Methodology:
Kia personally creates accounts, makes deposits, tests games, and evaluates withdrawal processes at every casino she reviews. Her analytical background ensures objective, data-driven assessments that protect players from substandard operators.
“Every casino review represents real money testing and genuine user experience evaluation. I believe Kiwi players deserve transparent, comprehensive information to make confident gambling decisions.”
Specializing in identifying exceptional user experiences and exposing operational deficiencies that could impact player satisfaction and security.
Lauren C.
International iGaming Regulatory Expert & Research Specialist
Lauren C. serves as NZOnlinePokies.co.nz’s international iGaming regulatory specialist, bringing extensive cross-jurisdictional expertise in online gambling compliance, licensing requirements, and market analysis. With advanced research credentials and higher education experience, she provides authoritative analysis of New Zealand’s position within the global gambling landscape.
Professional Specializations:
– Multi-jurisdictional gambling law analysis and compliance evaluation
– International casino licensing comparison and regulatory assessment
– Academic-level research methodology applied to iGaming analysis
– Cross-market trend identification and regulatory impact evaluation
– New Zealand gambling legislation interpretation and player rights advocacy
– 5+ years analyzing gambling regulations across Australia, UK, Malta, and New Zealand
Research Approach:
Lauren’s academic background enables deep-dive analysis combining primary source research, regulatory documentation review, and practical testing. Her investigation techniques ensure all recommendations are supported by verifiable facts and regulatory compliance verification.
“I approach every article with academic rigor, ensuring accuracy through extensive research and fact-verification. New Zealand players deserve information backed by thorough investigation, not opinion or speculation.”
Lauren’s international perspective helps Kiwi players understand how New Zealand’s gambling environment compares globally, ensuring access to world-class gaming experiences within safe, regulated frameworks.
Key Contributors
Nairda Linares
Nairda Linares – Senior Content Editor & Pokies Mathematics Specialist
Nairda Linares serves as the senior content editor for NZOnlinePokies.co.nz, bringing 5+ years of specialized expertise in pokies game analysis and mathematical evaluation. Born and raised in Auckland to Spanish parents, she combines multicultural perspective with deep technical knowledge of online gambling.
Professional Expertise:
– Advanced pokies RTP and volatility analysis
– Game mechanics evaluation and bonus feature testing
– Software provider technology assessment
– Mobile pokies optimization and performance analysis
– Over 2,000 individual pokies games personally tested and reviewed
Nairda’s analytical approach ensures every game recommendation is backed by mathematical data and real-money testing. Her fitness background (competed in NZ Nationals 2022) reflects the same dedication to excellence she brings to pokies analysis.
Specializing in helping Kiwi players understand the mathematics behind their favorite games for smarter gambling decisions.
Zoe Brooks
Casino Bonus Specialist & Terms Analysis Expert
Zoe Brooks has been NZOnlinePokies.co.nz’s lead bonus analyst since 2020, specializing in casino bonus structures, wagering requirements, and terms and conditions analysis. With a background in biological science from The University of Waikato, she brings analytical precision to complex bonus evaluations.
Professional Specializations:
– Casino bonus mathematics and wagering requirement analysis
– Terms and conditions compliance review
– Promotional offer evaluation and player value assessment
– Casino loyalty program analysis and optimization strategies
– 4+ years testing bonus offers across 200+ New Zealand-licensed operators
Zoe’s scientific approach to bonus analysis has saved Kiwi players thousands of dollars by identifying unfair terms and highlighting genuinely valuable promotions. Her early experience at Hamilton Zoo developed her attention to detail – skills she now applies to protecting players from predatory bonus terms.
Based in Hamilton, Zoe ensures every bonus recommendation provides real value to New Zealand players.
Jonathan Wong
Legal Compliance Expert & Licensing Authority
Jonathan Wong serves as NZOnlinePokies.co.nz’s legal and regulatory specialist, bringing University of Auckland Faculty of Law credentials to casino licensing analysis and security compliance evaluation. His expertise ensures all casino recommendations meet New Zealand’s strict regulatory requirements.
Professional Specializations:
– Casino licensing compliance and regulatory analysis
– Online gambling law interpretation and player rights
– Security protocol evaluation and data protection assessment
– Terms of service analysis and legal risk evaluation
– 5+ years analyzing NZ gambling legislation and international licensing standards
Based on North Shore with his young family, Jonathan combines legal precision with practical player protection, ensuring every casino recommendation provides both entertainment and legal security for New Zealand players.
NZonlinepokies.co.nz info
A website designed for New Zealanders by New Zealanders
Now, everyone could find out everything that they needed to know about playing pokies online without having to ask someone else down at the local pub who probably didn’t know either!
Although the site is filled with expert advice it certainly isn’t written in a way that will be over anyone’s head. The information is easy to access and easy to understand.
That’s because Simon knows, most Kiwis are like him, get the info so they can get on with the fun stuff – playing great online pokies and making some ‘big bikkies’ along the way!
You can expect to find great info on the following topics (as well as some others):
- Recommended Kiwi-friendly online casino list.
- An extensive online casino review section.
- Easy to understand and follow online casino guides and how-to sections for playing different casino games and especially Online Slots.
- Comprehensive guide to online casino payment methods and banking.
- Casino bonus guide.
- Blacklisted/rouge casinos.
- Extensive and highly informative beginner’s guide.
- Mobile Casinos and what to look for.
- Guide to online casino software providers.
- Responsible gambling guide with useful and helpful resources.
If you’re a fellow online pokies lover like Simon and Greg, or you want to become one, make sure to bookmark our site and make regular return visits. The boys have recruited a few other pokies crazy Kiwis to help add more useful info and update the section with current data so that you always have the best online casino resource for New Zealand players!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is nzonlinepokies?
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Nzonlinepokies is an independent website providing unbiased reviews on online casinos and online pokies to New Zealand players.
- When did nzonlinepokies established?
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We are experts in the field of online pokies and casinos since 2016.
- Can I trust nzonlinepokies?
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Certainly! nzonlinepokies is a trustworthy platform you can rely on. We pride ourselves on our independence and dedication to thorough research before making any recommendations.
- Is the nzonlinepokies team made up of New Zealanders?
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Yes, the team at NZOnlinePokies is comprised of Kiwis! Our dedicated team members hail from various parts of New Zealand, including Auckland, Hamilton, and Waiuku. They bring their unique expertise in gaming, content editing, bonus structures, legal compliance, software development, and more
- Do the members of the nzonlinepokies team play pokies?
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Yes, many of the nzonlinepokies team members enjoy playing pokies. Our passion for the game contributes to our expertise and insights within the industry.