Play Free Pokies Online in New Zealand: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you a Kiwi looking to enjoy thousands of top-quality free online pokies without any risk or financial commitment? You’ve landed on the right page! At NZOnlinePokies.co.nz, we offer New Zealand’s most extensive library of over 21,000 free NZ pokies from leading software providers.
Our platform provides a completely risk-free environment where you can:
- Enjoy instant play with no registration, no downloads, and no real money required.
- Test new games and discover your favorites without spending a cent.
- Understand game mechanics, volatility, and bonus features firsthand.
- Practice strategies and sharpen your skills for pure entertainment.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or enjoying a lazy weekend, simply choose any pokie from our vast collection, hit “Play for Free,” and start spinning.
How to Play Free Pokies on NZOnlinePokies.co.nz (Quick Start Guide)
Getting started with our massive library of over 21,000 free online pokies is incredibly simple. Follow these quick steps to enjoy risk-free entertainment:
- Search Slots: If you have a specific slot game in mind or are interested in a particular theme or feature, simply use the search function to locate it.
- Providers: Refine your search by selecting games from various providers, each offering its own unique styles and features.
- Sort By: Organize slot games based on popularity, release date, or alphabetical order using this sorting feature.
- Types: Filter games by categories like Megaways, classic slots, video slots, and more.
- Themes: Explore slot games by themes such as adventure, mythology, animals, and many others.
- Demo Mode: Every listed slot game comes with a “Try Demo, for Free” option. This allows you to experience a demo version of the game without placing any bets. It’s a great way to preview the gameplay mechanics, features, and visuals before deciding to play for real money.
- Load More: Explore further! With more than 21,000 pokies available, you can uncover new games by scrolling through the list, ensuring a wide range of options for you to enjoy.
Your Gateway to Endless Free Pokie Exploration: New & Classic Titles
Our expansive library isn’t just about quantity; it’s about providing the ultimate discovery platform for free pokies. Here’s what makes our collection indispensable for any New Zealand player:
- Risk-Free Discovery: Play any title for free without a single NZD deposit, bet, or sign-up. This allows you to truly identify your preferred pokie types, themes, and gameplay mechanics without financial pressure.
- Master Game Features: Dive deep into the nuances of each game. Explore volatility levels, understand bonus rounds, test different betting strategies, and experience every unique feature – all completely risk-free.
- Always Fresh, Always Classic: We pride ourselves on a weekly update schedule, bringing you the absolute newest pokies hitting the market alongside timeless classics. You’ll never miss out on the latest trends or your nostalgic favorites.
- No Obligation Exploration: Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of pokies, our platform serves as your no-obligation testing ground. Find what you love before considering real-money play elsewhere.
Pro Tip for Kiwis: Bookmark this page to ensure you always have instant access to the freshest free pokies fun and the most comprehensive collection in New Zealand!
Why Do Kiwis Love Free Pokies?
New Zealand players flock to free online pokies for several compelling reasons. Here’s why they’re so popular:
- Risk-Free Game Testing: Free pokies provide the perfect environment to try out new games, understand their mechanics, and explore bonus features without any financial commitment. It’s an ideal way to “test drive” before playing for real money.
- Explore Diverse Pokie Types: With access to thousands of titles, free play allows you to “sample” different themes, features, and volatility levels to find what truly excites you. It’s your personal pokie playground.
- Sharpen Skills & Strategy: While luck plays a major role, some pokies benefit from a deeper understanding of their features. Free games offer a zero-pressure setting to experiment with different betting patterns or in-game decisions.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Become familiar with a game’s specific features, paylines, and bonus triggers. This practice can build confidence and enhance your overall enjoyment if you later decide to play for real.
- Pure Entertainment, Zero Cost: Sometimes, it’s just about the thrill of the spin. Free pokies deliver all the excitement of hitting a “big win” (even virtual ones) without any financial risk. It’s pure, unadulterated fun!
Top 10 Online Pokies to Try for Free in New Zealand
The pokies featured on this table are the top 10 most popular online pokies in New Zealand. We’ve curated a detailed list providing summaries, themes, and developers for each game, all within our extensive library of free pokies designed specifically for Kiwis. We encourage you to try each of these games on our free pokies platform and test which one you prefer.
| Pokies Title | Type/Theme | Summary | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book of Dead | Ancient Egyptian Adventure | Join Rich Wilde on a high-volatility quest through ancient tombs. This 5-reel, 3-row classic launched in 2016 and remains a global favorite for its thrilling free spins and expanding symbols. | Play’n GO |
| Starburst | Cosmic, Retro Jewels | A visually stunning, low-volatility classic from 2012. Starburst offers straightforward 5-reel gameplay with expanding Starburst Wilds and re-spins, delivering frequent, smaller wins. | NetEnt |
| Gold Blitz | Fortune Factory Studios | Embark on a quest for gold and riches in this thrilling pokie filled with golden opportunities and exciting features. | Fortune Factory Studios |
| Gates of Olympus | Indulge your sweet tooth with this high-volatility pokie filled with tasty treats and exciting features. | Immerse yourself in the world of Greek gods with this high volatility pokie. Spin the 6 reels and experience divine wins. | Pragmatic Play |
| Sweet Bonanza | Candy, Sweets | Indulge your sweet tooth with this high volatility pokie filled with tasty treats and exciting features. | Pragmatic Play |
| Big Bass Bonanza | Fishing | BBB offers a high volatility experience with an RTP of 96.71%. Launching their 5-reel, 3-row gaming experience in 2020, this game has become massively popular across the globe. | Reel Kingdom |
| Big Bass Splash | Fishing | Dive into the depths of the water with this thrilling pokie offering an immersive fishing experience. | Reel Kingdom |
| 9 Masks of Fire | African, Tribal | This exciting game encompasses a Masks Pay feature, offering players a chance to win up to 2000x their original bet, and is available on all mobile and desktop devices. | Gameburger Studios |
| Fire and Roses Joker | Fire, Joker | Unravel the mysteries and chase the joker in this captivating pokie, featuring high volatility and exciting gameplay. | Triple Edge Studios |
| Legacy of Dead | Mystical Egyptian | Another Play’n GO Egyptian hit, similar to Book of Dead but with an exciting twist during free spins where up to nine expanding symbols can be active. High volatility and high reward potential. | Play’n Go |
Popular Types of Free Online Pokies for Kiwis
Understanding the different types of free pokies available can enhance your playing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories you’ll find in our free library, along with their defining features:
Video Pokies
Video pokies are digitised versions of popular titles that provide realistic experiences by mimicking real-life, land-based machines.
Jackpot Pokies
Jackpot pokies have large prizes, usually cash or free spins, that equate to the highest amount a player can win in that game.
Cluster Pays
Cluster Pays pokie titles include a mechanism where payouts can occur anywhere on the grid, rather than a set number of paylines that are regularly seen in standard pokies.
Fixed Jackpot Pokies
A fixed jackpot is simply a set prize pool that will not change or reset regardless of how many players engage and win within the title.
Megaways Pokies
Megaways pokies are unique games that include a ‘random reel’ mechanic, which was first featured in 2016. This feature produces a randomised number of symbols within a pokie on each spin, resulting in a multitude of paylines and many opportunities for maximum wins. An example of a Meagways pokie is Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, provided by the developer Red Tiger in 2020.
Progressive Jackpot Pokies
Progressive jackpot pokies have a prize pool that increases with each stake placed and with the number of players in the game. These types of pokies have a bigger payout percentage, and once the prize is won, the amount resets.
Low Volatility Pokies
Low volatility pokies have smaller payout amounts but are more frequent in a quick-succession motion.
High Volatility Pokies
High volatility pokies provide larger payout amounts for players, but are granted less frequently.
Egyptian Online Pokies
Egyptian pokies were one of the earliest versions of pokies, and are still popular to this day throughout New Zealand. Some examples include the renowned Book of Dead and Cleopatra titles.
Themed Pokies
Themed pokies are very popular amongst the gambling community, with some of the most common including Animal, Movie or Series (think Game of Thrones and Batman), Egyptian, Comic, and many more.
Leading Software Providers for Free NZ Pokies
The quality of your free pokie experience largely depends on the software developer behind the game. We partner with and feature titles from the most reputable and innovative providers in the industry. Here’s a look at the top developers whose free pokies you can enjoy on our platform:
1. Microgaming
A true pioneer since 1994, Microgaming boasts an immense portfolio of over 750 instant-play pokies. While famous for real-money progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah, their free versions showcase their diverse themes (TV, movies, music) and robust gameplay.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Explore a vast legacy of high-quality titles and understand the foundation of many modern pokie features.
2. Playtech
Established in 1999, Playtech is a global leader in casino software. Their free pokies range from classic layouts to innovative branded titles (e.g., Warner Bros. series) and popular series like ‘Age of the Gods’.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Discover their diverse range and experience the smooth, reliable performance their games are known for.
3. Play’n GO
Launched in 2017, Iron Dog Studio has quickly become recognized for its visually appealing and feature-rich pokies. Titles like Viking Wilds and Neon Jungle offer engaging gameplay and atmospheric soundscapes.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Experience their modern graphics, unique bonus features, and immersive design in a risk-free environment.
4. NetEnt
A Swedish game developer active since 1996, NetEnt is renowned for stunning visuals, engaging bonus features, and high payout rates (often 96% and higher). Iconic titles include Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, known for their unique game mechanics and immersive audio.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Experience pioneering graphics and innovative gameplay, including features like Avalanche reels and expanding wilds, all without any risk.
5. Aristocrat
An Australian gaming giant with a long history, Aristocrat is a leading provider of both land-based and online pokies. Their games often feature unique Reel Power or Ways to Win mechanics and popular titles like Buffalo and Queen of the Nile.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Experience classic pokie action and the signature mechanics that have made Aristocrat a household name in the gaming world.
6. IGT (International Game Technology)
A global leader in gaming, IGT is famous for popular land-based slot machines that have successfully transitioned to online platforms. Their portfolio includes iconic titles like Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds, often featuring innovative bonus rounds and multi-way wins.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Discover timeless classics and enjoy engaging bonus features that have captivated players for decades, all in a free environment.
7. Betsoft
Betsoft is highly acclaimed for its stunning 3D cinematic graphics and engaging storylines, providing an immersive gaming experience. Their Slot3™ series offers rich animations and intricate bonus rounds, making each game feel like a mini-movie.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Immerse yourself in visually spectacular games and explore complex narratives and innovative features without any financial commitment.
8. Yggdrasil Gaming
A younger but rapidly growing developer known for its cutting-edge graphics, innovative mechanics, and unique themes. Yggdrasil consistently pushes boundaries with features like ‘Boost’ and ‘BRAG’ tools, and popular titles such as Vikings Go Berzerk and Valley of the Gods.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Experience next-generation online pokies with impressive visuals, engaging storylines, and highly creative bonus features.
9. Red Tiger Gaming
Launched in 2014 by industry veterans, Red Tiger quickly became known for its high-quality HTML5 slots, innovative daily jackpot systems, and engaging promotional tools like Smart Spins and Tournaments. They are now part of the Evolution Gaming Group.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Explore modern, feature-rich games with stunning visuals and experience their unique jackpot systems in a risk-free environment.
10. Iron Dog
Launched in 2017, Iron Dog Studio has quickly become recognized for its visually appealing and feature-rich pokies. Titles like Viking Wilds and Neon Jungle offer engaging gameplay and atmospheric soundscapes.
Why Play Their Free Pokies: Experience their modern graphics, unique bonus features, and immersive design in a risk-free environment.
Playing Free Pokies: On Our Site vs. NZ Online Casinos
While NZOnlinePokies.co.nz offers a direct, no-fuss way to play over 21,000 free pokies, many New Zealand licensed online casinos also provide “demo mode” or “fun play” options. This allows you to experience their games risk-free before deciding to play for real money.
How to play free pokies on New Zealand online casinos:
1) Find your preferred online casino; we have a list of our recommended casinos here
2) Choose your desired pokie type; we have these outlined above
3) Find your favourite, or a new, pokie at the casino of your choice
4) Enjoy playing the free pokie!
Recommended NZ Casinos for Free Pokies (Demo Play):
For Kiwis looking to try free pokies within a casino environment, these top-rated platforms offer robust demo modes and a wide selection of games:
| Online Pokies Casino | Estimated Free Pokies (Demo) | Key Free Play Feature | Our Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Billy Casino | 2500+ | Wide variety of demo games, user-friendly interface. | Read King Billy Review |
| LeoVegas Casino | 1800+ | Excellent mobile-optimized free play. | Read LeoVegas Review |
| Jackpot City Casino | 1000+ | Classic popular games available in demo. | Read Jackpot City Review |
| Wildz Casino | 2000+ | Extensive selection from various providers in demo mode. | Read Wildz Review |
| Spinz Casino | 550+ | Focus on newer games often available for free play. | Read Spinz Review |
Essential Online Pokies Terms Explained
Whether you’re enjoying free pokies or considering real-money play, understanding common pokie terminology will enhance your experience. Here’s a glossary of key terms:
Some of these factors, and their comprising terms, include:
What is RTP (Return to Player)?
RTP (Return to Player) is a percentage that indicates the theoretical amount a pokie game is expected to pay back to players over a long period of time. While less critical for free play, it’s vital for understanding real-money odds.
What is Free Play?
Free Play (also known as demo mode or practice play) refers to games where virtual credits are provided, allowing you to play without using real money. This is distinct from “Free Spins” offered as a bonus.
What are Free Spins?
Free Spins are bonus rounds within a pokie game, or promotional offers from a casino, that allow you to spin the reels a certain number of times without placing an additional bet. In free pokies, they activate as part of the game’s features.
What are Paylines?
A Payline is a line on the reels where a winning combination of symbols must land for a payout to occur. The number and direction of paylines vary by pokie.
What is Auto-Play?
Auto-Play is a setting that allows a pokie game to automatically spin the reels for a pre-set number of rounds, without manual intervention. Useful for hands-off free play.
Reels
Reels are vertical columns within a pokie that rotate independently. Most pokies have either 3 or 5 reels, with some exceptions including 6 reels to play with.
Symbols
Simply, symbols are images within a pokie that cover reels. These symbols are usually themed depending on the pokie title itself.
There are several varieties of symbols in addition to the standard ones:
Scatter Symbols
These special symbols can trigger bonus features (like free spins) or award payouts regardless of their position on paylines.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols are simply that; wild, like a Joker in cards. These can be substituted for different symbols within a pokie to complete a set of symbols or a combination.
There are variations of wilds, which are outlined below:
Sticky Wild Symbols
Sticky wilds get ‘stuck’ or ‘frozen’ on the reels for a few spins, where added bonuses or benefits are added to the game.
Avalanche or Cascading
These types of wilds combine a sequence of symbols that fall onto the reels in a ‘cascading’ or ‘avalanche’ fashion, allowing bonuses and additional prizes.
Expanding
These wilds are single symbols that spread over the reels as the game progresses. This increases the chance of winning!
The Pros and Cons of Playing NZ Online Pokies for Free
 Pros |  Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Play pokies for free – No cost involved | 1. No chances to win real money |
| 2. Discover new games – Find unfamiliar titles | 2. Less range of games available |
| 3. Learn game tricks – No betting pressure | 3. Cannot claim loyalty points or VIP perks |
| 4. Understand different pokie types – Reels, etc. | |
| 5. No downloads required – Instant access | |
| 6. Enjoy hours of free entertainment |
The Advantages of Free Pokies
What are the advantages of playing free pokies? The main answer can be found in the question; you play pokies for free! Beyond that, thankfully, there are a few more advantages to indulging in free pokies:
Have Fun for Free
The biggest advantage, in our mind, is that you can play many pokies for fun for free! Hours and hours of entertainment is in the palm of your hands (or computer mouse) without needing to spend a single cent.
Discovering New Games
You’re bound to find a few games you’ve never heard of before. Maybe they’re newer, from a smaller software provider, or perhaps you’ve seen that pokie for years but haven’t yet tried it out.
Learning the Tricks of the Trade
Each pokie has something unique about it, and by trying it for free, you can learn all the secrets of how the game works without having the pressure of placing bets.
Understanding Different Types of Pokies
Beyond style and theme, online pokies can differ based on the number of reels and how they link together. You can evaluate which types you prefer by trying out free online pokies.
No Downloads Required
Free pokies can be accessed by our website, a software developer site, or at an online casino, in either ‘demo’ mode or simply as a stand-alone free game without needing to download the software to play.
The Disadvantages
As with anything, advantages also come with disadvantages, and free pokies are no exception. We have included a few of the cons to engaging with free pokies:
No Chances to Win Real Money
Since no real money is used at free pokies, players cannot win real cash during these free games.
Less Range of Games
Some casino operators provide less free games to encourage players to use real money on their sites, so only a few games are free in some cases which limits your experience in this manner.
Cannot Claim Loyalty Points or VIP Perks
Majority of casinos provide loyalty or VIP perks, however these perks are only valid for real money bets, wagers, or games, so playing for free means these perks cannot be accrued.
Free Pokies vs. Real Money Pokies
Many players love pokies, but don’t necessarily know the difference between ‘free’ and ‘real money’ games. Luckily, we have done the research for you! Below we compare these pokies, and provide pros and cons for each.
Free Pokies
Free pokies means that Kiwis can immerse without needing a deposit, bet, or stake. Some of the positives of playing free pokies include:
- Testing out features and mechanics in top games for free.
- Provides advantage if players choose to play games for real money later.
- Try out new games without wasting cash.
- Play games risk-free.
- Discover RTP and payout rates before committing to deposits
Real Money Pokies
Real money pokies in comparison, allow players to bet, wager, and win real money. The perks of these pokies include:
- Ability to win real money.
- Larger amount and variety of gaming titles.
- Earn VIP levels and loyalty points.
- Opportunities to enter tournaments and win jackpots for big cash prizes.
No Download Free Online Pokies
When you register with a casino to play a specific slot, there’s a good chance you’ll have to download an app, especially if you’re playing on mobile. When you use free-to-play slots online, you don’t have to download anything. This means you’re not wasting any gigs of data, and not worrying about a mobile app which could slow down your device.
You simply go into your browser and start spinning. Really all you need is a stable internet connection. If your internet does give out for a moment, you don’t have to worry about losing anything.
If you’re playing from our site, all of the pokies on this page are no-download pokies. You can simply choose one and start playing without any bumps in the road. The gaming experience will be no different on a computer, tablet or smartphone. While other gambling websites require you to download software that can often slow down your device, we’ve made it simple for you to play a large selection of pokies without any additional steps.
Playing Pokies on Mobile for Free
Here at NZ Online Pokies, we offer you hundreds of free NZ pokies – with an ever-growing list. It’s safe to say that just about all of them are available on mobile or tablet, allowing you to play wherever you are, any time of day or night.
With the rise of mobile gaming and especially mobile pokies, we’re committed to providing you with the same gaming experience you would receive with a large computer screen. Waiting at a bus stop? Relaxing on a beach? On break at work? Whip out your mobile device, pick a pokie, and start spinning! Free pokies are available on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices by going through a dedicated web browser, such as Chrome or Safari, on a Windows, iOS, or Android device.
Best Practices for Mobile Pokies
- Download apps from reputable stores, such as the Google Play Store and Apple Store to avoid malware.
- Look for providers or pokies that are specially designed for on-the-go gaming. This will ensure the experience is optimised and specifically designed for smaller screens!
- Avoid public internet or Wi-Fi connections when playing online free pokies. The internet in these spaces can be unstable and can hinder your gameplay, causing game crashes, screen lag, or incomplete gameplay.
Expert Advice for Playing Pokies Online in New Zealand
Online pokies provide excitement and fun, but choosing an online pokie from the thousands offered can become overwhelming and time consuming. How do you make the right choice, especially when playing for the first time?
To alleviate this pressure, we have provided a list of tips for when you play pokies online in New Zealand:
Find Kiwi-Friendly Online Casinos
When searching for pokies at an online casino, ensure that they cater to the needs of New Zealand pokie players. Beyond offering a variety of pokies with excellent graphics from well-known software providers, these casinos should accept $NZD and provide support that aligns with your time zone to ensure they are Kiwi-friendly.
Shop Around
Despite how many online casinos are available to Kiwis, finding the perfect casino for you is paramount. Try to find one with the most free pokies and software developers, with the option of real money pokies and additional games if this is on your radar. This provides the best possible experience for you due to such a vast variety of games!
Take Regular Breaks
Online Pokies can draw you in, especially free pokies, making it easy to lose track of time. Set an alarm or stop after a certain number of rounds to know when to put the pokies down. Play safely, stick to your sleep schedule, and take regular breaks to stretch or work.
Ensure the Site is Secure
Regardless of the thousands of online casinos on offer, not all are safe or reputable to play at. Fortunately, there are specific things to keep an eye out for prior to playing at or signing up with a casino.
Casinos that include industry-recognised certifications are the best to play at, regardless if their games are free or not. Certified casinos are regularly audited and regulated by impartial bodies to provide secure and safe gaming experiences for all players. Some of the top regulatory bodies include:
- MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Some other security options to look out for include a range of technological security settings, with the inclusion of:
- eCOGRA certification
- SSL encryption (for transactions and banking)
Remember to Have Fun
This might sound redundant, however players often forget to enjoy the experience and focus more on winning or strategies, even in free games! It’s easy to get caught up in the competition, but remember, pokies are meant to be fun and relaxing.
The Bottom Line of Free Online NZ Pokies
Playing free pokies is the ultimate way to become familiar with the online gambling world risk-free. Whether you’re trying out new games, learning about the world of online pokies, or just spinning to pass the time, free pokies can provide almost endless amounts of entertainment. If you enjoy a pokie, you can easily switch to real money play with just one click!
Playing Online Pokies for Free in NZ FAQs
- Can I play free pokies in New Zealand without registration or downloads?
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Yes, you can play free pokies in New Zealand without the need for registration, login, or downloads. Many online casinos and game providers offer free pokies in demo mode, allowing you to play them instantly in your web browser.
- Are free pokies available on mobile devices?
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Yes, most free pokies are available on mobile devices. You can play them on smartphones and tablets, providing you have a stable internet connection. The gaming experience on mobile devices is optimized to ensure smooth gameplay and enjoyable poke sessions on the go.
- Can I switch from playing free pokies to real money pokies?
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Yes, if you enjoy a particular pokie and want to try your luck with real money, you can easily switch from playing free pokies to real money pokies. Simply find a reputable online casino that offers the pokie you like and create an account. From there, you can make a deposit and start playing for real money!
- Are there any limitations or restrictions when playing free pokies?
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While playing free pokies, you won’t be able to win real money. Free pokies are solely for entertainment purposes and allow you to explore different games, themes, and features without risking any of your own money. Additionally, you may not be eligible for loyalty points or other promotional offers while playing in demo mode.
- How can I find the best free pokies to play in New Zealand?
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To find the best free pokies to play in New Zealand, you can visit reputable online casino websites, game provider sites, or rely on our recommendations through reviews and blog posts.
- Are there any differences between free pokies and free spins?
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Yes, there are differences between free pokies and free spins. Free pokies refer to the entire game, allowing you to play the slot without wagering real money. Free spins, on the other hand, are specific bonus features within a game that provide a certain number of spins without deducting your balance. Free spins are often triggered by specific symbols or combinations on the reels.
- Is it legal to play free online slot games in New Zealand?
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Playing free online slot games in New Zealand is legal, as these games do not involve real-money wagers and are not considered gambling in a legal sense.
- Is playing free pokies in New Zealand safe?
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Yes, playing free pokies in New Zealand is considered safe.