Video Pokies New Zealand
Video pokies are a Kiwi’s best friend, but there are hundreds on the market so how do you choose? We have provided some key information for Kiwis searching for the best NZ video pokies, what they actually are, and where to play them within New Zealand.
What are ‘Video Pokies’?
Video pokies are digital versions of popular land pokies. These digital versions mimic the features and mechanics of regular machines found in a real-life casino. Video pokies provide a variety of different themes and added features, like Bonus Rounds, through new technology. Video pokies also allow a higher level of convenience; Kiwis can play them at home or on their way to work!
Top Casinos to Play Video Pokies (2024)
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#1
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LeoVegas
View More
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3320+
Total Pokies
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NZ$ 2,000
+200 Free Spins on Wolf Gold
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4.9
Read Review
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Play Now
   
8+ Payment Methods
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#2
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Jackpot City
View More
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500+
Total Pokies
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NZ$ 1,600
+10 Free Spins on selected pokies
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Play Now
  
8+ Payment Methods
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#3
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Rizk Casino
View More
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800+
Total Pokies
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NZ$ 2,000
+50 Free Spins on Gates of Rizk
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4.8
Read Review
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Play Now
4+ Payment Methods
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#4
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Casino Days
View More
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4000+
Total Pokies
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NZ$ 1,000
+100 Free Spins on Sweet Bonanza
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4.8
Read Review
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Play Now
4+ Payment Methods
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#5
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Wildz Casino
View More
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1000+
Total Pokies
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NZ$ 1,000
+200 Free Spins on selected games
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4.8
Read Review
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Play Now
8+ Payment Methods
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Benefits of Playing Video Pokies
As with anything, video pokies has some great benefits for New Zealanders who want to play them. We have provided a list of these below:
- Accessibility: Video pokies are accessible from anywhere in New Zealand with an internet connection, allowing players to enjoy their favourite games at any time without needing to visit a physical casino.
- Variety: Online casinos offer a vast array of video pokies with diverse themes, graphics, and gameplay features. NZ players can choose from different themes, paylines, and bonus rounds to suit their preferences.
- Convenience: Kiwis have the flexibility to play on their own schedule without the constraints of casino hours or location. They can access these games on computers, smartphones, or tablets.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Video pokies at online casinos often offer enticing bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards, which can enhance the gaming experience and increase potential winnings.
- Higher Payouts and Jackpots: Video pokies sometimes offer larger payouts and progressive jackpots compared to physical pokies due to the larger player base contributing to these prizes.
- Demo Modes: Many online casinos allow players to try out video pokies for free in demo modes. This enables players to familiarize themselves with the game mechanics and features and practice on their favourite pokie game before wagering real money.
- Improved Technology: Video pokies often utilize advanced technology, providing better graphics, animations, and sound effects, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience.
- Privacy and Comfort: Kiwi players can enjoy playing video pokies in the comfort and privacy of their homes without the social pressures or distractions often present in physical casinos.
- Ease of Learning: Video pokies typically have straightforward gameplay. They involve spinning reels and aiming to match symbols along paylines. This simplicity makes it easy for newcomers to understand the basics quickly.
Top 5 Best Video Pokies Features
Just like in any game or pokie, video pokies provide a plethora of fun features that are not found in real-life, land-based slot machines. To outline the best of the best, we have compiled a short list of 5 of the best features that can be found within video pokies, with most of the below being combined in many different titles:
Respins
Once a Kiwi finds or lands on a winning combination of symbols, the reels respin to provide an additional chance for another win. These spins can be triggered through other features, like when Wilds are activated or when Wilds become successive.
Cluster Pays
This type of feature uses a reel ‘engine’, and combos are awarded when specific symbols are clustered together. These symbols can be touching either horizontally or physically for the wins to be awarded.
Free Spins
Free Spins are generally the main feature within video pokies and are the most popular bonus amongst players. When these spins are triggered, the ‘machine’ provides additional spins that give additional chances for extra rewards.
Wilds
Wilds are special symbols that can be substituted for other icons within a video pokie to make a winning combination. There are several types of Wilds: Sticky, Expanding, Walking, and Multiplier. Sticky Wilds generally are fixed on the screen for several rounds, whilst Expanding Wilds fill one or more positions amongst each reel. Walking Wilds travel across the screen, and Multiplier Wilds create winning boosts when they complete a combo.
Megaways
Megaways are very popular nowadays, and were invented by Big Time Gaming whilst developing their first title named Dragon Born. This title released in 2015, and paved the way for video pokies. Each spin within a Megaways can render a variety of ways to win; some of which exceed 117,000!
Top 10 Best Video Pokies
There are hundreds of video pokies on the market, so which ones are the best? To take out this time-consuming task, we have provided a list of the top 10 best video pokies in New Zealand for convenience:
Book of Dead
Book of Dead, or also known as Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, is by far the most popular video pokie across the globe, and especially for those in New Zealand! This title was released to gamers in 2016 and is featured in over 300 online casinos across the country.
This game is described as a high volatility title and has an RTP of 96.21%, along with bonus features like Expanding Symbols, Free Spins, and Wilds.
Gates of Olympus
Gates of Olympus is another extremely popular video pokie with an Ancient Greek Mythology theme. This game released in 2021 and has captured the hearts of Kiwis all across the country, with accessibility at over 300 online casinos in New Zealand.
This title provides an RTP of 95.60% and is classified as a high volatility pokie with features like Free Spins and Multipliers.
Sweet Bonanza
Sweet Bonanza is one of the sweetest video pokies within New Zealand, and was released to Kiwis in 2019. This title provides an RTP of 96.51% and has several bonus features like Multipliers, Scatter Symbols, and Free Spins.
Sweet Bonanza is classified as a medium-high volatility pokie with a sweet candy theme.
Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is another heavy-hitting video pokie that has made waves across all of New Zealand. This title provides a fun fishing theme with medium-high volatility for Kiwis.
This game also has an RTP of 95.68% and a variety of bonus features, including Free Spins, Multipliers, and Wilds.
Starburst
Starburst is another super popular video pokie which was released in 2013. For over a decade, this video pokie has captured the attention of gamers all across the globe, with special consideration for Kiwis. This gem-themed pokie boasts a variety of features, including Respins, Sticky Wilds, and Expanding Symbols.
Sugar Rush
Who doesn’t love candy-themed pokies? Sugar Rush is another sweet video pokie released in 2022, and for over a year has grabbed the attention of almost every Kiwi gamer across the country.
This title has an RTP of 95.5% with bonus features like Free Spins, Multipliers, and Scatter Symbols to keep things interesting.
9 Masks of Fire
9 Masks of Fire is one of the most well-known video pokies across all of New Zealand! This title released in 2019 with a classic theme.
This game has an RTP of 96.25%, along with special features such as Free Spins and Scatter Symbols.
Wolf Gold
Wolf Gold is yet another popular video pokie that was released back in 2017. This title provides an RTP of 96.01% for Kiwis to enjoy, along with a unique, scenic theme. This game provides Kiwi players with a range of additional features, including Free Spins, Scatter Symbols, and Respins.
Reactoonz
Reactoonz launched in 2017 and since then has grown increasingly popular amongst New Zealand gamers. This video pokie has an RTP of 96.51% and has a variety of special features. These added features include Expanding Symbols, Multipliers, and Wilds, with a fun space theme to provide visual interest.
Fire Joker
Fire Joker is another super popular video pokie for any gamer in New Zealand. This title released to players in 2016, and provides an RTP of 94.27%. This game also has several bonus features, such as Bonus Games, Respins, and Multipliers, along with a fun classic Joker theme.
| # | Video Pokie Game | Software Developer | RTP | Volatility | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Book of Dead | Play’n GO | 96.21% | High | Adventure/Egyptian |
| 2. | Gates of Olympus | Pragmatic Play | 95.60% | High | Ancient Greek Mythology |
| 3. | Sweet Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | 96.51% | Medium-High | Candy |
| 4. | Big Bass Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | 95.68% | Medium-High | Fishing |
| 5. | Starburst | Netent | 96.09% | Low | Gemstones |
| 6. | Sugar Rush | Pragmatic Play | 95.5% | High | Candy |
| 7. | 9 Masks of Fire | Gameburger Studios and Microgaming | 96.25% | Medium | Classic |
| 8. | Wolf Gold | Pragmatic Play | 96.01% | Medium | Scenic/Wolves |
| 9. | Reactoonz | Play’n GO | 96.51% | High | Space |
| 10. | Fire Joker | Play’n GO | 94.27% | Medium | Classic joker |
Top 5 Best Video Pokie Casinos
Finding the best video pokie casinos can be even tougher than finding the pokies themselves! To make this part of the process a breeze for Kiwis, we have scoured the online casino market and provided a handy list below of the top 5 best online video pokie casinos accessible to New Zealand:
King Billy Casino
No. of Pokies: 5,000+
Bonus: $2500 + 250 Free Spins
Payout Percent: 95.9%
King Billy is one of the most popular online casinos, so having a range of video pokies at this platform makes it all the better! This platform launched in 2017 and since then has added hundreds of pokies to its gaming library. Kiwis can enjoy a lucrative VIP program, top video pokies, and several bonuses across their site.
HellSpin Casino
No. of Pokies: 3,500+
Bonus: $1200 + 150 Free Spins
Payout Percent: 97.63%
HellSpin is a uniquely themed platform with over 400 pokies available on their site. Their online casino launched in 2022 and has become increasingly popular since their release date. Kiwis all across the country can access a variety of banking methods, an intensely rewarding loyalty program, and some of the best video pokies ever made.
7Bit Casino
No. of Pokies: 3,500+
Bonus: $5000 + 100 Free Spins
Payout Percent: 97.5%
7Bit Casino launched their online site in 2014; almost a decade in the industry! Their online platform boasts a large gaming catalogue with a range of different categories, including video pokies from top developers. Kiwis accessing this casino can expect a generous welcome offer, a range of additional promotions, and a VIP program in addition to their large range of video pokies.
Katsubet Casino
No. of Pokies: 3,000+
Bonus: $500 + 100 Free Spins
Payout Percent: 93.17%
Katsubet launched their online platform in 2020, and has already become popular amongst Kiwi gamers. Their range of pokies, especially video pokies, is amazing, so Kiwis have a great variety to choose from. Katsubet also provides a VIP program and loyalty points for added fun.
Guts Casino
No. of Pokies: 6,000+
Bonus: $500+100 Free Spins
Payout Percent: 97%
Guts Casino is another leading platform that launched in 2013, providing Kiwis with another great site to access video pokies. Those playing here can expect an intense gaming library filled with pokies, many promotional offers, and a generous VIP program!
Top 5 Best Video Pokie Providers
Top video pokies must come from somewhere! There are hundreds of online pokie developers, however we have found the top 5 best video pokie developers across the entire industry. Below are some of the biggest software developer names that are featured at most online casinos in New Zealand:
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is responsible for several top video pokies that Kiwis enjoy. Sweet Bonanza, Wolf Gold, Gates of Olympus, and Sugar Rush are just a few of their best video pokies in their extensive library of games. This developer has created over 500 pokies that are listed in over 400 online casinos in 50 countries.
Thunderkick
Thunderkick launched in 2012 and within a decade has made waves in the online casino industry, especially with Kiwi players. This developer has created over 70 top pokie games that are included at over 300 casinos in 50 countries. Some of their best video pokies include Magicious and Flux.
NetEnt
NetEnt is the software developer that created the top video pokie Starburst, amongst their impressive catalogue of online pokie games. Since launching in 1996, this developer has released over 400 pokies and are featured at over 400 casinos in 50 countries across the globe. NetEnt is a Kiwi favourite!
Play’n GO
Play’n GO is the brains behind the top video pokies Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, more commonly known as Book of Dead, Fire Joker, and Reactoonz. Since their debut in 1997, Kiwis across the country have reveled in their 300+ pokies at over 300 online casinos!
Microgaming
Microgaming is the leading developer in the pokie market and has become one of the biggest names across the globe since launching in 1994. In 2022, Microgaming transformed into Games Global, however they still provide the same quality titles to Kiwis across the country. This provider is responsible for the release of Break Da Bank Again, Wacky Panda, and Thunderstruck II.
Conclusion
Video pokies are an exciting adventure for any Kiwi gambler, and having so many options to try out is an excellent bonus. Some of the best software developers on the market are consistently making new titles, which are then added to popular online casinos for New Zealand players; how fun!
FAQs
- Can I play video pokies on my phone?
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Yes; lots of online casinos allow mobile play for both iOS and Android devices.
- Are video pokies safe to play?
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Yes; as long as you ensure the online casino you want to play with is safe to begin with. Here you can find trusted online casinos.
- How do you know if a pokie is a ‘video’ pokie?
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Most online casinos will have their video pokie games under a ‘Video’ category or with a label that says ‘Video’.
- Are there free video pokies?
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Yes! In our free pokies page you can find many video pokies. Many top online casinos that we recommend have a variety of free video pokies to immerse in, whether they are 100% free or have a demo mode.