Last updated October 2024

Best Online Pokies NZ 2024: Top New Zealand Pokie Sites

Ramona Depares
Ramona Depares
Casino & Sportbooks Expert
  • Nothing beats the exhilarating feeling of spinning the reel of a pokie, seeing the symbols sync up in perfect harmony and watching the win figure increase.
  • Our expert pokie players will explain all the ins and outs of pokie games, their features, payouts and jackpots.
  • This article will cover the most popular pokie games and the best online casinos available to New Zealanders for real-money online pokies.
Best Online Pokies in NZ for Real Money

Top List Overview Of The Best Pokies Online Casinos

Best NZ Casino
Bingo Bonga Logo
Daily Cashback up to 20%
  • Withdrawal time: 0-2 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $7.500
  • Casino games: 5000+
$1,500 NZD + 270 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-4 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $10.000
  • Casino games: 6000+
100% up to $200 + 20 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4000+
$2,400 NZD + 500 FS
  • Withdrawal time: 1-4 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $10.000
  • Casino games: 6000+
Up to $3,000 NZD + 350 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-2 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 5000+
100% up to $200 + 20 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4000+
Up to $3,000 NZD + 350 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-2 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 5000+
Up to $3,000 NZD + 200 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 5000+
Up to €$1000 Welcome Bonus
  • Withdrawal time: 1-4 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4000+
Up to $6,000 NZD + 200 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 5000+
Up to $2,000 Cash & 150 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-4 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.20 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4000+
100% up to $1,000 NZD
  • Withdrawal time: 1-4 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.20 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4500+
100% Bonus up to $1,200 + 20 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-5 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.10 - $3.000
  • Casino games: 4000+
$5,000 NZD + 300 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-5 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 8000+
100% up to 10,000$ + 100 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $10.000
  • Casino games: 3000+
100% up to 10,000$ + 100 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 0-3 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $10.000
  • Casino games: 3000+
115% Bonus up to NZ$560 + 100 Free Spins
  • Withdrawal time: 1-5 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $5.000
  • Casino games: 4500+
100% up to $300 Welcome Bonus
  • Withdrawal time: 0-5 days
  • Wagering limits: $0.05 - $10.000
  • Casino games: 7000+

Look below at our top picks for online casinos in New Zealand that offer pokies and what separated them from the rest of the competition.

Betonic🥇 Best Overall Pokies Casino
Bingo Bonga🤑 Top Cashback Casino for Pokies
PlayZilla🎁 Best Pokies Promotions
Boomerang🔥 Greatest Variety of Pokies
Thrillsy⚡ Top Pokies Casino with Fast Withdrawals

Best Casinos With Online Pokies For Real Money Compared

Everyone wants to know who’s the best casino site to play pokies, right? Well, we have done the hard work for you and compared all of our top picks for pokie providers in New Zealand. Take a look at our table below and save yourself some time finding your new online casino.

Casino Pokies (Amount) Most Popular Pokie Welcome Offer Free Spins RTP
zotabet logo 4000+ Big Bass Splash Up to $10,000 100 94.94%
betonic logo 3500+ Book Of The Fallen Up to $1,000 20  93.15%
bingo bonga logo 4000+ Gates of Olympus Up to 20% Daily Cashback 95,63%
boomerang logo 5500+ Bullet Hole Up to $1,000 200 95.97%
playzilla logo 4000+ Bandidos Cash Up to $1,500 500 93.55%

How To Sign Up At Top Casino And Play The Best Online Pokies

Follow these simple steps to sign up for Betonic and get started on spinning the pokies:

Step 1: Create An Account

Betonic Registration 2

Launch the Betonic website and click Register to create your account.

Step 2: Deposit

Betonic Deposit 2

Deposit your chosen amount into your new online casino account.

Step 3: Activate Bonus

Betonic Activated Bonus

Use the Bonus Code: BTONIC200 on your first deposit and receive 100% up to $200 in bonus funds.

Step 4: Start Playing

Betonic Slots

Head to the casino games page and find your favourite pokie, we recommend you try Book of the Fallen.

Betonic Logo
100% up to $200 + 20 Free Spins

What Are Online Casino Pokies?

Online casino pokies are the life and soul of the casino floor. The wide range of different games, themes, providers, and mechanics make pokie games both exciting and easy to enjoy. Typically, a pokie will involve the player spinning a reel in an attempt to match a certain amount of symbols in a line to win money. The more symbols you match, the higher your reward. It’s simple, right?

It’s this simplicity that makes pokies a must-play for any online casino goer, and the Jackpots that are available in certain games will leave you wide-eyed and jaw-dropped. Each game provider can put their own unique twist on their selection of pokie games so keep an eye out for exclusive features such as avalanching tiles—where matching symbols disappear and new symbols fall in their place creating multiple wins in a single spin.

When considering a pokie, you should do your research on the RTP (Return to Player) and Volatility stats. These can help you learn about the level of risk involved with the slot and your potential to win money back from your bet.


Types Of Online Pokies

jackpot slots

As mentioned above, there are many different types of pokies to play at an online casino. But what exactly makes them different? Don’t worry, we have an all-you-need-to-know comparison below so you too can be an expert on pokies online, the best pokie features, and gameplay.

Video Pokies

Video pokie games utilise immersive storylines often taken from pop culture to bring the reel to life as you spin. Bonus features are often used to give you exciting alternative ways to win and side missions to complete during your session to enhance your experience and increase your chance of winning big.

So if you are a huge fan of an epic superhero, video pokies will allow you to stand side by side with your hero to defeat their foe and walk away with plenty of money in your pockets while you do so. These themes aren’t limited to superheroes, and you will find a plethora of different pop culture-themed games ready for you to play.

Progressive Jackpot Pokies

The chase can often be more exciting than the game itself, and that statement can stand true with progressive jackpot pokies too. With every spin you make, a percentage of your bet, and everyone else playing, gets added to the jackpot. As a result, by the time someone hits big and wins the jackpot, it can have accumulated to a life-changing amount of money.

If you aren’t sure what life-changing money may look like, the #1 payout in progressive jackpot history was landed back on the 28th of September in 2018 on Mega Moolah at the Grand Mondial Casino and the player won €18,915,721.

Progressive Jackpot TitleSoftware ProviderMax Jackpot
Wolf GoldPragmatic Play2500x
MegaJackpots CleopatraIGT10000x
Beach LifePlaytech2000x
Mega FortuneNetEnt10000x
Major MillionsMicrogaming8000x
Arabian NightsNetEnt12000x
Cops n RobbersNovomatic5000x
Divine Fortune MegawaysNetEnt38000x
Mega MoolahMicrogaming1955x
Jackpot Giant Playtech50000x

Classic 3 Reel Pokies

Simple and uncomplicated reels to satisfy the traditional casino goer. All the fancy ribbons and extras have been stripped back from these pokies and it leaves the player with little distractions from the gameplay itself. These pokies are moulded in the likeness of the classic old-school casino machines and are often referred to as entry-level pokies as they are a great starting point for beginners.

You won’t find yourself getting confused over thousands of different paylines or distracted by ultra-immersive graphics and mini-games. These pokie games typically come with the smallest betting ranges making it less risky to play and much more cost-effective.

Interactive Pokies

Interactive pokies, or I-pokies, are pokie games with drawn-out cutscenes with bonus mini-games. This adds to the player’s experience and helps drive the storyline incorporated into the pokie. The more you play these pokie games the further the storyline progresses, so spin the reels and try to match the symbols you need to achieve the next cutscene.

Players can be rewarded at each new stage with instant cash payouts making these games a viable option for those wanting to walk away with some winnings at the end of the session. Rival Gaming takes the plaudits as the innovator that pushed I-pokies into the spotlight of the online casino world, so if you are looking for an interactive pokie to start on, we recommend you start with one of theirs.

Virtual Reality Pokies

Virtual Reality pokies involve using a VR headset to create a more immersive experience for the player. If you love the thrill of being present inside a casino and revelling in the hustle and bustle of the casino floor, then VR pokies may just be the answer you’ve been waiting for.

From the comfort of your own home, you can transport yourself through your virtual reality headset into the middle of your favourite casinos, soak in the atmosphere, and live the true land-based casino experience while you spin your favourite online pokie games.

High RTP Pokies

A high payout pokie game is a pokie that returns a higher percentage of the bet back to the player. For example, a 95% RTP pokie will on average pay out $95 for every $100 wagered. These pokies online present the highest chance of winning money back from each spin, making them a fan favourite among online gamblers.

Make sure you research each game you go to play, as online, you will find all the information you need to know about the pokie, including the RTP percentage. While you may not hit the biggest of wins each time on these slots, they are more known to payout a smaller steady stream of money over time, meaning you get a longer, more enjoyable online pokie experience. 

High Volatility Pokies

A high volatility pokie means players should expect to lose more between each win. These pokie games can usually have larger payouts to compensate for the extended amount of time between wins. If you are just chasing a big win, and don’t mind waiting for that big payout, these pokies may be the best option for you.

Go online and research the volatility rating of the game you are thinking of playing so you understand which slots have higher payouts, but make sure you have plenty of time available, as you may be waiting a while before your symbols come in and you hear the cha-ching of the machine ring out.

Video Poker

If Poker is your game then you can put your skills to the test against the AI in Video Poker. Play at your own pace against the computer in a range of different Poker variants with custom betting options to tailor the game to your preferences and skill level. This is a great starting point for new players who don’t feel confident enough yet to sit at a real poker table and play against other real-life players. Use the custom settings to build up your difficulty and play against the computer until you feel you are ready to call the bluffs of real-life players.


Top 10 Online Pokies In New Zealand

If you are new to the world of online pokies or simply want to know the top 10 most popular or new pokie games you can play in New Zealand, then we have put together a list of our personal favourites from many hours of playing that we think you will love!

Gonzo’s Quest

Gonzo’s Quest

Venture into the dark depths of the South American jungles with Gonzo and search for the legendary city of Eldorado. With unique features like Avalanching tiles, you can win multiple times as successful pay lines disappear and allow new tiles to fall in their place. The Free Falls Bonus Round can be re-triggered and give you the chance for huge returns.

Gonzo’s Quest is a 5-reel, 3-row pokie game that clocks in with a 96% RTP making this a lucrative pokie not to be missed. There are a total of 20 different paylines that you can score from, with a max win of up to 1,875x your original bet. Brought to you by NetEnt, this online pokie has a medium volatility rating and its minimum and maximum betting ranges from $0.20 to $50 per spin.

Starburst

Starburst

Starburst has been a fan favourite since its inception in 2012. NetEnt has made a stylish 5×3 Reel that exudes class as you spin. Jewels sparkle on the screen as you try to match the symbols across 10 paylines in search of the Wild symbols. Become a Supernova and shoot for the stars in this gem!

There are 10 different paylines in total to score from in this low/medium volatility pokie game. Starburst has a 96.09% RTP percentage and you can win up to 500x your bet as a maximum prize. In this gem, you can bet as low as $0.10 per spin and as high as $100 per spin making this a great option for both beginners and experienced pokie players.

Book Of Dead

Book Of Dead

Tag team with the daredevil Rich Wilde and search the ancient tombs of Egypt in Book of Dead. Finding three or more Book Scatter Symbols will activate free spins with the potential for massive payouts! Book of Dead has a 96.21% RTP which means players can immerse themselves in a desert-themed adventure and have a great chance to win some cash along the way.

With a whopping top prize of 5,000x your original bet, Book of Dead has plenty of reasons to start spinning the 5-reel by 3-row pokie game. There’s a total of 10 different paylines to win from in Play’N Go’s hit game, and you can bet between $0.10 and $50 per spin, making the chance for some pretty epic wins. Due to these huge wins, this pokie definitely has a high rating on the volatility scales.

Sweet Bonanza

Sweet Bonanza

If you haven’t had your sugar fix yet, this game will have you salivating over the big payouts you can win. Huge payouts aren’t the only sweet treats to find in Pragmatic Play’s treat of a game, as matching four or more Scatter Symbols will give you free spins Bonus Rounds. 

96.51% RTP makes this 6-reel by 5-row pokie a must-play for anyone with a sweet tooth for winnings, as you can win as much as 21,100x your original bet with their scatter pays paylines. Your bets can start as low as $0.20 and go as high as $125 per spin, so even if you are new to online gambling and want to play for pennies you won’t be priced out of the sugary sweetness of this medium/high volatile pokie.

Bonanza Megaways

Bonanza Megaways

Head down the mineshaft and start digging for gold in Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza Megaways. Megaways means mega ways to win with a whopping 117,649 possible payout lines making this game a real diamond in the rough. Tumbling tiles and the free spins feature give you plenty of treasure to dig up on your adventure. 

Big Time Gaming isn’t shy about their 12,000x max win amount on their 6-reel by 2-to-7-row pokie. With a high volatility rating and a 96% RTP score, the big wins may be few and far between but will certainly be worth it when they do land. You’ll need to bet between $0.20 and $20 per spin on each round, so this game is a great entry-level pokie for players playing on a budget.

The Rave

The Rave

Grab your loudest party outfit and make your way down to The Rave. As the DJ spins the decks, you can spin the reels and try to find the Drop the Bass Scatter symbols. This is a party that never ends, and you are invited!

No Limit City’s pokie was released in 2022 and is quickly becoming a fan favourite with the awesome graphics of the 5-reel, 3-row game panel and its 96.09% RTP score. It’s a highly volatile pokie and with good reason, as a max win on The Rave can win you 41,500x your original bet—which would call for one hell of an after-party! You can bet between $0.20 and $120 per spin on this online pokie making it easily accessible for the high-rollers and first-timers.

Big Bass Bonanza

Big Bass Bonanza

Big payouts aren’t the only thing being reeled in during Pragmatic Play’s 10-payline fishing adventure. Cast your line into the sea of symbols and try to find the golden fish which can substitute for any other symbol (except the Scatter).

This 5-reel by 3-row pokie really is an ocean of opportunity with the maximum win being 2,100x your original bet of between $0.10 to $250. A 96.71% RTP and High Volatility rating means you may be waiting a while for a huge win but when you get a big bite on your line, you won’t be disappointed.

Champions Of Mithrune

Champions Of Mithrune

In 2022, Play’N Go launched this epic quest to bring an end to the dark ruling of Lord Duran. Assemble your champions and launch exciting mini-games packed with action in your pursuit of the 7,500x max win.

Champions of Mithrune is a 5-reel by 3-row pokie with a total of 20 different paylines to score from. This game has the smallest minimum bet per spin of only $0.05 which means if you don’t want to spend your funds too quickly this highly volatile pokie can be a great option. High rollers will be happy to know you can bet as high as $100 per spin and there is a 96.25% RTP score to enjoy.

Sakura Fortune 2

Sakura Fortune 2

Teleport yourself into the cherry blossom gardens of Japan and embark on an epic story of love. Follow the heroine of this tale, Sakura Fortune, and walk around the land of the rising sun in search of Sakura Wild Symbols and Fortune Free Spins.

QuickSpin has gone against the grain in this pokie and designed a beautiful aesthetic with their 5 reels but what sets them apart from the rest is the inner 3 reels having 4 rows while the outer 2 reels have 3 rows. This creates 576 different paylines to score from and a max win of up to 19,664x your original bet. Sakura Fortune II has a high volatility rating and an RTP of 96.03% and allows players to bet between $0.20 and $100 per spin.

Gates Of Olympus

Gates Of Olympus

The golden gates of Olympus have opened and Zeus is waiting for you to join him in search of heavenly riches. If you can make it to Mount Olympus you will be rewarded with free spins with continuous multipliers up to 500x. Pragmatic Play struck lightning with their win-all-ways 6-reel by 5-row pokie.

The maximum win amount of 5,000x your original bet will have you feeling like you are on cloud 9 on this highly volatile 96.50% RTP online pokie. Bet between $0.20 and $100 on each spin and see if you have what it takes to immortalise yourself among the gods of online casinos.


RTP Of The Best Online Pokies

RTP% or the Return to Player Percentage is the rate at which a pokie pays back to a player on average from the amount betted. For example, if you were to bet $100 on Gonzo’s Quest, on average you would get $96 back. Essentially, the higher the RTP the higher the chance you have of winning.

When a pokie is developed the software developer adds a Random Number Generator (RNG) to the program thus guaranteeing the element of randomness to each round. Audit labs such as BMM, eCOGRA, and iTech Labs will then test the RNG to ensure it’s not predetermined and is in fact random. Once the RNG has been tested the algorithm used to test it can determine an RTP score for the game. 

Here are the RTP scores of some of our favourite pokies:

Pokie TitleRTP
Gonzo’s Quest96%
Starburst96.09%
Book of Dead96.21%
Sweet Bonanza96.51%
Bonanza Megaways96%
The Rave96.09%
Big Bass Bonanza96.71%
Champions of Mithrune96.25%
Sakura Fortune 296.03%
Gates of Olympus96.5%

Best Online Pokies Software Providers

Software Game Providers TLG

Behind every great game is a dedicated and innovative online pokie software provider. Here’s a look at some of the geniuses behind our favourite games and what makes them so special as pokie providers.

NetEnt

NetEnt is behind some of the most innovative features in the world of online pokies. They boast awesome features such as Cascading Reels, Swirly Spins, Cluster Pays, and the Ifinireels features. Their pokies are widely used across the online casino world due to their high average RTP score of 96.7% across the pokies and large max win amounts as high as 111,111x of the original bet.

Games Include:

  • Starburst
  • Dazzle me Megaways
  • Gonzo’s Quest

Microgaming

Another giant of the industry, contrary to their name, there is nothing micro about the progressive jackpots you can find in Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. In 2004, Microgaming released the very first branded pokie when they brought Lara Croft: Tomb to our screens and they haven’t slowed down since. They are widely known for the collection of games amassing over 800 different types of classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpots. The average RTP of Microgaming’s pokies clocks in at the 96% mark making them a great option for players wanting the highest chance of winning back money with each spin.

Games Include:

  • Thunderstruck II
  • Mega Moolah
  • Immortal Romance

NoLimit City

Approaching its 10th year in business in the software-providing industry, NoLimit City is one to look out for with its downright shocking games and outrageous new features such as xNudge, xBomb, xPays and xWays mechanics. NoLimit City stays true to its name and has brought the shock factor to the gaming world with its boundary-pushing and gritty game themes. NoLimit City’s game library tallies over 50 pokies currently with an average RTP across its library of 96%. The maximum win available on a NoLimit City pokie is currently 150,000x your original bet on the hit title San Quentin xWays.

Games Include:

  • Disturbed
  • Kiss My Chainsaw
  • Blood And Shadow

Pragmatic Play

You may recognise Pragmatic Play’s name due to their widely available daily and weekly Drop & Wins tournaments that are heavily featured on most of the top online casinos. This tournament is just one of the many innovative ideas that have projected Pragmatic Play to the top of the software developers industry as well as the 200+ games in their pokie library and the variety of inbuilt game features. Inside a Pragmatic Play pokie, you can expect to find mechanics such as varied numbers of active paylines, different ways to win, sticky wild multipliers, and free spins bonus rounds.

Games Include:

  • Sweet Bonanza
  • The Dog House
  • Wolf Gold

IGT

IGT or International Game Technology has been producing excellence in the gaming industry since 1951. Known for their graphics, bonus features and smooth gameplay, IGT has transferred the wealth of knowledge that they have obtained by creating land-based casino games into the online world.

Not only are IGT responsible for recreating some of the magic of their land-based casino pokies into the online casino world, but some of their most well-known titles include themes from iconic movie franchises such as Ghostbusters and Star Trek. Their pokie games can be filled with innovative features such as the progressive ways which can increase up to 7,776 different paylines as well as wilds, scatters, and free spins.

Games Include:

  • Da Vinci Diamonds
  • Siberian Storm
  • Cleopatra

Quickspin

Quickspin is widely known for having some of the most aesthetically pleasing games on the market. The best features rolled out on Quickspin’s 5-reel pokie games include the swooping reels and flexible free rounds. Going for quality over quantity, Quickspin doesn’t release many games each year but when they do, they make waves in the online gaming space.

The Quickspin Achievements Engine is available in most of their pokies and allows players to recoup a portion of their losses as they play through the game. Quickspin may not have the highest max win amounts in our list with the highest achievable win of 32,000x your original bet on Tiger’s Glory Ultra but they do have an average RTP of 96% across their pokie library.

Games Include:

  • Sakura Fortune II
  • Big Bad Wolf Megaways
  • Blue Wizard

BTG

Big Time Gaming or BTG started 12 years ago and has only grown with each year that has passed, and since it was acquired by Evolution Gaming it has been able to focus on adding unique features to its already popular games. The Megaways and Megapays features have been rolled out on many of their existing 48 pokies and have rejuvenated the player base.

As well as these awesome features they also boast the Feature Drop which is prominent in games such as White Rabbit that allows players to use real money to purchase features and activate them midgame. BTG’s RTP across its pokies averages out around 96% and you can expect to win big on many of their games with the Megaways features, the highest of totals stands at 65,536x your original bet on Chocolates.

Games Include:

  • Bonanza
  • Golden Catch
  • Outlaw

Reel Kingdom

Reel Kingdom secured a partnership with Pragmatic Play in 2020 that has since springboarded them into the spotlight in the online casino world. Reel Kingdom has been operating since 2015 but stays true to its motto: “We let our slots do the talking”. They don’t spend fortunes on advertising but instead, focus on delivering an excellent in-game experience that is hard to rival. You will expect plenty of features inside a Reel Kingdom pokie, such as the free spin bonus rounds, including retriggered free spins, expanding wilds, and multipliers.

As a relative newbie among some of the giants of the industry, they only have a modest library of more than 20 pokies but don’t be fooled by the size of their library as each game has plenty to preach about. Their max win amount on a single pokie stands at 20,000x the original bet on Emerald King and their games generate an average RTP of 96%.

Games Include:

  • Kingdom of the Dead
  • Lamp of Infinity
  • Big Bass Bonanza Megaways

Play’N Go

Play’N Go has been operating since 2005 and was one of the pioneers in mobile pokies. Since then, it has become what they are most known for in the industry creating seamlessly smooth gameplay with your mobile in mind. Since 2021, Play’N Go has upheld its mission to release a new pokie every single week and continues to do so without sacrificing quality or excitement.

Their pokies include exhilarating features such as dynamic payways, expanding symbols, free spins, and sticky wilds. Play’N Go boasts a higher than average RTP across their pokies with 96.2% RTP and a top maximum win possibility of 15,000x your original bet on Ankh of Anubis.

Games Include:

  • Reactoonz
  • Book of Dead
  • Fire Joker

Aristocrat

Aristocrat has been in operation for over 60 years in the land-based casino industry. Their pokies are globally popular in land-based casinos which has led them to begin bringing these popular pokie games to the online casino world. While they may not have the most online pokies in their library, they have made agreements with popular online software providers NextGen Gaming to help bring their hit land-based titles to life online. Their pokies come with bonus rounds, multipliers, and free spins, and keep their traditional format as seen in their land-based machines. You can expect to find jackpots as big as 5,000x your original bet on Aristocrat’s Zorro.

Games Include:

  • Dollar Storm
  • Buffalo Gold Revolution
  • Choy’s Kingdom

Other Casino Pokies Software Developers

There’s a long list of pokie providers and since we can’t go into detail on them all, here are a few honorable mentions that you should look out for:

  • Yggdrasil Gaming
  • Betsoft
  • Evolution
  • Novomatic
  • Quickspin
  • NextGen

Progressive Jackpot Slots: All You Need To Know

Online casino jackpot slots or progressive pokies are games that offer a huge prize that increases every time someone plays the game. The jackpot is usually shared among different online casinos, which means it can grow exponentially and reach incredible amounts of money. To win the jackpot, players need to bet the maximum amount and get a special combination of symbols on the reels. Progressive jackpot slots are popular among online casino players because they offer them a great chance to win large sums of money with just a small stake.

Types Of Progressive Jackpot Slots

Playing progressive jackpot slots can be a great way for online casino players to win big with a small stake. There are different types of progressive jackpot slots, each offering its own unique rewards and potential payouts. Here are some of the most common types:

Standalone Progressive

A standalone progressive slot is a single slot machine that does not feed into any other slots. It has its own fixed, predetermined jackpot amount, with the size of the prize increasing from the wagers placed on that particular machine alone. The potential winnings are generally smaller than those offered by linked or networked slots, but this type of setup also means that it is easier to hit the jackpot. On the front of such a slot machine, there will usually be a meter that indicates the current jackpot value. A prime example of a standalone progressive slot is NetEnt’s Mega Fortune game.

Local Progressives

Local progressives are a group of slot machines that are connected and linked together within one particular casino – or within an establishment owned by the same operator – making up one collective prize pool. These slots can have their own individual themes and characteristics but they all contribute to a combined jackpot amount, with each bet placed on any of the associated machines helping to grow this total further.

This is typically larger than with standalone progressives yet still comparatively smaller compared to wide-area network progressives. A vivid illustration of local progressive slots is IGT’s Wheel of Fortune game series.

Wide Area Network Progressives

Wide area network progressives comprise many different slot machines which are connected not only in one casino but across multiple gaming venues belonging to different operators. The grand prize for these games can reach tens of millions of dollars, with bets placed at any of these sites feeding into an ever-growing collective jackpot amount – however, due to its sheer size, hitting this super prize can be extremely difficult and rare indeed! These are mainly found in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos yet certain online operators also offer them as part of their portfolio. An exemplary wide area network progressive is Microgaming’s Mega Moolah title. 

Game Series Progressives 

Game series progressives refer to multiple slot machines which belong together under one overarching theme or game series name; in essence, making up one shared jackpot fund where each bet placed on any of these slots contributes accordingly towards it growing even bigger!

Generally speaking, most online as well as land-based casinos house these types of games and while winning the main prize requires luck regardless – some games may have better chances than others depending on how they work and how their features influence bonus payouts. An excellent example here would be Playtech’s Age Of The Gods game series featuring several different titles sharing a joint progressive pool.

Top 8 Progressive Jackpot Slots For New Zealand Players

We’ve compiled a list of the top 8 progressive jackpot slots available to New Zealand players that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and potentially life-changing wins.

Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is one of the best-known progressive jackpot slots in online casinos for New Zealand players. Developed by Microgaming, it has four different jackpots ranging from Mini, Minor, Major to Mega—with the latter starting at an amazing one million euros and potentially reaching tens of millions.

King Cashalot

King Cashalot is another popular progressive slot from Microgaming, boasting a mediaeval theme and a single jackpot that can start at 100,000 euros and potentially reach millions. To win this jackpot, players must bet a maximum of 2.25 euros per spin and land five King symbols on the ninth payline. 

Major Millions

Major Millions also by Microgaming is a military-themed classic 5-reel progressive slot with one massive jackpot that begins at 250,000 euros and could reach far higher levels. Just like King Cashalot, the Major Millions max bet stands at 3 euros per spin but you need five Major Millions Ist das zu viel?symbols instead on the fifteenth payline for your chance to win big money. 

Mega Fortune

NetEnt’s Mega Fortune is considered one of the most glamorous progressive slots with its luxurious theme and three different jackpots—Rapid, Major and Mega—which respectively start at 250,000 euros and can climb up to several millions. In order to win this prize you are required to land three bonus symbols on the first three reels followed by spinning a wheel of fortune. 

Hall Of Gods

Hall of Gods by NetEnt belongs to their Norse mythology inspired collection with five reels and twenty paylines along with three pot prizes named Mini, Midi and Mega—the latter beginning at 500,000 euros with potential earnings stretching into millions as well.


Best Mobile Pokies

The beauty of pokies is how easy they are to play on the go on mobile casinos. Most software providers ensure their games operate as smoothly on your mobile phone as on your desktop. Features such as portrait mode were developed to allow players to play on their smartphones without turning their phones on their side.

HTML5 technology is also being utilised inside pokies by software developers, which allows them to create a mobile pokie that adjusts itself to fit any screen size, aspect ratio, and resolution making cross-platform gaming achievable.

Bonuses For Online Pokies

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It’s possible to utilise casino bonuses when playing pokies at an online casino in New Zealand. There are a whole host of bonuses available at each online casino, so be sure to check your casino’s Promotions page, and you may find bonuses available to you, such as:

Matched Bonus

When making a deposit at your online casino, the casino will match your deposit in bonus funds up to a certain amount. These bonuses are usually triggered by using a promotional code when making your qualifying deposit to activate the bonus and credit you the free funds.

Free Spins

Free spins casinos will offer players the chance to collect several free spins that can be played on some of their favourite pokies. Usually, a qualifying deposit will be needed in your casino account to trigger the free spins being added to your account. These free spins can often be linked to a particular game and can’t be used elsewhere.

No Deposit Bonuses

The holy grail of casino bonuses. No deposit bonus offers players bonus funds for free. As the name suggests, players don’t need to risk any of their own money to get their hands on these bonuses. These bonuses are rarer to find at an online casino due to the player not needing to make a qualifying deposit, and they can come with stricter terms and conditions attached to the bonus funds.

Reload Bonuses

Reload bonuses offer more bang for your buck. Each time you deposit at your online casino, the casino will offer you extra funds for depositing on that particular day. These bonuses can be a great way to keep players active throughout the entire week, and you will typically find reload bonuses are accessible on a weekday to encourage players to log back into the online casino after the weekend finishes.

VIP Bonuses

Online casinos value the loyalty of their players and will often have exclusive bonuses or promotions available to reward the players who spend a lot of time or money at their casinos. If you are an active casino player and aren’t afraid to bet the big bucks, you should research what VIP and loyalty schemes are available at your online casino before starting.


Free Online Pokies 

Casinos offering free pokies will allow players to try out the majority of online pokies in their game libraries for free in a demo mode. This feature usually doesn’t even require the player to be logged in to trial the games with credits instead of real money. Playing a free version of a pokie is a good way to learn the mechanics of a new game, to understand exactly how your bet will be used and see how volatile a game is. When looking for a demo or trial version of a pokie, simply hover over the game in the online casino’s library and it will typically display a demo button.

Check out this Pros and Cons list:

Pros Of Free Online Pokies

  • Doesn’t require real money to play
  • Try out the special features and bonus rounds
  • Understand the game’s mechanics
  • Learn the pay table and paylines
  • It’s fun
  • Check the volatility of the game
  • No risk of losing

Cons Of Free Online Pokies

  • No chance of winning real money

Top Tips For Playing Online Pokies For Real Money

Check out these top tips before playing online pokies and find out how you can give yourself the best chance of getting that winning combination on the reels:

Use Bonuses And Promotions

Most online casinos offer bonuses or free spins that can be used on different pokie games. Get yourself some extra bonus funds in your pocket and use these instead of your real money to play. This will increase the length of your pokie gaming session and give more chances of the reels paying out a big win.

Discover The Highest RTP Pokies

This one sounds simple, right? The higher the Return to Player rate is the bigger chance you have of winning in the long run. There are no tricks here, the RTP score is there to help players find which games return the highest amount back to the player, so make sure you do your research if you want to increase your chances.

Know The Hidden Features

Some online pokies have special or exclusive features which can lead to some epic payouts. Make sure you have researched the pokie you are about to play, and be sure to play it in demo mode before playing for real to understand how to trigger the bonus feature in the game when it comes time to play for real.

Know Your Limits

Knowing when enough is enough is very important in the world of online casinos. Utilise the tools available to you inside the online casino to limit your losses. That way if you are having a bad day, you don’t lose more than you have set aside to lose, and have the funds left to come back another day and try your luck. Patience is the key!

Low Volatility

The more volatile a pokie is the more riskier it is. While the highest-risk pokies offer the highest rewards, it can be smarter to play the lower volatility pokie games to have a better chance of more frequent wins, even if the payouts are more modest. After all, seeing more frequent wins will help you build up your purse over time.


Best Payment Method For Playing Online Pokies With Free Spins And Bonuses

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It’s essential to understand each online casino payment method when playing online poker. Some payment methods may be restricted from specific bonuses and promotions, and others may incur hidden fees if you don’t read the fine print. Here’s a list of the typical payment methods in an online casino and what you should know about them before you start spinning the pokie reels.

Crypto

Cryptocurrencies took the world by storm over the past 10 years, and since then online casinos have started ushering in the use of crypto in their casinos. Transactions with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum are fast, anonymous, and secure. This added layer of security makes them a favourite among casino players.

Pros Of Crypto

  • Fast processing
  • Anonymity
  • Easy to use
  • Accepted by most casinos
  • High security

Cons Of Crypto

  • Volatility in currency value

eWallets

eWallets are fast, reliable, and safer to use online than regular bank transactions. An eWallet is a digital wallet used to store banking information online and allow users to make payments or withdrawals without having to enter their bank details. The most popular eWallets are Paypal, Skrill and Neteller.

Pros Of eWallets

  • Fast processing
  • High security
  • Link multiple accounts
  • No need to use bank details

Cons Of eWallets

  • Limitations on bonus eligibility

Credit/Debit Cards

Credit and Debit Cards are accepted at most online casinos. Whether you have a Visa, Maestro, or Mastercard, your credit card will offer a fast transaction processing time. While this payment method is the most popular in everyday use, be careful when using it at an online casino, as some banks may charge transaction fees for transactions made at an online casino.

Pros Of Credit/Debit Cards

  • Reliable
  • Accepted by most casinos
  • Easy to use
  • Fast processing times
  • High security and fraud protected

Cons Of Credit/Debit Cards

  • Potential fees

Prepaid Cards (Paysafecard etc.)

Prepaid Cards such as Paysafecard are a great alternative to making deposits in an online casino. These prepaid cards are sold at retailers and are accepted at a wide range of online casinos, making it safer and easier for you to deposit funds into your casino account without the need for bank details.

These cards can only be used for depositing, so should you want to claim your winnings from your account, you will need another payment method to return those funds.

Pros Of Prepaid Cards

  • High security
  • No credit card needed
  • Easy to deposit
  • Spend limiting available

Cons Of Prepaid Cards

  • No withdrawals
  • Not accepted at some online casinos

Bank Transfer

This is the most traditional payment method that involves direct deposits straight from your bank account into your online casino account. This is a reliable transfer method for large sums of money and comes with high levels of security. There can be long wait times associated with these transfers as your bank provider will need to process and accept each transfer.

Pros Of Bank Transfer

  • Secure and safe transactions
  • High-security levels
  • Reliable
  • Can transfer large sums of money

Cons Of Bank Transfer

  • Slow processing times

How Online Pokies Work

Pokie games have been a fan favourite of casino players for many years due to their easy playability. In its simplest form, a pokie is a game where you spin a reel and try to match 3 or more of the same symbols in a line. The higher the rarity of the symbols and the more symbols you match the greater the prize.

As pokie technology advances, game providers are now adding themes, storylines, immersive graphics, and new features to enhance the fun. These features can include new scoring lines, side quests or mini-games to complete as you play, or the ability to chain paylines with new symbols taking the place of winning combinations.

Most Important Pokie Terms

Pokies are easy to pick up and play, but some of the terminology associated with online pokies can be a little confusing, particularly for first-time players. Lucky for you, we have assembled a list of all the jargon and technical terms you might hear or read when playing a pokie so that even pro pokie players can learn something new.

Here are some of the most important terms you need to know:

  • Autoplay: A feature that allows the computer to automatically respin the reel for you a designated amount of times, which allows you to do large amounts of spins and just enjoy (hopefully) watching the wins.
  • Bet: Otherwise known as the wager, this is the amount of money staked on each spin by the player. This amount can be changed inside pokie games to increase or decrease the volatility and chance to trigger bonus features.
  • Demo Game: A free version of a game that does not use real money and allows players to play and learn the game without risking their money yet. You will play free pokies using free play coins or tokens, but everything else will be the same as real money play.
  • Free Spin: An in-game feature that grants the player a certain number of spins without taking money from the player’s account. Can also be referred to as extra spins, no deposit bonus and pokie bonus.
  • Jackpot: The largest reward available, not just on any pokie game, but on any casino game. Jackpots can vary per game so always check the paytable. The biggest jackpot pokies are known as progressive pokies, and can payout millions for a life-changing experience.
  • Multiplier: Multipliers can be available inside a pokie online and can multiply your winnings by the designated factor. Some games can offer winning multipliers of over 500x which makes these pokie game features something to look for prior to playing.
  • Payline: The pattern of matching symbols that results in a win. A payline usually goes from left to right but may vary depending on the pokie’s rules. Some pokies also allow you to adjust the paylines.
  • Paytable: This is essentially the scoring chart that explains the values of each symbol and the mechanics of the game. Check the paytable inside the game to see the paylines and winning combinations prior to playing any pokie.
  • Reel: These are the vertical columns of the pokie which contain the symbols and spin when the player activates the game. Pokie games typically have three or more reels but can also have cool expanding reel features for an increased chance of winning.
  • Scatter Symbol: This symbol is typically the highest-valued symbol in any pokie game. Landing multiple Scatter symbols will usually activate a free spins round or another bonus feature, where you will tend to bag a bigger win than when playing the standard gameplay.
  • Symbol: The icons inside of the reel that you need to match in order to win. Each symbol has its own individual value and some will be responsible for triggering bonus features.
  • Volatility: The volatility of a pokie game will give you an indication of what to expect when it comes to winning frequencies. Low volatility means the wins will most likely be of a lower value but frequently. High volatility means the wins are less frequent but they are much bigger when they do happen.
  • Wild Symbol: This symbol can substitute for any other symbol in pokie games (except bonus or Scatter symbols), which can often lead to bigger wins. You can also have wild symbols that will expand across the reels giving you bigger winning combinations.

Advantages Of Online Casino Pokies Vs. Land–Based Pokies

There are, like with all things in life, ups and downs surrounding both playing online pokies and land-based casino pokies. The list below will tell you all you need to know about both types of pokie games at each casino type and help you decide which is better for you.

Advantages Of Online Pokies

  • Bonus features
  • More generous bonuses and promotions
  • Lower minimum bets and higher payouts
  • Demo mode
  • More variety of games
  • Convenient
  • Play on the go

Disadvantages Of Online Pokies

  • No social aspect
  • No casino floor atmosphere

Advantages Of Land-Based Pokies

  • A more authentic casino experience
  • Social interaction with nearby players
  • Larger jackpots
  • Drink service as you play

Disadvantages Of Land-Based Pokies

  • Limited amount of games
  • Higher minimum bets
  • Lower payout percentages

How Do I Recognize The Best Casinos To Play Pokies?

There are a few things to consider when choosing to play pokies at an online casino. Take a look at the list below and discover the key areas you want to consider to help you find the best online pokie casino—this is a simplified version of what we use to check and rate the top online casinos.

  1. Game Variety

    You should find plenty of different types of pokies available to play at your chosen online casino. They should include classic pokies, video pokies and progressive jackpot pokies—at the very least. You should expect to see pokies from a variety of software providers, which then also gives a selection of games with different features and bonus games.

  2. Casino Game Providers

    A good casino will have plenty of pokies to play from a  range of well-respected game providers that will open up the variety of gameplay. Look for established game software providers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Play’N Go, and Microgaming—to name but a few. It’s also good if you can filter the games at the online casino by provider

  3. Return to Player (RTP)

    Fair RTP rates are a must for any of the best online casinos. After all, you want to be in with a chance to win when playing a game. Finding the online casino with the highest average RTP across their games will ensure you have the best chance of picking up wins along your online pokie session.

  4. Bonuses

    The best online casinos will offer lucrative offers and promotions for players to claim to enhance their gaming experience at the online casino. You can expect to find matched deposit bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and VIP and loyalty schemes available on all of the top online casinos. Using these bonuses will give you plenty of extra opportunities to spin the reels and increase your chance of winning big.

  5. Payment Methods

    You should find a wide range of payment methods available to make deposits and withdrawals into your online casino account. Payments should be safe and secure and not incur hidden fees for making transactions. Look out for what options are available to you at your casino as the top casinos offer bank transfer, credit/debit cards, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies.

  6. Licence

    Ensuring your online casino holds a licence to operate from a trustworthy organising body is crucial to ensure you are safe as you play online. Scroll down to the bottom of your online casino’s main page and look for their licence number and which licence they hold. Typical licences you should expect to find in New Zealand online casinos are from the UK, Malta, Curacao, Gibraltar, and Holland.

  7. Customer Support

    24/7 Online casino customer support is a must-have for any online casino. Should you encounter a problem while playing you want to be responded to and have the problem resolved in a timely manner. Make sure your preferred method of contact is covered by the online casino such as email, telephone, or live chat.

  8. User Experience

    Lastly, the online casino should be easy to use and navigate to your favourite games. A cluttered page can make it difficult to find the right pokie or access your payment page—slowing down your session and making the whole process more drawn out than it needs to be.


Best Online Casinos With Pokies 2024: Our Conclusion 

Make sure that you have the best online pokie experience by choosing a reputable and licensed online casino that offers a wide variety of top-quality pokies that are powered by collaborating with industry-leading software providers. 

The casino site that you select should offer complete transparency with certified random number generators (RNG) for their pokies, fair bonus terms, and seamless pokie play for all desktop and mobile devices. The pokie games should have high-quality graphics, engaging themes and features such as bonus games, free spins and jackpots. 

Top pokie casinos also offer promotions with free spins, reload bonuses, loyalty rewards and cash prizes to help you extend the amount of time you enjoy spinning the reels, and most importantly – help increase your winnings. 

Pokie games offer the potential for big bets, bigger payouts, and powerful life-changing progressive jackpots that can reach into the millions. We have reviewed, rated and recommended the top pokie casino sites for Kiwi players so start spinning those pokie reels!

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FAQs: Best Online Casinos With Pokies 2024

What are the best online pokies in New Zealand?

One of the most popular real money pokies are Casinova, Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Land of Zenith and Fruit Party.

What are the best online pokies software providers?

Take a look at pokie providers such as Yggdrasil, NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play’N Go.

Which online pokie games offer the highest payouts?

Online pokies can vary in payout percentages. Typically jackpot slots will carry the largest rewards.

What bonuses and rewards can I expect when playing online pokies?

During your session, you may expect to find welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, free spins, loyalty rewards, and VIP schemes.

How do I find free online pokies to play?

Access the Demo version of any pokie you want to learn more about and you can play with in-game credits instead of real money.

Are there any tips for playing real money pokies safely and securely?

Make sure the casino you choose to play at has a recognised licence from a reputable provider. Make use of the betting limits available on your account and only use safe and secure payment methods to make transactions.