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The best online pokies for NZ
Check out our page with the best online casinos to play online pokies.
Last update: 23-06-2025
1. Ocean Spin Casino
100% up to $1,000 + 200 free spins + 1 bonus crab
- Rated with 5 / 5
- Top Selection of Pokies
- Superfast payouts
- Live Casino
2. Lucky Circus Casino
100% up to NZ$1,500 + 150 free spins
- Rated with 4,9 / 5
- Great Mobile Casino
- Top Notch UX
- Top Selection of Pokies
3. Wildsino
NZ$5000 Bonus + 1 Bonus Crab
- Rated with 4,8 / 5
- Wide range of Games and Pokies
- High Payout Speed
- Sports betting + free bets
4. Neospin
100% up to NZ$10,000 + 100 FS
- Rated with 4,8 / 5
- Live casino games
- Large Selection of Pokies
- 40,000 + Games
- Fast Cashouts
5. King Billy
NZ$500 Bonus + 200 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,8 / 5
- Great Mobile Casino
- Live betting
- Great promotions
6. Jeetcity
NZ$10,000 + 180 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,7 / 5
- Trusted Aussie Site
- Fast Withdrawals
- Great Payment Options
7. Kinbet Casino
NZ$4,500 Bonus + 350 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,7 / 5
- Live casino
- Sportsbook
- 24/7 Live chat
8. Crownplay
NZ$4,500 Bonus + 350 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,6 / 5
- Live Betting
- Virtual sports
- Fast payouts
9. Flash Dash
NZ$7,000 Bonus + 250 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,6 / 5
- Extensive Game Library
- Generous Welcome Bonus and Promotions
- Secure and Convenient Payment methods
10. Crowngold
NZ$3,000 + 350 Free Spins
- Rated with 4,5 / 5
- 7000+ Games Available
- Great Loyalty program
- Instant Withdrawals
Why Betsquare?
All of the recommended online casinos on our website are carefully selected on the following criteria:
- Return to player percentage
- Withdrawal speed
- Gambling licenses
- Customer service & reliability
Before you start spinning the reels, it’s important to know where to play real money online pokies in New Zealand. There are plenty of online casinos offering Kiwi players the chance to try their luck at the best pokies. However, not all sites are created equal. Some offer a far superior experience, with more games, better bonuses, and a higher level of security.
To ensure our Kiwi users play only at trusted and well-known online casinos, we’ve put together a list of the best sites to play online pokies in New Zealand, along with some essential information about pokie games and tips on how to make the most of your gaming experience.
Betsquare is the go-to place for advice on New Zealand online pokies. With years of experience reviewing gambling sites, we carefully check every detail to ensure our Kiwi users play only at the top online casinos. Whether you’re looking to play online pokies or other casino games, you’ll find the best options at Betsquare.
How to Choose Where to Play Real Money Pokies Online in NZ?
The list above features our top picks for playing online pokies for real money in New Zealand. While you can trust it completely, it’s still a good idea to do some research before choosing the best online pokies site for you. To make sure you’re playing at the best, we’ve put together a quick list of things to look for in an online casino:
- The collection of online pokies. The more games to play, the better. More titles mean more winning opportunities and make the overall experience more exciting.
- Software providers. The number of games is one thing. The other is their quality and reliability. The best NZ pokies come from such developers as Pragmatic Play or Hacksaw Gaming.
- Bonuses and promotions. Although bonuses and promotions don’t impact the gameplay, they significantly impact the overall casino experience. In this case, however, more doesn’t always mean better. Check for casinos with lucrative welcome bonuses, VIP programs, and pokie-dedicated bonuses like free spins or cashback.
- Payment methods. Opt only for NZ casinos that provide their players with reliable and diverse banking options (POLi, creditcard). Not only does it ensure the casino is reliable and secure, but it also increases the convenience and user experience.
- Customer support. Suppose any issues arise, an online casino should have fast and knowledgeable customer support to help resolve them. Players should also be able to contact a casino through several channels, such as telephone, email, and live chat.
- Mobile compatibility. Playing online pokies on your smartphone is incredibly convenient, as you can play your favourite games anywhere and anytime you want. Opt for casinos that provide players with mobile gaming, be it via an app or an optimised website.
Types of Top Online Pokies in NZ
Contrary to popular belief, not all real online pokies are the same. There are many different variations, each with unique themes, mechanics, and bonus features. The best pokies sites offer Kiwi players access to hundreds, if not thousands, of games. At their core, real money pokies typically fall into five main categories: 3-reel, 5-reel, progressive jackpots, video pokies, and Megaways pokies.
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3-Reel Pokies
3-reel pokies are a Kiwi classic, featuring simple gameplay with three reels and classic symbols like sevens and fruits. While less popular today due to fewer features than modern slots, they're ideal for beginners. Check the volatility, RTP, and potential wins before playing. Also, review available bonus features. Try free demos first to find the best real money pokies at your favourite NZ online casino. -
5-Reel Pokies
5-reel pokies take things to the next level, introducing five reels for a player to spin. Most importantly, though, they offer players multiple ways to win real money, as they come with numerous paylines. Additionally, 5-reel pokies usually come with bonus features, such as free spins, bonus rounds, wild symbols, scatters, etc. They’re also more advanced when it comes to graphics and themes. -
7-Reel Pokies
If 5-reel pokies don’t quite cut it, 7-reel games might be just your thing. With seven reels, loads of winning combos, and advanced bonus features, 7-reel pokies deliver an exciting experience. They’re quickly gaining popularity among Kiwi players – and it’s easy to see why. -
Progressive Jackpot Pokies
If you're chasing a massive win, progressive jackpots are your best bet. These pokies feature a jackpot that grows with every real money spin from any player. Since they're hugely popular with Kiwi players, the prize pools can climb quickly, making them an exciting choice for big win seekers. -
Video Pokies
Classic pokies are real fun, but if you’re looking for an even more engaging experience with cutting-edge graphics and additional features, video pokies certainly take things to a whole new level. They come with dynamic symbols, animations, music, and more features that make the entire experience more exciting. The rules remain the same, but the same cannot be said about the gameplay. -
Megaways
Megaways is a slot mechanic that changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, creating thousands of ways to win. This dynamic setup keeps gameplay exciting and offers more chances to land winning combinations on every spin.
Real Money Pokies vs. Free Pokies - Side by Side Comparison
While playing pokies for real money is the only way to actually win cash, many New Zealand online casinos give players the chance to try out free online pokies. This is a great way to explore how a game works and check if the software runs smoothly on your device. It also lets you get a feel for the game before diving into real money play.
Of course, when it comes to excitement, free games can’t quite match the thrill of real money pokies. After all, real money online pokies give players the chance to win actual cash. They also tend to offer more bonus features and a wider selection of games. That said, if a game offers a free play option, it’s well worth trying it out first to get familiar with how it works before wagering your money.
Let’s break it down in the table below:
| Aspect | Free Online Pokies | Real Money Pokies |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Potential | No chance to win real money. | Opportunity to win real money. |
| Game Compatibility | Great way to test game software compatibility with your device. | May require a compatible device for optimal experience. |
| Learning Experience | Excellent for learning game mechanics without financial risk. | Learning through actual play but involves financial risk. |
| Excitement Level | Lacks the thrill of winning real money. | Higher excitement due to potential wins and stakes. |
| Bonus Features | Limited features in free games. | Often more bonus features and larger variety available. |
| Recommendation | Highly recommended to play for free before betting real money. | Engage for a chance to win and enjoy a wider selection. |
Trending Jackpot Pokies - Our Expert Picks
1 Starburst – Best for Low Volatility (5/5)
Software: NetEnt
Genre: Science Fiction
NetEnt’s Starburst is one of the most popular online pokies in New Zealand. It features low volatility for frequent wins and offers payouts of up to 500x your bet per spin. With a strong RTP of 96.09% and ten fixed paylines, it’s a game that delivers consistent excitement. Starburst is one we find ourselves returning to time and time again.
2 Mega Moolah – Best for Progressive Jackpot (5/5)
Software: Microgaming
Genre: Safari
Mega Moolah by Microgaming is a legendary progressive pokie that’s created more millionaires than any other casino game, including a massive win of over NZD $33 million in 2021. It features five reels and 25 paylines, with a free spins bonus round that includes multipliers. While the RTP sits slightly lower at 93.42%, this is typical for progressive jackpot pokies and helps fund those life-changing payouts.
3 Book of Ra Deluxe – Best for Ancient Egyptian theme (5/5)
Software: Novomatic
Genre: Ancient Egypt
Book of Ra Deluxe is one of the best online pokies with a superbly designed Ancient Egyptian theme. We enjoy visiting the sands of Egypt, and this game lets you do that on a 5×3 grid with ten paylines. High volatility combines with an RTP of 95.10%; the maximum win available is 5,000x the bet.
4 Gonzo’s Quest – Best for Avalanche Feature (5/5)
Software: NetEnt
Genre: Adventure
Embark on an adventure with the conquistadors in NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest as you search for the lost city of El Dorado. This medium volatility pokie offers a solid RTP of 95.97% and 20 paylines to score winning combinations. One of the standout features is the avalanche mechanic, which clears winning symbols and replaces them with new ones falling from above, giving you more chances to win on a single spin.
5 Buffalo – Best for Animal Lovers (5/5)
Software: Aristocrat
Genre: Animals
In Aristocrat’s Buffalo pokie, you’ll find buffalos, eagles, and big cats on the reels, as you look for big payouts. When 3+ scatters land, you unlock the bonus round, which delivers eight free spins and a multiplier that can grow to 27x. The RTP sits at 94.85%, and we know this popular Aristocrat game is a hit with animal lovers in Sydney.
6 Cleopatra – Best for Multiplier Wins (5/5)
Software: IGT
Genre: Ancient Egypt
Much like Book of Ra Deluxe, Cleopatra is one of New Zealand’s most popular online pokies, featuring a stunning ancient Egyptian theme. Inspired by the legendary Queen Cleopatra, this IGT classic offers medium volatility and an RTP of 95.02%. With the help of wild symbols that can boost wins by up to 6x, players have the chance to win up to 10,000x their bet on a single spin.
7 Thunderstruck II – Best for Norse Mythology theme (5/5)
Software: Microgaming
Genre: Mythology
Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II is a low volatility pokie with five reels, three rows, and up to 243 paylines. The game features Odin, Thor, Loki, and Valkyrie, who all deliver free spins and a unique feature. If, like us, you enjoy the Nordic theme, you can win up to 8,100x the bet in Thunderstruck II, and the RTP sits at a respectable 96.65%.
8 Avalon II – Best for Variety of Bonus Games (5/5)
Software: Microgaming
Genre: King Artur
Avalon II is based on the legend of King Arthur, and this Microgaming pokie is replete with a range of bonus features. When 3+ scatters land, you progress through eight bonus features that each present unique offerings such as multipliers, free spins, and instant prizes. You can win up to 16,200x the bet on a single spin in Avalon II, and the RTP is set at 95.92%.
9 Immortal Romance – Best for High RTP (5/5)
Software: Microgaming
Genre: Fantasy
The star attraction in Microgaming’s Immortal Romance is the RTP of 96.86%, but there are many other reasons to play this vampire-themed pokie. Medium volatility means that payouts are frequent, and you can win up to 12,000x the bet each time you play. We like how each character also offers free spins with various modifiers, offering you the chance to land the game’s biggest payouts.
10 Book of Ra Magic – Best for High Volatility (5/5)
Software: Novomatic
Genre: Ancient Egypt
Similar to Egypt Sky, Book of Ra Magic offers a simple yet captivating ancient Egyptian theme for Kiwi players. This high volatility pokie is designed to deliver big wins, with the potential to win up to 5,000x your bet on a single spin across ten fixed paylines. The RTP stands at 95.03%, making it a thrilling option for those seeking exciting gameplay.
Resources - Explore Our Comprehensive Resources for Online Pokies here!
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Curious about the legality of online pokies? Our article covers everything you need to know about playing pokies online, including information on the NZ Gambling Act 2003 and its regulations surrounding online gambling.
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Interested in playing pokies with a minimum deposit? Our article explores the best online casinos where you can enjoy pokie games with a low minimum deposit requirement.
How to Pick Online Pokies to Play for Real Money?
Once you’ve found the best New Zealand casino to play pokies, whether it’s popular pokies or others, it’s time to register your account, make your first deposit, claim your welcome bonus, and start playing online pokies. As mentioned, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of real money games to choose from. To make the most of your pokie experience, consider these factors when looking for the best online pokies to play:
- Game developer. It’s best to play pokies coming from reliable software providers, such as NetEnt, Novomatic, etc. They offer the best graphics, gameplay, and fairness.
- Volatility. Volatility refers to the risk involved in losing a wager when playing online pokies. High volatility games are riskier but involve higher prizes, whereas low volatility games pay out more often, but the winnings are smaller.
- Return to player (RTP). An RTP ratio refers to the amount of money a casino will pay back to a player in the long run. For instance, an RTP of 96,50% means you can expect a return of 96,50 NZD for every 100 NZD wagered.
- Paylines. The more winning combinations you can score, the higher your chances of winning. Multi-payline pokies are also more exciting to play as they come with numerous additional features like free spins or bonus games.
Play the Best Online Pokies at Renowned NZ offshore Casinos
Gone are the days when pokies were simple machines with three reels and one payline. Today’s jackpot pokies come with advanced graphics, incredible bonus features, and multiple paylines. They also offer massive jackpots and a wide variety of themes and variations. Whether you’re looking for real money or free pokies, you’ll find plenty of options available. The trusted New Zealand online casinos we recommend here at Betsquare have something for everyone.
We only endorse licensed and reputable casinos that offer Kiwi players a fair and thrilling gaming experience. Choose your online casino, register your account, and dive into hundreds of the best online pokies New Zealand has to offer!
Our Review Process
At Betsquare.com, as a leading online casino affiliate website, we maintain robust sourcing standards. Our insights are derived from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and authoritative industry associations. We steer clear of tertiary references, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our content. For a deeper understanding of our content verification processes, explore our editorial policy
Our team of experts diligently monitors the online casino industry, ensuring our articles remain current and relevant by promptly incorporating the latest available information.
Current Version
May 7, 2025
Written By
Lisa Cheban
Edited By
Simon Young
NZ Real Money Online Casinos FAQs
Are online pokie games rigged?
No, as long as you play at licensed and regulated New Zealand casinos recommended by Betsquare. Simply check our list, choose a casino, and enjoy your favourite games with confidence.
Can I play free online pokies in New Zealand?
Yes, absolutely. Many New Zealand gambling sites offer free pokie games. While they might not deliver the same thrill as real money pokies, playing free online pokies is a great way to get familiar with the game and its features without putting your money at risk.
How to win playing pokies?
Since online pokies are games of pure luck, it’s impossible to improve your odds of winning. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t slightly enhance your winning chances. To improve your experience and get the most out of your gameplay, be sure to:
- Study the paytable and paylines;
- Take advantage of online pokies bonuses like free spins, cashback bonuses, and more;
- Pick games with higher RTP and understand the volatility;
- Manage your budget and be sure not to go overboard;
- Play free pokies online before you play for real money to understand the game’s mechanics.
Is it possible to win real money from online pokies?
Yes, you can win real money from online pokies as long as you play at a reputable and licensed online casino. Just like in traditional casinos, online pokies use a random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair and unbiased outcomes.
What are the best online pokies?
The best online pokies are subjective and really depend on your personal preferences. However, some popular pokie games known for their high payout rates and engaging gameplay include Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah, Cleopatra, and Bonanza Megaways.
How long does it take for online pokies to pay out?
The payout time for online pokies varies depending on the casino’s policies and payment methods. Generally, payouts can take anywhere from a few hours to several business days. Some online casinos may also require additional documentation for verification purposes, which can further delay the process.
How do I withdraw money from online pokies?
To withdraw money from online pokies, you’ll need to log into your account and navigate to the cashier or banking section. From there, you can withdraw your funds to your preferred payment method such as an e-wallet or bank account.
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