Online Pokies
Kiwis have an international reputation for loving online pokies. You can visit any casino around the world and find a Kiwi having a flutter on the slot machines. NZ pokies players have chosen a good game to call their own. Online pokies games can be played anywhere anytime, they offer a seemingly never-ending range of exciting themes, and their jackpots range up into the millions. Are you ready to spin, Aotearoa?
Popular Types of Online Pokies in New Zealand
While pokies is a New Zealand term, slots is how people refer to the casino game around the world. Whether you call the game NZ pokies or slots NZ, there are a few different types to try your hand at. This is a great way to keep online pokies exciting and varied for Kiwi players.
3 Reel Online Pokies
Choosing to play 3-reel online pokies is a great option for players new to pokies. Kiwis will experience higher odds when playing 3-reel online slots as opposed to 5-reel online slots or progressive jackpot games. This means that newbies and experiences online pokies games players can snatch up some wins early on.
3-reel online pokies have fewer pay lines which helps online pokies NZ players become familiar with slots games at a fast pace. This is ideal for players trialling a new slots game. Whether you like to play free slots or real money slots, becoming familiar with an online pokies NZ game quickly will help you get the most out of them! 3-reel online slots NZ are also a great option for Kiwi players that are experienced at playing pokies but do not want too many variables when they play.
How 3-Reel Pokies Work
When playing 3-reel online pokies, the goal is to match randomly selected letters, number, and symbols across 3 pay lines, or reels. When playing 3-reel online slots, the symbols often take the form of fruit or gemstones as there are the traditional pokies symbols.
Online pokies NZ players have the opportunity to choose which pay line to play each turn, as well as their value. Although, most 3-reel online slots only have a single pay line. Maximum and minimum bets are also controlled by the player. This means that they can play a few cents, a few dollars, or a few more dollars each time they wager on a spin. We hope that you are ready for a serious dose of excitement!
5 Reel Online Pokies
For the more experienced online slots player, 5-reel pokies offer a fresh challenge. Designed for modern online pokies games playing, this style of online slot machine takes spin-based gambling to the next level.
The calling cards of 5-reel online pokies games are their popular culture themes. 5-reel slots games are based on Kiwi players favourite comic book heroes, comic book villains, blockbuster movies, and popular holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day.
How To Play 5-Reel Online Slots
Pokies NZ players can choose how many pay lines to play when having a spin at 5-reel online pokies. This differs from 3-reel online slots where players can choose which pay line to choose but can only play that one pay line. When it comes to 5-reel online pokies, Kiwi players can choose to spin a single pay line or any number up to 10 or even 20 pay lines. The sheer number of pay lines available gives spinning a new level of energy, fun, and anticipation.
But wait. There’s more! 5-reel online pokies have ‘soft pay lines’ which are pay lines that do not require perfectly matching symbols to win, the symbols only need to appear across all 5 reels when a player has hit spin. These huge number of opportunities to win mean that 5-reel online pokies can be high or low volatility. This means that while an online slots NZ game may not pay often, it is likely to pay out serious NZD when it does! Even more reason to play pokies for fun.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpots mean that the jackpot increases by a certain amount with every spin. The increments may be small, but over time a progressive jackpot can reach the hundreds of thousands and even millions.
In exchange for the opportunity to win such massive NZD, a progressive jackpot online slots game often requires players to bet the maximum before they are deemed eligible for the jackpot. It is important to consider your options and budget carefully before getting swept up in jackpot fever.
3-Reel Progressive Jackpot
Online slots with 3-reels tend not to pay out high jackpot figures. This is not to say that the NZD pay out is not worth playing for, but it is less likely to blow your mind like a 5-reel online slots NZ might. Kiwi players can expect a few grand at the top end of the prize pool. We do not know about you, but a few thousand sounds quite alright in exchange for tapping a ‘spin’ button a few times!
5-Reel Progressive Jackpot
Online pokies NZ players that are seeking epic jackpots can stop looking right here. 5-reel online slots have been known to pay out serious dosh to lucky Kiwi gamblers. A 5-reel slot with a progressive jackpot that builds over time is likely to pay out a huge figure – and we are not talking tens of thousands. No, we are talking millions of New Zealand dollaroos!
Free Pokies versus Real Money Slots

Free Online Pokies
Playing free pokies for fun online is easily done. There is no shortage of online casino websites offering free spins to be played on online slots games. This type of scenario is a win-win for both Kiwi players and the online casino offering the free online pokies spins. When players play free pokies they have the opportunity to become familiar with the online casino that is offering the free slots. This is a benefit to the operator of the free slots as it attracts new customers. On the flipside, Kiwis also benefit from receiving free spins for exactly that reason – their spins are free! Chur!
Best Free Pokies Games in New Zealand
Immortal Romance
Jack and the Beanstalk
Cleopatra
Thunderstruck II
Starburst
Where’s The Gold
Gemix
Golden Goddess
Bonanza Megaways
The Goonies
Book of Oz
Safari King
Mustang Money
Firestorm
Narcos
Kitty Glitter
Pixies of the Forest
King Ramses Triple Shot
Egyptian Fortunes
Eastern Emeralds
Gonzo’s Quest
Lara Croft Tomb Raider
Rainbox Riches
Mighty Wilds
Sticky Bandits
Aztec Princess
White Rabbit
Thunder Cash
Diamond Mine Megaways
Dragon’s Luck
Bridesmaids Online Slot
Tiger’s Glory
Game of Thrones
Village People Macho Moves
Wonder Woman
Hall of the Mountain King
Dead or Alive II
Real Money Slots
When you have used up all your free spins playing free online slots, or when you are ready to win some real money NZD, it is time to step up and play real money slots NZ. Playing real money slots means depositing real money NZD with the online casino of your choice. This is the only way to play online slots for real money. Once you have made a deposit you can choose your preferred online pokies game and start spinning! Each time you win real pokies money, you will be able to watch your online casino account balance rise higher and higher. If ever there were a good reason to play online pokies for real money, magically increasing NZD must be it. Any free pokies game can be played with real money online as well. So, take your pick, give lady luck a wink, and start spinning, Kiwis!
Best Real Money Slots Games in New Zealand
Zombie Hoard
Agent Janet Blonde Returns Online Slot
Wicked Tales Dark Red
Romanov Riches
Deco Diamonds
The Phantom of the Opera Online Slot
Jurassic Park Online Slot
King Tusk Online Slot
Moby Dick Online Slot
Monster Wheels Online Slot
Megah Moolah
Major Millions Gonzo’s Quest
Stunnign Snow
Ninja Fruits
Dragon Ship
Neon Staxx
Troll Hunters
Jimi Hendrix Online Slot
Golden Legend
Jack Hammer
Fruit Shop
Wild North
Royal Masquerade
Mystery Joker
Golden Ticker
Energoonz
Crazy Cows
Little Pigs Strike Back
3 Genie Wishes
Wolf Gold
Wild Spells
Pistoleras
Pixie Wings
Queen of Atlantis
Diamond 777
Dragons
Dragon Kingdom
Pharao’s Riches Red Hot Firepot
Twin Spin
Other Types of Pokies
Video Slots

The game of video slots was developed as an upgrade to old-school 3-reel slot machines. These older model pokies games offered a few pay lines and predictable designs and layouts. Then video slots NZ hit the scene. The alternative online pokies style of play took the slots world by storm. Originally, they were played on a TV screen pokies machine, but now they are played online around the world and in New Zealand.
Video slots are not limited in terms of their creativity. The design and game play of online slots NZ is vast. As a result, new online pokies players can be overwhelmed by the array of choices. Players are offered thousands of games. The question ‘where do I start’ is a common one. The trick is to start absolutely anywhere. Whichever theme takes your fancy is the one to go with. Click play and see how you find the game in practice. With such a broad range of symbols, bonuses, and interactive mini games, you will be sure to be entertained by whichever game you start with. If you are not, simply click another and start playing it instead.
If you enjoy a truly interactive game, search for the themes that open with a short video film introducing the theme and helping immerse the player in the game. Large online slots software providers license popular culture brands like Game of Thrones and Wonder Woman so that they can use their likenesses in their video slots games. This is a huge advantage for Kiwi players looking or a game with a bit of added difference.
Mobile Slots

Playing mobile slots is the ideal solution for on the go Kiwis. A mobile slots game lives in your pocket. You can pull out your phone or portable device and play online pokies NZ whenever you like. This means that suddenly, online slots gaming has no constraints. Welcome to a bold new world with exciting modern technology. Unsurprisingly, Kiwis are embracing every aspect of it.
The ability to play online pokies during your daily commute means no more dreary moments on the train or bus. Instead, your commute could be transformed with vibrant colour, smooth HD graphics, thematic storytelling, and faultless sound to build anticipation. Although, keep those headphones on if you are on your commute or everyone will want to have a turn! Hanging out at home is also brought to life with mobile slots. Simply pick up your phone and play any time of the day or night. Being stuck outside cooking the barbecue at a mate’s place is transformed into an exciting group activity around your mobile phone playing slots and competing against your mates. Classic Kiwi backyard fun!
Why Kiwis Love Playing NZ Online Pokies
Online pokies in New Zealand have a lengthy heritage that kicked off in 1980s in the form of brick and mortar casino machines. At this stage they were not yet called pokies. Kiwis were still to develop this now-familiar term for a truly Kiwi casino game. As the 1980s drew to a close the New Zealand government allowed gambling to take place across Aotearoa. This was the start of the Kiwi love affair with online slots machines.
Fast-forward a few years and corner pubs, casinos, and RSAs have been traded in by NZ gamblers for online gambling. The ease and flexibility of playing casino on your phone far outweighs the perks of brick and mortar gambling for most NZ punters. Online gambling is now frequently done on computers and mobile phones when players are on-the-go or simply too buggered to pick up their laptop!
When Slots Became Pokies
Kiwis fell in love with online slots and renamed them online pokies for a few key reasons. Primarily, the pokies game is fast. Players quickly know if they have won or lost and do not need to spend hours at a table strategizing before the outcome of the game is decided. Whether a Kiwi gambler has won or lost at online pokies is instantaneous. Another reason is that online pokies are easy. While there is nuance that can be learnt by experienced online pokies players, the game itself is simple enough to be enjoyed by anyone at any time. This feature explains why online pokies are popular on Friday nights and before New Zealand gamblers go to sleep. It does not require a lot of brain power and can be played for fun no matter how tired you might be.
What to Look for in Online Slots
The best online pokies NZ games for most Kiwi players feature 5-reels. These games pay out less often but offer bigger wins when they do. That can mean serious NZD bang for your buck. They also feature epic themes that are based on exciting pop culture movies, comic books, and eras in history.
On the other hand, many NZ gamblers consider 3-reel slots to be the best online pokies. This is a common opinion held by ‘purists’ who enjoy reminiscing back to a time when pokies only had 3-reels and featured primarily fruit and gems as they spun. You will find that these types of games are particularly popular among those who enjoy playing at brick and mortar casinos as there is an element of tradition to a 3-reel pokies game.
Nostalgia aside, 5-reel pokies offer a more dynamic, exciting, holistic gameplay experience. This makes them the hands down best option for online slots players that are seeking an exciting gameplay experience. Having said that, jump onto a 3-reel if you are a beginner to learn the ropes as 5-reel thematic pokies can be quite overwhelming for a rookie player!
What To Watch Out For When Playing Online Slots
Budget
Budgeting can be a challenge when playing online slots. Especially when playing thematic 5-reel slots that have a tendency to sweep Kiwi players up in their stories and graphics. The key is to play responsibly and stick to your budget. If you play carefully today, you will have money left to spend tomorrow. The goal is to continue playing online pokies time and time again, not burn out early. Just remember that playing more often does not correlate to ‘more wins’. Because it is a random number generator that powers the outcome each time you press ‘spin’, pressing it more often does not impact that symbols that appear.
Play for Fun
Enjoy yourself when playing online slots. Casino games like online pokies are designed for fun and entertainment. They are not a way to ‘make’ or ‘earn’ money. You can win real money and that can enhance your enjoyment of the game but winning at a luck-based game should not be relied upon as an earner of NZD. If you focus your attitude on having a great time playing online pokies, then you are sure to do just that! Remember, if it is within your budget, bet the max spin as most pokies games offer bonuses and rewards based on the bet amount. This will help increase your odds of winning and having fun before logging off while ahead!
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Online pokies are all about fun. The game is a pastime for many Kiwi players, and they love playing online slots for many reasons. Chiefly, the game is fast paced. It offers New Zealanders that play pokies online the opportunity to win real money NZD or lose almost instantly. Each bet offers and outcome which helps maintain the attention of NZ gamblers.
Online slots are also simple. They can be played anytime, anywhere because you do not need to maintain concentration for long periods of time to play. There are no cards to be memorised or complex table game rules to be researched. All an online pokies player needs to do is press ‘spin’. Tu meke!
Playing on the go is another huge benefit for Kiwis that play online slots for free or real money NZD. It is a great way to brighten up a dull work commute or pass the time in a waiting room. The ability to pull your phone from your pocket and have a quick flutter on the pokies is ideal for busy on the go New Zealand players. We have one word for online slots games – Chur!
FAQ
Are online slots safe?
Yes, provided that you play online slots at a secure, reputable online casino. Casinowatch only profile safe online pokies games that meet international standards. Check that the casino offering the online slots game you have chosen to play has been licensed, regulated, and audited by reputable governing bodies.
How does a slot machine really work?
Step 1: When playing pokies online NZ players start by making an NZD wager of their choice.
Step 2: Select an online slots game to play.
Step 3: Read the rules and learn what the symbols stand for
Step 4: Click the ‘spin’ button.
Step 5: See if you won or lost that round.
Step 6: Click the ‘spin’ button again!
What are the best online slots to play?
The best online pokies for Kiwi players are the ones with themes that appeal to you. 5-reel slots offer less regular wins but larger wins when they land. 3-reel slots offer small, more regular wins.
Can you actually win money on online slots?
Yes, you can!
Do online slots pay real money?
When Kiwi players make wagers on online pokies games are paid out real money NZD when they win. Whether an online slots game pays out depends on its pay lines and where the symbols land. Because a random number generator controls which symbols appear when, there is a chance for any player to win at any time. But you need to spin to win, New Zealand!