Video pokies are some of the most thrilling and fast-paced games currently available at real money online casinos. There are thousands of these hugely popular games available, so we get it if picking the best ones seems daunting.
On the following page, we will introduce New Zealand casino players to the best online pokies and the top pokie sites to play them. Moreover, our industry experts are on hand to provide the top tips and information to help you make the most of playing the best online video pokies NZ.
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Guide to Online Video Pokies in New Zealand
There are thousands of online video pokies available at NZ online casinos on desktop and online casino apps. Our guide will help you understand what video pokies are, how they work and how to find the best ones.
What Are Video Pokies?
In simplest terms, video pokies are pokie machines that feature a video screen instead of mechanical reels. This differentiation was born in land-based casinos, where video pokie machines first rose to prominence in the 1980s. In this setting, video pokies provided the clear advantage of faster gameplay over traditional slot machines with reels.
When you play online pokies for real money, you are technically always playing a video pokie because all games are digital without mechanical parts.
Even so, people often use the term “video pokies” to classify regular online pokies, while other categories get their own names, such as jackpot pokies or classic pokies.
Best Video Pokies at Online Casinos
If you’re looking for the best New Zealander pokies online, this is the page for you. Our recommended online casinos provide access to the best online pokie games of all time.
There are thousands of pokies available, so choosing a list of the absolute best is entirely subjective. Even so, the following popular games will give you an amazing time playing video pokies online.
Blood Suckers Megaways – RTP: 97.66%
NetEnt’s vampire-themed Blood Suckers has been impressing players since 2009 and remains an outstanding pokie game. 14 years later, Red Tiger came back with the improved version, Blood Suckers Megaways. With 6 reels and 117,649 ways to win, this game has features such as bonus spins with multipliers and a Coffin Picking feature. However, this game is all about that 97.66% RTP, which puts Blood Suckers Megaways in the top bracket of best payout pokies.
Reactoonz – RTP: 96.51%
Known for its bouncy cartoon design, Reactoonz from Play’n GO is a fun-looking video pokie that uses an animated alien theme to good effect. It has a dynamic base game where each win charges a meter to potentially land one of the five Quantum features (transforming wilds, low-value symbol upgrades, low-value symbol removals, and Gargantoon wilds). Using a 7x7 grid with cascading symbols, Reactoonz is constantly exciting.
Thunderstruck Stormchaser – RTP: 96.10%
Since 2010, Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II has been the ultimate Norse mythology-themed pokie that has spawned many imitators. It's an all-time classic with a fantastic math model, above-average RTP, and high variance.
In 2023, Games Global, the company that acquired Microgaming, released Thunderstruck Stormchaser, an improved video pokie with an RTP of 96.10% and a highly volatile gaming model. The video pokie offers free spins with multipliers and a bonus round with a random number of Wildstorm tokens and scatters. You can also buy your way into the bonus round for 50x the bet.
Starburst – RTP: 96.09%
Proof that video pokies do not need to be complicated to be successful, Starburst is a simple game that wows users with its visuals and slick gameplay. NetEnt’s game is a bona fide classic and the most popular online pokie ever made.
Much of that success comes from the flexibility of Starburst, which offers something for all players. Spin over five reels and 10 paylines and soak in the space-style arcade theme. Starburst Wilds are your ticket to the big prizes, providing three re-spins and wild reels.
Book of Ra Deluxe – RTP: 95.1%
As the name suggests, this is the deluxe version of Novomatic’s Book of Ra, perhaps the best adventure-themed pokie of all time. You get the standard “Book of...” set up of five reels and 10 paylines as you attempt to plunder the treasures of ancient Egypt.
Don’t be put off by that below-average RTP, although the extreme volatility means this is the kind of pokie where you bet all or nothing. If you’re willing to take the risk, Book of Ra Deluxe delivers the excellent Free Games feature that offers expanding symbols for big wins.
Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways – RTP: 96.10%
Cast off and see if you can reel in a big prize with Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, a popular Blueprint Gaming video pokie game with a unique theme. Since arriving in 2019, the game has remained popular thanks to its simple gameplay and BTG's Megaways engine.
Yet, the high volatility means there is always excitement around the corner. Spin on five reels and bet on up to 15,625 paylines, with the bonus spins feature being your gateway to the fish-catching bonus round.
The Wizard of Oz – RTP: 95.99%
The Wizard of Oz from SG Interactive is a popular video pokie available at many New Zealand casinos. It takes a hugely popular theme and applies slick visuals and dynamic gameplay for an all-around solid video pokies experience. With five reels and 30 paylines, Wizard of Oz has several bonus features, such as the Winged Monkey and Emerald City.
The Goonies Return – RTP: 95.50%
Some of the best online video pokies of all time are based on well-known TV shows or movies, and The Goonies Return is among the greatest. Blueprint Gaming has taken a cult classic 80s film and turned it into a thrill ride of a pokie with a massive 12 bonus features. On the five reels and 20 paylines, you get stacked wilds alongside the ability to trigger a bonus feature, such as free spins, multipliers, win spins, and more.
Book of Dead – RTP: 96.2%
Book of Dead is the flagship pokie from Play’n GO and one of the most popular video pokies ever. You take control of Rich Wilde as he seeks ancient Egyptian treasures in an adventure setting.
The five reels and 10 paylines point to a basic game, but Book of Dead is surprisingly flexible thanks to its free spins, which can be triggered an unlimited number of times.
How Do Video Pokies Work?
Video pokies boast many of the same gameplay elements as other online pokie games. Players place a bet and spin reels featuring symbols of varying values. Wins come from landing winning combinations of those symbols or by triggering bonus rounds. Understanding the following core elements of the best video pokie online games will enhance your experience further:
RNG: Online pokie sites use random number generator (RNG) technology to decide the outcome of spins. This means all spins are decided by random chance, with no influence from the provider, the casino or the player.
Amount of Reels/Paylines: Video pokies come in various configurations, which include the number of reels, rows, and paylines available. Standard configurations include five reels, three to five rows, and between 10 and 25 paylines.
Symbols: On each reel, you will find various symbols that each have a value from a low value (card symbols) to a high value (scatters, wilds, bonus, jackpot). Wins happen in a video pokie game when pre-determined combinations of these symbols land on the reels.
House Edge: This is the weighting on pokie games that determines how much profit the casino makes off players on average. If a game has a house edge of 3%, the casino will take 3% in profits over time.
RTP: Return to Player (RTP) is one of the determining factors of the house edge. It is a number that highlights how much video pokies pay back to players on average. In theory, games with a higher RTP will pay out more to players than a game with a low RTP.
Popular Video Pokie Bonuses
At New Zealand video pokies casinos, you might be looking for the best casino bonus to get you started. These are some of the video pokies bonuses you can expect to find:
Welcome bonus: when you sign up at a video pokies casino, you can usually claim a sign-up bonus, which might consist of free spins on a video pokie. This kind of bonus is often known as a deposit bonus. In the bonus terms and conditions, it will highlight which pokies you can play to fulfil any bonus wagering requirements. Deposit bonus slots often include big name games like the Book of Dead slot.
No Deposit bonus: this is a rare bonus type that doesn't require you to make an initial real money deposit. Check the terms, though, because you might be expected to bet through the bonus amount several times before you can withdraw any actual bonus cash.
Cashback bonus: some video pokie casinos reward players for playing – if you lose cash betting during the week, the casino might give you a percentage of those losses back, either as cash or as casino funds you can use to bet with. Alternatively, you can get cashback simply based on how much you bet, such as 10% on everything you bet during the week or month. In this case, you might need to bet a minimum amount to get any reward.
Choosing the Best Video Pokies Online
While all games are decided by random chance (except for live table games), having a fundamental knowledge of video pokies may help you keep your bankroll longer. Below you can read our overview detailing the basics of the best online pokies in NZ:
Paytable: All pokies have a graphic information section known as a paytable where you can see details of the game, winning symbol combinations, bet limits, available features, and the jackpot.
Coins/Bets (budget): All NZ online casino games have a specific bet limit showing the minimum and maximum you can bet on each payline per spin.
Type Of Pokies: As well as the best online video pokies, you can also choose to play jackpot pokies, progressive jackpot pokies, and classic pokies at the online casinos we recommend.
Jackpots: Jackpot pokie amounts vary greatly. Some video pokies will have a large jackpot while others have a more modest top prize. Video pokies are fixed jackpot games, meaning the top prize never changes.
Bonus Rounds: Video pokies differentiate from classic pokies with bonus rounds and features. Check the paytable to see which bonus feature your selected game has and how you can trigger the bonuses.
In the land-based casino pokie industry, differentiating between video pokies and a classic pokie machine is easy. Video pokies use a digital screen, while a classic pokie machine is a mechanical device. However, in the online industry, all NZ online casino games are digital/virtual, so the differentiation is less obvious.
Technically, all NZ online pokies are video pokies. However, players and casinos still categorize video pokies and classic pokies differently.
Classic NZ pokies typically have basic, traditional gameplay and a much simpler structure. For example, fewer reels, fewer paylines, and mostly no bonus features like free spin, scatters and wilds. They are often based on familiar fruit machines.
That makes them an ideal choice for beginners to online pokies or players who like fast-paced, simple gameplay.
However, classic pokies do lack the dynamic elements that make video pokies so popular. One area where there is a clear difference between the two is in terms of design, audio, and theme.
Online video pokies have rich themes with impressive graphics and immersive soundtracks. On the other hand, classic NZ pokies do not have immersive designs, animations, or audio.
How to Find the Best Online Video Pokies
We select only the most reputable and respected and the best new online casinos to recommend to our readers. Still, thousands of video pokies are available, so choosing the best online pokie for you can be a little more challenging. With the tips below, you will be able to apply some knowledge to help you pick the best online video pokies.
Searching for online casinos: game collections change from casino to casino, so comparing multiple sites is the best way to find the games you enjoy. And by selecting one of our recommended sites, you're guaranteed a trustworthy and top-quality brand.
Try the pokie in demo mode: when you choose an online pokie, give it some spins in demo mode. Casinos provide free access to games. While you cannot win real money, demos to play free pokies online are great for getting to know a new game and practising.
Reading video pokies reviews: Found a game and like how it looks? Reading reviews will help you understand if your first impressions are good or whether the pokie may not be as incredible as you first thought.
New Video Pokies 2023
Video pokies are the most popular category at real money online casinos, so providers are constantly rolling out new games. Below are some of the best real money pokies that made their debut recently:
Bee Hive Bonanza – RTP: 96.09%
One of NetEnt’s newest pokies, Bee Hive Bonanza, is already grabbing the attention of players. It boasts the usual visual splendour and gameplay quality we expect from NetEnt. Bee Hive Bonanza plays on five reels and five paylines, making this an ideal video pokie for beginners.
However, other types of players will also be interested, thanks to the game’s Avalanche symbols and free spins.
Mystery Woods – RTP: 94%
1x2 Gaming has an exciting video pokie called Mystery Woods. This game provides a solid jackpot that can net you up to 12,500x your stake. Five reels and 20 paylines are your starting point towards the prize pot, with additional features such as wilds, mystery symbols, and free spins.
It is also worth noting this pokies game looks fantastic, adding fresh appeal to the well-trodden enchanted forest genre.
Space Goonz – RTP: 96.65%
Another visually stunning new video pokie is Habanero’s Space Goonz, which has an alien theme with cute graphics and cartoon vibes. Luckily, the game backs up its cool looks with solid gameplay and exciting bonuses, such as free spins. On the pokie's five-by-four reels, you’ll find modern graphics, immaculate theming, and much more.
Ark of Ra – RTP: 96.14%
Circular Arrow is taking a stab at the ancient Egypt pokie with Ark or Ra, a video pokie with five reels, three rows, and 20 paylines. It takes a lot to stand out in this busy genre, but the Egyptian vibes of Ark of Ra admittedly look fantastic. We also like the Coin Collect feature that allows you to gather coins for winning spins and trigger a wild if you get enough.
Castle of Terror – RTP: 96.73%
Big Time Gaming is launching its next blockbuster pokie, Castle of Terror, just in time for Halloween 2022. The horror visuals look good, and the 61,720x your stake jackpot is one of the higher fixed jackpots around. With its generous 96.73% RTP, expect the game also to be volatile.
NZ online gambling fans love video pokies because of their variety, quality, and gameplay. Yet, numerous other advantages and benefits come with playing video pokies over different types of pokie games, including:
Ease of playing: video pokie games are easy to play and understand. Even when they have complex features, you simply bet and spin the reels.
Mobile pokies: you can also play New Zealand mobile pokies on your device wherever you are.
The array of games: no other New Zealand online casino game category has as much variety as video pokies. There are thousands of games with varying themes, genres, feature sets, and budgets.
Exciting pokie tournaments: online casinos frequently run pokie tournaments that allow customers to play video pokies to potentially win a separate prize.
Game availability: while classic pokies and progressive pokies are not always widely available at online casinos, you are guaranteed to always have a large selection of video pokies at any casino you visit.
Rewards and incentives:NZ casino operators understand the popularity of video pokies and often centre casino bonuses and promotions around them. Video pokies are usually the only games that give a 100% contribution towards a bonus wagering requirement.
Flexibility in stakes: unlike progressive pokies that require large stakes for potentially huge rewards, video pokies are more welcoming. Players of all budgets can play, enjoy, and possibly win a video pokie.
Higher payouts: while the payout rate (RTP) of video pokies varies greatly, this is the only pokie category that will offer payout rates much higher than average.
Count to wagering requirements: video pokies usually count 100% to casino bonus wagering requirements, unlike live dealer games like blackjack and roulette.
Desktop and mobile excellence: whether you're playing at home on your desktop or on your phone at a mobile casino online, the quality of the game presentation will almost always be the same.
Disadvantages of Video Pokies Online
Not found at poker sites: video pokies are easy to find online, but they aren't found at the best online poker sites.
Lower RTP than live dealer games: video pokies almost always have a lower RTP than games like blackjack, so you will probably find wins harder to come by. But one good thing is, you can often find video pokies at a blackjack casino in NZ.
Lots of average games to navigate: although there are some excellent video pokies online, you might have to play through a few uninspiring ones to find the ones you like.
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Meet the editor
Matt Bastock
Editor
Matt Bastock
Editor
Matt Bastock is a Content SEO at Casinos.com. He has years of experience researching, writing and editing articles about sports and gaming, including the world of online casinos and sports betting. Matt enjoys playing many casino table games, especially poker and blackjack. He also loves watching professional sports, particularly English and European football, as well as US football, rugby and cricket.
Absolutely. Video pokies from top providers will always be decided by random chance through random number generator (RNG) software. Games are routinely checked to ensure they use a valid RNG, and no casino or provider can legally influence the outcome of a game.
Can a casino decide to change the payout of a video pokie?
No, unless there is a multi-RTP option. The game developer sets the RTP through the use of a random number generator. However, some pokies come with variable RTPs where there may be several different RTPs. The casino can choose to use any RTP but cannot change the payout rate otherwise.
Are video pokies rigged?
Not at all. Reputable game providers use RNG technology to ensure all games are decided by random chance. Moreover, these developers allow their pokies to be assessed by independent regulators to ensure there is no unfair influence on a game.
Can you really win on video pokies?
Yes, and many people do. Sometimes you may even win a huge sum of money. But does that mean you will definitely win? Not necessarily, because all NZ online pokies game outcomes are decided by random chance. You will be relying purely on luck when you play video pokies.
Where can I play video pokies online?
You can play the best video pokies online at any of the leading online casinos we recommend. Our casino review team leaves no stone unturned when assessing an online casino. We look at bonuses, mobile compatibility, security, game selection, payment methods, and other factors to bring you only the leading online video pokies sites.
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