Best Online Pokies NZ for Real Money (2025)
Wondering which real money pokies are actually worth playing, or what is the best online pokie site in New Zealand? We signed up, made real money deposits, and tested pokies at over 50 licensed NZ casinos to find the top game selections. We’ve also ranked the best pokies based on RTP, volatility, and overall player popularity.
All top online casino pokies available to New Zealand players.
Top 10 Online Pokies NZ (And Where to Find Them)
Looking for real money pokie inspiration, or can’t find your favourite game at your current online casino? We know there are hundreds of top online pokies to play in New Zealand, but we’ve picked the ones that we think are definitely worth trying.
Discover the best online pokies for real money and see which top casinos offer them below.
#1 Book of Dead - The Most Iconic Pokie by Play’n GO - Play at Tonybet
RTP: 96.21% | High Volatility | Min Bet: NZ$0.10 | Max Win: 5,000
Book of Dead is a classic online pokie released in 2016, and it remains one of the most played games alongside Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. Its Ancient Egyptian theme, straightforward gameplay, and strong visual design make it a top pick for both new and experienced players.
#2 Big Bass Bonanza - Best Pokie for Branded Slot Series - Play at VegasNow
RTP: 96.71% | Volatility: Medium to High | Min Bet: $0.10 | Max Win: 2,100
Big Bass Bonanza is a popular fishing-themed online pokie from Pragmatic Play, originally released in 2020 and followed by 28 titles in the growing Big Bass series. It features rewarding free spins and simple, engaging gameplay that has made it a long-time player favourite. Thanks to its strong branding and wide availability, it’s a game that’s easy to recognise and keeps players coming back.
#3 Mega Money Wheel - Top Online Pokie for No Deposit Bonuses - Play at Zodiac Casino
RTP: 94% (variable) | Volatility: High | Min Bet: NZ$0.10 | Max Win: 500×
Mega Money Wheel is a popular online pokie by Buck Stakes Entertainment, often featured in no deposit free spin offers at Casino Rewards casinos in New Zealand. It has a dreamy, Wheel of Fortune-style theme with a jackpot of up to $1,000,000, but a lower variable RTP of 94%. The game is simple, with no free spins, scatters, or wilds, making it more straightforward than titles like Book of Dead or Big Bass Bonanza.
#4 Gates of Olympus Super Scatter - Best New Pokie for 2025 - Play at LeoVegas
RTP: 96.50% | Volatility: High | Min Bet: NZ$0.20 | Max Win: 50,000x
As the name suggests, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, released in 2025, is a new edition of the award-winning and highly popular online pokie Gates of Olympus. Gates of Olympus Super Scatter keeps the core mechanics of the original but adds special Super Scatter symbols that can trigger instant prizes up to 50,000× your stake.
#5 9 Masks of Fire - African Themed Classic Pokie - Play at BoomerangBet
RTP: 96.24% | Volatility: Medium | Min Bet: NZ$0.10 | Max Win: 2,000×
9 Masks of Fire is a popular online pokie developed by Gameburger Studios and released through Games Global. Known for its bold, African-inspired theme and fiery design, it combines classic 5x3 gameplay with modern features. With instant wins of up to 2,000× your bet, a free spins wheel, and frequent inclusion in free spin promotions, it’s a favourite among Kiwi players.
#6 Wolf Gold - Popular Online Pokie with Bonus Features - Play at JackpotCity
RTP: 96.01% | Volatility: Medium to High | Min Bet: NZ$0.25 | Max Win: 2,500×
Wolf Gold is a popular online pokie from Pragmatic Play, launched in 2017. Set in a Wild West landscape filled with wolves and eagles, it features 25 paylines, free spins, and a Money Respin bonus with three jackpots. The game stands out with strong visuals and simple gameplay, and it's available at many NZ online casinos due to its popularity.
#7 Book of 99 - Highest RTP slot - Play at Tonybet
RTP: 99.00% | Volatility: High | Min Bet: NZ$0.10 | Max Win: 12,075×
With an RTP of 99.00%, Book of 99 by Relax Gaming is one of the highest-paying pokies available to NZ players. This top-paying game offers a maximum win of 12,075× your bet. It comes with high volatility, adding extra excitement and the potential for big wins. Among the top online casinos in NZ, Tonybet features this title in its immersive collection of online pokies.
#8 Sweet Bonanza - Bright and Colourful Pokie - Play at LeoVegas
RTP: 96.49% | Volatility: High | Min Bet: NZ$0.20 | Max Win: 5,000×
Sweet Bonanza is also one of the most well-known online slots worldwide. It’s a colourful online pokie from Pragmatic Play, launched in 2019 and loved for its bright visuals and fast-paced gameplay. The game features cluster pays, tumbling reels, free spins, and multiplier bombs, with a win potential of up to 5,000× your stake.
#9 - Casino Rewards Hyper Star - Top Exclusive Pokie - Play at Captain Cooks Casino
RTP: 96.05% | Volatility: High | Min Bet: NZ$0.20 | Max Win: 2,000×
If you are looking for exclusive online pokies, we recommend the Casino Rewards Hyper Star online pokie. This game was released by Gameburger Studios in 2022 and has been one of the most popular titles across Casino Rewards online casinos since then. The difference between the original Hyper Star and the Casino Rewards version isn’t huge, but playing the exclusive version lets you earn CR loyalty rewards while enjoying the same high-volatility gameplay.
#10 - Starburst - The Most Played Online Pokie of All Time - Play at BoomerangBet
RTP: 96.09% | Volatility: Low | Min Bet: NZ$0.10 | Max Win: 5,000×
Even if you're new to online casinos, you’ve probably heard of Starburst. This slot was released by NetEnt in 2012 with a cosmic theme that quickly made it one of the most popular online slots of all time. Why did it become so popular? Starburst stands out with its colourful yet simple design, low volatility, relatively high RTP, and strong overall reputation.
Recommended Online Pokies, Reviews and Free Demos
Highest Paying Online Pokies
Below we listed the highest paying real money online pokies in NZ:
| Online Pokies | RTP | Game Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Book of 99 | 99.00% | Relax Gaming |
| Fairy Dust Xtreme! | 99.00% | Spinmatic |
| Poseidon Xtreme! | 99.00% | Spinmatic |
Best High Volatility Slots
See below a list of the higest volatility slots for real money in NZ:
| Online Pokie | Volatility | RTP | Game Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munition Mine | High | 95.21% | Powderkeg Studios |
| Lobster Bob's Crazy Crab Shack | High | 95.90% | Ela Games |
| Folsom Prison | High | 96.07% | Nolimit City |
| Sugar Rush | High | 95.50% | Pragmatic Play |
| Rock Vegas | High | 96.64% | Pragmatic Play |
Best Low Volatility Slots
We curated the lowest volatility slots that pay real money in NZ:
| Online Pokie | Volatility | RTP | Game Studio | Available at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starburst | Low | 96.09% | NetEnt | |
| Agent Jane Blonde returns | Low | 96.45% | Storm Craft | |
| Reel King Mega | Low | 96.17% | Red Tiger |
Online Pokies NZ Bonus Buy Slots
Find the best online pokies in NZ where you can buy bonus rounds below:
| Online Pokies | Bonus-buy Feature | Min. Buy | RTP | Game Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folsom Prison | Yes | $13.60 | 94.01% | NolimitCity |
| Lobster Bob's Crazy Crab Shack | Yes | $20.00 | 96.03% | Reel Kingdom (Pragmatic Play) |
| Sugar Rush | Yes | $20.00 | 95.50% | Pragmatic Play |
Top Casinos for Real Money Online Pokies
At first glance, pokie casinos might look very similar. However, when you dig deeper, there are plenty of differences between top online casinos in New Zealand, such as the number of games, game providers, whether they offer top slots, and which popular games might be missing.
But don’t worry, we handle the testing and data collection for you, so all you need to do is scroll and choose the one that suits you best.
See the best online pokie casinos by category below.
| Pokie Casino | Category | Amount of Games | Top Pokies Available | Unavailable Popular Titles | Visit Pokie Casino |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Pokie Casino by Number of Games | 11,600+ | Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, Starburst, 9 Masks of Fire | - | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Best for Top Game Providers | 1,000+ | Big Bass Bonanza, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, Wolf Gold | - | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Best Pokie Casino For No Deposit Bonuses | 1,100+ | Mega Money Wheel, Casino Rewards Hyper Star, Wolf Gold | Starburst, Book of Dead, Book of 99 | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Best Pokie Casino For Low Deposits | 1,300+ | 9 Masks of Fire, Big Bass Bonanza, | Starburst, Mega Money Wheel, Book of Dead | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Best New Online Pokie Casino | 12,000+ | Big Bass Bonanza, Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter | - | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Fastest Paying Online Pokie Casino | 6,000+ | Wolf Gold, Big Bass Bonanza, Book of 99 | Starburst, Mega Money Wheel, 7 Masks of Fire | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Most Established Online Pokie Casino | 500+ | Book of Dead, Big Bass Bonanza, Sweet Bonanza | - | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Best Pokie Casino for Loyalty Rewards | 1,100+ | Casino Rewards Hyper Star, Mega Money Wheel, Wolf Gold | Starburst, Book of Dead, Book of 99 | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Top Crypto Casino for Pokie Games | 6,000+ | Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, Sweet Bonanza, Starburst | Book of Dead, Book of 99 | Play Popular Pokies |
 | Top Pokie Casino for New Player Bonuses | 700+ | Big Bass Bonanza, 9 Masks of Fire, Gates of Olympus | Starburst, Book of Dead, Book of 99 | Play Popular Pokies |
How to Pick Online Pokies to Win Real Money
Online real money slots are the heart of casino games. It's an understatement to say a slot game collection determines the future of an online casino. To cover every player's needs, the number of slot games at the best online casinos in NZ can add up to several thousand these days.
However, having too many options often leads to confusion. Some of you might wonder, "Which slots should I play for real money?" or "Are there any ways to find the best real money slots for me?".
There are many elements to consider when choosing the best slots to play online for real money. So, here are the key factors you should know about real money online slots:
- RTP
- Volatility
- Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
- Bonus-buy Feature
- Game Studios
Let us break down each element for you below.
-
RTP
RTP stands for Return to Players in online gambling. It indicates how much an online real money slot pays out to players from all the money bet on the game.
- For example, in theory, an online real money slot with an RTP of 97% returns $97 for the total bet amount of $100. The rest 3% is the so-called house edge, i.e. profit for the house (casino).
Theoretically, you are expected to lose 3% of your money in the long run if you keep playing on an online slot whose RTP is 97%. However, it does not mean you cannot win big money by playing online slots if you understand the concept of probability and volatility.
Of course, the higher the RTP of an online slot, the more winnings you can expect in the long term.
-
Volatility
Volatility in online real money slots is like a game's way of saying how often and how much it will give winnings. Imagine a slot game is like a treasure chest. If a game has high volatility, it's like a treasure chest that doesn't open very often, but when it does, there's a chance of finding a lot of treasure there.
Let's say there are two online slot games for real money whose RTPs are the same at 97%, but one has high volatility while the other has low volatility. The high volatility slot pays less often, but when it does, you're likely to hit a big win. On the other hand, the low volatility slot pays more often but in small amounts.
By and large, these two games pay out in different frequencies and sizes but return the same amount of money to you in the long run.
Playing slots with high volatility might make you feel like you never win because of their low payout frequency, but it comes with the absolute excitement of potentially winning a fortune. On the contrary, real money slots with low volatility would be a better option if you want to keep it safe and enjoy the experience of playing slots for a long time.
-
Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
In essence, slot bonus rounds are special game rounds within a slot machine that activate at certain moments during your play.
These bonus games might be triggered by landing scatter symbols or activated randomly. Sometimes, you can initiate them at any point for a fee.
Free spins are spins that don't require you to use your balance. These are commonly found in numerous online slots for real money. To access them, you typically need to land a set of special symbols in a single spin.
Engaging in online slots with real money can be expensive, especially when luck isn't on your side. Free spins offer an opportunity to play and potentially win without any cost. Additionally, some video slots provide opportunities to gain extra free spins while using your current free spins, leading to an extended series of cost-free gaming rounds.
-
Bonus-buy Feature
In traditional online slots, players had to play until they landed scatter symbols on paylines to trigger bonus rounds. However, many recent real money slot games have a feature that allows you to buy bonus rounds.
Simply put, you pay a fee to trigger a bonus round. Once you confirm the buy, the game lands scatter symbols and enters a bonus game mode. One perk of buying a bonus round is that it has the potential to generate big wins on highly volatile slots.
However, it's worth noting that many online slot casinos do not allow you to use the feature with casino bonus money.
-
Game Studios
There are a multitude of game studios that produce real money slot games online. They strive to add something unique to their products to stand out in the crowd. Some of them put efforts into creating high-quality animation and sounds, while others specialise in developing new features to make the experience exceptional.
Knowing what game studios have what slot styles helps you select the best game studio that suits your taste.
Different Types of Online Pokies for Real Money
Online slots have diversified significantly, offering a variety of gameplay styles despite all being governed by Random Number Generators. In NZ, top online slot casinos often prioritise these games, presenting a vast selection that includes 3D slots, video slots, and those themed around popular media.
3-Reel Slots
- Also known as classic slots, these are the traditional form of slot machines.
- They have three vertical sections, or reels, which spin when the game is played.
- Winning combinations are typically made by matching symbols across a single payline, often the middle line of the reels, although some 3-reel slots may have more paylines.
- These games are known for their simplicity and often feature classic slot symbols like fruits, bars, bells, and 7s.
- The design and sound effects often mimic old-school mechanical slot machines, appealing to players who enjoy a nostalgic gaming experience.
5-Reel Slots
- These slots are a more modern variation and are prevalent in online casinos.
- They consist of five vertical reels and usually have more paylines than 3-reel slots, increasing the number of possible winning combinations.
- 5-reel slots often come with additional features like free spins, bonus rounds, and various types of wild symbols.
- The themes and graphics in 5-reel slots are typically more diverse and visually engaging, ranging from adventure and fantasy to pop culture themes.
- The complexity and variety of bonus features in 5-reel slots make them attractive to players looking for a more dynamic and interactive gaming experience.
Megaways Slots
- Megaways is a slot game format developed by Big Time Gaming. It revolutionized online slots with a unique reel modifier mechanism.
- These slots offer a dynamic payline system that changes the number of symbols appearing on each reel during every spin, typically ranging from two to seven symbols per reel.
- The changing reel structure means the number of ways to win varies with each spin, often offering thousands of possible winning combinations, sometimes exceeding 100,000 Megaways.
- Megaways slots often include features like cascading reels, free spins, multipliers, and wild symbols.
- The unpredictability and potential for high numbers of winning combinations make Megaways slots very popular among players who enjoy dynamic and fast-paced gameplay.
Jackpot Slots
- Jackpot slots are games that offer a jackpot as the main prize, which can be won in various ways depending on the game’s rules.
- There are two main types of jackpot slots: fixed and progressive.
- Fixed Jackpot Slots have a predetermined maximum payout that does not change.
- Progressive Jackpot Slots have a jackpot that increases every time the game is played but the jackpot is not won. The jackpot continues to grow with a portion of every bet made by players until it is won, often reaching extremely high amounts.
- Progressive jackpots can be individual to a single game or linked across multiple games and even multiple casinos, leading to multi-million-dollar prizes.
- Jackpot slots are favoured by players seeking the chance for large payouts, though the odds of hitting the jackpot can be quite long.
Cascade Slots
- Also known as cascading reels or tumbling reels.
- In these slots, winning symbols are removed from the reels after a win, allowing new symbols to fall or 'cascade' into their place.
- This can lead to consecutive wins from a single spin, as the new symbols can form new winning combinations.
- The cascades continue until no more wins are formed.
- Often, these slots include additional features like increasing multipliers with each cascade.
- The cascading mechanism adds an extra level of excitement and can lead to extended play from just one spin.
Cluster Slots
- Cluster slots, also known as cluster pays slots, are a type of online slot game where payouts are awarded based on clusters of symbols.
- Instead of the traditional payline system, these games typically pay out when a group of the same symbols form a cluster, often touching horizontally or vertically.
- The size of the cluster needed to win varies from game to game, but it typically involves a minimum number of matching symbols that must be adjacent to each other.
- These games often come with unique features like cascading reels, where winning symbols disappear and new symbols drop down to replace them, potentially forming new clusters.
Grid Slots
- Grid slots are characterised by their layout, which is typically in the form of a grid (like 5x5, 7x7, etc.).
- Unlike traditional slots, which have reels that spin vertically, grid slots display their symbols in a grid format, and winning combinations can be formed in various patterns across the grid.
- These games can include cluster pays mechanics, but they may also employ other methods of determining wins.
- Grid slots often feature more complex gameplay and may include elements like cascading symbols, bonus rounds, and special features triggered by certain symbol combinations.
Best Online Pokies Providers
Slots casinos are likely to feature games from a wide range of providers. Some companies are better known than others, but even smaller developers can produce fantastic slot games.
With that in mind, here are 5 of the most popular online pokie providers at online casinos in New Zealand right now:
-
Games Global (formerly Microgaming)
Games Global (previously Microgaming) is one of the most established and widely seen game providers in online casinos. Known for creating Mega Moolah, the most iconic progressive jackpot pokie of all time, the company is also home to top studios like Neon Valley, Triple Edge, and Alchemy Gaming. Today, Games Global offers a huge range of pokies, with popular titles like 9 Masks of Fire, Thunderstruck II, Book of Oz, and Amazing Link Zeus among player favourites.
-
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is one of the most recognised and widely available pokie providers, especially impressive given it was only founded in 2015. Its most iconic game to date is Wolf Gold, which helped put the studio on the map. Today, its most popular titles include Sweet Bonanza, Gates of Olympus, The Dog House, and Big Bass Bonanza - many of which are featured on our top list as well. You’ll find Pragmatic Play pokies at nearly every top online casino, with new releases launched regularly.
-
Play'n Go
Play’n GO is one of the most popular and respected pokie providers. The studio is best known for the Rich Wilde series, including the iconic Book of Dead, which has become one of the most played online pokies of all time and inspired many similar titles across the industry. Other popular games from Play’n GO include Reactoonz, Fire Joker, Moon Princess, and Legacy of Dead.
-
NetEnt
NetEnt is a legendary game provider in the online casino industry. It's known for creating some of the most iconic pokies of all time.
Its most famous title is Starburst, a low-volatility classic that remains one of the most played online pokies worldwide. NetEnt is also behind major hits like Gonzo’s Quest, Divine Fortune, Dead or Alive II, and Twin Spin. However, not all NZ casinos offer NetEnt games, which makes it even more exciting when you come across a site that features Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, or other NetEnt classics.
-
Playtech
Playtech is one of the biggest and most experienced game providers in the online casino world. Founded in 1999, it offers a wide range of pokies, table games, and even live casino options. Some of its most popular pokies include Buffalo Blitz, Age of the Gods, and Gladiator Jackpot. Pl
How to Start Playing Online Pokies in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1: Pick a Top Casino or Pokie
Pick from trusted NZ casinos or top-rated pokies on our list.
Step 2: Register in Minutes
Sign up quickly and securely to get started right away.
Step 3: Make a Deposit
Use a NZ-friendly payment method to fund your account.
Step 4: Start Playing
Explore real money pokies and cash out if you score a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a payout percentage?
Can you win real money playing online pokies?
Are online pokies rigged?
How do online pokies work?
Ijeoma Esther is an iGaming content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the New Zealand mobile casino industry. While initially diving into online casino gaming as a hobby, she soon found herself immersed in the enthralling world of mobile slot and live casino games.Through the years, she discovered that writing about her favorite pokies was just as fun as playing them.
As an iGaming content writer, ijeoma combines expert writing and research skills with her encompassing love for pokies and live casino games to put together some of the best and most in-depth reviews in the NZ mobile casino scene.When she’s not writing top-notch content about iGaming, she’s immersing herself in the thrills of her favorite pokies or researching the latest NZ latest online casinos to try out.
