The question ‘How do you play pokies?’ can have a more detailed answer, which is clearly explained in our guide. Pokies are some of the most popular games online and in pubs across New Zealand. Online slots come with many different gameplays, reels, paylines, and bonus features. So check out the information below to start playing pokies like a pro.
Where to Play Pokies in NZ
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NZ $2000 Bonus
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500+ Games 98.4% Payout
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20+ LeoSafePlay.com, Promotional T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. | ||
| 2 |
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NZ $200 Bonus
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350+ Games 98.22% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 3 |
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NZ $1,000
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150+ Games 98.41% Payout
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20+ Full T&Cs apply. New players only. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 4 |
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NZ $800 Bonus
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150+ Games 98.41% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
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NZ $800 Bonus
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600+ Games 99% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 6 |
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NZ $1600 Bonus
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170+ Games 96.4% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 9 |
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NZ $1500 Bonus
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500+ Games 98% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 8 |
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NZ $350 Bonus
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500+ Games 98.21% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 9 |
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NZ $1000 Bonus
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. | ||
| 10 |
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NZ $1000 Bonus
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800+ Games 98% Payout
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Full T&Cs apply. New players only. 18+. Gamble responsibly. |
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Play Pokies in NZ
While many Kiwis are already familiar with pokies, there’s still a lot to learn when it comes to those casino games. Even if you’ve been in the game for years, we always recommend reading the game’s rules and information steps before placing a bet.
The reason behind this tip is simple – the rules hold gameplay information and parameters like RTP, payouts, bonus rounds, bet size, and more. Considering all this is paramount when playing the top online pokies in New Zealand for 2025. Our team has put together a few steps about how to play online pokies in New Zealand.
Step 1 – Select a Casino
Before all else, you need to be certain that you are registered at a licensed and legally operating gambling site. You can check the operator’s credentials, like licenses and certifications, terms and conditions, plus partnerships with responsible gambling organizations.
The benefits of playing at a legit online casino are greater than any promises of illegitimate sites. For example, any licensed operator pays out the wins, creates customized incentives for regular players, and offers games available at the best online casinos.
Step 2 – Choose a Pokie
Deciding on an online pokie to play is a vital step. Always select an online casino operating according to the gambling laws in the country and monitored by the New Zealand Gambling Commission.
Browse through the selection and decide how many reels you’d like to play on and how many paylines you’d like to have. If you’d like to go for a progressive jackpot, check the special category and potential payouts on your online casino’s homepage.
Step 3 – Learn the Game’s Rules
An essential step in learning how to play pokies is to consider the active paylines, win ways, mega reels, extra reels, and everything about the gameplay. You’ll need to decide how many paylines you’d like to activate for the next spin.
The stake remains the same until you change it, so be careful what bet per spin you set. Some pokies allow adjusting the coin values, so keep an eye on this parameter. Depending on the online pokie you’re playing, more paylines and win ways may be activated during the spin or the triggered bonus round.
Step 4 – Understand RNG
If there is one parameter of a slot machine you need to learn everything about, it is the return to player rate (RTP). That is the main element of the gameplay that determines what potential wins and returns of the bet you might expect. The RTP is displayed as a percent, which makes it easier to calculate potential returns. Online slot sites work with a random number generator (RNG) that is regularly tested by third parties for fair results.
Step 5 – Learn What the Symbols Mean
The symbols are an important part of the theme and are usually one of the things that draw NZ players’ attention to a particular game. Usually, there are low-paying, high-paying, and special symbols. The first two types form a winning line on the reels frequently and drop lower prizes.
The special symbols – scatter, wild, and bonus – deserve their unique title in every way. Each of them grants a different reward, unlocks a bonus round, or grants free spins. Part of the stunning diversity of the pokies is due to the different combinations of all symbols on the reels.
A fun trait of some pokies is that the symbols expand and take over multiple reels. Another equally pleasing prospect is that they explode, transform into other symbols, change their appearance, or change in another way.
Step 6 – Bonus Rounds
Another feature you should consider before playing is the available bonus rounds. The most popular examples are free spins, a jackpot round, a bonus round with various sets of reels, and a gambling round. The provider can apply one or all of those options. Kiwis can test the pokies’ bonus rounds best by actually triggering them.
Some software developing companies create bonus rounds resembling mini-games. They might be related to the main theme of the game or something completely separate. There are also many pokies with a few different bonus rounds triggered simultaneously, one by one, or individually. Either way, they are always delightful to watch and play.
Step 7 – Place a Bet
If you wish to learn how to play pokies, you must select a game where you can afford the bets and the payouts are fair. At New Zealand’s best online casinos, you will find wagers per spin as low as NZ$0.01 per single payline. The average range is NZ$0.10 – NZ$100.
Step 8 – Press the Spin Tab
The last step in our how-to-play online pokies guide is to recheck your bet. If the paylines, coin value, bet, TurboSpin, and AutoPlay are adjusted as you like, press the spin tab or arrow button to spin the reels. The game will let you know if you’ve won anything, so make sure you’re watching.
10 Helpful Tips to Play and Win on Pokie Machines
While there is no sure way to win at pokies, there are still a number of methods to ensure you don’t lose a lot. Here are some helpful tips for playing pokies compiled by our team of veteran players who have tested loads of titles. These will help you while you learn how to play pokies online.
- Explore Multiple Casinos: This is the only way to be certain that you have the top-ranking gaming options. Some players prefer the classic design of established brands rather than the modernistic newest online casinos for Kiwis. The only way to find your most suitable gambling site is to see as many as you can.
- Guaranteed Fair Play: Before registration at a certain gambling site, make sure it is licensed, and the games are tested for fairness at independent game testing labs.
- Try Different Providers: Every software developer creating pokies has an individual style. By testing the online slots produced by different software houses, you may find your preferred provider. You can then search for this brand’s games in every online casino and land-based venue.
- Read the Game’s Rules: Understanding the rules of an online pokie before you start spinning the reels is recommended. Get familiar with the potential wins, symbols, scatters and wilds. Learn how to trigger bonus rounds or get free spins.
- Try the Demo: Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, the best free casino games give you a chance to get familiar with the titles before playing with real money. That is a wise move for players who are learning the rules, implementing new strategies, or testing the latest slots.
- Start With Small Bets: Take this tip as a warm-up before the serious game. Test the game with a few lower bets, see if you like it, and then decide if you wish to increase your wagers.
- Play With Max Bet: The ‘bet max’ option is another element to look out for in an online pokie. That places the maximum wager allowed by the game. This button will automatically activate every payline and place the maximum amount of coins on each. Be careful, though, because this can quickly become expensive, especially at the high-roller casinos in New Zealand.
- Test the TurboSpin: This feature is the top choice for impatient or multitasking gamblers who prefer fast-paced gameplay. Another type of player who uses this feature is the one who is learning how to play pokies in NZ.
- Go for AutoPlay: That is a button New Zealand players will find on almost every modern online pokie. The ‘auto-play’ tab takes you to a sub-menu where you can choose how many auto spins to roll and whether the game should stop upon a win, loss, or when triggering the bonus.
- Know When to Stop: An essential tip to learning how to play online pokies is to know when to stop. Don’t play if you are tired, easily distracted, or can’t afford to lose the bet. Stop when you see that the spinning reels don’t align in your favor.
As a conclusion to the essential tips list, we want to remind you to play responsibly. The essential behind that caution is that a major part of knowing how to play slot games for Kiwis and win is also knowing how to enjoy gambling without losing control. The operators have various help tools and contacts of responsible gambling organizations.
More About NZ Pokies
Besides this guide on how to play pokies online, we have created many other useful posts. You can find reviews of diffrent titles and detailed analysis of various gambling sites. If the pokies are your current passion, you can read everything we have created about them:
- 5-Reel Slots
- 3-Reel Pokies
- Progressive Jackpots
- Pokie Reviews & Ratings
- Slots Games
- Casino Bonuses for Pokies
- Top Online Pokies
Learn how to play pokies and explore the full variety of the top online casino games for NZ players, themes, and gameplays created by dozens of providers. The guides on our site will help you when you browse through a selection, especially when placing a bet.
How to Play Pokies Conclusion
So, you can use our tips for how to play the pokies at your favorite platforms and be ready to have loads of fun. Kiwis are lucky to be able to play at top online casinos in New Zealand and access hundreds of different pokies. Now spin some reels and stay informed with our suggestions and tricks for slots.
