If you’re searching for some of the most popular pokie titles, LeoVegas NZ is home to some of the best, including choices of favourite games such as; Book of Dead, Starburst and Big Bass Bonanza.

Online pokies offer a great variety in gameplay, with innovative bonus features and eye-opening designs to complete the backdrops of each game. Whether it is the expansive MEGAWAYS mechanic, bringing about additional paylines, or the cascading reels, each option has something unique.

For those more familiar with classical fruit machines, you can also find online pokies delivering remakes of the traditional 3-reel layout, along with all the familiar fruit and lucky seven symbols.

The word 'pokie' boasts an exciting and colourful history. It takes its name from 'pok', an abbreviation for 'poker machine'. Aussies love to abbreviate some of the words, and it makes sense that the word 'pokie' was an abbreviated version of 'poker machines'.

As mentioned, the primary appeal of online pokies lies in the diversity of its theme, features, and bonuses. In online casinos, you'll find a wide range of online pokies NZ games that cater to all players with different backgrounds and requirements:

1. Branded Pokies. Online pokies never run out of themes, and it's fully displayed in branded pokies available in NZ casinos. A branded pokie machine uses a theme inspired by pop culture, and top software providers traditionally offer it. One of the leading suppliers of branded online pokies is Microgaming with its Playboy, Jurassic Park, and Terminator online pokies.

2. Video Pokies. Regarding volume, video pokies are arguably the most popular casino game. These online pokies boast a 5-reel configuration and are loaded with exciting and lucrative bonuses like Free Spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds.

3. Jackpot Pokies. Casino players looking for big wins will play jackpot pokies. In addition to instant payouts, jackpot pokies also boast progressive jackpots or rewards that grow in size. Microgaming's Mega Moolah is the industry's most recognisable jackpot slot, spawning a few follow-ups.

4. Classic Pokies. These online pokies are directly inspired by the fruit machines you can find in many pubs, hotels, and physical casinos. Classic pokies often come in a 3-reel setup with a standard set of fruits, bells, and Lucky 7s as the paying symbols.

5. Mobile Pokies. You can also enjoy real money and free online pokies on mobile devices. Today's most popular game designers of mobile pokies are Play'n GO, Netent, Red Tiger Gaming, and Microgaming.

6. Big Time Gaming is the pioneer of MEGAWAYS pokies, implementing a unique mechanic that allows for thousands of different winning combinations across the reels.

Discover a range of exclusive LeoVegas NZ online pokies in our collection of online pokie games, including titles such as; Octopus Armada, Nemean Lion and Curse of the Mummies.

Octopus Armada

In this sci-fi outer space-themed pokie, players will find extra-terrestrial creatures, free spins and wilds that players can trigger for bonuses throughout Octopus Armada.

The Nemean Lion

From the concept of famous Greek mythology, The Nemean Lion features Free Spins that can be triggered to activate bonus feature multipliers.

Curse of the Mummies

Combining the popular ancient-Egyptian theme with a twist of horror, the Curse of the Mummies pokie includes bonuses such as the free spins bonus, with an added multiplier that is applied to all wins throughout the free spins round.

Licensed and reputable online casinos aim to provide players with fair and transparent gambling experiences. This commitment to fair play extends to the widely popular online pokies available at LeoVegas. Online pokies are safe to play at the average online casino for the following reasons:

1. Online pokies are not rigged. Yes, the house ‘always wins’, but online pokies aren’t exactly rigged in favour of the operator.

2. Online pokies use RNG, which is not a skill game. Instead, each slot machine runs using a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring every spin and combination is random.

3. LeoVegas implements responsible gaming policies (LeoSafePlay) to ensure players enjoy online pokies safely. Did you know that LeoVegas is an award-winning online casino thanks to its commitment to responsible gambling? At LeoVegas, you can access various responsible gambling tools like session, deposit limits, and even Self Exclusion.

At LeoVegas New Zealand, we offer new and existing players bonuses from free spins and deposit offers. Throughout the week, from Monday to Friday, LeoVegas NZ offers players free spins on a selected game during lunchtime.

For new players, we have a welcome bonus offer available that you can use across the wide collection of online pokies.

LeoVegas maintains one of the most vibrant game portfolios in the industry.

Our Games Lobby features several exciting game categories such as Top Games, Newest Games, Pokies, and Jackpots.

In addition, there are also speciality pokie games from its partner software vendors, including Ready to Drop and Drops and Wins online pokies that are loaded with huge jackpots. Some of the most-played online pokies at LeoVegas right now are the following:

• Starburst by Netent

• Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play

• Book of Dead by Play’n GO

• Fire Joker by Play’n GO

• Mega Moolah by Microgaming

To fully appreciate the excitement of online pokies, it’s important to understand how they work and what makes their entertainment tick, so to speak. It all lies in a combination of mechanics, bonus features, and creative elements that transport players to new worlds with immersive storylines and thrilling winning opportunities. Let’s unpack how online pokies work and what makes them so engaging.

Random Number Generators (RNGs)

In the world of online pokies, RNGs play a crucial role in the integrity of each online slot machine. RNGs ensure the results of each spin are independent and cannot be predicted or manipulated so that as a player, you can know with certainty that each spin brings you an equal chance of winning!

Paylines

When playing online pokies, the reels in most games are set with paylines. These are predetermined patterns or lines (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) upon which winning symbol combinations must land in order to trigger a payout. For example, Microgaming’s Mega Moolah features 25 paylines, while Book of Dead has 10.

Multipliers

A common feature of online pokies are multipliers. Depending on the game, multipliers may pop up during the base game or only during bonus rounds, and are a symbol or feature that multiplies your win. They can range from a 2x double up to a 16x multiplier in Dead or Alive 2. Truth be told, they can even go higher.

Bonus Features

In most online pokies, bonus features play off the storyline or theme and launch a distinctive side game that engages players, not to mention they often offer the biggest winning potential in the game.

Free Spins

Online pokie free spins are complimentary spins awarded to players, and as such, they don’t impact their bankroll or credits. Each pokie has its own rules and variations for launching free spins, including retriggering ability. But, no matter if you hit 10 free spins or win 100, they are always thrilling, particularly when a substantial batch of them leads to big wins.

Autoplay

In the controls of every online pokie, there are a few extras. One of them is Autoplay, which lets players sit back and relax while setting a predetermined number of spins to continue to roll without manually clicking ~ essentially a hands-off option. When using Autoplay, note that many online pokies have features attached to ensure you’re gambling responsibly. These can include stops at certain win or loss thresholds, or when a particular bankroll goal is reached.

Netent

With two decades of iGaming experience, NetEnt is a premier supplier of online pokies. Founded in 1996, it has 20+ years of experience creating multi-platform games including hits like Dead of Alive. Fun fact, NetEnt was founded by Pontus Lindwall, whose father was Sweden’s largest restaurant casino operator and his mother was a croupier, so gambling is clearly in his bloodline.

Red Tiger

Since 2014, Red Tiger has been a staple on the iGaming scene, focused on creating a diverse portfolio of online pokies. From the Arabian-themed 10,001 Nights to Tiki Fruits, they cover every theme and genre under the iGaming sun with creativity, ingenuity, and feature-filled thrilling entertainment.

Microgaming

Microgaming is a powerhouse in the iGaming industry. A true trailblazer that boasts a long list of achievements since their inception in 1994. Credited with creating the first online casino software, they also hold the current record for the largest progressive jackpot won online, and their payouts to date exceed $18 Million. Dipping into the reels of any online pokie games is sure to impress, especially if you try their signature hits like any Megaways or richly themed games like Emperor of the Sea or the popular and jackpot heavy, Queen of Alexandria WowPot!.

Push Gaming

Since 2010, Push Gaming has developed a large collection of online pokies riddled with features, modern mechanisms like cascading reels, and a mobile-first approach. Top games like

Tiki Tumble and Jammin’ Jars and it’s sequel, Jammin’ Jars 2 captivate pokie players with their rich storylines, themes, and bonus features.

Play’n Go

Play’n Go started in 2005 and has since become a well-respected leader in the industry. Fun fact: they originally created custom games for other gaming companies before transitioning into developing their own content. Their portfolio includes visual stunners like the ever-popular Book of Dead and Legacy of Egypt.

Pragmatic Play

A leading game provider in the iGaming industry, known for its high-quality games filled with innovation, Pragmatic Play has built a solid reputation since 2015. From online pokies to live casino action, Pragmatic Play offers engaging, immersive online pokies including global sensations like Buffalo King, the character-driven adventure series of John Hunter & the Tomb of the Scarab Queen or immerse yourself in the mythological Greek era with Gates of Olympus

Playson

Playson is a prominent iGaming developer of online casino games. Since 2012, they’ve built an impressive and engaging portfolio of pokie hits like Legend of Cleopatra Megaways and

Solar Temple. Their online pokies are visually stunning and feature thrilling winning opportunities for players of all levels.

Yggdrasil

Founded in 2013, Yggdrasil has quickly risen to the top and become an eminent resident of the iGaming scene. Stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and proprietary mechanics that ensure seamless gameplay across mobile and desktop fall under their reign. Whether you fancy the ancient Egypt genre, space, or anything in between, they’ve covered it with hits like Vikings go Berzerk and Valley of the Gods .

With so much going on in online pokies, it’s great to have a glossary so you know what to look for or expect when you come across special bonuses, features, and engaging qualities. Let’s get into some pokie terminology.

All Ways - All Ways pokies do not limit wins to symbols landing adjacently on vertical, horizontal, or diagonal paylines, but can involve specific patterns or directions for more winning opportunities. Megaways pokies for example, can generate up to 117,649 ways to win!

Bonus Feature - An extra, side game or bonus round that’s triggered by landing specific symbols, combinations, or unique conditions. Once launched, the entertainment factor and payouts usually both spike, offering larger cash prizes, free spins, and even jackpots.

Cardies - People who enjoy playing card games are often referred to as cardies.

Coins - Units of currency used for betting that represent the value of each wager. Some pokie machines require players to insert coins, and as the currency of the pokie machine, will also payout winnings in coins.

Double Up - A feature that allows players to potentially double their winnings by correctly guessing the outcome of a chosen event or by making a specific choice, but an incorrect guess results in losing the initial winnings. Commonly, the choice is quite simply to guess if a card will turn over red or black.

Expanding Wild - A special symbol that expands to fill an entire reel, which results in increased winning opportunities.

Gamble - Offers players a chance to increase winnings by guessing outcomes or making choices, but a wrong guess can result in losing the initial winnings. A common gamble is guessing the colour or suit of a playing card about to be revealed.

Hits - When playing pokies, ‘hits’ refers to instances when a player achieves a winning outcome or lands on the jackpot slots a winning combination. Hence, ‘I’ve HIT the jackpot!’.

Hopper - The area of a pokie machine that stores and dispenses coins or tokens.

Max Bet - The highest amount a player can wager on a single spin.

Multiplier - A special feature or symbol that multiplies winnings. Often 2x, 10x, 100x or higher.

Pay Table - A display chart or tab that provides rules and information about the pokie’s symbols and combinations required for a win, along with their corresponding payouts.

Payout Percentage - Also known as the ‘return to player’ (RTP), it’s the percentage of total bets that a pokie machine or casino game is expected to pay out to players over time (yes, think long term).

Poker Machines - Electronic gambling machines with spinning reels or video display, where players place bets in the hopes of winning, based on combinations of displayed symbols.

Progressive Contribution - The portion of each bet that goes towards increasing and building the progressive jackpot. A small percentage of each wager placed on a full progressive jackpot games or pokie machine is added to the overall progressive jackpot, gradually increasing its value until it is won.

Progressive Jackpot - A continuously growing prize pool in a pokie machine or casino game, where the jackpot amount increases with each wager until it is won by a lucky player.

Random Feature - A feature that adds surprise and excitement as it can trigger any time, without any specific symbol or matching symbol combination.

Random Jackpot - An exciting jackpot that can be won at any time, on any spin, without any specific trigger requirement.

Random Number Generator (RNG) - Generates unpredictable and random outcomes, so that each spin of an online pokie machine is independent of the other, ensuring fairness and unbiased results.

Re-Spin - A specific reel spins again while others remain locked in place, in hopes of improving the outcome of the spin.

Reels - A pokie machine’s vertical sections that contain various symbols.

RTP - Stands for ‘return to player’ and refers to the percentage of wagered money that a pokie machine or casino game is designed to pay back to players over time. Keep in mind this is a long-term average that gives players an indication of their expected return as winnings (see Payout Percentage).

Scatter - A symbol that typically can appear anywhere on the reels. Depending on the pokie machine’s specific rules, landing multiple scatters often garners cash prize wins, free spins, or triggers a bonus feature round.

Slap - A winning gambling result that’s a favourable player experience.

Stacked Wild - Special symbols that lock into place and stay locked for several spins, boosting winning potential by substituting for other symbols in the game.

Sticky Wild - Special symbols that stick in place for multiple spins, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations by substituting for other symbols.

Symbols - Various images and icons that appear on the reels, usually in tune with the pokie machine’s theme and genre, such as fruits.

TITO - Stands for ‘ticket in, ticket out’ and is a more modern version of pokie machine currency that replaces the need for coins. Paper tickets are printed out by machines at the end of a gamer’s session and can be exchanged at the Cashier for cash or used on another pokie machine or casino table.

Trailing Wild - Special symbols that leave a trail or path of wild symbols in their wake as they move across the reels, further increasing winning potential on a single spin.

Video Poker - Combines elements and entertainment of traditional poker and pokie machines. Players need to create a top poker ranking hand in a round or two, and are rewarded with a corresponding payout on the game’s pay table.

Ways - The number of possible winning combinations available. Megaways pokie machines for example can host up to 117,649 ways to win.

Wild Multiplier - A special symbol in pokie machines that acts as a wild and also multiplies associated winnings.

Wild Symbol - A special symbol that can substitute for other symbols to help create winning combinations.

Mobile pokies are designed for smartphones and tablets, so players like you can catch the thrill and excitement of pokie machines anytime, anywhere. There are two main ways to access your favourite pokies while on a mobile device, be it an Android or iOS (iPhone or iPad).

Mobile Pokie Apps are free, downloadable applications designed specifically for mobile devices. Once downloaded, similar to other apps you’ve got on your mobile device, a click is all you need to immediately launch the app and open a world of online pokies, casino games, and betting.

LeoVegas New Zealand can be downloaded in the Google Play store [here] and the Apple App Store [here]. And with the LeoVegas mobile-first approach, you can bet your experience will be seamless and feature optimized graphics and smooth gameplay throughout.

Another mobile option is to play online pokies on a mobile browser. Quite simply, it requires no additional downloading or installation of apps, and gives you access to online pokies and betting games through any internet browser. Even though you’re not playing via an app, the games will still be optimized for smaller screens and you’ll enjoy a similar, enhanced gaming experience.

Both mobile pokies apps and mobile browser pokies offer a similar range of games and features, but the choice between the two really comes down to personal preference and convenience.

Online Pokies FAQ

At the time of writing, the last two biggest jackpots from online pokies have come out of Mega Moolah games, with the most recent one awarding £18.9m, which equates to around $38.5 million in New Zealand dollars. Can you imagine?

There’s no universal ‘better’ option. Personal preference, the particular pokie you’re playing (what bets are needed for its biggest wins), and your personal budget all come into play when making this decision. Just now that betting bigger never guarantees bigger wins!

This really depends on the pokie machine you’ve chosen to play. Each pokie machine has its own pay table and set of rules pertaining to what symbols launch bonus rounds and jackpots. Pokies for the most part, payout when a certain combination of symbols is achieved. For example, matching a minimum of three symbols on a pay line often garners a winning result, but wilds, special features, and bonus rounds can also be triggered with extenuating pay out circumstances!

Yes, and we sure hope you do! Playing online pokies on your mobile is a lot of fun and gives you the freedom to enjoy your favourite pokies from anywhere you want to be. On a bus ride with extra time? Waiting for a job interview? Or simply sitting at home but kicking back without a mega screen in front of you. Mobile pokies are seamlessly integrated into LeoVegas New Zealand gameplay.

Well, this is a loaded question! Pokies are a pure game of chance. But, there are a few gambling tips that can help you make the most of your pokie session; choose a pokie machine that works best for you, use RTP information, and have a look into how each pokie’s largest payouts are achieved. But all in all, there is no secret sauce to pokie winning magic!

This really comes down to personal preference. Many online pokie fans enjoy the retro vibe of classic fruity online slots too, while others like a good showdown of features and to be launched into a bonus round that incorporates all the modern twists, pay lines and engaging fun! So, think about what drives you to play ~ that building progressive jackpot? Bonus rounds? Or clean, classic fun? We have it all in our LeoVegas New Zealand online pokie library!

Well, for starters, online pokies give you access to all your favourite games, casino action, and betting from anywhere. That’s a whole lot of convenience wrapped up into a small mobile device. Plus, since mobile browsers and apps aren’t confined to a brick & mortar space, they usually offer a wider variety of games and are much quicker to launch the latest and greatest titles.

So many factors, where to begin? We’ve talked about random number generators (RNGs) and it's this backend mechanic that ensures every single spin is fair and independent of each other. For this reason, any musings of better times to play in regards to winning, are nonsensical. But, if you are a player who enjoys getting a bigger bang for your buck and taking advantage of bonuses and offers, then keep an eye on your ‘My Offers’ page for bonuses that give you extras for depositing, as well as the Promotions page which may, from time to time, offer special deals when playing during certain times.

The history of pokies is up for debate, but some say the very first slot machine was created back in 1895 in San Francisco by Charles Fey. Mechanical spinning reels were its signature feature complete with various symbols and card suited imagery.

Gambling has always been part of Kiwi life with a heavy history in horse betting that dates back to 1835. Pokies hit New Zealand in 1987, in hotels, bars and via charitable foundations and in the late 1990s via online casinos. They’ve continued to flourish in the gambling scene in six brick & mortar casinos that first began opening in 1994 and are available online at casinos like LeoVegas New Zealand.