How to find the best casino games in NZ

With the rise of online casinos, players can now enjoy their favourite games wherever they are, and the history of online casinos is quite a story in and of itself! In New Zealand, whether you prefer classic table games like blackjack and roulette, or modern video slots with exciting bonus features, you’ll probably find it somewhere in one of those top online casinos!

You can enjoy a wide range of casino games for real money – from popular titles like Mega Moolah and Starburst, to lesser-known games with unique themes and features, you’ll probably never run out of great titles. It should go without saying, but it’s important to always gamble responsibly and within your means. We’ll cover how you can make use of a casino’s Responsible Gambling tools too, to make sure you can keep your limits in check.

How we rate casino games

At casinogames.nz, we rate and evaluate casino games based on several criteria:

1. The return to player (RTP) percentage
2. The max win potential
3. The entertainment factor
4. The bonus game/free spins feature

The games with the highest RTP, good potential for big wins, and entertaining gameplay are given the highest scores. A high RTP indicates that the game is more likely to provide payouts in the long run, while the maximum win potential gives an idea of the game’s potential payout. The entertainment factor is subjective – it’s just how much fun a game can be! Factors such as graphics, sound effects, and gameplay mechanics all play into this. Lastly, the bonus game/free spins feature is super important, as it tells us if we can expect to boost any wins.

Types of Casino Games

There are three main types of casino games in New Zealand: Table Games, Slot Machines (Pokies), and Video Poker. Each of these categories has its own unique set of games and rules.

Table Games

Table games are the quintessential casino game that you’ll find at most casinos around the world. They are played – as you might have guessed – on a table, and involve a dealer and usually other players. Some of the most popular table games you’ll find in New Zealand include:

• Blackjack: a card game where players try to get a hand of cards that is as close to 21 as possible without going over.
• Roulette: a game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.
• Baccarat: a card game where players bet on the outcome of a game between the player and the banker.

Pokies or Slot Games

Slot machines, also known as online pokies in New Zealand, are the most popular type of casino game when it comes to playing online. They are easy to play and offer the chance to win big jackpots as well as offering a different style of gameplay for each title. Some of the most popular online pokies in New Zealand include:

• Mega Moolah: a progressive jackpot slot machine that has paid out millions of dollars to lucky players.
• Starburst: a popular slot with bright, colourful graphics and simple gameplay.
• Gonzo’s Quest: a slot with an adventure theme that takes players on a journey through the jungle.
• Money train 3: an exciting game from Relax Gaming.
• Sweet Bonanza: a very popular game with a candy theme.
• Money Train 4: the final instalment of the popular Money Train series.

Video Poker

Video poker brings you all the convenience of an online casino game – snazzy graphics and quick gameplay – combined with the careful gameplay that Poker requires. Just like in a regular poker game you’re dealt a hand of cards, and the goal is to make the best possible poker hand. The only difference is that there isn’t a live dealer. Some of the most popular video poker games in New Zealand include:

• Jacks or Better: a video poker game where players need to get a pair of jacks or better to win.
• Deuces Wild: a video poker game where all the 2s (deuces) are wild and can be used to create winning hands.
• Joker Poker: a video poker game where a joker card is added to the deck, making it easier to create winning hands.

Live Casino Games

Live casino games offer an immersive and interactive experience, whether it’s a table game with a live dealer or an exciting spin the wheel game, or competitive game against other players. Top live casinos such as Leovegas provide a wide variety of live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker. These games feature professional dealers and high-quality streaming, allowing players to feel like they are in a real casino without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Live Dealer Games

In Live Dealer games, table games are played by a real dealer with the online players. Players can expect to find professional dealers, interactive features such as live chat, and an ambience designed to make you feel just like it’s the real thing. Some of the best online casinos in New Zealand offer exclusive promotions and bonuses tailored specifically for live dealer games, making your live gameplay just that little bit more exciting as you can use free plays, bonus funds, and more.

Popular Casino Games in NZ

The casino games New Zealand loves the most are Blackjack, Roulette, and Pokies. But what makes them so appealing to players in NZ?

Blackjack

As one of the most popular games in both land-based and online casinos, Blackjack is so popular in NZ as it’s a game that requires skill and strategy but which is simple to follow. The goal of Blackjack is to get a hand that is worth more than the dealer’s without going over 21. Many online casinos in NZ offer different variations of Blackjack, such as European Blackjack and Atlantic City Blackjack, so although the gameplay at its core the same, it’s a slightly different game each time.

Roulette

Roulette involves a spinning wheel with numbered red and black slots and a ball that is dropped onto the wheel. Players can bet on where the ball will land, and if they guess correctly, they win. Betting in red or black is an easy way to get into it, but players wanting to try their chances will bet on other things such as odds or evens, or a particular number.

Roulette is so popular in NZ because it’s a game of chance that requires no particular skill or strategy, so it’s really easy to play even for newcomers. Many online casinos in NZ offer different variations of Roulette, such as American Roulette and French Roulette, for a different style of gameplay.

Pokies

Pokies, also known as slot machines, are perhaps the most popular casino game in NZ. These games involve spinning reels with various symbols on them, and players can win by getting matching symbols on a payline. Pokies are easy to play, and can have really low buy-ins, making them appealing to players of all levels.

One of the reasons why Pokies are so popular in NZ is that they offer the chance to win big with just a small bet, given the chance for bonuses and symbols like multipliers. Many online casinos in NZ offer progressive jackpot pokies, which means that the jackpot increases every time someone plays the game until the big drop lands in somebody’s winnings!To stay up to date with all our news surrounding pokies, check out our news section.

Playing Casino Games Online

If you want to play casino games NZ, there are two main options available: land-based casinos and online casinos. There are advantages and differences between playing casino games online, and land-based casinos – so you can pick whichever you prefer.

Online Casino Games vs. Land-Based Casino Games

One of the biggest differences between online and land-based casinos is convenience. With online casinos, you can play your favourite games from the comfort of your own home, without having to travel to a physical casino. 

Another advantage of online casinos is the variety of games available. Online casinos offer a wider selection of games than land-based casinos, including popular titles like slots, blackjack, and roulette which might not be available in your closest casino. Additionally, online casinos often have more variations of these games, with different game themes and gameplay styles.

The only thing that most online casinos can’t replicate is the social aspect of land-based casinos. In a physical casino, you can interact with other players and dealers, which isn’t really possible in most online settings. Online casinos try to replicate this experience with live dealer games, but it’s not quite the same. Social casinos fill this gap. For example, Spinz Casino has live streamers streaming 24/7 and you can chat and interact with them as they play as well as join in on their social media platforms. You can win free spins and other cool stuff if they get big wins – letting you join in on the fun!

Online casinos often offer bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses and free spins, which you wouldn’t normally get in a land-based casino. These can help you maximize your winnings and extend your playing time.

Like the cherry on top, online casinos often have lower minimum bets than land-based casinos, making them more accessible to players who want to better control their game limits.

Best Odds Online Casino Games

Online slots are incredibly popular and offer a wide variety of games to choose from, with different themes, RTPs, and gameplay features. The odds of you winning are often determined by the RNG – Random Number Generator – that runs the mechanics behind the game. This determines the RTP (return to player) of each game, which is how much you could theoretically take home over a long theoretical period of time.

One of the best online slots with the best odds is Mega Joker. This classic slot game has an RTP of 99%, which is incredibly high. Another great slot game with good odds is Blood Suckers, which has an RTP of 98%. Other online slots with good odds include Starburst, Jack Hammer 2, and Gonzo’s Quest.

Best Odds Table Games

Table games are another popular choice for casino players. Blackjack is one of the best table games with the best odds. As the house edge for blackjack is only around 0.5%, this means that players have a better chance of making a good return than in other table games.

Baccarat is another table game with favourable odds. The banker’s hand wins around 51% of the time, making it one of the best casino games to win money if you appreciate a more-or-less even chance. Craps is also a good choice for players looking for good odds, as the house edge for craps is only around 1.4%.

New Online Pokies

Online pokies – slot games – are constantly evolving, with new games being released regularly by top software providers. These new games offer exciting features, modern graphics, and unique themes to keep players engaged and entertained. Some of the top software providers in the industry release new games on a regular basis, including:

• Pragmatic Play, 
• Hacksaw Gaming, 
• NoLimit City, 
• Betsoft 

Some other great game providers which regularly release new titles are WMS, Merkur, Novomatic, Big Time Gaming, Quickspin, and NetEnt. 

Choosing the Right Online Casino

When choosing an online casino to play casino games for real money, it’s important to make sure it’s a good one to spend at! Look for a casino that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. You can also check reviews from other players to see what the experience of other players was like.

Other factors to consider include the game selection, bonuses and promotions, and payment options. Make sure the casino offers your favourite games and has a variety of safe payment options available, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

Play Slots For Free Online

If you’re looking to play slots for free online, you’re in luck! In all our casino game reviews we include the demo game which you can play for free. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, it’s always a good idea to try the games, play around and see if the bonus game is any good before playing with real money. 

Many online casinos offer free play options as well as a way to let new players figure out if it’s the right casino for them. With so many high-quality games available, from classic 3-reel slots to cutting-edge video slots with immersive graphics and exciting bonus features, there’s never been a better time to play free online slots.

Mobile Casino Experience

The mobile experience at the best online casinos in New Zealand is focused on providing responsive design, user-friendly navigation, and fast load times. Players can also expect to find the same range of promotions, bonuses, and payment options available on mobile as on the desktop platforms.

In our experience, we’ve found that the best mobile casinos provide a seamless gaming experience, with a wide range of games available. Players can expect top-notch graphics and flawless performance on mobile devices, regardless of whether they are using iOS or Android phones. For example, one operator we like is JackpotCity which offers an impressive selection of over 300 online slots. 

Tips for Playing Casino Games

When playing casino games, there are a few tips that can help you improve your chances of a positive casino experience. The three important things to keep in mind when playing casino games are: bankroll management, understanding the rules, and playing with a strategy.

Bankroll Management

One of the most important things to keep in mind when playing casino games is bankroll management. This means that you should set aside a certain amount of money for gambling and stick to it. It’s essential to never gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose.

To manage your bankroll effectively, you should set a budget for each session and divide it into smaller bets. For example, if you have a budget of $100, you could divide it into 10 bets of $10 each to make it more manageable.

You can also take advantage of the limit tools at the casino itself, such as deposit and loss limits, which will prevent you from playing with or losing too much money.

Understanding the Rules

Before you start playing any casino game, it’s crucial to understand the rules. Each game has its own set of rules, and if you don’t know them, you might be playing at a disadvantage.

Take the time to read the rules of the game you want to play carefully. You can also watch others play the game to get a better understanding of how it works. If you’re playing online casino games, most casinos offer free play options that allow you to practice without risking any money.

Playing with a Strategy

Playing with a strategy is another important aspect of playing casino games. There are many different strategies for different games, and you should choose one that works best for you.

For example, in blackjack, you can use a basic strategy that tells you when to hit, stand, double down, or split. In roulette, you can use a betting strategy that involves placing bets on certain numbers or sections of the table. However at the end of the day, the most important part of casino gameplay is to have fun – so pick whichever strategy you enjoy the most!

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message and we’ll reply as fast as we can. Here are some of the most common questions we get sent to us.