Slots, or pokies as it is called in New Zealand, have always been one of the most popular options for gambling. This is because these games of chance are generally quite easy to play, very entertaining and can be highly lucrative as luck can strike at any moment. These games also usually feature some massive jackpot opportunities, especially progressive pokies that feature a life-changing jackpot that often goes into the millions. There isn’t much difference between online pokies and regular pokie machines, which has been a regular fixture in the New Zealand entertainment scene since the mid-90s.
When playing pokies in New Zealand, Kiwis have plenty of options. The country boasts six land-based casinos as well as many pubs, clubs, and bars offering pokie machines. However, since the growth of the Internet, online gaming has become the favoured route for gambling in the country. This is because players can access a wealth of gaming opportunities directly from the comfort of their home, including online pokies, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, video poker and more.
However, due to the complicated status of online gambling in New Zealand, many online casinos such as Ruby Fortune, for example, cater to the online pokies market as these games are easy to play and develop, enjoy fast payouts, are mobile friendly, and boast plenty of extra features to amaze and intrigue players.
One of the main contributing factors to the popularity of pokies in New Zealand is that it is easy to play, does not require any strategy and is ideal for all skill levels. Many of the top software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt and Play n Go dedicate a large amount and time, money, effort and resources into creating exciting and thrilling online pokies, which can range from 3D pokies, progressive pokies, gamification pokies and even VR pokies, which is becoming a popular trend these days. Land on almost any online casino and you will find a large selection of online pokies, so variety and accessibility is never a problem.
The first thing you need to do is choose a pokie game, which is probably the most difficult thing you will have to do while playing these games. Most pokies play out exactly the same way and the instructions are usually straightforward and simple. Players are usually required to either download the game’s software, although these days many games are available to play directly from your web browser, making things even more convenient. This software should be available to download for free.
Once you are all set up, you will be taken to a screen where you must adjust your bets for the most rewarding gameplay. Players can usually set their coin range and the number of lines they wish to play, although this may change by game. There are also options like Auto Play, where you can automatically play a certain number of lines without interruption, Bet Max, for the maximum possible bet on all lines, or Gamble, which allows you to gamble your wins for double or even quadruple the rewards. Once you are ready, you must press ‘Spin’ or ‘Start’ and the game will begin. The concept of pokie games is simple – land three matching symbols on an active payline for a win.
These days, software providers are not known to keep things simple in terms of themes, features, and graphics, and instead of the classic three reel fruit machines of the past, these modern video pokies offer players a thrilling experience of note. Many of these games boast exotic backstories, realistic graphics and sound effects, unique and inspiring themes and some lucrative and innovative features that all improve your winning potential. Due to the interactive and, most important, rewarding nature of pokies as well as its accessibility, these games have attracted both new and seasoned players and will likely continue its reign as most popular casino game in New Zealand for a long time.
