Kiwis Turn to Online Pokies
With changing times, Kiwis have accepted the new technology and switched to online pokies. Though there are six land casinos in New Zealand, online pokies are now the choice of many Kiwi punters. Lately, even land-based Sky City went online to offer Kiwis online pokies. Interestingly whilst land base pokie vendors are starting to see reductions in spending, it doesn’t mean we Kiwis are becoming tight with our money, no it actually means we are simply spending at the online pokies. That’s right, many people are starting to find and enjoy online pokies and spending their money at online casinos instead of at their local.
There are many reasons for choosing to play online but the biggest reasons are the fact that online casinos carry many hundreds of different games to choose from, you get more value for money, and more importantly, is the fact that you get to play these pokies from the comfort of your own home. Reasons are genuine and simple:
- The latest COVID times have brought a serious change the way pokies are to be played
- There is a continuous rise in online casinos as the ways and means to access the pokies are at large now over the internet
- Online casinos are cheaper than land casinos
- Every Kiwi has access to WIFI or internet zone where to play pokies right at your own house or office is more convenient choice
- There are a variety of choices when it comes to online gaming and gambling
- Online casinos offer awesome bonus offers where Kiwis love to grab them and increase their bankroll
- The deposit options at online sites are NZ friendly
- Online pokies are also free to play games that doesn’t require any real dollar to spin the reel
- You can withdraw your wins at once on real money online pokies
- You can play online pokies on your mobile or PC or tablet or even on smartwatch and TVs.
- Finally, there is 24/7 help support for Kiwi punters in case they arise an issue in playing games.
The current scenario of online gambling in New Zealand
As more New Zealanders pour money into overseas casino websites and betting agencies – an incredible $381 million through offshore operators in the past 18 months – the Government has announced it wants to review the 2003 Gambling Act to make sure it keeps up with technological changes.
On 31 July, the Department of Internal Affairs released a discussion document suggesting four options for reform. But critics say it is more focused on what’s good for the economy, than reducing harm from gambling. Indeed, three of the options leads to more gambling products that are directly available to New Zealanders. The fourth proposes retaining the status quo.
Lottoa and TAB are legal
Right now, Lotto and the TAB are the only legal online gambling providers. The first of the government’s three reform options would allow either to offer more online gambling products, such as an online casino, to persuade gamblers to return to the New Zealand market.
Also the government would allow international operators, with sites like Mega Moolah, for instance, to apply for New Zealand licenses. The DIA admits it would probably rely on “voluntary compliance”, but says “increased international competition would ensure New Zealanders were offered good betting odds and promotions”.
Big Revenue from gambling
The value of international online gambling will grow more than double between 2017 and 2024, while in New Zealand, the prevalence of online gambling is mushrooming. Last year, Lotto attracted new customers by introducing online scratchies and Texas Hold’em poker, while in January, the TAB unveiled a platform that included a raft of new betting options, and features like “Cashout” and more live streaming.
In its most recent financial report, the NZ Racing Board, which operates the TAB, said its digital channels now make up 60 percent of its betting turnover. Its mobile app is the fastest-growing “customer touch point” – up 59 percent, or $47.2m, in a year. Its annual report boasted advertising campaigns had led to almost 80,000 first-time bettors.
How to choose the best online casino to play online pokies in NZ?
This question is what every Kiwi should ask themselves to protect themselves from irresponsible pokies play. On the safe side to play in a secure environment is more appropriate for Kiwi punters. Here is what you should rely upon when playing online pokies in NZ:
Choose the online casino to play online pokies that are popular in the New Zealand market. This is important because if many people are playing a particular game, it implies that it has many good things to offer the reason why gamers keep going back to play. So the casino’s popularity is a must. Better read the casino reviews and make a decision wise to play pokies online.
1. Does it accept NZ punters?
Find whether the online pokies you wish to play can easily access in a majority if not all of the pokie casinos. This also means does the online casino accepts NZ punters to play pokies. Suppose you join a US online casino that doesn’t allow you to play pokies in real NZD but in other currency maybe USD, you will be at a greater loss in terms of conversion fees to play real money pokies. Also you won’t be get full customer support because you are not eligible to play the pokies at that particular casino.
2. List of Casino Games
Look at the casino games and pokies available at the online portal. No one wants to play a boring pok4ie. You have to select the games that have been designed to give players maximum satisfaction. So look at all aspects of the game including theme, graphics, payouts, soundtracks, gameplay, and extra features among others to ensure the best of the crème de la crème of online pokies.
3. Look for Bonus features
Bonus features are some of the most important features of online pokies. They add spice to the games and also increase your chances of winning. For this reason, you need to go for pokies with outstanding bonus features so that you can take advantage of them to the fullest.
Remember some pokies that will only end up wasting your time. Regardless of how much effort, time, and other resources you put in, you will only end up in tears. To avoid such frustrations, you will only find pokies with high RTP on sites. These will give you a fair chance of walking away with decent payouts.
Online pokies for Kiwis
There are various online pokies for Kiwis at online casinos. Here are a few popular types of pokies to play with real NZD or play for free.
3-Reel Pokies: 3-reel pokies are the most basic version of online pokies. Like the original one-armed bandit machines, 3-reel pokies only have three reels, smaller bonus games, and very few active paylines. These pokies usually make up for their lack of features with BIG jackpots. Examples of such pokies are:
- Bar Black Sheep
- Break da Bank
- Jurassic Jackpot
5-Reel Pokies: These are the most commonly enjoyed version of online pokie games in the world. 5-reel pokies offer massive jackpots, tons of fun bonus games, multiple active paylines, and stunning sound and visual design. Examples of such pokies are:
- Jungle Jim – El Dorado
- Hot As Hades
- Game of Thrones
Progressive Jackpot 5-Reel Pokies: These pokies are a great way to win some massive jackpots. Progressive jackpots increase the more the game is played. The money is accumulated into a massive pot, and any player can win. The total jackpot can however only be won when making a Max Bet in most cases. Examples of such pokies are:
- Mega Moolah Isis
- Tunzamunni
- Treasure Nile
Virtual reality (VR) online casinos and online pokies are the future of online gaming. Some of the biggest developers, like Microgaming, are hard at work at VR online casino games using technology like Oculus Rift. Some enterprising developers are also taking advantage of mobile tech like Google Cardboard to develop VR casino games.
Free online pokies for Kiwis
You will find free online pokies for Kiwis are in abundance at online casinos. Free pokies are the best way for players to learn what pokies they like, be it 3-reel, 5-reel, or progressive jackpot pokies. Though progressive pokies are not offered free to play. Also live casino games with live dealers such as Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live poker, and other such games also require real NZD to play and are not free.
Many social casinos are free to play and can be easily played on mobile smartphones. These free social casinos offer hundreds of free pokies to play and win virtual credits to play more.
Finally, choose a pokie that fits your playing style. Plan a budget and set a limit. Know the pokies game rules. Read the terms and conditions when grabbing the bonus offer at online casinos. Always play at legit online casino which is licensed and regulated by a gambling commission.
