Pokie Machine Payouts in NZ: Understanding RTP and Your Odds

March 4, 2026August 25, 2026 Mamta Sharma

What Percentage do Pokies Payout? — What percentage of pokies payout?

Pokies are the most popular machines at both online and land casinos. Every player wants to know how much the pokies game will pay back to the player.

Currently, online casinos operating in New Zealand must be based offshore. However, new regulations are being discussed to introduce a licensing system for online gambling, potentially changing this in 2026.

87% RTP is the minimum legal requirement that is mandatory for casinos to have. However, our observation revealed that casinos generally have a minimum RTP of 96% or more. Here’s a list of the most played pokies with their RTPs.

Game Name	Provider	RTP
Thunderstruck II	Microgaming	96.65%
Mega Moolah	Microgaming	88.12%
Avalon II	Microgaming	97.00%
Starburst	NetEnt	96.09%
Book of Dead	Play’n GO	96.21%

In this list, except Mega Moolah, every pokie has 96 and more, but Mega Moolah is a progressive jackpot game; hence, the RTP is also progressive.

You might have heard that pokies can never pay 100%, which is not a complete truth. Pokies have the capability to pay 100%; it completely depends on your luck. But this does not also mean that you’ll indeed get paid. There is no way to win on the pokies consistently.

A player can win a jackpot or have a lucky streak, resulting in them getting back more than they wagered in that specific session.

Key Points About RTP:

Most online pokies in NZ have an RTP between 94% and 98%.
Higher RTP means better odds of winning in the long run.
Land-based casino pokies often have lower RTP than online pokies.

So, practically telling what percentage do pokies payout is a bit tough. However, certain measures must be kept in focus in order to know the pokies payout percentage.

In this guide

Understanding Payout Percentages

Payout percentage, also known as return to player (RTP), is a metric used in gambling to indicate the amount of money returned to players over time. It represents the percentage of total wagers a game or casino is expected to pay out to players as winnings.

Payout percentages are calculated by dividing the total winning amount by the total bet amount and expressing it as a percentage.

Importance of Payout Percentages for Players

Payout percentages are essential for players as they provide insight into a game or casino’s potential profitability. Higher payout percentages indicate that more bets are returned to players as winnings.

This information helps players decide which games or casinos to choose, as higher payout percentages increase the likelihood of winning and maximizing their gambling experience.

Check this out – How Often Do Pokies Payout?

What Percentage Do Pokies Payout?

Pokies, or slot machines or electronic gaming machines, are popular gambling entertainment in New Zealand. One common question among players is what percentage of the money wagered on pokies is paid out as winnings.

While the exact payout percentage can vary, regulations, industry standards, and best practices govern the minimum payout requirements for pokies in New Zealand.

The Gambling Act of 2003 in New Zealand specifies minimum payment standards for pokie machines. This means gamblers must get profits equal to 87% of the total bets made on poker machines over time. This is a minimal requirement; some machines or locations could have better payout rates.

The Gambling Act 2003 requires societies operating pokies to distribute a minimum of 40% of their proceeds to “authorised purposes” (community projects).

Although 87% is the minimum payout requirement, many pokie machines in New Zealand pay more than this amount. The nation’s gaming sector has embraced best practices and strives to provide better payout percentages to increase player happiness. Pokies with payout percentages between 96% and 98%, or even higher in some circumstances, are frequent.

Operators of gaming machines are obligated to show the payout percentage on the machines to maintain fairness and openness. This lets players choose which machines to play based on their preferences and prospective payout rates.

The Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand also oversees and audits the gaming sector to ensure it complies with rules on minimum payouts and other matters. Routine audits and inspections maintain the integrity of pokies, giving players a fair opportunity to win.

Game Type	Average RTP (Return to Player)	Payout Frequency	Notes
Pokies	90% – 96%	Frequent small wins	RTP varies by game and provider.
Progressive Jackpot	88% – 94%	Rare but large payouts	Lower base RTP due to jackpot contribution.
Table Games	95% – 99%	Moderate to high	Games like blackjack and baccarat have higher RTP than roulette.

How the Pokies’ RTPs are Determined?

RTPs are not calculated on the individual spins; in pokies, they are determined by how the symbols are positioned on the reels. The RTP refers to money gambled, not money put into the machine.

For example, if you put a $20 note in a machine and play at 20c per spin, you will get more than 100 spins as you get some wins.

The game payout percentages on poker machines are only determined by the symbol positions. They are not affected by any other aspect, including the money put into the machine.

All RTPs are less than 100%

A game’s RTP will never be reflected in individual gaming sessions. It would not be too entertaining if you always lost money when playing the pokies. In a gaming session, some players will win, some will lose, and some might break even.

One fact that cannot be avoided is that all pokie’s RTPs are less than 100%, which means that if you play for millions of spins, you are 100% guaranteed to lose all the money you put into the machine.

The manufacturers program the payback percentage into the machines, and some games adjust depending on how a casino wants its games set up.

If you find a casino banner boasting a 95% payback, it says, “A 95% RTP means that over a very long period, the machine is expected to return 95% of all the money wagered on it. It does not mean that every $100 you put in will return $95.”

Online and Land Casino Payout in Pokies

In New Zealand, pokie machines in pubs, clubs, and casinos are required to have a minimum payout of 87%. However, the average payout for all pokies is typically between 96% and 97%.

On average, the payout percentage for online poker is around 96%, 9% higher than the mandated pokies payout at casinos and pubs.

Of course, these higher payback rates do not guarantee you’ll win more online, but playing games with higher RTPs certainly may be advantageous. Over the long term, you should get more action for your money. Online games typically have higher RTPs than offline games.

Read more on Online Pokies vs. Real Pokies.

Calculation Of RTP

Number of credits won	Number of combinations
0	300.000
1-5	400.000
6-10	100.000
11-50	50.000
51-100	20.000
101-500	5.000
501-1.000	2.000
1.001 – 5.000	1.000
5.001 – 10.000	500
10.001 – 50.000	5
100.000	1
Total	878.526 combinations

How a Return to Player percentage is calculated

In this example, there are 878,526 possible outcomes or spins. There will be no winning combination in 34.1% of the spins (300,000/878,526).

In 45.5% of the spins, there will be a payout between 1 and 5 credits (400,000/878,526), etc. The jackpot of 100,000 credits will only occur once in every 878,525 spins on average.

The symbols you see on the screen match the result chosen by the RNG. For instance, one spin could win you 5x your stake with 5 lemons on a pay line.

The outcome of that particular spin is a win of 5x your stake. The screen displays 5 lemons on a pay line. The RNG result determines what symbols appear, not vice versa!

How Pokies Determine Outcomes

This process uses a Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG is the heart of every pokie. It determines which combination is picked. The RNG continuously generates random numbers. The RNG stops at a random number when you push the spin button. This number is paired with the result of the spin.

So, effectively, you are stopping the RNG yourself without knowing which number it will stop. This guarantees randomness and fairness, and you cannot affect the outcome of the RNG.

More on How Pokies Work.

Predicting Pokie Payouts

But how do you know when a pokie is going to pay out?

Unfortunately, you can’t. Pokies use random number generators (RNGs), meaning each spin is independent and unpredictable. However, if you want to increase your odds of getting more returns over time, play pokies with the highest possible RTP.

While a higher RTP doesn’t guarantee a win or predict when a payout will happen, it means the game theoretically returns more to players in the long run.

But because the RNG is random and cannot base future outcomes on past results, sometimes you will have many winning spins, and other times, you might have a larger number of losing spins.

The best way to play is to know that every spin is new and random. Do not chase losses; never think a pokie machine is due for a big jackpot. It just doesn’t work that way.

If you want to increase your odds of winning, play pokies with the highest possible RTP. Pokies from top gaming providers like NetEnt often have RTPs of around 97% or higher.

Transparency and Information for Players

Disclosure of Payout Percentages by Pokie Operators: Pokie operators should disclose the payout percentages of their games to promote transparency and provide essential information to players.

This disclosure helps players make informed decisions about their gambling activities and allows them to assess the potential returns on their wagers. Pokie operators should have clear policies and practices to ensure the accurate and timely disclosure of payout percentages.

Accessing Payout Percentage Information: Pokie operators should make payout percentage information accessible to players. This can be done through various means, such as displaying the information on the pokie machine itself, publishing it on the operator’s website, or making it available upon request. Clear instructions on how players can access the payout percentage information help foster transparency and trust.

Player Education and Awareness: Promoting player education and awareness is crucial to ensure players understand the significance of payout percentages and how they can impact their gambling experience. Operators should provide educational resources and information about payout percentages, explaining how they are calculated and their implications for players. This empowers players to make informed decisions and manage their gambling activities responsibly.

Factors That Impact Payout Percentage

Pokie machines, the payout percentage is influenced by various factors. Key factors affecting payout percentages:

The type of machine – Different pokie machines can have varying payout percentages. From classic mechanical reel machines to flashy video slots or electronic gaming machines, each has its payout dynamics. The machine’s design, mechanics, and programming play a role in determining the overall payout percentage.
The number of players—The number of players affects payout frequency. Pokie machines with a high player turnover tend to offer more frequent payouts. Why? A larger pool of wagers contributes to the payouts when a large crowd plays.
The amount of money wagered—The amount wagered affects payout frequency. The money wagered on a machine can sway its payout percentage. Machines that attract a higher volume of wagers often distribute more winnings. The machine accumulates funds to distribute as prizes as cash flows in. So, it’s no surprise that more money means a higher potential payout percentage.
Understanding Return to Player (RTP) – Return to Player (RTP) is a concept that reveals how a pokie machine will likely be. It represents the percentage of all wagered money the machine is expected to pay back to players over time and programmed to return some of the funds you put in. The RTP can vary across machines and is usually expressed as a percentage. So, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning.

Remember, these factors aren’t the only players in the payout game. The machine’s specific game rules, bonus features, and programmed algorithms also come into play. Additionally, keep in mind that individual results can wildly differ in the short term due to the random nature of pokie machines.

Learn More – Tips to Increase Odds of Winning

Comparison With Other Gambling Forms

Different casino games have varying RTPs (Return to Player) or house edges:

Pokies (Slots): RTP usually ranges from 87% to 98%. Progressive jackpot pokie like Mega Moolah has lower RTPs (around 88.12%) due to the jackpot contribution, while high-RTP games like Blood Suckers (98%) offer better long-term returns.
Blackjack: With the right strategy, blackjack can have an RTP of 99.5% or higher, depending on the house rules (e.g., number of decks, dealer stands or hits on soft 17).
Video Poker: Some versions, like Jacks or Better (9/6 paytable), offer RTPs up to 99.54% when played with optimal strategy.
Roulette: European Roulette (single zero) has an RTP of 97.3%, while American Roulette (double zero) drops to 94.74% due to the extra zero.
Craps: Some bets have a house edge as low as 0.5%, while riskier bets can have much worse odds.
Lottery: Payout percentages are much lower, often 50% or less, since a large portion of ticket sales goes toward prize pools and government funding. The odds of hitting a jackpot are extremely low, but the potential payouts are huge.
Sports Betting: The payout percentage varies depending on the bookmaker’s margin, generally falling between 90% and 95%. Skilled bettors who analyze odds and make smart bets can improve their chances.

Games like blackjack and video poker allow for strategic play, which can influence outcomes. Pokies and roulette, on the other hand, are purely luck-based. While choosing a high-RTP pokie can improve long-term returns, it doesn’t change the randomness of each spin.

Conclusion

In the pokies industry, the payout percentage is essential for players seeking the best returns on their wagers. While New Zealand sets a minimum payout requirement of 87% for pokie machines, the actual percentages can vary, with many machines exceeding this threshold.

The industry aims to provide higher payout percentages to enhance player satisfaction and attract more patrons.

Factors such as the type of machine, the number of players, and the amount of money wagered can all influence the payout percentage.

Understanding the concept of Return to Player (RTP) helps players understand potential returns. Players can increase their chances of winning by choosing machines with higher payout percentages, playing during peak times, wagering more strategically, and employing responsible gambling practices.