Pokies and Slots NZ

Classic Slots

Classic pokies are the simplest type of online slots because their design is based on traditional slot machines. These slots typically have a three-by-three reel setup, meaning they have three reels with three rows each. To pay homage to their slot machine roots, a classic online pokies game will typically feature classic symbols like fruits, lucky sevens, and gold bars. They also have fewer special features, typically sticking to well-known ones like free spins bonus and wild symbols.

Video Slots

Video pokies are the more modern versions of the classic slot games. They are usually five-reel slots and are more diverse in terms of their theme, symbols, and game mechanics. Video slots are also characterized by significantly improved graphics and animations. This allows them to deliver a gaming experience that is more immersive compared to classic online slot games. Video slots typically incorporate modern storytelling elements into their design. They often have interesting themes and innovative concepts to make them a lot more interesting. Video pokies also include extra features like bonus rounds and scatter symbols.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpot slots are online pokies offering large payouts due to a cumulative jackpot that players can win as they play. In addition to the regular payout from forming winning patterns, the bets in a progressive slot contribute towards a large jackpot that can be triggered randomly or after fulfilling a specific condition. Progressive jackpot pokies can be standalone, local, or connected across multiple online gaming sites. For networked progressive pokies, the prize pool increases as more people play the game and will reset after the jackpot is won. The most popular online pokies with progressive jackpots offer huge payouts because there are more people playing them.

3D Slots

3D slots are the most advanced type of video slots in terms of design. This type of slot is characterized by immersive three-dimensional graphics with rich visual details and animations. 3D slots also tend to feature interesting storylines or narratives with characters that players can interact with for a more immersive experience.

Megaways Slots

These are slots that feature a Megaways mechanic. Pioneered by online slot provider Big Time Gaming, these types of slots are characterized by an increased number of reels and game symbols, leading to more ways to form a winning combination. Megaway slots typically offer up to 117,649 winning ways. However, several slots in this category go even higher.

Mobile Pokies

This refers to an online pokies game that has been optimized for mobile devices. Mobile pokies are designed to be responsive, meaning their graphics and gameplay elements adapt to different screen sizes. This makes them playable on devices with smaller screens such as mobile phones. The best online pokies have this type of responsive design, which makes them easily accessible to players.

How to Choose the Right Slot

The slot game category is typically the largest in any online casino. Some New Zealand online pokies sites have up to 7,000 slot games, which leaves players spoilt for choice. Although having options is good, choosing the most enjoyable and profitable slot machine can be tricky especially when there are so many options. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can consider to help you select the best slot games to play.

Check Out the Slot Provider

The software provider behind a game can give you an idea of what to expect when you start playing. Most providers have a signature set of features, game layout, and mechanics. These factors contribute to the overall experience of a slot game. Therefore, knowing the software provider can help you determine if the slot is right for you or not.

Consider the Theme

These days, slots offer the same set of features and bonuses. The only way developers can make their slots stand out is to explore different themes and designs. You’ll find slots covering every theme imaginable from TV shows to ancient history, aliens, and so on.

Although the theme barely has any impact on gameplay, it can influence how much you’ll enjoy playing the game. Modern slot providers try to deliver the best interpretation of any theme they’re covering with detailed animations, realistic graphics, and immersive sound effects. Picking a slot with a theme that aligns with your interests and preferences can definitely make your gaming session a lot more enjoyable.

Game Mechanics

This refers to basic game elements such as the reel configuration, the number of paylines, and how winning combinations are formed. The game mechanics will impact how often you land winning patterns. The number and value of the symbols will also determine how big the potential payouts will be. Most slots have a maximum payout, which is the highest amount you can earn in a single spin. This will give you an idea of how profitable the slot will be. This way you can determine whether or not it’s worth your time.

RTP

The return-to-player rate (RTP) is a percentage value that indicates how much a slot game pays out on average over time. This is an important criterion for choosing slot games because it determines the percentage of wagered money that the slot game pays back to players over time.

For instance, if a slot’s RTP is 96%, it means the game pays back $96 for every $100 spent by players over time. Note that this payout percentage is a theoretical value. In real life, you will not necessarily win $96 for every $100 spent on a slot. However, over a large number of spins, you can expect to get back 96% of your total wager.

Every slot has a specific RTP percentage, which is determined by the rules and mechanics of the game. Generally, you should target slots with higher RTP because they present a higher chance of winning.

Volatility

The volatility of an online slot is another factor that determines how often you’ll get a payout. It can either be low or high volatility. High volatility slots will deliver huge payouts but with less frequency. On the other hand, low volatility slots offer smaller wins more frequently. Your choice between both options depends on the level of risk you’re willing to take and how you intend to manage your bankroll. With a high volatility slot, you’ll burn through your bankroll quickly unless you earn a payout. Low volatility slots allow you to manage your bankroll more effectively.

Bonus Features

As explained above, online pokies are loaded with a wide range of features. This may include bonus spins, Wilds, sticky symbols, respins, and so on. Bonus features can boost your winning chances while also giving you something to look forward to in the game.

However, this does not mean you should always play pokies with several features. In fact, having too many features can make an online slot too complicated and over-stimulating. A good balance of bonus features and standard gameplay will make gameplay more enjoyable.

Practice with Free Slots

Many of the factors highlighted above are theoretical. The best way to tell if a slot is actually good for you is to play it. Fortunately, most online casinos offer demo games that allow you to play the game for free. In-game demos, you’ll get a virtual bankroll courtesy of the casino which you can use to wager on games instead of real money. Since you won’t be risking actual money, you can play for as long as you need. This way, you can determine if the slot is right for you before playing online pokies for real.

Conclusion

It's so easy to play online pokies. They don’t require any complex skills or strategies, which means you can start playing online pokies games in New Zealand online casinos in just a few minutes. With so many different slot types available, there’s a slot game for everyone. You just need to know how to use concepts like volatility, RTP, and game features to filter out the best games for you. The goal is to find a game that is enjoyable and offers a good chance of landing a big win.