Online casino games in NZ (April 2024)

Online pokies

Pokies (online slots) are the most popular and common games at online casino sites. They usually make up around 70-80% of a game portfolio. Perhaps the biggest reason slots are so appealing is because they mix simple (automatic) gameplay with videogame-like graphics and design. While the core mechanics of pokies are similar, games come in a massive variety of themes, gameplay mechanics, genres, jackpots, and other metrics. 

The average Return-to-Player (RTP) of online slots is 96%, but some pokies will be higher and others lower. Because of their flexibility, pokies are ideal for all types of casino players, no matter what their favourite style or budget. Notable slot games at the best online casinos in NZ include Starburst, Immortal Romance, Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus, Cleopatra, and Knights of Avalon.

Online blackjack

Also known as 21, the rules of online blackjack are simple - hitting a value of 21 on your cards or being the closest to the number. Exceed it and you lose. Of course there's more to it like understanding card values or even taking advantage of card counting. Having one of the highest RTPs, it's a perfect option for boosting real money wins.

Online roulette

Roulette is the ultimate game of luck. It involves a metal ball being dropped into a spinning wheel, and the landing place of the ball deciding if the player wins. All you need to do is pick a number and watch the game unfold. That simplicity makes roulette perfect for beginners who want to move from slots to classic casino games. 

Even so, roulette is a game experienced players can enjoy thanks to the complex betting options. Roulette also provides solid chances of success, with European roulette carrying a generous RTP of 97.30%.

Online poker

As one of the most popular games at real money online casinos, poker is available in multiple variants. Texas Hold’em is the most famous, but you’ll also find other variants at our top-rated casino sites, such as stud and draw poker online casino games. Each game has slightly different gameplay mechanics, but the core idea is the same. You will compete against a computer or other players to achieve the best poker hand. 

No casino game has the same sense of drama as poker, while this is also a game that requires strategy and skill. Because you have a lot of control over betting and being able to withdraw (fold) hands, it is a good game for players who like to micromanage their bets.

Video poker online

As a unique blend of poker and pokies, video poker is an RNG version of the popular card game. Random number generator (RNG) software ensures all game outcomes are random and cannot be influenced by the casino or software provider. 

In terms of video poker, it means you play against the computer instead of players, like in traditional poker. All poker hand rankings remain the same, and video poker games are available in many variants, such as Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Joker Poker. 

Progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots are unique pokies that have a jackpot that grows every time someone makes a bet until the prize pool is won. A portion of every wager is taken, and while there is a base jackpot, the progressive prize can run into millions of dollars. 

Yet, these life-changing sums come with some compromises. For example, progressive pokies will have lower RTPs than standard video slots, while you may need to bet more to play for the main jackpot. That makes progressive slots games for NZ online casino high rollers or players willing to take risks in pursuit of big wins.

Online baccarat

Each baccarat game presents you with three choices, bet on the Player (you), the Banker (house) or a Tie. Both the player and the banker receive two cards, and you can decide which outcome is the most possible from the two hands you see. The goal is to get as close to the value of 9 without going over.

Baccarat involves much more than just random guessing, with complex betting strategies for different hand combinations. The Banker bet has a 98.95% RTP, and with sophisticated gameplay, there’s no wonder baccarat is the casino game of choice for James Bond.

Live dealer casino games

If you want to experience authentic casino gameplay online, live dealer games are just the ticket. These immersive games stream directly from a remote studio, providing high-quality visuals and a real human dealer. You can watch the action unfold in real-time and even participate in chats with players and dealers. Some of the best casino games online are live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and more.

Live casino games are perfect for players who want to feel more connected and have a social experience at gambling sites. 

Online bingo

Housie is one of the most popular games, and many NZ online casino sites offer online bingo rooms. Some of these games will have unique themes, and others may offer free bingo with cash prizes. All you need to do during a bingo game is match numbers on your card to numbers called during the game. Despite that ultra-basic concept, bingo is a game of high tension and thrills. If you want a hands-off online casino gaming experience, bingo is ideal, as you can watch the action unfold without too much interaction.

Online sic bo

Sic bo (“precious dice”) is a dice game originating in China and is one of the oldest casino games. Three dice are held in a small box and then shaken. The dealer rolls the dice from the box, and the resulting numbers decide the winning/losing bets. During gameplay online, you will see a sic bo betting table highlighting all available dice combos you can be on. Because it is exciting and fast-paced, sic bo is an attractive option for players who want to have a lot of betting action in a short space of time. 

Online craps

An accessible casino site game that newbies can enjoy as well as experienced players, craps is the famous casino dice game. You roll two virtual online craps dice and bet on the potential outcome of the roll. If you want to make craps as beginner-friendly as possible, that’s all you need to know. However, if you want more betting nuance and strategy, there are various rules and bets to use that will appeal to players looking to immerse themselves in craps gameplay. 

Online scratch cards

Instant wins are popular casino games that you can play to potentially win… well, instantly. Just like real scratch cards, you can select an online scratch card based on the design and potential payout you want. Scratch away and reveal the symbols or words that tell you if you win. You’ll need to match the specific symbols given on the card to win prizes. Scratch cards are a good option if you are on a quick session or prefer to take the ultimate game of chance at casinos online.