If you’re just getting started on your gambling journey, you may find that you are a bit overwhelmed by the selection of games available. For those of us who are seasoned pros, we can easily navigate our way around the homepage of an online casino, immediately recognising the games we want to play from the studio that created them, without even having to load them. For new players though, there’s far more to it. You’ll find over time that you develop your own tastes and your own favourite releases, but it doesn’t help to have some help getting started.
There are online casinos that offer literally thousands of slot games for their players, and hundreds of casino games, live casino games, or live casino game shows. We’re going to talk you through the most popular casino games you can find in New Zealand, help you to understand why these releases are as popular as they are, and break this selection down into 3 categories.
1. Pokies
Pokies, also known as slot machines, are the most popular type of casino game in New Zealand. They come in a wide variety of themes and styles, ranging from classic three-reel games to modern video slots with multiple bonus features and special symbols.
One of the most popular pokies New Zealand is Money Train 3, produced by Relax Gaming, featuring a Wild West theme and a unique bonus mechanic called the Money Cart Bonus Round. In this round, players collect symbols to increase the multiplier and win big payouts, aided by special symbols that can land.
Nolimit City are one of the most popular studios on the market, producing pokies with innovative bonus features. One of their most popular games is Deadwood, which showcases their unique xNudge mechanic – nudging symbols into place to help form winning combinations, increasing the win multiplier for every nudge.
Known for producing pokies with high volatility and big payouts, Push Gaming are responsible for one of the most popular pokies of all time – Jammin’ Jars, which features a fruit theme, and a cluster pays mechanic, using moving Wild jars with multipliers to facilitate wins.
Players will also find that studios like Pragmatic Play, 4ThePlayer, AvatarUX, Hacksaw Gaming, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, and Microgaming are staples at any online casino. Casino and slot review sites like Hideous Slots will also release weekly slot reviews, giving you their verdict on which games are worth your money, and helping you to understand upcoming releases. In terms of maximum wins, pokies can offer massive payouts through their bonus features and special symbols – with many offering wins as high as 50,000 times your bet.
2. Casino Games and Live Casino Games
Casino games and live casino games are two popular categories of games found in online casinos in New Zealand. While casino games are digital versions of classic games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, live casino games are streamed live from a studio and feature real dealers and physical equipment just like at huc99.casino as well.
Some of the most popular casino games in New Zealand include:
1. Blackjack
A classic card game where the goal is to have a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over.
2. Roulette
A game where a ball is spun on a wheel, and players bet on which numbers they think the ball will land on, or which area.
3. Baccarat
A card game where players bet on whether they or the banker will have a higher value hand.
4. Video poker
A digital version of poker where players try to create the best possible hand using five cards.
5. Craps
A dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll.
Live casino games are a popular way for players to experience the excitement of a real casino from the comfort of their own home. These games are streamed live from a studio and feature real dealers and equipment, creating a more immersive and authentic experience. Some of the most popular live casino games in New Zealand include:
- Live blackjack
- Live roulette
- Live baccarat
- Live casino hold’em
These are all similar to the regular version, but with real dealers, real cards, or real wheels.
3. Live Casino Game Shows
Live casino game shows are a newer category of games found in online casinos in New Zealand, and they’re quickly becoming increasingly popular. These games are designed to offer a fun and interactive experience, and they’re often hosted by charismatic and entertaining hosts. These games are still being regularly released, so you will find their reviews on sites like Hideous Slots.
Here are some of the most popular live casino game shows:
1. Monopoly Live
Based on the classic board game, Monopoly Live is a wheel-based game where players bet on where they think the wheel will stop. If the wheel lands on a roll section, players are taken to a virtual Monopoly board where they can win even more money.
2. Deal or No Deal Live
Based on the popular TV show, Deal or No Deal Live has players choosing boxes in the hope of finding the one with the biggest prize. Players can choose to accept an offer from the banker or continue playing in the hopes of winning even more.
3. Crazy Time
This game is a colourful and lively game show with four bonus rounds and the chance to win big multipliers. Players bet on where they think the wheel will stop and can win up to 25,000 times their bet.
4. Lightning Roulette
This variation of roulette has randomly generated lightning numbers that offer the chance for even bigger payouts. If a player’s bet covers a lightning number that hits, they can win up to 500 times their bet.
5. Mega Ball
In this bingo-style game, players can win up to 1,000,000 times their bet if they get a full house on the Mega Ball. Bonus rounds and multipliers add to the excitement.
6. Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt
Inspired by the popular video slot by NetEnt, Gonzo’s Quest, this game involves players searching for hidden treasure behind virtual walls. Multipliers and bonuses make it even more exciting.