Slot Machines in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Introduction
A Quick Background
Slot machines obtained legal status in 1991, and the Gambling Act of 2003 went further to establish guidelines and their modus operandi. Some of the issues touched by the act include the Return to Player percentage, venues, ownership and limit to the expansion of the number of allocated slot machines and casinos.
All About Giving Back to the Community
And even before we go to the online versions, for a long time now in New Zealand, slot machines have been a rich source of funds for charitable organizations. This was further cemented by statutes that expressly give category four slot machine ownership to philanthropic organizations. And thus, most if not all class 4 slots (bars hotels and restaurant machines) are owned by charitable organizations.
Casinos, on the other hand, own approximately 10.78%, slot machines while category four institutions own the remaining 89.3% as of 2014. The department of internal affairs controls and regulates the distribution of slots, the same way it does for other gambling activities in the country.Top New Zealand Pokies in 2020
What About the Player Returns?
Perhaps the biggest worry any slot gambler has is usually the payoff. Thankfully, New Zealand as a nation went as far as setting a ceiling on the Return to Player percentage to ensure that the customers are not ripped off. The widely accepted RTP is a minimum of 85% up to 93% for land-based slots.
Additionally, when it comes to community-owned slot machines, the minimum stake is $5 with exceptions in casinos where those with VIP passes can stake higher up to $100. Bear in mind that New Zealand slot machines adhere to strict laws that ensure that the device displays the amount of time a user has been on the slots and the amount of money they spent on it.
The Law and Spinning Reels Online
Slot machines are not limited to physical tools, at least until the late 90s. Remote Interactive Gambling as referred to by the country often involves using a communication device either a mobile phone, laptop computers or tablets. RIG is considered illegal unless overseen by New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZLC) or Totalisator Agency Board (TAB). However, most online slot gamers capitalize on a loophole in the statutes which imply that playing online slots owned and operated outside New Zealand is not exactly illegal.
Now that you have things in perspective, let us now focus on online slot machines;
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Different Types of Slots that Kiwis Can Enjoy Online
Online slots are particularly different from their physical counterparts due to their reliance on computer software. However, the general display of the online versions conforms to their land-based titles, and they come in different varieties. If you go to any online casino in New Zealand, some of the types of slots that you’ll come across are;
3-Reel Classic Slots
As the name suggests, they come with features that are strikingly similar to the 3-reel land-based slots, complete with fruit symbols and perhaps bars, bell, and 7s. Software providers who craft them try as much as possible to maintain the old-fashioned touch to entice Kiwis who have a thing for their nostalgic charm. Some of the finest 3-reel hits out there include hotshots like Wheel of Fortune, Double Diamond, Bar Bar Black Sheep, and Break Da Bank.
5-Reel Classic Slots
These are arguably the most popular casino slot games which come in a variety of themes to make gaming as exciting as possible. They can be either 3D heavy hitters or have a video game style interface for mind-blowing action.
They come with an arrangement of 5 vertical rows of symbol combinations which upon being matched, constitute a win. Granted that the number of pay lines is a minimum of 20 to offer more winning combinations, these types of slots are a fan favorite. More game symbols translate to more features and bonuses, meaning that gamers have plenty of winning chances whenever they play.
And by the way, 3D slots are arguably the most advanced online slots given the massive investment in graphics to simulate real slots experience. They also have the extra feature of mini-events in most transitions between games, losses or wins.
Progressive Slots
As you may already know, this of slot machine increases its jackpot “progressively” with every wager that you placed. Most jackpots of the progressive slots are usually networked, but there are still some jackpots that are restricted to a particular slot. In the online setting, the increase can be exclusive to an individual casino or the entire network of casinos that offer the titles.
A jackpot meter feature is often available on display showing players the current potential reward for anyone who will be lucky to hit it. However, these slots usually have a stringent requirement of placing the maximum bet to be eligible for a jackpot win.
Slot Machine Features
Slot machines have a variety of features that make them quite exciting for anyone who dares take them for a spin. Some features are found in all titles while others specific to individual slots. These features include;
- Spin Button: This is usually the button pressed that activates a spin that results to a payout or a loss.
- Bet Max: This button’s use is self-explanatory. It allows you to place the maximum possible bet.
- Payline: Also referred to as a winning line. It’s a combo of game icons that will earn you a win as you play
- Lines Bet: The button allows for selection of the requisite coin denominations. They can be increased by a plus (+) or reduced by a minus (–) button.
- Return: This button allows for heading back to the game window if at all you were in the play table.
- Paytable: A section displaying the payout combinations in a slot machine and the amount of payout you’ll receive with each arrangement on the reels.
- Wilds: These are usually unpredictable symbols. Just like chameleons, they change to their “environment” symbols. A player can secure a win when the wild changes to the required logo needed to complete a win.
- Scatters: These may seem disruptive but are a ticket to a bonus. Scatter triggers bonuses when three or two appear not necessarily without being in the pay line.
- Multipliers: Just as their name, they multiply the winning sum by a given factor ranging from as low as two-fold. However, this cannot enable you to get an amount equivalent to a maximum bet.
Playing for Free vs. Playing for Real Money
One of the best things about playing slot machine games online is that you can enjoy them both for free and for real money. Real money online slots essentially employ the use of electronic money or cards to make deposits to play and cash out after winning.
On the flip side, Kiwis who don’t feel like spending their cash to play can still have some fun for free. In most cases, the best online slots come with a demo mode where you can play even without registration. Many experts also agree that free slots are an exceptional avenue for understanding a given game before you can actually throw your hat in the ring.
Playing Slots on the Go
While playing slots online is convenient, sometimes, having to use a laptop or a desktop computer could be a cumbersome affair. Fortunately, with the rise of mobile slots in New Zealand, there’s so much more portability of gaming. Kiwis can either play slots using dedicated native mobile applications or responsive mobile sites in the top-rated platforms.
On the flip side, Kiwis who don’t feel like spending their cash to play can still have some fun for free. In most cases, the best online slots come with a demo mode where you can play even without registration. Many experts also agree that free slots are an exceptional avenue for understanding a given game before you can actually throw your hat in the ring.
The Finest Slot Machine Software Providers
The highest rated slot machine software providers that power the most reliable casinos in the New Zealand market are as follows;
Microgaming
This gaming provider boasts of having the most significant progressive jackpot network in New Zealand and across the globe. In addition to this, it offers integration with third-party gaming systems, mostly focusing on gameplay and user experience through features like currency leveling, free games, and security. Some of its coolest slots are such as Break da Bank, Lucky Leprechaun, Thunderstruck II, and Avalon II.
Netent
This software provider for online casinos has been in the business for close to twenty years. As we speak, over 200 casino operators enlist their services with a massive 41.2 billion gaming transactions handled by their software. Their portfolio boasts over 200 games including casino many of them being immersive slot machine games like Gonzo’s Quest, Big Bang, Arabian Nights, and Jack Hammer.
Playtech
Playtech is another casino software giant that offers gaming solutions with a major focus on slot machines for Kiwis and the global market as a whole. It has a wide array of online slots under its belt with fast-paced titles like Gladiator, Ice Run, Cops N’ Bandits and Wings of Gold.
FAQs
Some of the most common queries that we get about online slot machines in New Zealand are;
Yes, online sites from top software providers employ tried and tested software that guarantees your privacy and air-tight security to keep your transactions 100% safe.
Yes, if you don’t want to spend money, lots of legit Kiwi casinos will allow you to play the demo version of their games, sometimes even without registration.
This particular type of spin lives up to its name. Your turn is not deducted from your balance when spinning while at the same time adding to your remaining balance when successful.
There are hundreds of Kiwi casinos out there where you can play slots, but only a handful are worth your time and money. For the best experience, play in our recommended sites such as All Slots Casino, Rizk Casino, and Casino Cruise.
No, not all slot machines are compatible with mobile devices, especially those that were crafted before mobile gaming became popular. Thankfully, most of the latest slots like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and King Kong are playable on the go.