As someone who’s spent hours exploring online gaming, I can tell you that pokies are the heart and soul of virtual casinos.
Here in New Zealand, pokies hold a special place in the hearts of players. With more than 40% of Kiwi adults engaging in some form of gambling, it’s no surprise that mobile pokies are leading the industry. The convenience of playing —whether during your daily commute, while relaxing on the couch, or even during a coffee break—has made them a go-to option for millions.
Thanks to the rise of mobile gaming, you can now play iconic games like Starburst, Wolf Gold, and Book of Ra Deluxe, all from your phone.
Also, find the best casinos: Top 10 Mobile Casinos for Kiwi Players.
In this article
Playing Pokies on Mobile
From what I’ve seen, mobile gaming comes down to simple convenience. You can play from anywhere with an internet connection – whether you’re at home, on your lunch break, or waiting for an appointment.
Key Features I’ve Noticed:
- Quick access: Takes about 30 seconds to load and start playing
- Storage space: Most pokie apps use 50-100MB of phone storage
- Data usage: Typically uses 5-10MB per hour of play
- Battery life: Uses roughly 15% battery per hour on most phones
Practical Benefits:
- Play while commuting (I’ve found it works well even with spotty internet)
- No need to dress up or travel
- Games work on both phones and tablets
- Can switch between devices using the same account
Cost Comparison:
- Land casinos often have $5-20 minimum bets
- Mobile pokies typically start from $0.20 per spin
- No travel or parking fees
- Free practice modes available on most games
PokiesMobile suggestion: While mobile makes playing more accessible, it’s worth setting personal time and spending limits.
Play at the top 20 mobile casinos in New Zealand.
How to play pokies on mobiles?
Choose a mobile casino. Many online casinos offer mobile pokies, so it’s essential to choose one that is reputable and has a good selection.
- Download the app. Once you’ve chosen a mobile casino, you must download the casino’s app to your device. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
- Create an account. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you must create an account. This process is usually quick and easy, and you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and date of birth.
- Make a deposit. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll need to make a deposit. This is how you’ll fund your account so that you can play. Most mobile casinos accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets.
- Select a pokie. Once you’ve funded your account, you can start playing. The platform will have a library of pokies from which you can choose. You can browse the library by category, theme, or provider.
- Start playing. Once you’ve selected a pokie, you can start playing. The controls for pokies are usually very simple, and you’ll be able to figure them out quickly.
Top High limit pokies to play: Top High Limits Pokies to Play in NZ
Tips for playing pokies on mobile devices
- Use a compatible device. Not all mobile devices are compatible with all mobile casinos. Ensure your device is compatible with the casino where you want to play.
- Use a stable internet connection. Pokies require a stable internet connection to play smoothly. If you’re on a mobile network, ensure you have a good signal.
- Start with free spins. Many mobile casinos offer free spins to new players. This is a great way to try pokies before spending real money.
- Set a budget. It’s important to set a budget before you start playing. This will help you to avoid spending more money than you can afford.
- Take breaks. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re playing pokies. Make sure to take breaks occasionally to avoid getting too stressed or frustrated.
20 Popular Mobile Pokies in NZ
20. Lightning Link Pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: Aristocrat
- Theme: Varies
- Paylines: Varies
- RTP: 94.8%
- Features: Linked reels, free spins, multipliers
How to play:
To play Lightning Link pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is usually $0.25, and the maximum bet is usually $50. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
- Linked reels: When a winning combination is formed, the reels that were part of the winning combination will lock in place, and the remaining reels will respond. This can lead to additional winning combinations and increased payouts.
- Free spins: Players can win free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. All wins are multiplied by 2, 3, 5, or 10x during free spins.
- Multipliers: Multiplier symbols can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These symbols can increase wins by up to 10x.
Games:
Many different Lightning Link pokies are available, each with its unique theme and features. Some of the most popular Lightning Link pokies include:
- Big ben
- Buffalo Stampede
- Lucky Links
- Zodiac Fortunes
- Wild Wild West
- Super Link
- Fire Link
Bonus:
There is no bonus feature in Lightning Link pokies. The only way to win free spins is to land three or more scatter symbols.
Payment:
Lightning Link pokies have an RTP of 94.8%. For every $100 bet, players can expect to win $94.80 on average.
Maximum win:
The maximum win in Lightning Link pokies varies depending on the game. However, some Lightning Link pokies have a progressive jackpot that can reach millions of dollars.
19. Where’s the Gold
Quick facts
- Developer: Aristocrat
- Theme: Gold mining
- Paylines: 25
- RTP: 95.02%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, mini-games
How to play
Players must first choose their bet amount to play Where’s the Gold pokies. The minimum bet is $0.25, and the maximum bet is $25. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features
Where’s the Gold features some features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 10x.
- Mini-games: Players can activate mini-games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These mini-games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games
Where’re the Gold Pokies is a 5-reel, 25-pay line pokie with a gold mining theme. The symbols on the reels include gold nuggets, pickaxes, dynamite, and miners. The wild symbol is the gold miner, and the scatter symbol is the gold cart.
Bonus
The free spins feature is the main bonus feature in Where’s the Gold. Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 10x.
Payment
Where’s the Gold pokies have an RTP of 95.02%. For every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95.02 on average.
The maximum win in Where’s the Gold is 50,000 the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $25, they could win a prize of $1,250,000.
18. Ellen DeGeneres Pokies
Quick facts
- Developer: IGT
- Theme: Ellen DeGeneres
- Paylines: 20
- RTP: 95%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play
To play Ellen DeGeneres Pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.01, and the maximum bet is $100. Once the bet amount has been selected, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features
Ellen DeGeneres Pokies features many features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 5x.
- Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games
Ellen DeGeneres Pokies is a 5-reel, 20-payline pokie with an Ellen DeGeneres theme. The symbols on the reels include Ellen DeGeneres, her talk show set, and her famous catchphrases.
Bonus
The main bonus feature in Ellen DeGeneres Pokies is the free spins feature. Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 5x.
Payment
Ellen DeGeneres Pokies has an RTP of 95%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95 on average.
The maximum win in Ellen DeGeneres Pokies is 10,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $100, they could win a prize of $1,000,000.
Find out how to overcome Pokies addiction and how to stop gambling on Pokies.
17. Avalon Pokies
Quick facts
- Developer: Microgaming
- Theme: King Arthur
- Paylines: 243
- RTP: 96.09%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play
To play Avalon pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.01 and the maximum bet is $50. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features
Avalon features features, including:
Free spins: Players can win 15 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled.
Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 10x.
Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games
Avalon Pokies is a 5-reel, 243-pay line pokie with a King Arthur theme. The symbols on the reels include King Arthur, Excalibur, the Lady of the Lake, and other symbols from the Arthurian legend.
Bonus
The main bonus feature in Avalon is the free spins feature. Players can win 15 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 10x.
Payment
Avalon has an RTP of 96.09%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $96.09 on average.
The maximum win in Avalon is 250,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $50, they could win a prize of $12,500,000.
Not sure of types of pokies you can play? Type of Pokies You Can Play at Online Casinos.
16. Cleopatra pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: IGT
- Theme: Ancient Egypt
- Paylines: 20
- RTP: 95.02%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play:
To play Cleopatra pokies, players must first choose the amount of their bet. The minimum bet is $0.01, and the maximum bet is $100. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Cleopatra features some features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 15 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 10x.
- Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games:
Cleopatra Pokies is a 5-reel, 20-pay line pokie with an Ancient Egypt theme. The symbols on the reels include Cleopatra, the Sphinx, the Pyramids, and other symbols from Ancient Egypt.
Bonus:
The main bonus feature in Cleopatra is the free spins feature. Players can win 15 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 10x.
Payment:
Cleopatra pokies have an RTP of 95.02%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95.02 on average.
The maximum win in Cleopatra pokies is 10,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $100, they could win a prize of $1,000,000.
15. Wolf Run Pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: IGT
- Theme: Wolves
- Paylines: 20
- RTP: 96.03%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play:
To play Wolf Run pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.01 and the maximum bet is $50. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Wolf Run pokies feature some features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 20 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 10x.
- Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games:
Wolf Run pokies is a 5-reel, 20-payline pokie with a wolf theme. The symbols on the reels include wolves, a full moon, and other symbols from the wilderness.
Bonus:
The main bonus feature in Wolf Run pokies is the free spins feature. Players can win 20 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 10x.
Payment:
Wolf Run pokies have an RTP of 96.03%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $96.03 on average.
The maximum win in Wolf Run pokies is 100,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $50, they could win a prize of $5,000,000.
14. Indian Dreaming pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: Aristocrat
- Theme: Native American
- Paylines: 25
- RTP: 95.02%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play:
To play Indian Dreaming pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.25 and the maximum bet is $25. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Indian Dreaming pokies features some features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 10x.
- Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games:
Indian Dreaming is a 5-reel, 25-payline pokie with a Native American theme. The symbols on the reels include a Native American chief, a totem pole, and other symbols from Native American culture.
Bonus:
The main bonus feature in Indian Dreaming is the free spins feature. Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are tripled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 10x.
Payment:
Indian Dreaming pokies have an RTP of 95.02%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95.02 on average.
The maximum win in Indian Dreaming pokies is 50,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $25, they could win a prize of $1,250,000.
13. Lucky 88 pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: Aristocrat
- Theme: Chinese
- Paylines: 25
- RTP: 95.00%
- Features: Free spins, multipliers, bonus games
How to play:
To play Lucky 88 pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.25, and the maximum bet is $25. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Lucky 88 pokies feature many features, including:
- Free spins: Players can win 8 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled.
- Multipliers: Multipliers can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These multipliers can increase wins by up to 8x.
- Bonus games: Players can trigger bonus games by landing certain symbols on the reels. These bonus games offer the chance to win extra prizes.
Games:
Lucky 88 pokies is a 5-reel, 25-payline pokie with a Chinese theme. The symbols on the reels include lucky red envelopes, fortune cookies, and other symbols from Chinese culture.
Bonus:
The main bonus feature in Lucky 88 pokies is the free spins feature. Players can win 8 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are doubled. Multipliers can also randomly appear on the reels during free spins, increasing wins by up to 8x.
Payment:
Lucky 88 pokies have an RTP of 95.00%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95.00 on average.
The maximum win in Lucky 88 pokies is 20,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $25, they could win a prize of $500,000.
12. Dragon link pokies
Quick facts:
- Developer: Aristocrat
- Theme: Chinese mythology
- Paylines: 25
- RTP: 95.08%
- Features: Linked reels, free spins, multipliers
How to play:
To play Dragon Link pokies, players must first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.25 and the maximum bet is $25. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Dragon Link pokies feature some features, including:
- Linked reels: When a winning combination is formed, the reels that form the combination will lock in place and the remaining reels will respin. This can lead to additional winning combinations and increased payouts.
- Free spins: Players can win 10 free spins when they land three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, all wins are multiplied by 3.
- Multipliers: Multiplier symbols can randomly appear on the reels during free spins. These symbols can increase the multiplier by up to 10x.
Games:
Dragon Link pokies is a 5-reel, 25-payline pokie with a Chinese mythology theme. The symbols on the reels include dragons, koi fish, and other symbols from Chinese culture.
Bonus:
There is no bonus feature in Dragon Link pokies. The only way to win free spins is to land three or more scatter symbols.
Payment:
Dragon Link pokies have an RTP of 95.08%. This means that for every $100 that is bet, players can expect to win $95.08 on average.
The maximum win in Dragon Link pokies is 50,000x the bet amount. This means that if a player bets the maximum amount of $25, they could win a prize of $1,250,000.
11. Major Million
Quick facts:
- Developer: Microgaming
- Theme: Military
- Paylines: 20
- RTP: 95.02%
- Features: Progressive jackpot, wild symbol
How to play:
To play Major Millions, first choose their bet amount. The minimum bet is $0.01, and the maximum bet is $50. Once the bet amount has been chosen, players must click on the “Spin” button to start the game.
The reels will spin and stop randomly. If a winning combination is formed, players will win a prize. The prize amount will depend on the value of the symbols in the winning combination and the bet amount.
Features:
Major Millions feature some features, including:
- Progressive jackpot: The jackpot is won when players land three or more scatter symbols on the reels. The jackpot starts at $1 million, and it increases by a small amount every time the game is played.
- Wild symbol: The Major Millions logo can substitute for any other symbol to help create winning combinations.
Games:
Major Millions of pokies is a 5-reel, 20-pay line pokie with a military theme. The symbols on the reels include tanks, helicopters, and other military vehicles.
Bonus:
There is no bonus feature in Major Millions. The only way to win the jackpot is to land three or more scatter symbols on the reels.
Payment:
Major Millions has an RTP of 95.02%. This means that for every $100 bet, players can expect to win $95.02 on average.
The maximum win in Major Millions is the progressive jackpot, which can reach millions of dollars.
See also the top 10 popular pokies to play with your mobile.
Popular Mobile Pokies: My Experience
After playing various mobile pokies available to NZ players, here are the facts:
Common Features:
- Average payout rate: 95-96%
- Typical minimum bet: $0.20-$1
- Game load time: 2-3 seconds
- Available offline mode: Most games need internet
Eight Popular Games I’ve Tried:
- Wheel of Fortune (bonus rounds every ~20 spins)
- Heart of Vegas (simple layout, quick play)
- Queen of the Nile (regular small wins)
- Megabucks (higher volatility)
- Double Bucks Deluxe (basic features)
- Stinkin’ Rich (frequent bonus games)
- Slotomania (social features)
- Mega Moolah (progressive jackpot)
FAQs
What are the top mobile pokies to play in NZ?
Our top 20 are a mix of classic and modern games, with themes and features. Other than the above-listed pokies, some of the most popular pokies on this list include:
- Wheel of Fortune
- Heart of Vegas
- Queen of Nile
- Megabucks
- Double Bucks Deluxe
- Stinkin’ Rich
- Slotomania
- Mega Moolah
- Immortal Romance
- Lightning Link
- Buffalo Blitz
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Starburst
- Book of Dead
- Jumanji
- The Dog House Megaways
- White Rabbit
How do I choose the best mobile game?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best mobile pokie for you. Some of the most important factors include:
- Your budget: How much money are you willing to spend on pokies?
- Your interests: What kind of themes and features do you enjoy?
- Your skill level: Are you a beginner or an experienced player?
Once you have considered these factors, you can browse the available pokies. You can read reviews, watch videos, and try out different pokies for free before you decide which one is right for you.