Offline pokies are rare, as most modern games require an internet connection for features like account management or bonus tracking.
From login to updating your profile, storage, ads and comp points, casino games want you to be online if you are playing for real money.
I can visit my local club or gaming lounge, but …
Why can’t I download and play a casino app on my flight to London? I set myself on a quest. I tried downloading games, setting my computer in Airplane Mode, and seeing if I could still play them.
– The answer is No.
Then, I did the same with the Lightning Link casino app. I launched it and tried to play it offline, but that didn’t work either.
Regarding favourites, Pokies are a personal thing. Sometimes, we can’t explain why we are attracted to a machine and not others. Below, I’m sharing games I personally like for many reasons.
For now, I have to accept that preloading real money or even fun games is impossible. They all need the Internet.
I will keep you updated if I find a solution.
Table of Contents
5 Popular Offline Pokies
| Pokies | RTP | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Starburst | 96.09% | NetEnt |
| Lucky 88 | 97% | Aristocrat |
| Buffalo Pokies | 94.85% | Aristocrat |
| Cleopatra Pokies | 95.8% | IGT |
| Indian Dreaming Pokies | 98.99% | Aristocrat |
| Mega Moolah | 93.42% | Microgaming |
| Gonzo’s Quest | 96% | NetEnt (part of Evolution) |
| Monopoly | 94.5% | IGT |
| Wheel of Fortune | 96.46% | IGT |
| Book of Ra | 92.13% | Novomatic |
1. Starburst Pokies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.09% |
| Features | Expanding Wilds, Gems, Respins, Space, Stacked Symbols, Stars, Win Both Ways |
| Progressive Jackpots | No |
Starburst features a 5×3 reel layout, 10 paylines, and low volatility.
Starburst may appeal to players who prefer low-risk pokies.
Features of Starburst include:
- Wild symbol: The Starburst symbol is a wild symbol that can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
- Re-spins: If you land 3 or more Starburst symbols on the reels, you will trigger the re-spins feature. All winning symbols will be locked in place during the re-spins, and the remaining symbols will respin.
- Multiplier: The Starburst symbol also has a multiplier of x2 or x3. If you land 3 or more Starburst symbols with the same multiplier, the win will be multiplied by that amount.
For Players in New Zealand
- Simple gameplay: Starburst is a straightforward game to play, even for beginners.
- High-quality graphics: Starburst has high-quality graphics and animations that make it visually appealing.
- Variety of betting options: Starburst offers a variety of betting options, so players can choose the amount they are comfortable with.
- Frequent payouts: Starburst offers frequent, smaller payouts due to its low volatility.
- Bonus features: Starburst has a few bonus features, such as the re-spins feature, which can help players win even more money.
Starburst offers simple rules, appealing visuals, and frequent smaller payouts.
2. Lucky 88
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| RTP | 97% |
| Features | Extra choice, free games with varying multipliers, dice feature, autospin |
| Progressive Jackpots | No |
Lucky 88 has a 5×3 reel layout, 25 paylines, and a Chinese theme with bonus features like free spins.
- Wild symbol: The Chinese character for “8” is the wild symbol, and it can be substituted for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
- Scatter symbol: The red envelope symbol is the scatter symbol, and it can trigger the free spins feature.
- Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 10 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
- Gamble feature: If you win a spin, you can double or quadruple your win by guessing the colour or suit of a playing card.
Lucky 88’s gameplay is very simple. Players set their bet size and spin the reels; landing a winning combination results in a payout.
For Players in New Zealand
- Chinese theme: Lucky 88 features a Chinese theme, including symbols like the red envelope and ‘8’ character.
- Bonus features: The game features several bonus features, such as free spins and a gambling feature, which can help players win more money.
- RTP: Lucky 88’s RTP is around 97%, higher than the average RTP. This means players can expect to earn more on average when playing Lucky 88.
3. Buffalo Pokies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 1024 |
| RTP | 94.85% |
| Progressive Jackpots | No |
Buffalo is a video slot game with a 5×4 reel layout and 100 paylines. It is based on the American Old West and features a wild buffalo symbol that can substitute for all other symbols to create winning combinations.
Buffalo has a medium volatility, which means it offers a good balance of risk and reward.
- Wild symbol: The wild buffalo symbol can substitute for all other symbols to create winning combinations.
- Scatter symbol: The scatter symbol is the golden coin symbol, which can trigger the free spin feature.
- Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 8 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
- Stacked wilds: The wild buffalo symbol can appear stacked on the reels, which can help to create more winning combinations.
Buffalo’s gameplay is very simple. You choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you win a prize.
For Players in New Zealand
- RTP: Buffalo’s RTP of 96.09% is higher than average, offering better returns over time.
- Medium volatility: Buffalo’s medium volatility means players can expect to win frequent medium-sized prizes.
- Stacked wilds: Stacked wild symbols increase the chances of creating winning combinations.
4. Cleopatra Pokies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| RTP | 95.8% |
| Features | Multipliers, Free spins round, Wild symbol, Gamble feature |
| Progressive Jackpots | Yes |
Cleopatra is a pokies game with a 5×3 reel layout and 20 paylines. It is based on the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and features several bonus features, including free spins and a gambling feature.
Cleopatra is highly volatile, meaning wins are usually large but less frequent.
- Wild symbol: The Cleopatra symbol is the wild symbol, and it can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
- Scatter symbol: The scarab beetle symbol is the scatter symbol, and it can trigger the free spin feature.
- Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 15 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be doubled.
- Gamble feature: If you win a spin, you can double or quadruple your win by guessing the colour or suit of a playing card.
The gameplay of Cleopatra is straightforward. You choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you win a prize.
For Players in New Zealand
- High volatility: Cleopatra’s high volatility means that players can expect to win large prizes but will also have to wait longer for these wins.
- Bonus features: Free spins offer opportunities for additional rounds
- Theme: Cleopatra’s theme is based on Egyptian history, featuring symbols like scarabs and Cleopatra herself
5. Indian Dreaming Pokies
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 243 |
| RTP | 98.99% |
| Features | Free spins bonus & jackpot. Dream Catcher scatter, Tepee/chief wild, free spins bonus |
| Progressive Jackpots | No |
Indian Dreaming is a video pokie game with a 5x3 reel layout and 243 ways to win. It is based on the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime and features a number of symbols from Aboriginal culture, such as the kangaroo, the emu, and the didgeridoo.
Indian Dreaming has a medium volatility, which means it offers a good balance of risk and reward.
- Wild symbol: The kangaroo is the wild symbol, and it can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
- Scatter symbol: The didgeridoo symbol is the scatter symbol, which can trigger the free spin feature.
- Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 10 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
- Bonus game: If you land 3 or more totem pole symbols on the reels, you will trigger the bonus game. In the bonus game, you must match symbols to win prizes.
The gameplay of Indian Dreaming is very simple. You need to choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels will then spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you will win a prize.
For Players in New Zealand
- Theme: Indian Dreaming features an Australian Aboriginal theme with symbols like kangaroos and didgeridoos.
- Bonuses: The free spins and bonus games can help players win more money.
- Medium volatility: The medium volatility of Indian Dreaming means that players can expect to win frequent medium-sized prizes.
How to play offline Pokies?
Playing pokies offline in New Zealand is pretty simple. Here is the short guide:
- Visit an Offline Land-Based Casino
- Choose pokies machine
- Place your bet
- Play
First, visit any brick-and-mortar casino near you where you will not need to use the internet for gameplay.
After you’ve chosen your place, it’s time to choose your pokie machine! Make sure you’re familiar with the gameplay of these machines.
Then, follow the instructions to proceed. Place your bet and hope that you win! There is no need for Wi-Fi or data—dive right in and have fun.
Some popular land-based casino places to play pokies:
- SkyCity Casino
- Christchurch Casino
- SkyCity Dunedin
If you want to play while sitting on your couch, you must visit online casinos for real money play. However, remember that this will require an internet connection.
Real casinos in New Zealand
New Zealand is a special place with casinos, pubs, and clubs that offer gaming machines.
Searching for ‘pokies near me’ can help players locate nearby gaming venues.
Some popular casinos are as follows:
- Christchurch Casino
- Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
- Phone: 03 365 9999
- Dunedin Casino
- Address: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
- Phone: 03 477 4545
- SkyCity Hamilton
- Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204
- Phone: 07 834 4900
- SkyCity Queenstown
- Address: Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
- Phone: 03 441 0400
- SkyCity Auckland
- Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Our Verdict
Currently, the only option for offline poker in New Zealand is playing at land-based casinos.
The difference between playing at Online Casinos and Offline Land-Based Casinos is that brick-and-mortar casinos do not require mobile phones or internet connections.
Unfortunately, if you want to play casino apps offline, you will not find any. There is no such thing as playing at online casinos without the Internet.
FAQs
Can I play Pokies offline at a physical casino?
Of course. This can be the best way to play offline and help you win real money. The standalone machines do not require an internet connection.
Do I need an Internet connection to play offline?
100% offline pokies do not require an internet connection, but most online pokies do.
Can I play progressive jackpot pokies offline?
No, you can’t. Progressive jackpots require an internet connection and are unavailable offline.
How do I find offline pokies in my area?
Offline pokie machines are available in land-based casinos, hotels, clubs, and other entertainment venues. Check local directories or websites for listings of establishments that offer them.