Free Pokies in NZ: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
Updated by Matt Bastock
Editor
Fact Checked by Lee James Gwilliam
Senior Vice-President
There's never been a better time to play free pokies online in NZ!
We love playing slot games, and we've put together a super fun list of pokies that you can play for free below. Just click on the image to try the slot for free or hit the 'Play Now' button to start playing at one of our favourite free pokies sites.
Also, check out our guide to free pokies to learn all the ins and outs.
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Guide to Playing Free Pokies
If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to playing free pokies online in NZ, you’ve come to the right place. Our casino experts, who have a lot of experience and have already tried out the best online pokies in NZ, cover everything you need to know about playing free online pokies. This includes game types, themes, bonus games and the benefits of playing for free. (Trust us, there are plenty)!
How and Where to Play Free Pokie Games Online
You can access free pokies for NZ players by registering at a licensed casino in New Zealand and verifying you are over the age of 18. After doing so, you can easily access a vast range of the most exciting free pokies on our page.
Here are the three best ways to find a free pokie game to enjoy:
- Type in your favourite game title in the search box above. This is the most efficient way to find the specific pokie game you’re looking for.
- Click on the “Sort” button to choose progressive pokies or to sort the list by release date or RTP. This way, you can see the newest releases first or find games with the biggest potential jackpots.
- Use the “Filter” function to select your favourite software providers, features, volatility level, or themes. This is a great tool to utilise if you have an idea of the features you like to see in a pokie but don’t have an exact game in mind.
Alternatively, you can check out my huge list of recommended free demo pokies. Browse through the games until you find one that catches your eye, or try your hand at several to find your new favourite. That’s the beauty of free pokies. As long as you are 18 or older, you can try as many demo games as you like without spending a single cent! These days, most, if not every new casino online offers games in demo mode as well as for real money.
Free Online Pokies NZ vs Free Spins
Before I get any further, it’s important to note the difference between free pokies and free spins. Free spins are bonus spins handed out by a casino that does not dip into your online casino bankroll. You’ll typically find them offered as part of an online casino welcome bonus or reload reward. Free spins usually have a pre-set value on a pre-selected game and are a way of playing NZ pokies online for free.
The term ‘free spins’ is also used when referring to a pokie’s mechanics. Many fan favourites include a bonus or free spins round. In this round, you can win spins without needing to stake more. This freebie is an excellent addition to your gameplay, but you won’t receive it anywhere except within the game itself.
On the other hand, free online pokies are demo games you can play that don’t offer real cash rewards. Every spin in a free pokie game is considered a free spin since you’re not using your funds to wager with. Yet, when I refer to free online pokies, I am referring to these free demo replicas of real cash games.
Top Free Pokie Games to Play Online in NZ
When it comes to playing free pokies in New Zealand, your options are vast. You can enjoy nearly as many free pokies NZ as real-money games. This includes the latest releases from top software providers. These games have all the excitement and none of the risks of real-money games, which is why they’re such a hit with NZ punters. I’ve detailed some of the most popular pokie types below.
Free Megaways Pokies
Australian developer Big Time Gaming was the first brand to release Megaways pokies. These games use a unique shape-shifting feature known as the Random Reel Modifier. The modifier produces a random number of symbols on every spin, resulting in thousands of paylines and huge maximum wins.
The mechanism first appeared in BGT’s 2016 pokie Dragon Born, though it was Bonanza that really put Megaways on the map. Dozens of developers have since used the mechanic to up the ante on their own pokies, meaning you can find these games at pretty much any of my recommended top online casinos. Popular free Megaways pokies include White Rabbit Megaways, Gonzo's Quest Megaways and Divine Fortune Megaways.
My Top Pick: Gonzo's Quest Megaways – Red Tiger
In 2010, NetEnt launched its hit game, Gonzo's Quest. It looked like no one could match that success. In 2020, Red Tiger reintroduced the famous Spanish explorer to free pokies. They powered him up with Big Time Gaming's Megaways engine.
What I got is an improved free pokie – Gonzo's Quest Megaways with 117,649 ways to win, an RTP of 96.00%, and a maximum winning potential of 20,972x the bet. In the game, you can enjoy features like Avalanches, Multipliers, Earthquake, and Unbreakable Wild.
For free spins fanatics, there's good news, as you can trigger a juicy round of free spins by landing the golden Free Fall symbols.
Free Jackpot Pokies
Free jackpot pokies allow you to score a massive prize with a single spin. Progressive jackpot pokies are even more lucrative than regular jackpots. The prize pool grows with each stake.
You can try demo versions of many jackpot pokies at my recommended sites. However, free progressive jackpots are a bit harder to find. Still, playing jackpot pokies for free is a great way to weigh up the risk involved before dipping into your online casino bankroll. The top free progressive jackpots are Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, and Hall of Gods.
My Top Pick: Mega Moolah – Microgaming
Of course, it's going to be Mega Moolah by Games Global. This is a free progressive jackpot pokie you’ll see talked about everywhere due to its famous payouts. Yes, there’s a reason it’s called Mega Moolah, not "Modest Moolah".
Pokie fans have won as much as $32.5m on the game, and, most years, a player wins a Mega Moolah jackpot that’s surpassed the $20m mark. Although Mega Moolah jackpots can be huge, the RTP is modest at 88.12%.
Check out online casinos that offer the best free jackpot pokies below.
Free Egyptian Pokies
You can play free pokies online in NZ in every shape, size, and theme imaginable. However, Egyptian pokies are one of the earliest and most enduring pokie themes to exist. These games remain extremely popular among bettors in New Zealand and across the globe.
From casino favorites like Eye of Horus to modern hits like the Book of Dead pokie, developers keep reinventing the wheel. One of the first games to gain global fame had an Egyptian theme. Many people still enjoy IGT's famous Cleopatra pokie.
My Top Pick: Book of Dead – Play'n GO
It shouldn't come as a surprise to see Book of Dead by Play'n GO as my top pick among free Egyptian pokies. It's one of the most popular free online pokies of all time that has elevated Ancient Egypt-themed pokies to the next level.
The game stars the tireless explorer Rich Wilde. He is on a quest to find The Book of Dead and uncover Ancient Egyptian secrets. It's a classic free pokie that revolves around Expanding Symbols, the Free Spins Round, and a Gamble Feature.
The Book of Dead pokie offers highly volatile gameplay, an RTP of 96.21%, and a maximum win of 5,000x. It's a perfect free pokie for beginners and pokie devotees alike!
Free Cluster Pays Pokies
Standard free demo pokies typically contain a set number of winning paylines. However, games that use a Cluster Pays mechanism pay out anywhere on the grid. Forming clusters of the same symbol will constitute a winning payline, adding a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay.
Since NetEnt released Aloha! Cluster Pays in 2016, hundreds of games now use the same mechanism. Some popular free Cluster Pays pokies include Jammin' Jars, Rise of Olympus 100, and Reactoonz.
My Top Pick: Jammin' Jars – Push Gaming
It had to be Jammin' Jars. This free Cluster Pays pokie from Push Gaming lets you groove on an 8x8 dancefloor. It offers juicy wins boosted by huge multipliers.
Once you launch it, you'll dive into a fruity bonanza. Dancing jam jars can give you a maximum win of up to 19,998x! If that's not enough, the Rainbow Feature randomly bursts onto the dancefloor to bring massive fruits to the party.
The RTP is set at 96.83%, and the volatility is high. There's also a Bonus Feature that lets you enter the Free Games in no time!
Be sure to try out the sequel, Jammin' Jars 2!
Free High Volatility Pokies
The volatility of a pokie refers to the measure of risk involved. Each free demo pokie you come across will be measured as “high”, “low”, or “medium” volatility. High volatility pokies have a lower hit frequency but higher payout, and vice versa.
Though free demo pokies won’t pay out in cash, you can use them to play games you might usually avoid. You can play demo versions of high volatility pokies for free. Enjoy the thrill of high-risk, high-reward games. There’s no risk, but that also means no reward.
Some of the best free high volatility pokies are Big Bass - Keeping it Reel, Starburst XXXtreme, Fishin' BIGGER Pots Of Gold, and Thunderstruck Stormchaser.
My Top Pick: Fishin' BIGGER Pots Of Gold – Gameburger Studios
Get your fishing gear ready because it's time to go for the biggest catch in the Fishin' BIGGER Pots Of Gold pokie from Gameburger Studios and Games Global.
This highly volatile fishing-themed gem offers a maximum win of over 22,800x the bet, an RTP of 96.05%, and a free spins round where you can earn 10, 15, or 20 free spins for landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter symbols.
And yes, the pots of gold are truly bigger in the Fishin’ BIGGER Pots of Gold pokie. It's not a coincidence that the word 'BIGGER' has been capitalised.
Free Penny Pokie Machines
Penny pokies do exactly as they say on the tin. These games offer stakes as little as $0.01, making them perfect for budget betting. In this case, you would be playing them without a single penny, i.e. just for fun, for free.
Free penny pokies are a great way for beginner bettors to dip their toes in the water. Start by playing the demo version of these low-stake games, then transition to the real deal for a taste of real bets with minimal financial risk.
Free Pokies on Mobile Devices
All of my recommended casinos offer free mobile pokies games, allowing you to gamble on the go from any iOS or Android device. These demo games are built on and optimised with HTML5 technology, which ensures they are just as responsive as their desktop counterparts and adapt to any screen size. Modern pokies are built using the mobile-first approach, so many actually look even better on smartphones and tablets.
Simply load your chosen game on your mobile browser, and voila! Alternatively, you can access free demo versions of your favourite pokies by registering at one of the best mobile casinos in New Zealand featured here. The sites I recommend offer free mobile replicas of real cash games. Playing them on your mobile device allows you to access free mobile pokies from anywhere, anytime.
Many online casinos also offer compatible casino apps for iOS and Android, streamlining the process even further. Alongside alerts and notifications on the hottest game releases and the latest bonus offers, mobile casino apps also provide enhanced usability and connectivity. Choose one of the best online casino apps and enjoy casino games on the go wherever you are in the world.
Here are the best casinos online that offer mobile pokie games.
Popular Mobile Pokies in New Zealand
As experts in the pokies business, Casinos.com reviewers have seen it all. Below, I’ve listed some of my favourite online mobile pokies from our experience, with a few reasons why I love them so much.
Other well-known online mobile pokies worth mentioning are Big Bass Splash from Pragmatic Play, Tombstone R.I.P. by Nolimit City, and Sakura Fortune 2 from Quickspin. Most of the pokie providers mentioned in this list produce other excellent games, too.
You’ll find that most well-known and new casino sites launched this year offer some or all of these games.
Sweet Bonanza – Pragmatic Play
Sweet Bonanza is one of the sweetest and most colourful pokies out there. It has won the hearts of many fans of free mobile pokies. Its clear similarity to the famous tile-matching game Candy Crush Saga has drawn in even more people around the globe.
This mobile pokie is powered by the Scatter Pays mechanic and offers medium volatility gameplay. The RTP is 96.48%, slightly above average, with a maximum win of a mouthwatering $2,110,000.00. You'll benefit from the free spins round, the Ante Bet feature, and the Sweet Bonanza Bonus Buy feature.
Play Now Starburst – NetEnt
If you’ve been playing the best mobile pokies for any length of time, you’ve probably come across this sparkling spinner. One of the things that makes it so popular is its attractive design.
The gems on show that spin around the reels remind us of classic pokie machines, and the sound effects are evocative, too.
Starburst by NetEnt brings in pokie features like "win both ways", wilds, and respins to make this the ultimate spin on the classic casino game. Starburst’s RTP is 96.01%.
Gonzo’s Quest – NetEnt
You can also play another mobile pokie from NetEnt: Gonzo’s Quest. Its charm comes from its main character, Gonzo. He’s a brave Spanish explorer searching for the lost city of El Dorado.
The modern design and Avalanche multipliers, along with the strong story, capture players' imagination. I think it will grab you, too. This is one of the most popular NZ pokies online. You can find it at most casino sites. Many of these sites let you play in free (demo) mode. So, you can try it out before using your money.
The return to player percentage (RTP) of Gonzo’s Quest is 96%.
Wolf Gold – Pragmatic Play
Wolf Gold is a howl. You might have seen the mobile pokie’s Wolverine mascot at some of the top pokie sites in New Zealand. The pokie has stacked wilds, money respin and 'blazing reels'. The pokie is set in a desert environment like the Mojave Desert. This area spans Southeast California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
Wolf Gold features bison, bald eagle and mountain lion symbols, plus high-value cards like aces, kings and queens. You can win big if you land a sequence of psychedelic wolf symbols. And eerie desert sound effects, such as eagle calls and owl hoots, make the game even more engaging.
Wolf Gold is another popular mobile pokie with an RTP of 96%.
Nitropolis 4 – ELK Studios
The Nitropolis pokie series has been a fan favorite for four straight years. Launched in 2016, the first Nitropolis pokie paved the way for ELK Studios to release the fourth installment, Nitropolis 4. This edition continues to follow the good old Nitro gang as they strive to conquer the Nitropolis city.
The mobile pokie is packed with exciting bonus features. It includes free spins, Big Symbols, Nitro Reels, Nitro Multipliers, and Nitro Boosters. There are eight possible effects from these features. Activate the X-iter feature, enabling you to spin the reels in five exciting modes. The Nitropolis pokie has an RTP of 94.00%.
Top 5 Mobile Pokies
Are Free Pokies Legal and Safe?
New Zealand online casino fans should consider that most of the sites they can legally access on their mobile device are based off-shore. The only domestic legal online gambling comes from Lotto NZ and the New Zealand Racing Board (TAB).
This shouldn’t affect you, though – it just means the mobile games and pokie sites they play at will be licensed in countries like the United Kingdom by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Curaçao by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB).
Mobile pokies NZ and online casinos in New Zealand are controlled by the New Zealand Gambling Commission, and the laws surrounding iGaming in the country are outlined in the Gambling Act 2003.
Mobile Pokie Bonuses in New Zealand
Claiming an online casino bonus should be simple as these are the most common casino promotions you can find, usually included in a welcome offer. You just need to know where to look.
Live casino bonuses are rare, but fans of pokies are spoiled for choice, as all casino sites, including 10 dollar minimum deposit casinos, compete for pokies fans and try to entice them with the pokies bonus. Keep reading for a few examples, and please bear in mind these pokies welcome bonuses are subject to change, but they give a good idea of what to expect.
Casimba Pokies Bonus
One example of an exciting online mobile pokies bonus is Casimba’s welcome offer. Casimba offers a 200% welcome bonus of up to $6,500 plus 50 free spins + 500 Loyalty Points for new players, which is certainly eye-catching. This Casimba welcome bonus is split into three parts:
- You get 200% up to $5,000 plus 50 free spins following your first deposit,
- 25% up to $1,000 plus 50 free spins on your second deposit, and
- 50% up to $500 plus 25 free spins on your third deposit.
Wildz Casino Pokies Bonus
Wildz members in New Zealand can enjoy a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 plus 200 free spins when they sign up for an account. Rather than getting the spins all at once, you’ll get 25 every day for eight days, so the fun can last longer.
- You get a 100% matched bonus up to $500 on your first deposit, and
- 50% up to $500 on your second deposit.
- You must deposit at least $10 to access the welcome bonus, and
- bets on pokies count 100% to the bonus wagering requirements.
Dream Vegas Pokies Bonus
Dream Vegas has an attractive pokies welcome bonus, too. The glamorous casino offers a 200% match bonus up to $2,500 plus 50 free spins to new sign-ups. But the welcome offer extends to $6,000 and 120 free spins if you play your cards right. The offer is split over your first three deposits. It works like this:
- Get a 200% deposit bonus up to $2,500 plus 50 free spins on your first deposit.
- Get a 40% deposit bonus up to $3,000 plus 30 free spins on your second deposit.
- Get a 60% deposit bonus up to $1,500 plus 40 free spins on your third deposit.
- Note the free spins are available on NetEnt pokie only, so you could try out titles like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest.
Free Pokies with No Download
The first (and easiest) way to access free mobile pokies is by playing the games highlighted on this page. With my recommended free online pokies in NZ, no download is required.
I spend time sourcing the best demo pokie games for you to enjoy, making sure to include a massive variety of themes and bonus features from the world’s best providers. I also provide a free pokies calendar that details the latest game releases, so you can always find something new and exciting to play.
Alongside playing free demo pokies on this page, there are numerous ways to access games for free. I’ve listed some of the best ways to find free pokies in NZ and play for fun below.
- Play free games at top casinos: Sign up at one of my top recommended pokies sites and browse its pokie collection. Most of the pokie sites listed will allow you to play free demo versions of their games, provided you have a casino account and have verified your age.
- No-deposit free spins: It’s common for NZ casinos to offer free spins on sign up with no deposit to new players. Browse my list of top recommended sites to claim some free spins no deposit offers, and use those spins to play before using your own money.
- Deposit bonuses: Grab one of New Zealand’s pokies bonuses and use your free casino credit to wager on your favourite pokies. You’ll be playing for real money, which means you have the chance to cash out your winnings. Unlike a no deposit casino bonus which is free, a deposit bonus requires you to fund your account first, so it is not completely free (and wagering requirements will still apply). However, this bonus is also a chance for you to get a significant boost to your bankroll and a generous amount of free spins to play pokies for money.
- Free Chips: Although not a standard online casino term in New Zealand, some sites give away free chips to use on specified pokie games. Depending on the terms and conditions of the bonus, free chips could be marketed as a pokies bonus or free spins.
- Free Play: Many casinos offer a “free play” option where you can try the games for free with free-play funds credited by the casino. Yet, this is not quite the same as playing demo games, as when your virtual balance reaches zero, your free play session is over.
Why Choose Free Pokies?
Many NZ punters play pokies for the thrill of the game rather than the potential cash reward, so free demo pokies fit this purpose perfectly. You get to keep the thrills without the financial risk. Free online pokies are also a great way to get some practice before you decide whether you want to make a deposit. The payment methods are another important factor, and most players are looking for the fastest casino withdrawals for a smooth casino experience.
Explore Pokies Features
Every pokie has its own unique features, whether that’s free spins, progressive jackpots, expanding reels, or all of the above. Many of the best video pokies also come with an additional bonus round you can trigger by landing a specific combination of symbols. In contrast, others offer you the chance to gamble your winnings for double the payout. While these features all add a layer of intrigue to the normal gameplay, they may be a little confusing for beginner bettors.
Playing free online pokies with free spins and bonus games is the quickest way to get to grips with these additional features. Once you feel confident with the mechanisms of a game, you can up the ante and start wagering for real. That said, there’s no reason to risk your money if you’re enjoying the games for free!
Compare Free Pokies Game Providers
I source my personally selected free pokies NZ from the best providers in the business. Industry-leading developers like NetEnt and Microgaming put an exclusive spin on their games to make them stand out from the crowd.
Playing free pokie games lets you explore these exclusive features without the pressure of real bets, meaning you can take your time getting to a developer’s personal style. Wazdan pokies, for example, come with a suite of customisable tools, including adjustable volatility, extreme spin speeds and a ‘big screen’ mode.
Exploring different software providers is a surefire way to ensure you find the best free pokie games. You will also get to try out different types of pokies, giving you a better feel for what works for you, which is important given there are plenty of variations.
While some providers specialise in pokies and don't produce other games, most providers, especially the big names, also produce other casino games, so if you're looking to play roulette online, or perhaps blackjack, you'll find that the leading game developers are the same.
Play New Pokies for Free
Software developers are in fierce competition with each other to release the most popular new pokies. As a result, numerous new games are released every month with innovative features, immersive themes and state-of-the-art soundtracks. If you tried to test out each new game with your wagers, you’d burn through your bankroll in no time at all.
With free pokies in New Zealand, you can sample as many new free pokies in New Zealand as you like without spending a penny. This way, you can explore the exclusive features of every new release and figure out which ones warrant a real bet.
Here are the best new pokies that will keep you on the edge of your seat for ages!
Latest Pokies
Pros and Cons of Playing Free Pokies
Licensing Authorities & Testing Agencies
Meet The Author
Experience
Matt Bastock is a Content SEO at Casinos.com. He has years of experience researching, writing and editing articles about sports and gaming, including the world of online casinos and sports betting. Matt enjoys playing many casino table games, especially poker and blackjack. He also loves watching professional sports, particularly English and European football, as well as US football, rugby and cricket.
Read Full BioFAQs
We've compiled a list of the best sites for free pokies, so you can choose any slot game to get started. Browse through their list of games and select a game you like. Alternatively, check out our list of recommended new games for inspiration.
No, you can’t win real money from playing free online pokies. They are demo versions of pokies designed purely for entertainment purposes. However, you can claim no deposit free spins for the chance to turn your bonus spins into cash.
Yes! You can play almost all of the free pokies recommended on this page on your mobile device. Open up your mobile browser and load up your chosen game, or download the compatible mobile app (if the casino offers one) to start gambling on the go for free.
Playing online pokies for free is legal. Online casinos offer demo versions of pokies for you to try before placing real wagers. However, you must be over 18 to play any type of online pokies, even if they are free.
There are numerous free online pokies that can be considered top free pokies. It usually depends on individual preferences, themes, bonus features, and gameplay mechanics. To find top-notch free NZ pokies online from well-known pokie developers, I recommend browsing our sections of Free Pokies. The most popular pokies include Book of Dead, Starburst, Sweet Bonanza, and Big Bass Bonanza.
You can play free pokies online without spending any money. Lots of online casinos in New Zealand have these games in their libraries, and you can try them out in demo mode. This helps you decide if you want to play the slot for real money.
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