The Department of Internal Affairs reported 80% of New Zealand adults have participated in online gambling in some form, making it one of the nation’s favorite hobbies. Online casinos contribute a large percentage of this participation at 38%. As online casino games continue to thrive in terms of popularity, their offering diversifies with classic games like BlackJack and roulette combined with innovative games like VR pokies. Whether it’s Virtual Reality or live dealer card games, online casinos offer something for every player.
In this article, I’ll look at what types of online casino games are currently the most popular among New Zealand’s players and where I think trends could shift in the future.
The Top 4 Most Popular Casino Games
As well as the more traditional casino games like poker and blackjack, games like pokies and bingo remain popular in New Zealand. The top online casinos offer players nostalgic games found in physical casinos alongside these more innovative options.
In the future, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a greater shift in the online casino market towards low-stake games like pokies as players look for the best value for money. In order to differentiate their offering, online providers are constantly innovating within bingo and pokies, meaning there’s options for every player.
Let’s look more closely at the most popular online casino games in New Zealand.
Exploring the Most Popular Online Casino Games
Pokies
Pokies, known more globally as slots, are one of New Zealand’s favorite casino games with Kiwis spending over $1 billion on them in 2020 alone. I think the popularity of pokies is due to their combination of convenience with a vast array of game options. It can also be attributed to the game’s simple mechanics and reliance on luck. Pokies aren’t intimidating as players don’t have to have experience or knowledge before playing.
Different Pokie Types
There’s also a wide variety of different types of pokies- from the traditional three-reel slot to new introductions like Virtual Reality slots. These slots utilize VR technology with audio and visuals to create an immersive casino experience where players can interact with virtual features like chips and cards. As VR becomes more widely used within the industry and more accessible to players, I would expect this form of slots to grow in popularity. The most popular form of pokies in New Zealand are branded ones, often collaborations with franchises like The Simpsons or Batman, as they appeal to fans.
Video Slots
Another popular choice with players are video slots. These slots include the traditional three-wheel format and the iconic symbols, like fruit and dollars. Just like in physical slot machines, players have to match symbols across the wheels to win prizes. The continued popularity of video slots can be attributed to the unique combination of nostalgic slot mechanics with enhanced graphics, more bonus rounds and wild symbols.
In my opinion, the popularity of pokies isn’t likely to slow down any time soon. They remain popular with a wide audience base as they require lower stakes and frequently offer low-wagering bonuses. In combination with the financial appeal of pokies, their simple mechanics make them accessible and popular with many players in New Zealand.
Poker
Poker has long been one of the most popular casino games both online and in-person. In my view, the fortunes of online poker games changed dramatically for the better after the introduction of live dealer games. Live dealer poker involves a real dealer who interacts with the player via live stream.
Although during their initial introduction, I was met with technical difficulties when playing live poker online, when I gave them another try I was pleased the experience was much smoother. Improvements in video and audio technology have helped to improve gameplay with better quality picture and sound via livestream. Now, playing live poker feels much closer to the real thing and as a result has gained popularity with players across New Zealand.
Online poker games are able to offer a greater level of customisation to players across poker games. The most popular form of poker is Texas Hold’em. Where online providers have been able to differentiate themselves is by offering Texas Hold’em across different skill levels. Users are able to select the difficulty they want for that game and their game is tailored accordingly. Players are also able to enjoy further game play options like tournaments- where they can compete against other users for rewards.
Another aspect of online poker which ensures its popularity is offering a wide range of different types, including some which are found exclusively online. Online exclusive games include Triple Draw, a version of Texas Hold’em played with three cards instead of two.
Poker offers a unique combination of luck, strategy and skill, which I believe ensures it will remain one of the most popular casino games across the globe. Online poker further enhances this offering through greater customization and unique game types.
Blackjack
I think blackjack is one of the casino games which has translated best into the online world due to its simple principle – getting as close to 21 as possible. In the most common form- video blackjack- the deck is shuffled by the game’s software and players bet against the computer rather than a dealer.
However, I have found that some options lack the interactive and social element provided by the dealer and other players. In recent years, the introduction of chat options and live dealer games have helped to replicate this social element from in-person blackjack.
One thing that helps to set online blackjack offerings apart is the introduction of a progressive jackpot- a prize which accumulates as the game is played. In this form of the game, players can place a side bet which goes towards the progressive jackpot. If certain cards appear, or a specific combination arises, players can win their share of the jackpot.
This innovative game format enhances gameplay while allowing users the opportunity to win greater prizes. As online blackjack continues to develop new tools to replicate the social, interactive element of the in-person game, I can only see it increasing in popularity.
Bingo
The final online casino game I’m going to explore in this article is bingo. In the online version, all the principles of bingo remain but users are able to play from wherever they want. Online bingo provides more dynamic options for players with specific combinations and patterns also triggering a win.
In my opinion, the area that makes online bingo popular with players across New Zealand is the ability to form connections. Usually, online bingo is played across a network based on a geographic area or specific game type, allowing players to interact and connect within their group.
One of the challenges with in-person bingo is controlling the speed of play. Some players can struggle to keep up with the caller, while others find themselves waiting around for the next number. The ability to customize playing speed is one of the best features I’ve found when playing online bingo. As well as this, many providers include features which automatically mark cards, highlight called numbers and sort cards by winning probability.
In the future, I think live bingo games are likely to grow in popularity, similarly to live dealer games. Live bingo games involve a caller, sometimes a well-known figure, who reads the numbers to players. Callers may interact with users by keeping up with the player’s progress. Live bingo games also incorporate popular games like Monopoly.
The Future of Online Casino Games
I can’t see the popularity of pokies slowing down anytime soon, as players continue to move towards lower stake options. Classic games, like poker and blackjack, will continue to be popular as new innovations like VR and live dealer games advance their offerings. I wouldn’t be surprised if more casino games followed the popularity of live poker through increased numbers of live options. For example, live bingo could become even more popular with players trying to strike a balance between convenience and the classic casino experience. Even through changing regulations, I’m certain the popularity of online casino games like poker, bingo, blackjack and pokies, will continue to thrive.
Dudley Nader is an expert in casino games from Poker to Blackjack. His degree in Statistics from the University of Otago, allows him to look analytically at the numbers and probabilities behind games. Through Dudley’s articles, players can learn about effective gaming strategies, casino insights, and essential responsible gambling tips.
