When Did pokie machines Come to New Zealand
| 🕒 5 minutes read Kia Ora, Players! Slots have been massively popular amongst Kiwi players for years, but when did they first arrive in New Zealand? If you’re looking to learn more about the history of pokies and why they’re so popular here, look no further.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing the history of pokies and when they were introduced into New Zealand, including how they have evolved and what the most popular slot machines are in 2023. Let’s get started.
A Brief History of Pokies Machines and Their Evolution
Charles Fey was the creator of the first pokies machine, unveiling his creation in America in the late 1880s. This was a very simple game, termed ‘Liberty Bell’, in which players were required to match three symbols on a single payline.
It featured a heart, spade, and diamond symbol, as well as the rarer cracked bell. When players got all three symbols the same, they were rewarded with coins, thus starting the slot machine phenomenon.
This game soon became popular with players from all over the world, and it wasn’t long before other countries started to produce their own versions of pokies machines.
The pokies made their way to Australia in 1953 when Aristocrat, a gaming company, began producing slot machines in the country. This was the first time slot machines were legally available, and their popularity quickly spread throughout Australia. Aristocrat Gaming was at the forefront of pokies development in Australia, quickly popularising games like ‘Clubman.’
When Were Slot Machines Introduced to New Zealand?
It wasn’t until 1988 that the New Zealand government legalised pokies, and by 1991, they had started to become popular fixtures in pubs and clubs. This was a landmark moment for the country, with gaming machines becoming part of everyday life.
Aristocrat Gaming remained at the forefront of development, releasing the first all-electronic pokies machine called ‘Wild West’ in 1979. They became the prominent developer of slot machines in New Zealand in the 1990s and well into the early 2000s.
Since then, pokies have evolved significantly and now offer players an even more entertaining experience than ever before. The graphics have been improved to be more visually appealing, bonus rounds have been added to increase winning potential, and progressive jackpots have become more and more lucrative.
How Have Pokies Evolved in New Zealand?
Initially, most slot machines consisted of just one payline. This meant players had to line up three symbols on the single payline in order to win. As technology advanced, more and more paylines became available, with 50-payline slots being common today. In fact, you can get some online slot machines that have 1024 paylines!
The introduction of bonus rounds has become increasingly popular in recent years. These mini-games can be activated by aligning specific symbols or combinations of symbols on a payline. Bonus rounds are good for players as they allow you to potentially win big without having to use any of your own money.
Of course, this wouldn’t be an accurate overview of the evolution of pokies if we didn’t touch on the introduction of online pokies. This has revolutionised the industry, allowing players to enjoy their favourite slots from anywhere in the world.
Nowadays, online pokies are by far one of the most popular ways to gamble in New Zealand. The industry brings in well over $1.1 billion annually with this figure rapidly rising year upon year.
It’s clear that pokies have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and it looks like they’re here to stay for a while! With new technologies being developed all the time, we can expect even more innovative features in future online slot games.
What are the Most Popular Slot Machines in 2023?
Simple rules, great odds, and flashy, high-energy graphics make slot machines very attractive for Kiwi players in 2023. So what slot machines are we actually playing in 2023? Here’s a list of the 5 most popular pokies machines in New Zealand this year:
Thunderstruck II
The original Thunderstruck debuted in 2004, and since then, players around the world have been hooked on this Norse mythology slot machine. Epic graphics and an awe-inspiring soundtrack keep Kiwi players coming back for more.
You’ll get to meet various Norse gods like Loki and Thor on the reels, and this slot machine offers a stellar balance of dynamic gameplay and large payouts. The potential winnings can reach as high as 8,100x your stake, and the potential jackpots are life-changing, especially if Thor turns your five reels wild!
Starburst
Starburst is one of the most popular slots on the market and its popularity has been growing steadily since it first appeared in 2013. NetEnt’s creation features a colourful, star-studded theme and comes with a wild re-spin feature which can lead to big wins.
Starburst offers a payout percentage of 96.1%, with the probability of hitting any of the wins is around 22.7%. If you fancy playing online, most online casinos offer between 10 and 50 spins on this machine as a sign-up bonus.
Mega Moolah
This progressive jackpot is one of the most popular slots in New Zealand and around the world. Players have a chance to win huge real money prizes here, with some lucky players winning millions from just one spin!
Mega Mollah game’s cartoonish theme and bright colours make it super attractive, and its inclusion of four progressive jackpots (mini, minor, major, and mega) keeps players coming back for more. You could win big with just one spin of the reels!
Cleopatra
Cleopatra is a fun, Egyptian-themed slot machine that offers a high payout rate and plenty of opportunities to win big jackpots. If you’re able to land four of a kind, you can 2,000x your wager. The true jackpot on Cleopatra comes from landing 5 wilds, which pays 10,000x, meaning you could win up to $500,000 with the maximum stake.
The game also allows players to double their wins after every turn and offers a bonus round with free spins – land three or more Sphinx symbols and you’ll trigger the Cleopatra bonus, which unlocks 15 free spins!
Avalon II
This 5-reel, 243 video slot payline game from Microgaming is a classic amongst experienced players. The Arthurian theme and soundtrack make it one of the most thematic games around. You can double your winnings after each spin and land up to 25 free spins if you’re lucky enough!
With its vibrant graphics, big prizes, and multiple bonus levels, Avalon II has quickly become an in-house name in most casinos. This is because players can choose to take part in a Grail game, allowing them to pick up random prizes and multipliers.
