Understanding High Volatility Pokies
One of the great things about online and mobile pokies is that they come in all shapes and sizes with different themes, jackpot sizes and betting limits. Whether you a complete novice or an experienced High Roller, there is always a game to suit your mood and your bankroll. For players who want a bit more excitement in their life and have the bankroll and the time to spend, high volatility pokies are the way to go.
Casinos that hold accounts in New Zealand dollars
12 operators that hold accounts in New Zealand dollars. Each entry shows the deposit minimum, the wagering on the welcome offer and where the licence sits.
Listing checked
- 1
SlotLounge Casino
Up to NZ$22,500 + 350 free spins over 4 deposits
- Deposits from NZ$30
- Wagering 40x
- Online since 2025
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$22,500 + 350 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$30
Operator: Hollycorn N.V. (OCD); other sources: Stable Tech N.V.
Payments and games
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, Red Tiger Gaming, Nolimit City, Push Gaming
- 2
SlotsMafia Casino
Welcome package up to NZ$37,500 + 350 free spins
- Deposits from NZ$20
- Wagering 50x
- Online since 2024
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Welcome package up to NZ$37,500 + 350 free spins, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$20
Operator: Hollycorn N.V.
Payments and games
Game studios: Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, Hacksaw Gaming, Relax Gaming, Betsoft
- 3
DragonSlotsTakes bitcoin
Up to NZ$8,000 + 700 free spins over 4 deposits
- Deposits from NZ$20
- Wagering 40x
- Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
- Online since 2024
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$8,000 + 700 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$20
Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. (reviews); AskGamblers now lists Lumora Digital Ltd
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer, Flexepin, Revolut, Bitcoin
- 4
SlotRaveTakes bitcoin
Up to NZ$5,000 + 150 free spins over 4 deposits
- Deposits from NZ$10
- Wagering 40x
- Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
- Online since 2025
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$5,000 + 150 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$10
Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. (reviews); AskGamblers lists Galan Operations SRL
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, MuchBetter
- 5
GranawinTakes bitcoin
100% up to NZ$200 + 120 free spins
- Deposits from NZ$30
- Wagering 40x
- Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
- Online since 2024
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$200 + 120 free spins, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$30
Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V.
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer
- 6
Godz CasinoTakes bitcoin
300% up to NZ$15,000 + 300 free spins
- Deposits from NZ$25
- Wagering 35x
- Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
- Online since 2026
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 300% up to NZ$15,000 + 300 free spins, wagering 35x, minimum deposit NZ$25
Operator: Spinstack Solutions S.R.L. (AskGamblers); another source: Dreamventures SRL
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity, Bitcoin, Ethereum
- 7
N1Bet CasinoTakes bitcoin
Up to NZ$10,000 + 200 free spins over 4 deposits
- Deposits from NZ$30
- Wagering 50x
- Licence: Curacao
- Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$10,000 + 200 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$30
Licence on file: Curacao
Operator: Stable Tech N.V. (Curacao)
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin
- 8
National CasinoTakes bitcoin
100% up to NZ$500 + 100 free spins
- Wagering 40x
- Licence: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
- Online since 2020
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$500 + 100 free spins, wagering 40x
Licence on file: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V.
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, POLi, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming
- 9
22bet CasinoTakes bitcoin
100% up to NZ$500
- Wagering 50x
- Licence: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
- Online since 2017
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$500, wagering 50x
Licence on file: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. / Marikit Holdings Ltd
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Neteller, Paysafecard
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Quickspin, Red Tiger Gaming
- 10
BitStarz CasinoTakes bitcoin
Welcome package up to NZ$2,000 + 180 free spins
- Deposits from NZ$20
- Wagering 40x
- Licence: Curacao
- Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: Welcome package up to NZ$2,000 + 180 free spins, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$20
Licence on file: Curacao
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, Visa Credit, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin
- 11
All Slots Casino
100% welcome package up to NZ$1,500
- Deposits from NZ$5
- Wagering 35x
- Licence: Malta Gaming Authority
- Skrill withdrawals 0–2 hours
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 100% welcome package up to NZ$1,500, wagering 35x, minimum deposit NZ$5
Licence on file: Malta Gaming Authority
Operator: Baytree Interactive Ltd (69691), Guernsey
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Neteller, Paysafecard
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming, Big Time Gaming, ISoftBet
- 12
Betway CasinoTakes bitcoin
100% up to NZ$500 on each of first 4 deposits
- Deposits from NZ$20
- Wagering 50x
- Licence: Malta Gaming Authority
- Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
Terms and operator
Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$500 on each of first 4 deposits, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$20
Licence on file: Malta Gaming Authority
Payments and games
Deposit methods: Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, POLi, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap
Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Big Time Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming
A reference list, not a recommendation, and only for readers aged 20 and over. The operators are offshore and unlicensed in New Zealand until the Department of Internal Affairs begins issuing licences on 1 December 2026. Terms are as published and change without notice. Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655.
If you are new to the whole Internet gambling scene you may not be aware of volatility and how it works, and you could actually end up playing the wrong type of game for your bankroll and time frame. Understanding this is crucial, and we’ve explained everything you need to know here.
The Terminology Demystified
Volatility refers to the theoretical “risk” of the pokie itself. While the RTP doesn’t change, highly volatile games have higher risk, while their lower counterparts have a reduced theoretical risk.
The question is; why would you want to go with a higher risk option?
To answer this question we have to look at how each game pays out. If you are playing online or mobile pokies with low risk, you can expect to hit a least a few winning combinations in a relatively small time frame. The payouts may not be very high, but you will at least get something out in your play session, even if it is only 15 minutes.
On the other hand, if you are playing high volatility pokies, you may end up hitting the spin button for 20 minutes before you actually land a payout. The big difference is that when you do, the amount you win is significantly larger. There is a chance you will run out of funds before you actually get your payout, but if you have a generous bankroll and the time to wait it out, the payout may well be worth your while.
The Role of RTP Explained
Many people often confuse the return to player (RTP) rate and volatility. The RTP is the total amount the game pays back in winnings. Most online pokies NZ have an RTP rate between 93% and 98%. This means that for every $100 that goes into the machine, $93 or $98 comes back out in the form of winnings. Unfortunately it doesn’t mean you’ll win that amount back for every $100 wagered, as the RTP is a theoretical number the developer has determined over a set period of time.
This being the case, it is always better to find a title with a higher RTP. The volatility of the machine does not affect the total payout amount, but rather when it is paid out, and in what quantities. Either it is paid out in smaller, more regular batches, or it is paid out in infrequent, larger batches.
What Option Is Best?
Most players don’t even realise that choosing the element of risk involved is an option in the online pokies NZ has to offer. Unless you are specifically looking for the information, it is not openly displayed. The average casino is filled with low, medium and high-risk titles in all shapes and sizes.
So, are high volatility pokies best?
The answer depends on the amount of time you want to spend playing and the size of your bankroll.
As mentioned above, you do stand to win more in high volatility pokies if you have the patience and the bankroll to support a long period of gameplay without a single win. If this is the case, you may just land a major win when all the symbols line up.
For anyone just getting started and players with a limited budget, it may be best to stick to the lower risk mobile pokies, as you will preserve your bankroll and win more often, which is a huge mood boost even if the amount you are winning is not that high.
