Discover the Best Online Video Poker Casinos in New Zealand

Author: William Smith
Reading Time: 12 min

Are you a gambler looking for the best online casinos in New Zealand with a great selection of video poker games? Look no further. We’ve done it for you and rounded up some of the best sites that cater to New Zealand players and offer video poker for real money, so get ready to experience pure gaming bliss.

Top Online Video Poker Casino Sites in NZ

Rating: 9.5/10
100% Match Bonus up to NZ$125
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Rating: 8.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$200
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Rating: 9/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$400
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Rating: 8.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$250
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Rating: 9.5/10
Match Bonus up to NZ$300 + 220 free spins
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Rating: 8/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$500
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Rating: 7.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$200
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Rating: 10/10
1st Deposit - 100% up to NZ$300 + 100 Free Spins
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Rating: 7.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$400
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Rating: 10/10
1st Deposit - up to NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins
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Rating: 9/10
100% Match Bonus up to NZ$500
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Rating: 9.5/10
1st Deposit - 100% up to NZ$500 + 200 Free Spins
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Rating: 8.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$400
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Rating: 8/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$300
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Rating: 8/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$200
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Rating: 7.5/10
1st Deposit - Match Bonus up to NZ$200
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Rating: 10/10
1st Deposit - 100% up to NZ$500 + 100 Free Spins
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Rating: 10/10
1st Deposit - 100% up to NZ$100 + 100 Free Spins
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The History of Video Poker

As strange as it may sound, video poker was created in 1891. Pitt and Sittman developed the first video poker slot machine in New York City. The cards were glued to an iron box with five reels. The reels were started with a lever, and when the reels stopped, a winning or losing combination appeared. These video poker slot machines had no money-back function, and if a winning combination came up, the lucky player would get a free beer or cigar.

The second birth of video poker was in 1967. The American company Dale Electronics knew about Sittman and Pitt’s invention. So, their technical experts began to implement the new concept of video poker into life. The first machine was the “Poker- Matic” with a single payline. American players of that era paid little attention to this game because people at the time did not have much confidence in various technologies. However, gradually they began to succumb to the influence of the electronic era, and by 1975, all poker fans were familiar with how to play this game.

Microgaming released the very first version of video poker online in 1994. Since then, this intriguing game has been top-rated and available at all reputable casinos.

Video poker combines traditional poker elements with a video game’s excitement.

William Smith (NZCasinoMagic expert)

How We Rate the Best Online Video Poker Casinos in NZ

Video Poker CasinosWith so many online casinos offering video poker choosing which one to play can be hard. That’s why we’ve started ranking the best online video poker casinos, and we’ll show you how we do it. We consider five key factors when ranking them – reputation, data protection, banking options, bonus offers, and a variety of online casino video poker games.

  • Reputation is important to consider when ranking the best video poker real money casinos online. We check forum posts and reviews by other players to make sure the casino has a good reputation in the online gambling community and research the casino’s licensing and regulations to ensure it’s reliable and trustworthy.
  • Data protection is another critical factor in rating video poker casinos. We verify that the casino is taking adequate measures to ensure players’ personal and financial information security. This includes the use of SSL encryption, privacy policies, and the availability of proper security protocols.
  • Banking options are also important. We look at the different methods available for making deposits and withdrawals, processing times, fees, and checking minimum and maximum transaction limits.
  • Bonus offers are another important factor. We check the casino’s welcome bonuses, promotions, and other rewards for video poker players. We ensure the bonuses are fair and have reasonable terms and conditions.
  • Finally, a crucial factor for us is the variety of video poker slots available at the casino. Therefore, we look at the different video poker options the casino offers and ensure that players have a variety of games to choose from.

The Basic Rules of Video Poker

Video poker games in online casinos can often be compared to slot machines. At the top of the game is a table of winning combinations and payouts. In the center of the screen displays the player’s cards.

As a rule, there are three indicators at the bottom, which show the amount on the player’s account (Credit), the winning from the previous bet (Win), and the current bet (Bet). The player can increase the bet by one coin with the switch “Bet One” or selects the maximum bet by pressing the button “Bet Max” (bet maximum).

After placing the bet, the player presses the “Deal” button to receive cards, which are five cards drawn from a 52-card deck (or 53/54 if there are jokers). Simply tapping a card or pressing the “Hold” button holds the cards, which do not need to be discarded. The player then presses the “Deal” button again, forcing the game to drop cards that are not held. If a winning combination is displayed at the top of the game, the amount of the combination and bet is credited to the player’s account. The combinations are similar to typical poker combinations, so the payout increases as the rarity of the combination increases.

If the player wins, he may be asked to take a risk to increase his winnings. He will have a choice of taking his money (Collect) or doubling his winnings (Double). For the doubling game, different video poker games may offer various options. For example, a doubling game will ask him to guess the color of the suit of the closed card, or if the gambler wants to increase his winnings by four times, he will need to guess the suit itself.

We will look at the most popular online video poker games and everything you need to know about them to increase your chances of winning.

  • Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is the most famous and widely played video poker game in various casinos worldwide. In this variant, the minimum winning hand is a pair of jacks or better. Jacks or Better is popular mainly due to its high payout potential and simple playing strategy.

  • Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is the second most popular video poker game. Its unique feature is that all twos (2s) are wild, meaning they can replace any card to create a winning hand. This option gives players an advantage and provides a higher payout percentage.

  • Double Bonus Poker

Double Bonus Poker is a variant of Jacks or Better, but it offers higher payouts for some four-card hands. This game requires players to manage their bankroll strategically, but it offers a decent payout percentage.

  • Joker Poker

In Joker Poker, one joker card is added to the playing deck, which is a “wild” card that can act as any other card the player needs to make the best possible combination of cards to win. Using a joker card certainly increases the odds of winning, making it attractive to many players.

How to Play Video Poker Online: a Comprehensive Guide

This game is relatively easy to learn, and players can win significant amounts by making the right moves. If you’re new to the game, this guide will teach you how to play video poker.

  • Learn the Rules

    Before you start playing video poker, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the game’s rules. While the basic gameplay remains the same in all video poker games, there may be some differences in the rules you should be aware of. Study the payout table carefully to understand the payout structure and to make sure you’re using the right strategy for each game. The better you understand the rules, the more effective your gameplay will be.

  • Choose a Video Poker Game

    The second step to playing video poker is choosing a game that fits your preferences. Video poker has many varieties. For example, Jacks or Better is by far the most popular video poker game today, in which you need to get a hand that is better than a pair of jacks.

  • Make a Bet

    After choosing a video poker game, the next step is determining your bet. Your bet will determine your payout, so you need to choose wisely. Each game has a minimum and maximum bet amount that players can make. If you are a beginner, start with smaller bets and gradually increase them once you get the hang of the game.

  • Dealing Cards

    Once you’ve set your bet size, you can begin to deal the cards. The goal of video poker is to make the best possible poker hand. The slot will deal the player five cards, and they can keep or discard any of them.

  • Choose Which Cards to Keep

    After the first hand, players can choose which cards they want to keep and which to discard. It’s important to carefully analyze the cards and decide which might give you the best possible hand. If you initially get a bad hand, you can discard all five cards and start over. Mathematically, some moves are optimal, and knowing when to keep or discard cards is important.

  • Try to Get a Winning Hand

    After choosing which cards to keep and which to discard, the slot deals new cards to replace those discarded. The machine will then determine if the player has a winning hand.

  • Know When to Quit the Game

    One of the most important skills in gambling is knowing when to quit. If you’re in a winning position, you may be tempted to keep playing and try to win even more, but there’s always the risk of losing everything. So before you start playing, set a limit for yourself and stick to it. Then, once you reach your limit, quit and come back another day.

  • Practice, Practice, Practice

    The best way to improve your video poker skills is to practice as much as possible. Most online casinos offer free video poker games that you can play without risking your money. Take advantage of these games and practice your strategies until you feel confident enough to play for real money. Remember, practice makes perfect; the more you play, the better you become.

Video Poker Strategy Guide

Video poker is a game that requires skill and strategy to win. Knowing the right strategy for each possible hand is crucial to increasing your chances of winning. A basic video poker strategy involves determining which cards to keep and which to discard. The chart below is an example of a basic video poker strategy.

Video Poker Strategy Chart

Hand Player Actions
Royal Flush, Straight Flush Keep all cards
Four of Kind Keep four cards, discard the remaining card
Full House Keep all cards
4 cards to Royal Flush Keep cards to Royal Flush, discard the remaining card, even if you must break Flush
4 cards to Straight Keep cards to Straight Flush, discard the remaining card even if you must break a pair to do so
Flush Keep all cards
Straight Keep all cards
Three of Kind Keep Three of Kind, discard the remaining two cards
Two Pairs Keep Two Pairs, discard the remaining card
KQJ or QJT of one suit Keep those cards, discard all others
JJ or higher Pair Keep only Pair, discard the rest
3 cards to Royal Flush out of order Keep those cards, discard all others
4 cards to Flush Keep those cards, discard the rest
KQJT of different suit Keep those cards, discard the rest
Any low pair Keep only that pair, discard the rest of the cards
4 cards on Straight with no pair Keep those cards, discard the rest
3 cards of the same suit in order without a pair Keep those cards, discard the rest
QJ of one suit without a pair or other options Keep QJ, swap the three remaining cards
AKQJ of different suit Keep those cards, discard the rest
2 cards higher than T of the same suit Keep those cards, discard the rest
3 cards to Straigt Flush out of order Keep those cards, discard the rest
JT of one suit Keep those cards, discard the rest
QT of the same suit Keep those cards, discard the rest
One of J,Q,K and four small mixed cards Keep only this card, discard four small cards
Full variety of small cards or with one A Discard all cards

Mobile Video Poker

Mobile video poker is becoming increasingly popular among gambling enthusiasts who are comfortable playing their favorite game anytime, anywhere. As technology advances, video poker mobile apps become increasingly sophisticated, offering a gaming experience as good as land-based casinos. With high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay, mobile video poker has become a major source of entertainment for many players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing video poker for real money at online casinos in New Zealand is a great way to enjoy this classic game. With so many reputable sites offering free and real money versions, finding a place that fits your needs is easy. However, read our casino reviews carefully when choosing an online casino site, and always remember to play responsibly.

Video Poker in NZ FAQ

To play video poker, first, select the game you want to bet on. Then choose the number of coins you want to bet and press the "Deal" button. You will be dealt five cards, and you can choose which cards to keep and which to discard. After you have discarded all the cards you don't want, press the "Deal" button again, and you will be dealt replacement cards. Once you have the last hand, the machine will make a payout depending on the strength of your hand.
The first casino on our list is the best casino in New Zealand to play video poker.
The key to winning at video poker is understanding the game and its rules. This includes knowing the right cards to hold and discard, as well as learning the right strategies for playing video poker.
Choosing the best video poker game depends on the individual player's preferences. But we can name the most popular video poker games: Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker.
The odds of winning at video poker can vary depending on the specific game and casino rules. In general, the odds of getting a winning hand in any round is about 45.457%.