Table of Contents
- How We Choose the Best Slot Sites
- Is the site licensed?
- What security protocols are in place?
- Is there a good variety of quality slots?
- What software providers power the library?
- Are there other casino games?
- Are there free spins bonuses?
- How fair are the wagering requirements?
- How fast are payouts?
- Is the customer service reliable?
- What’s the quality of the mobile site?
- Why Trust Our Recommendations
- Why Play at Online Slots Sites
- How to Play at the Best Slot Sites
- Best Slot Sites for Winning
- Best Slot Sites for Bonuses
- Best Slot Sites FAQs
How We Choose the Best Slot Sites
Some online slot sites offer a great experience for players. Others, less so. There are so many different sites on the market, and you can’t tell the difference at face value. Usually, novice players will have to jump ship multiple times and have many bad experiences before finding a good casino that’s worth their time. As experts, we have a secret recipe for assessing the best online sites. For any site we recommend, we perform several inquiries. Only those that pass are quality slot sites, and the absolute best pokies sites will be a cut above the rest.
Is the site licensed?
There’s no way to over-stress the importance of licensing for online casinos. Unlicensed and unregulated online slot sites are often blacklisted for their lack of compliance and proper regulation. They are not safe, and you have no guarantee of security for your personal details and money. That is why our first step is to check if there’s a licensing certificate displayed at the site’s footer.
The reputation of the licensing body is also vital. Licences from the UKGC, Alderney, the MGA, Kahnawake and the like are highly recognized. A Curacao licence, for instance, is weaker and will prompt closer scrutiny of the site.
What security protocols are in place?
Security protocols are crucial for any operator that aims to provide a safe gambling environment. SSL encryption is the standard safeguard against hacking and unauthorised access to your details on the website server. Other safeguards we’re happy to see include protocols for anti-fraud and money laundering activities.
Is there a good variety of quality slots?
The best slots sites should have plenty of quality slots for players to wager on. Slots are the most diverse game category, and any top site should showcase this diversity in the selection of games. We look for a good mix of classics, video slots and jackpot titles. The larger the library, the better. We go for quality over quantity any day, but there’s an insane amount of online slots on the market, so there’s no reason for the best sites not to have a sizeable catalogue.
What software providers power the library?
The software providers behind the games are also pivotal to our rankings. This is because the game developers featured can easily tell us the quality of gameplay to expect. Some of the top providers who hardly disappoint are NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Playtech, Big Time Gaming, etc.
Their games often have high payout rates, exciting features and compelling graphics, and they maintain a regular release schedule. They’re also quite innovative. NetEnt invented the avalanche reels with the release of Gonzo’s Quest; Microgaming has the largest progressive jackpot slot ever made, Mega Moolah, and Big Time Gaming are behind the Megaways mechanic, a revolutionary slot engine.
Are there other casino games?
The focus of a slot site should be slots, but offering other casino games shows the operator’s drive to provide players with the best value. Frankly, it’s hard to get bored with the variety of slots the best sites offer, but it’s good to know that you can take a break from spinning the reels and bet on a hand of blackjack or take your chance with Red/Black bets at roulette whenever you wish.
Are there free spins bonuses?
Free spin offers at a slot site are like bread and butter. They are the best slot bonuses, allowing you to spin your favourite titles at the operator’s expense. There should be free spins for new players. Existing customers should also have plenty of similar incentives. The best sites will not just aim to attract players with exciting offers but also retain customers with valuable offers on a regular basis.
How fair are the wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements are the dreaded aspect of online bonuses for many players. However, they’re not inherently disadvantageous. Fair wagering requirements that are easy to play through will make bonus claiming a walk in the park. We determine how valuable a bonus is based on the wagering requirement and other terms and conditions. So we check this requirement and rate sites accordingly. Reasonable wagering at slot sites is about 20x – 30x. Bonuses with higher wagering should be considered with a pinch of salt.
How fast are payouts?
A major pitfall of many online platforms is slow payouts. By default, deposits are instant. On the other hand, withdrawals are a constant headache, and many real-player reviews about mediocre sites complain of delayed or withheld payouts. So an easy way to stand out as the best site is to enable easy and fast payouts.
Withdrawals are rarely as immediate as deposits, but they can be as quick as 24 hours. We also take into consideration the diversity and quality of payment methods. Among the fastest payout options are PayPal slot sites. Neteller and Skrill are also secure and efficient e-wallet options. Paysafecard and Poli are some other popular payment channels for gambling in New Zealand.
Is the customer service reliable?
Many players disregard the importance of customer service until they’re in need of support and are unable to get the relevant assistance. The quality of customer service is often a good indicator of how much the operator values its players and how invested they are in ensuring customers get the best experience.
Poor slot sites provide the bare minimum in terms of customer support, while the best sites, like those on our list, provide reliable support with knowledgeable and friendly representatives that are available round the clock via multiple contact channels (live chat, email, telephone, social media). Several sites will also curate a detailed and comprehensive FAQ section covering players’ most common questions regarding the site.
What’s the quality of the mobile site?
Mobile gaming is all the rave right now, and this isn’t a trend that looks to be dying off anytime soon. The benefits of mobile gaming are clear – increased convenience, easier accessibility, and better graphics. So it’s imperative that operators have a mobile site offering nowadays, and luckily most do. However, the quality of the user interface and the ease of navigation may sometimes fall short. Some mobile sites are just barely strung together for the sake of it, while others are well-thought-out with an overall quality design and usability. The latter is the better kind, and all the slot sites that we feature provide stellar mobile sites or apps or both.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
casinos.win is dedicated to providing casino players with the most reliable online casino information. Our thorough assessment process, as highlighted above, is a tested and proven method of fishing out the best online gaming platforms.
We apply the same criteria across all sites we review, so we take an unbiased approach. And we don’t promote a site as being what it’s not just for affiliate purposes. Our detailed reviews on each site will reveal both the pros and cons, and we deliver our verdict after weighing the good and the bad on a scale.
Why Play at Online Slots Sites
There are numerous benefits to playing at online slot sites. The most obvious one is that online gaming is more convenient than driving to a physical casino establishment, and with mobile slot platforms, you can play on the go, anywhere and anytime. Online slot sites are also many and varied, meaning you have plenty of choice, and you can join multiple sites freely.
There’s also the fact that online sites hold an enormous amount of slot games, more than you can ever hope to find at land-based locations. There’s exceptional choice and variety and some of the most innovative game features. Another advantage of online slots is that they come with better RTPs. The average for online slots is 96%, while land-based slot machines are usually below 93%. This superior RTP means that you stand a chance to get more profitable returns on your bets.
The biggest advantage of playing at online slots sites is the presence of bonuses, lots and lots of them. From no deposit bonuses to deposit matches and free spins, these offers will boost any gaming experience. At the best slot sites, there are bonus deals for new players as well as existing customers.
How to Play at the Best Slot Sites
It’s pretty easy to get started at the best slot sites. We’re breaking down the process into three steps.
Begin by registering
All the best NZ pokies sites require players to register before enjoying any of the site’s features. You’ll need to complete a simple sign-up form. The process is quick and straightforward, and there are prompts to guide you through.
Licensed slot sites in New Zealand are required to carry out KYC verification on all registered players. So you’ll need to provide proof of identity and address. Usually, your passport or government-approved ID card and a bank statement or utility bill will suffice.
Make your first deposit
Unless you’re playing at a no deposit slot site, you must make a deposit before you begin. The minimum first deposit at the best slot sites is often quite accommodating. You can usually make a $10 deposit, $5 deposit or $1 deposit.
The trend of low deposit sites is on the rise, so you can begin your gaming experience with just a bit of spare change in your pockets. The minimum deposit is not always the same as the qualifying deposit for bonus claiming. If you wish to claim a bonus, ensure you check the qualifying deposit for the offer before you fund your account.
Claim bonus free spins
Online slot bonuses are optional, but there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t claim one unless it’s got absolutely awful wagering requirements. Fortunately, reasonable bonus wagering is one of the criteria for the best slot sites.
Free spins bonuses will boost your slot gameplay and increase your chances of winning. Slots are games of chance, and any single random bet could be the lucky one that pays out a big win or a jackpot. So each free spin is one more chance to win.
Free spins are the most prominent slot bonus because they are designed specifically for these games, but you could just as well benefit from a cash bonus. You can use both to play online slots for free.
Best Slot Sites for Winning
Sites with the highest RTP slots are your best chance at winning, theoretically. You should be looking for games with a 96% RTP at the least, and the higher the payout rate, the better. Some of the best-paying slots include Gonzo’s Quest, Blood Suckers and White Rabbit Megaways.
The biggest win at online slot sites is often from progressive jackpot slots, though. These can pay life-changing sums worth millions, but they come with lower RTPs, around the 93% mark. The low payout rate is the tradeoff that comes with the chance to win such large amounts. So it’s up to you to choose whether to play for a progressive jackpot or go for regular wins. The highest-paying slots can offer 50,000x your stake or more.
Best Slot Sites for Bonuses
Bonuses are the most attractive aspect of online slot sites. Rather than games and other offerings, bonuses are often the biggest incentive to play at a new site. The bonus amount is important because the larger the bonus, the better, but the true worth of a bonus is actually in the small print.
The wagering requirement is the bonus rule you’ll want to look for immediately. A high wagering requirement is a red flag, indicating that the bonus is not as generous as it looks. On the other hand, low wagering is excellent, and you’re more likely to profit from your bonus. Some sites like PlayOjo waive this rule entirely and offer no wagering bonuses.
You can also take your bets to no deposit slot sites, where you can claim bonus deals for free without making any deposit.
Best Slot Sites FAQs
Which slot site has the best games?
The best games are from top slot developers. You’ll be looking for a slot providers list that includes the likes of NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play. The best slot sites will cover slots and diversify with table games, live dealers and other options.
Can I play at online slot sites for free?
Most slot sites in NZ are real money platforms where you must make a deposit before playing. However, you may get the chance to play free slots in demo mode at some sites. Others will offer no deposit bonuses that allow you to play for free and still win real money.
Do I have to download mobile apps for the best slots sites?
Some of the best slot sites have an app. Others don’t. Mobile apps allow you to enjoy convenient gaming on the go, but a top-quality mobile site will be just as seamless and optimised.
How do free spins bonuses work at slot sites?
Free spins are a slot-specific bonus that rewards players with a number of bonus spins at the operator’s expense. For instance, you may get 50 free spins to play Starburst or on a group of selected slots. You may receive deposit free spins or no deposit free spins
Can I claim other bonuses besides free spins?
Yes, you can. Although free spins are the go-to slots bonus, you’ll find no deposit bonuses, match offers, VIP rewards and more.
Are online slot games rigged?
Fair play is part of the security features at most licensed slot sites and guarantees that online slot games are not manipulated. The best sites have their game RNGs tested by independent auditors like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and BMMTestlabs.