Offline pokies or pokies that can be played without the Internet are rare as most games nowadays are available for instant play and need the Internet while you play.

From login to updating your profile, storage, ads and comp points, casino games want you to be online if you are playing for real money.

I can visit my local club or gaming lounge, but …

Why can’t I download and play a casino app on my flight to London? I set myself on a quest. I tried downloading games, setting my computer in Airplane Mode, and seeing if I could still play them.

– The answer is No.

Then, I did the same with the Lightning Link casino app. I launched it and tried to play it offline, but that didn’t work either.

Regarding favourites, Pokies are a personal thing. Sometimes, we can’t explain why we are attracted to a machine and not others. Below, I’m sharing games I like for many reasons.

For now, I have to accept that it’s not possible to preload real money or even fun games. They all need the Internet.

I will keep you updated if I find a solution.

Top pokies that I recommend

1. Starburst Pokies

Starburst is a video pokies with a 5×3 reel layout and 10 paylines. It has low volatility, meaning it pays out frequently but has fewer winnings than high-volatility pokies.

PokiesMobile Suggestion – It can be a good choice for Kiwis looking for low-risk pokies.

Here are the features of Starburst

• Wild symbol: The Starburst symbol is a wild symbol that can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
• Re-spins: If you land 3 or more Starburst symbols on the reels, you will trigger the re-spins feature. All winning symbols will be locked in place during the re-spins, and the remaining symbols will respin.
• Multiplier: The Starburst symbol also has a multiplier of x2 or x3. If you land 3 or more Starburst symbols with the same multiplier, the win will be multiplied by that amount.

Why Starburst is a famous pokie game

• Simple gameplay: Starburst is a straightforward game to play, even for beginners.
• High-quality graphics: Starburst has high-quality graphics and animations that make it visually appealing.
• Variety of betting options: Starburst offers a variety of betting options, so players can choose the amount they are comfortable with.
• Frequent payouts: Starburst has a low volatility, meaning it pays out frequently, even if the wins are small.
• Bonus features: Starburst has a few bonus features, such as the re-spins feature, which can help players win even more money.

Overall, Starburst is a great choice for players looking for a simple, visually appealing game with a high chance of winning small prizes.

2. Lucky 88

Lucky 88 is a video pokie game with a 5×3 reel layout and 25 paylines. It is based on a Chinese theme and features several bonus features, including free spins and a gambling feature.

Here are the features of Lucky 88:

• Wild symbol: The Chinese character for “8” is the wild symbol, and it can be substituted for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
• Scatter symbol: The red envelope symbol is the scatter symbol, and it can trigger the free spins feature.
• Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 10 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
• Gamble feature: If you win a spin, you can double or quadruple your win by guessing the colour or suit of a playing card.

The gameplay of Lucky 88 is very simple. You need to choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels will then spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you will win a prize.

Why it is popular in New Zealand

• Chinese theme: The game has a Chinese theme, which may appeal to players interested in Chinese culture.
• Bonus features: The game features several bonus features, such as free spins and a gambling feature, which can help players win more money.
• RTP: The RTP of Lucky 88 is 95.78%, which is higher than the average RTP. This means players can expect to earn more on average when playing Lucky 88.

3. Buffalo Pokies

Buffalo is a video slot game with a 5×4 reel layout and 100 paylines. It is based on the American Old West and features a wild buffalo symbol that can substitute for all other symbols to create winning combinations.

Buffalo has a medium volatility, which means it offers a good balance of risk and reward.

Here are the features of Buffalo:

• Wild symbol: The wild buffalo symbol can substitute for all other symbols to create winning combinations.
• Scatter symbol: The scatter symbol is the golden coin symbol, which can trigger the free spin feature.
• Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 8 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
• Stacked wilds: The wild buffalo symbol can appear stacked on the reels, which can help to create more winning combinations.

The gameplay of Buffalo is very simple. You need to choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels will then spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you will win a prize.

Why players should play Buffalo as pokie in New Zealand

• High RTP: Buffalo’s RTP is 96.09%, higher than the average RTP. This means that players can expect to win more money on average when they play Buffalo.
• Medium volatility: Buffalo’s medium volatility means players can expect to win frequent medium-sized prizes.
• Stacked wilds: The stacked wild buffalo symbols can help create more winning combinations, leading to larger payouts.

4. Cleopatra Pokies

Cleopatra is a video pokies game with a 5×3 reel layout and 20 paylines. It is based on the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and features several bonus features, including free spins and a gambling feature.

Cleopatra is highly volatile, meaning wins are usually large but less frequent.

Here are the features of Cleopatra:

• Wild symbol: The Cleopatra symbol is the wild symbol, and it can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
• Scatter symbol: The scarab beetle symbol is the scatter symbol, and it can trigger the free spin feature.
• Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 15 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be doubled.
• Gamble feature: If you win a spin, you can double or quadruple your win by guessing the colour or suit of a playing card.

The gameplay of Cleopatra is straightforward. You need to choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels will then spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you will win a prize.

Why players should play Cleopatra as pokie in New Zealand:

• High volatility: Cleopatra’s high volatility means that players can expect to win large prizes but will also have to wait longer for these wins.
• Bonus features: The free spins and gamble features can help players win more money.
• Theme: The Egyptian theme of Cleopatra may appeal to players interested in Egyptian history and culture.

5. Indian Dreaming Pokies

Indian Dreaming is a video pokie game with a 5x3 reel layout and 243 ways to win. It is based on the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime and features a number of symbols from Aboriginal culture, such as the kangaroo, the emu, and the didgeridoo. 

Indian Dreaming has a medium volatility, which means it offers a good balance of risk and reward.

Here are the features of Indian Dreaming:

• Wild symbol: The kangaroo is the wild symbol, and it can substitute for any other symbol to create winning combinations.
• Scatter symbol: The didgeridoo symbol is the scatter symbol, which can trigger the free spin feature.
• Free spins: If you land 3 or more scatter symbols on the reels, you will win 10 free spins. During the free spins, all wins will be tripled.
• Bonus game: If you land 3 or more totem pole symbols on the reels, you will trigger the bonus game. In the bonus game, you must match symbols to win prizes.

The gameplay of Indian Dreaming is very simple. You need to choose your bet size and click on the Spin button. The reels will then spin and stop randomly. If you land a winning combination, you will win a prize.

Why players should play Indian Dreaming aspokie in New Zealand:

• Unique theme: The Australian Aboriginal theme of Indian Dreaming may appeal to players interested in Aboriginal culture.
• Bonus features: The free spins and bonus games can help players win more money.
• Medium volatility: The medium volatility of Indian Dreaming means that players can expect to win frequent medium-sized prizes.

How to Play Pokies Offline?

Playing pokies offline in New Zealand is pretty simple. Here is the short guide:

• Visit an Offline Land-Based Casino
• Choose pokies machine
• Place your bet
• Play

First, visit any brick-and-mortar casino near you where you will not need to use the internet for gameplay.

After you’ve chosen your place, it’s time to choose your pokie machine! Make sure you’re familiar with the gameplay of these machines.

Then, follow the instructions to proceed. Place your bet and hope that you win! There is no need for Wi-Fi or data—just dive right in and have fun.

Some popular land-based casino places to play pokies:

• SkyCity Casino
• Christchurch Casino
• SkyCity Dunedin

If you want to play pokies while sitting on your couch, you must visit online casinos for real-money play, but remember that this will require an internet connection.

Popular Land Casinos to Play Pokies Offline

New Zealand is a great place and has a range of casinos, pubs and restaurants that offer gaming machines to play.

You can also perform a Google search by typing the keyword “Pokies near me” and landing at the best place where you can play.

Some popular casinos are as follows:

• Christchurch Casino
  • Address: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
  • Phone: 03 365 9999
• Dunedin Casino
  • Address: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
  • Phone: 03 477 4545
• SkyCity Hamilton
  • Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204
  • Phone: 07 834 4900
• SkyCity Queenstown
  • Address: Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
  • Phone: 03 441 0400
• SkyCity Auckland
  • Address: Corner Victoria and, Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
  • Hours: Open 24 hours

Our Verdict

Basically, there is only one way you can play poker offline or without an internet connection; it’s a Land-Based Casino.

The difference between playing at Online Casinos and Offline Land-Based Casinos is that brick-and-mortar casinos do not require mobile phones or internet connections.

If you are looking to play casino apps offline, then unfortunately, you will not find any. There is no such thing as playing at online casinos without the Internet.

FAQs