It may be a little remote compared to countries that have nearer neighbours, but New Zealand is known as a place with a great standard of living. There is plenty to love about living there, from the spectacular landscapes to the well-funded healthcare and education systems, so it’s no wonder that New Zealanders are leading the field when it comes to fun as well.
New Zealanders have a diverse range of interests, many of which revolve around the great outdoors and one of the most popular ways to spend a few days is colloquially known as ‘camping and tramping’. Thousands of kiwis love nothing more than packing a tent and heading out to the bush for a few days of hiking, interspersed with sleeping beneath the stars in some of the most beautiful surroundings going.
At the other end of the scale, some of the most high-tech hobbies around are also popular in New Zealand, including gaming which is a consistently popular entertainment choice the world over. New Zealanders love all kinds of games, and their gaming industry is thriving, not least because of a recent announcement that the games industry will enjoy a tax rebate to encourage gaming businesses to establish themselves in New Zealand.
As with most countries, New Zealanders appreciate the traditional casino games that are popular throughout the world in land-based casinos and online. Players can choose sites that reflect the variety on offer at brick-and-mortar casinos including casinos known as New Zealand’s high paying online casino sites
The most popular casino games
Slots
Although slots are consistently popular with players the world over, when New Zealanders hit the casinos, they want to play the pokies. This antipodean name for slots derives from the term ‘poker machine’, but the game itself has been a massive hit regardless of what it is called.
Players appreciate the simplicity of the game (indeed, many believe that ‘pokies’ may also refer to the motion of pressing, or poking, the buttons) and the chance of winning big without having to do much but let is hugely appealing. Players can opt for a range of different themes, leveraging their enthusiasm for their favourite TV show, music, or interest by playing slots that include some of the familiar imagery and language.
Poker
While poker is often portrayed on television or in films, the focus is usually on the characters facing each other in a battle of wills to see who can withstand the pressure. For those that prefer a slightly less intense game, playing online has all the excitement of an in-person game without any of the stress associated with having to maintain a poker face while you’re bluffing or trying to spot the other players’ tells.
Like slots, it’s now possible to play themed poker games that incorporate the things that bring you joy, but players can also try a range of different types of poker including:
- Pineapple Poker
- Vanunu
- Iron Cross
- Low Chicago
- Badugi
- Mexican Sweat
- Follow the Queen
- Anaconda
From playing a simple game with an online dealer to live-streaming a game for a really authentic casino experience, there are plenty of ways to enjoy poker, and the citizens of New Zealand are spoilt for choice!
Blackjack
Blackjack is simple to play but can take a lifetime to master and this is one of the things that makes it so popular In New Zealand and throughout the world. Because each player is only trying to beat the dealer, it is a little less intense than poker, but the mathematics involved means that a dedicated player can significantly increase their odds of winning.
There are a few simple rules to help steer players towards success, but those that want to up their game can study more detailed rules to help increase their chances of winning.
Roulette
If you want to take advantage of your good luck, then playing a game like roulette could be a good choice as you cede control over the outcome to the wheel and the ball. However, the betting is key in roulette as players use their mathematical knowledge and statistical understanding to try and capitalise on whatever the wheel serves up.
While most players appreciate the simplicity of the game, there are those who have strategies for every possible potential outcome. While you cannot do anything to change the outcome, there are ways to maximise your chances of winning simply by betting in a way that will help you to stay in the black.
For New Zealanders that appreciate the fun and excitement of casino gaming, there are plenty of games to choose from, whether they want to play online or visit a traditional casino.