Last Updated: 11 September 2025
If you’re a Kiwi player looking to get the most bang for your buck, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve dug through hundreds of online pokies to find the ones that give you the best theoretical return on your investment. This guide reveals the top 10 best paying online pokies in NZ for 2025.
“Best paying” doesn’t mean a guaranteed win, but it does mean these games are programmed to return a higher percentage of wagers to players over the long term. Let’s explore the world of high RTP pokies.
What is RTP and Why Does It Matter?
The single most important metric for a “best paying” pokie is its RTP, or Return to Player percentage. This figure represents the theoretical amount of money a pokie pays back to players over millions of spins. For example, a 98% RTP pokie will, on average, return $98 for every $100 wagered.
Choosing a game with a higher RTP gives you a better statistical chance of winning over time. It’s a key piece of information for any smart Kiwi player. For a more detailed breakdown of this and other game mechanics, read our guide to understanding Pokie Volatility and RTP.
How We Ranked These Pokies
This list is based purely on the official, developer-provided RTP percentages. We have focused on well-known and trusted games available to New Zealand players. Your results in a single session can vary wildly, but these pokies offer the best long-term value by design.
NZ’s Top 10 Best Paying Online Pokies
Here they are—the pokies with the highest RTPs in the industry.
1. Goblin’s Cave (Playtech) – 99.32% RTP
Often topping the charts, Goblin’s Cave is a unique multi-spin classic. This 3-reel pokie has a hold feature, allowing you to keep certain symbols for a second spin, giving you a level of skill and control not found in many other games. Its fantasy theme and incredibly high RTP make it a must-try.
- Provider: Playtech
- Volatility: Low
- Key Features: Hold Feature, Bonus Round
2. Ugga Bugga (Playtech) – 99.07% RTP
Another Playtech classic with a similar hold mechanic, Ugga Bugga takes you to a tribal jungle. It features 10 rows of 3 reels each, and like Goblin’s Cave, you spin once and then choose a symbol to hold across all 10 rows for the second spin. It’s an unconventional but highly rewarding pokie.
- Provider: Playtech
- Volatility: Low
- Key Features: Hold Feature, Multi-Spin
3. Mega Joker (NetEnt) – up to 99% RTP
A high-volatility classic that looks like a traditional pokie machine from a Las Vegas casino. Mega Joker‘s 99% RTP is only active when you bet the maximum coins and play in its “Supermeter” mode. It’s a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward game for traditionalists.
- Provider: NetEnt
- Volatility: High
- Key Features: Supermeter Mode, Progressive Jackpot
4. Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – up to 98.9% RTP
Very similar in style to Mega Joker, Jackpot 6000 is another classic fruit machine simulation. Its high RTP is also tied to the Supermeter mode. It features heads-or-tails double-up rounds and a nostalgic feel that many Kiwi players love.
- Provider: NetEnt
- Volatility: High
- Key Features: Supermeter Mode, Gamble Feature
5. Book of 99 (Relax Gaming) – 99% RTP
A modern video pokie with an incredible RTP. As the name suggests, Book of 99 delivers a 99% return. It features the popular “Book of…” mechanic with expanding symbols in the free spins round. Its Greek mythology theme and high payout potential make it a top choice.
- Provider: Relax Gaming
- Volatility: High
- Key Features: Free Spins with Expanding Symbols
6. Blood Suckers (NetEnt) – 98% RTP
A cult classic, Blood Suckers is a vampire-themed pokie famous for its low volatility and high RTP. This makes it a favourite for players looking to clear bonus wagering requirements. It features a fun vampire-slaying bonus game and frequent small wins.
- Provider: NetEnt
- Volatility: Low
- Key Features: Free Spins, Click-Me Bonus Game
7. Starmania (NextGen) – 97.87% RTP
A vibrant, space-themed pokie that is often compared to Starburst but with a much higher RTP. Starmania features stacked wilds and a free spins round where extra wilds are added to the reels, offering great win potential. It’s a simple, colourful, and rewarding game.
- Provider: NextGen Gaming
- Volatility: Low
- Key Features: Stacked Wilds, Free Spins with Extra Wilds
8. White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming) – up to 97.77% RTP
The game that popularised the “Feature Drop” mechanic. White Rabbit is a high-volatility Megaways pokie with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Its RTP can increase to 97.77% during the feature buy, and the free spins round with extending reels is incredibly exciting.
- Provider: Big Time Gaming
- Volatility: High
- Key Features: Megaways, Extending Reels, Feature Drop
9. Medusa Megaways (NextGen) – up to 97.63% RTP
Another fantastic Megaways title, Medusa Megaways also allows you to buy the bonus, which increases the RTP. It features a free spins round with an unlimited win multiplier that increases after every winning cascade, creating massive payout potential.
- Provider: NextGen Gaming
- Volatility: High
- Key Features: Megaways, Unlimited Win Multiplier, Feature Buy
10. Dead or Alive 2 (NetEnt) – 96.82% RTP
While its RTP isn’t as high as others on this list, Dead or Alive 2 is legendary for its insane volatility and mind-boggling win potential (over 100,000x your stake). It offers three different free spins modes to choose from. It’s one of the most popular high-risk pokies in the world for a reason.
- Provider: NetEnt
- Volatility: Extremely High
- Key Features: Three Different Free Spins Modes
Where to Play High RTP Pokies in NZ
Finding a trustworthy online casino is the most important step. Once you’ve chosen a game from this list, you’ll need a safe and reliable place to play it. For a complete overview of the best options for Kiwis, we recommend reading our Ultimate Guide to Online Pokies in NZ, which covers how to select a great casino.
A Final Word on Responsible Gambling
Remember, even with a high RTP, winning is never guaranteed. Online pokies are a form of entertainment, and the house always has an edge. Always play responsibly, set limits for yourself, and never bet more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
If you need support, please contact the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand.