The appeal of casino games has really opened out in recent years. Playing those games used to be a niche hobby, but now many more people enjoy them.
Probably the biggest reason for that is the development of online and mobile casinos. There are people who would have been too intimidated to visit a land-based casino, but who are happy to play slot machines or roulette online. In particular, more women are now trying out casino gaming.
This is something that is happening in most countries too, including New Zealand. Casino gaming is now very common among people who live there.
They are attracted by the convenience, but also by the exciting promotions and bonuses that online casinos offer. It is easy to find the bonuses and promotions on offer with BonusFinder New Zealand listing some of the best ones.
But what are the most popular actual games in New Zealand? Keep reading to find out.
Slot machines
Slot machines appear to be the most popular casino games in every country on earth. Among players in New Zealand they are more commonly known as ‘pokies’ but they are still the games that attract the most people.
There is no great mystery behind the international appeal of the slot machine. They are liked by the highest number of people because they are the easiest casino game to play.
The rules for slot machines are so simple that it is virtually impossible to go wrong. Each slot has reels with icons on it, as well as a set number of pay lines and a maximum and minimum betting amount.
Players just have to bet on as many pay lines as they wish and then spin the reels. If they get a matching reel on a line that they have wagered on, they will win a payout.
Slot games do contain some special icons that complicate things a bit, but these are mostly helpful to the player. There will be a ‘wild’ icon that can substitute for any missing one to create a matching row.
Then there is the ‘scatter’ icon that is the trigger for bonus games or free spins if a player gets a certain number of them on a reel. Another important tip that players must consider is the return-to-player (RPG).
This is a percentage that indicates the payout chances per spin. The higher the RTP, the better your odds are.
Slot games come with many themes now, ranging from sports to movie and television spin-offs.
Blackjack
There are several casino card games, but blackjack is the most popular one in New Zealand. It has an appeal that is the polar opposite to that of the slot machines.
Where they are simple, blackjack is complex. And while slot machines are purely games of chance, blackjack is one where clever and strategic play can greatly affect the outcome.
The essential point of blackjack is not difficult to grasp. A gambler competes against the card dealer rather than other players and the aim is to get a hand of cards as close to 21 in value as possible without going over that score. Anything higher than 21 means you go ‘bust’ (lose the game).
One reason why it is a popular choice among New Zealand casino fans is that it offers better odds than all of the other games. Every casino game has a house edge, but for blackjack this is just 0.25%, compared to 1% or more for other games.
Then there is the potential it offers for talented players to show off their skills. Blackjack comes in several forms, such as Atlantic City, European and Classic.
Roulette
Roulette is a third game that has great appeal throughout New Zealand. This is the game that is synonymous with casinos, because of the iconic roulette wheel.
It contains black and red numbered pockets. Players bet on either numbers or colors and then a ball is spun in the wheel. If it lands on the color or number you wagered on, you will win.
There are various types of bet that can be made in roulette, including inside and outside ones. Outside bets are less risky than inside ones. There are also strategies, with the Martingale one being the most famous.
This involves doubling your bets each time you lose. The thinking behind it is that when a win finally comes, you will claw back enough money to cancel out all the earlier losses.
The most valuable tip to bear in mind though is to choose the right version of roulette. If the European variant is available, it should always be chosen, because the house edge is lower than it is for American roulette.
These three games are big with different types of gamblers, as there are casino games to suit all tastes.