Gaming machines in New Zealand, better known as pokies, are regulated in two separate streams: casino machines, which sit under casino licences, and Class 4 machines in pubs and clubs, which follow strict stake and prize caps. The machines look similar, but the rules behind them are quite different. Here’s how the system is set up and what those differences mean when you sit down to play.
Two regulatory streams
Casino gaming machines
Casino machines operate within licensed casinos, with licences decided by the Gambling Commission and inspection by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). They are not subject to Class 4 limits, so casinos can offer higher-denomination machines and larger jackpots. SkyCity Auckland, for example, says it has “2,100+ machines”. Entry is 20+.
Class 4 gaming machines
Class 4 machines are found in pubs, bars and clubs. They can only be operated by corporate societies (gaming trusts), which hold DIA licences, and the venue hosts the machines. Net proceeds must go to authorised charitable, community or racing purposes. Entry age is 18+.
The Class 4 limits
| Limit | Class 4 (pub/club) | Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stake per play | $2.50 | Not subject to Class 4 cap |
| Maximum prize from a single play | $500 | Not subject to Class 4 cap |
| Maximum linked jackpot | $1,000 | Not subject to Class 4 cap |
| Minimum age | 18 | 20 |
These caps come from the Class 4 gambling regulations and game rules. They are why linked jackpots in a pub top out at $1,000, while casino jackpots are not bound by that cap. For the full set of player rules, see pokies rules in New Zealand.
How many machines?
DIA’s latest quarterly figures, for April to June 2026, show 948 Class 4 venues and 13,613 Class 4 gaming machines nationwide. Both numbers were slightly lower than the previous quarter. Gaming machine profits (player spend minus prizes) for the quarter were $271.5m. Casino machines are reported separately.
What’s inside a modern machine
Every gaming machine, whether in a casino or a club, uses a random number generator (RNG) to decide each outcome. Common features include:
- Paylines or ways to win: fixed lines, or systems where matching symbols on adjacent reels count.
- Free spins: bonus rounds triggered by scatter symbols.
- Multipliers: features that multiply a win.
- Hold-and-spin: collect-style bonus rounds where special symbols lock in place. See Lightning Link-style pokies for how these work.
- Linked jackpots: prize pools shared across several machines.
Each machine has a theoretical return to player (RTP), a long-run average across a very large number of plays. RTP does not predict a session, and no feature or pattern makes a machine “due”. Our how to play pokies guide explains volatility and features in more depth.
Machines versus online pokies
Online pokies use similar mechanics but sit under a different legal framework. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is introducing licensed online casino gambling, with requirements such as spending limits and no autoplay for licensed operators. The land-based vs online pokies comparison sets out the differences.
Safer play
Gaming machines are designed for continuous play, and over time they return less than they take. Set a budget, take breaks, and use self-exclusion if you need it; every venue must offer it. Gambling Helpline Aotearoa is free on 0800 654 655, 24/7. Visit our New Zealand pokies hub for the bigger picture.