Pokies and EGMs in NZ – How Many and Where Kiwis Play

Pokies and EGMs in NZ – How Many and Where Kiwis Play

Pokies – electronic gaming machines (EGMs) – are a big part of the New Zealand gambling landscape. They're in clubs, pubs, and casinos, and a lot of Kiwis also play online slots at offshore sites. This research piece pulls together the numbers: how many machines there are, where they're located, how the industry is regulated, and how that fits with where and how Kiwis actually play.

We've used public data, government reports, and industry figures to give you a clear picture. No spin – just the facts so you can see the scale and context of pokies and EGMs in NZ.

"Understanding the number and distribution of EGMs helps put online play in context. Many of the same players who use machines in venues also play online; the two environments are linked by player behaviour, not just by the type of game." – Dr. Helen Foster, Gambling Research, Auckland University of Technology

How Many Pokies and EGMs Are There in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, electronic gaming machines outside casinos are usually called "pokies" and are operated under class 4 gambling licenses. Casinos (e.g. SkyCity) have their own allocation of machines under different rules. The total number of EGMs has been capped and reduced over time as part of harm-minimisation policy.

Class 4 (non-casino) EGMs

Class 4 gambling covers EGMs in pubs, clubs, and other licensed venues. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) publishes data on machine numbers. As of recent reporting periods, there are roughly 15,000–17,000 class 4 EGMs across the country. The exact figure changes as licenses are surrendered or reallocated and as venues open or close. The trend over the last decade has been a gradual reduction in the number of machines, partly due to voluntary agreements and regulatory decisions aimed at reducing harm.

Casino EGMs

New Zealand has six territorial casinos (e.g. SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, SkyCity Queenstown, Christchurch Casino, Dunedin Casino, and one in Wharf Casino). They hold a separate class of license and operate a much larger number of EGMs and table games. Casino EGM numbers are in the thousands combined; SkyCity properties alone account for a significant share. These machines are only available on casino premises.

Category	Approx. number (recent data)	Context
Class 4 EGMs (non-casino)	~15,000–17,000	Pubs, clubs, RSAs; capped and reducing over time
Casino EGMs	Several thousand (combined)	Six territorial casinos only
Total land-based EGMs	~20,000+	Exact count varies by year and source

Where Are the Machines? Geographic Spread

Class 4 EGMs are not spread evenly. They're concentrated in areas with more licensed venues – major cities and towns, and often in lower socio-economic areas where venues have historically been granted licenses. The DIA and other bodies have published distribution maps and statistics showing higher density in certain regions. Casinos are fixed: Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wharf. So "where Kiwis play" land-based pokies is partly a function of where they live and where venues and casinos are allowed to operate.

Venue Types for Class 4 Pokies

• Pubs and hotels: Many have a gaming room with a number of EGMs.
• RSAs and clubs: Often host pokies; profits may support club activities or community grants.
• Other licensed venues: Any venue holding a class 4 operator’s license can host machines within the cap.

Regulation: Who Oversees Pokies and EGMs?

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the main regulator for gambling in New Zealand. It oversees the Gambling Act 2003, class 4 licensing, and harm-minimisation requirements. Casino operations are also subject to the Act and to their own license conditions. Key elements include caps on machine numbers, mandatory host responsibility (e.g. signage, self-exclusion), and rules on where and how machines can be placed. Online casino play by Kiwis is not licensed in NZ; it happens on offshore sites, so the DIA does not license or directly regulate those operators.

Harm Minimisation and Player Protection

Venues and casinos must provide information on responsible gambling, self-exclusion options, and access to help (e.g. Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655). Limits on note acceptors, signage, and staff training are part of the framework. The aim is to reduce harm while allowing legal gambling in controlled environments.

Where Do Kiwis Play? Land-Based vs Online

Many Kiwis play both in venues and online. Surveys and research (e.g. Health Survey data, academic studies) show that a growing share of gambling activity happens online – including on offshore casino and pokie-style sites. That doesn't mean land-based pokies have disappeared; it means the overall "where" includes home, work, or anywhere with internet, as well as the local pub or casino. Demographics vary: younger players tend to be more likely to have tried online; older players may still prefer the pub or club. Geography matters for land-based play (you need a venue nearby); for online, location matters less than access to a device and a site that accepts NZ players.

Environment	What’s available	Who regulates
Land-based (class 4)	EGMs in pubs, clubs, RSAs	DIA (NZ)
Land-based (casinos)	EGMs + table games in six casinos	DIA (NZ)
Online	Slots/pokies at offshore casinos	Offshore (e.g. MGA, UKGC, Curacao)

Expenditure and Revenue Context

Total expenditure on gambling in New Zealand runs into billions of NZD per year. A large portion of that has historically come from non-casino EGMs (class 4). Casino revenue is also substantial. Online play by Kiwis at offshore sites is not fully captured in NZ statistics, but industry and research estimates suggest it is a meaningful and growing share. So when we talk about "how many" pokies and "where" Kiwis play, the financial flow is increasingly split between domestic venues and offshore online operators.

Trends: Fewer Machines, More Online?

The long-term trend in New Zealand has been a reduction in the number of class 4 EGMs and, in some areas, in venue numbers. At the same time, online gambling has grown. That doesn't mean every Kiwi has switched online; it means the mix has changed. Some players only use land-based; some only online; many use both. Policymakers and researchers continue to monitor harm, expenditure, and participation across both environments.

Conclusion

Pokies and EGMs in NZ are a regulated, significant part of the gambling landscape. There are roughly 15,000–17,000 class 4 machines in non-casino venues and several thousand more in the six territorial casinos. They're concentrated where venues and casinos exist, and they're overseen by the DIA under the Gambling Act. At the same time, many Kiwis also play online slots at offshore casinos, which are not licensed in NZ. So "how many" and "where" has two answers: a finite number in physical venues, and a growing online segment that sits outside domestic EGM counts. Understanding both helps put the numbers and the debate about harm and regulation in context.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pokies are there in New Zealand?

There are roughly 15,000–17,000 class 4 EGMs in non-casino venues (pubs, clubs, etc.) and several thousand more in the six territorial casinos. Exact numbers vary by year; check DIA reports for current figures.

Where can I play pokies in NZ?

Land-based: in licensed pubs, clubs, RSAs, and in the six casinos (Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wharf). Online: at offshore online casinos that accept NZ players.

Who regulates pokies in New Zealand?

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) under the Gambling Act 2003. It oversees class 4 licenses and casino licensing, and harm-minimisation requirements.

What is class 4 gambling?

Class 4 covers non-casino electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in licensed venues such as pubs and clubs. It is separate from casino (class 3) gambling.

Are online pokies legal for Kiwis?

Playing at offshore online casinos is not prohibited by NZ law. The law restricts operating a casino from within New Zealand, not playing from NZ at an overseas site.

Is the number of pokies in NZ going up or down?

The trend has been downward for class 4 EGMs over recent years, due to policy and voluntary reductions. Casino numbers are subject to their license conditions.

Where are pokies most concentrated?

Class 4 machines are often concentrated in areas with more licensed venues, including some lower socio-economic regions. The DIA and researchers have published distribution data.

Do Kiwis play more online or in venues?

Participation varies by person and over time. Overall, online gambling has grown; many players use both land-based and online. Survey data (e.g. Health Survey) gives participation and harm estimates.

What's the difference between casino and non-casino pokies?

Casino EGMs are inside the six territorial casinos and are licensed under a different class. Non-casino (class 4) EGMs are in pubs, clubs, and other venues. Both are electronic gaming machines.

Can I self-exclude from pokies in NZ?

Yes. Venues and casinos offer self-exclusion schemes. You can also contact the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) and use national or regional exclusion options where available.

How is pokie revenue used?

In class 4, a portion of profits goes to community grants and authorised purposes. The rest goes to the operator and venue. Casinos operate under their own license and revenue arrangements.

Are there limits on how many machines a venue can have?

Yes. The national cap and per-venue limits are set by regulation and policy. The DIA administers these.

What's the minimum age to play pokies in NZ?

You must be 20 or over to enter a casino or to play class 4 EGMs in licensed venues.

Do online casinos in NZ have pokies?

NZ doesn't license online casinos. Offshore sites that accept NZ players offer online slots (pokie-style games). They are not "NZ" casinos but are used by Kiwis.

How do I find help for problem gambling?

Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655. There are also online resources, counselling, and self-exclusion. Venues and casinos must provide information on help.

Why are there fewer pokies now than before?

Policy and harm-minimisation goals have led to caps and reductions. Some venues have surrendered licenses or closed. Voluntary agreements have also reduced machine numbers in some areas.

Can I play pokies on my phone in NZ?

Land-based pokies are only in physical venues. You can play online slots (pokie-style games) on your phone at offshore online casinos that accept NZ players.

What's the RTP on NZ pub pokies?

RTP is set by the machine and the game. It's not always displayed as clearly as on many online slots. If you want to know, ask venue staff or check any available information.

Are casino and pub pokies the same?

They're both EGMs (electronic gaming machines), but they're in different license classes (casino vs class 4) and may have different games, limits, and environments.

Where can I see official EGM statistics for NZ?

The Department of Internal Affairs publishes data and reports on gambling in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health and other agencies also release survey and harm data.