Written by: Julius De Vries | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Kim Birch
Classic pokies and retro-themed machines or new video pokies with a vintage vibe are a hit with punters across New Zealand and beyond. Their popularity is on the rise, and you'll find heaps of Retro Pokies at any online casino. Just pick your favourite and dive into a bit of old-school gaming.
There's good reason why Retro Pokies are so well-loved. They offer an authentic throwback to traditional gambling, reminiscent of the mechanical pokies of yesteryear. It's a chance to revisit the pokies from back in the day, perfect for when you're feeling a bit nostalgic. These Retro Pokies have a unique simplicity that you just don't get with the flashier modern games.
Many of today's online punters have tried their luck on the old mechanical pokies too. But Retro Pokies are more than just basic games with limited options. For plenty of Kiwi gamblers, these classic titles are a way to relive the good old days, bringing back memories of having a flutter at the local pub or club.
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Liberty Bell: The ancestor of today's pokies and slot games.
The first pokie that could be called a reel machine was knocked up in 1895 by Charles Fey, a mechanic by trade. His invention, the 'Liberty Bell', is the granddaddy of most retro-style pokies you'll spot at online casinos today, and it was pretty basic compared to the flashy ones we've got now.
This early pokie had game symbols and got its name from the classic independence icon used on the reels. The other symbols were spades, diamonds, hearts, and horseshoes, all on metal hoops that worked as reels. The Liberty Bell symbol was the big winner, with hearts coming in second.
The original machine was dead simple, with just one payline. While it didn't have any of the fancy features you see in modern pokies, it laid the groundwork for every pokie that came after.
With just one payline, punters only won when they lined up two or three matching symbols in the middle. It's been over a hundred years since that first pokie, and they've changed heaps, but the basic idea is still the same - match the symbols and you're in the money.
The first mechanical Retro Pokies had 3 metal hoops for reels, each with 10 different painted symbols that spun together. These machines paid out automatically, which was a big hit with gamblers.
These mechanical pokies took off like a rocket, and people started calling them all sorts of names. 'One-armed bandits' was another popular nickname punters used.
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Pokie games with Fruit symbols and the classic fruit machines still shine.
These days, online retro pokies are often seen as basic 3-reel games. But they're more than that - retro video pokies capture the essence of classic mechanics and gaming history. Punters enjoy these games for their laid-back vibe, free from flashy graphics and complex bonus rounds that can be a bit of a headache to figure out.
Most retro pokies feature the classic Vegas theme with fruit symbols. This trend kicked off in 1907 when Herbert Bills created the first fruit pokie with lemons, plums, and cherries. But retro pokies aren't just about fruit - you'll also spot lucky 7s, bells, and bar symbols. While other icons pop up too, these are the most common.
A clean, no-fuss layout is another hallmark of retro pokies. You won't find complicated controls or heaps of options. Instead, betting toggles, spin buttons, and auto-spin features are laid out in a user-friendly way.
Retro pokies typically have fewer paylines. Often, there's just one, meaning only one way to win. But this isn't set in stone - some retro pokies offer up to 10 different paylines.
The look and sound of retro pokies are crucial. They're designed to give you that classic gambling feel, like a trip down memory lane. The themes often mimic old-school machines like the Liberty Bell, right down to the soundtrack that fits the classic vibe.
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Classic Symbols and Mechanical Reels: The Heart of Retro Pokies
Most retro pokies keep it simple without fancy bonus rounds or mini-games. But some classic-themed titles do spice things up with interesting special features like Hold, Joker, and Nudge.
Compared to modern pokies loaded with features, retro games are quite different. Their bonuses are designed carefully to enhance gameplay without overwhelming the vintage vibe.
Top developers keep releasing new retro pokies that offer a classic gambling experience with subtle boosters to keep things interesting.
In some retro pokies, the bonus round is crucial for hitting the jackpot. To be eligible, you often need to bet the maximum. So even if you land the right combo, you might miss out on the big win if you're not betting big. Keen retro pokie players keep this in mind.
Some games have a unique 'nudge feature', letting you move one symbol on the grid. This can help complete a winning combo when you're just one symbol short.
The 'Hold' feature is another retro bonus. It lets you keep one or more reels in place for the next spin. This helps you keep high-paying symbols while re-spinning the less rewarding ones. It often appears randomly and can trigger free spins.
Jokers in retro pokies work like Wilds in modern games. They substitute for other symbols to form winning combos. It's likely that Wild symbols were inspired by this classic Joker feature.
Despite these differences, the core mechanics remain the same across all pokies. What's changed over time are the symbols, graphics quality, and the number and power of bonus features.
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Viking Saga: Comparing Modern Pokies to Classic Retro Games
Let's dive into the key differences between Retro Pokies and modern video pokies.
The most obvious difference is the look and feel. Retro Pokies have that classic, vintage vibe, while modern video pokies are all about flashy 3D graphics, slick animations, and even video clips. These newer games are designed to catch the eye of today's punters.
As technology advances, pokie developers are getting more sophisticated tools to work with. This means modern video pokies can pack in heaps more features and bonuses all at once.
The layout and paylines are another big difference. Retro Pokies usually stick to 3 or 5 reels with just one payline, like the old mechanical pokies. Modern video pokies, on the other hand, often have at least 5 reels and can offer up to 100 paylines.
You'll spot different symbols too. Retro Pokies love their lemons, lucky 7s, bars, and cherries. Modern pokies mix it up with symbols that match whatever theme they're going for.
Lastly, modern pokies are chocka with bonus features like Free Spins and Mini Games. Retro Pokies keep it simple with fewer extras.
Try Fire Joker. Classic Kiwi-style pokie with top-notch payouts.
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Kiwis are getting right into retro pokies these days. With heaps of classic-style games popping up at online casinos, more punters are keen to give them a spin. A decent online casino should have plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
There's no shortage of reliable online casinos if you fancy a punt from home. Just remember to gamble responsibly when you're playing online. If you're after some retro pokie action, here are a few top spots to check out:
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Kiwi Classics: Hunting for Fresh Three-Reel Retro Pokies
King Billy Casino stands out as a reliable and well-established online gambling site. You can have a punt here with peace of mind, knowing you're in good hands. Their collection of Retro Pokies is top-notch, featuring a wide range of popular titles.
With such a diverse selection, you're bound to find your ideal retro or vintage-style pokie at KingBilly. Whether you fancy 3-reel or 5-reel pokies, jackpot games, progressive jackpots, or bonus round pokies, they've got you covered.
The Retro Pokie lineup at KingBilly is particularly impressive. If you're into classic pokies, you'll feel right at home here.
KingBilly also offers various payment methods for quick and easy deposits and withdrawals.
We've given this online casino a thorough once-over, and we reckon it's a cracker.
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Free game
Jumanji pokie game blends classic and modern RNG video slots
Mr. Green Casino is a top choice for online punters, with a solid reputation in the gambling scene.
Playing pokies at Mr. Green is straightforward and enjoyable. The games are well-organised, making it easy to find what you're after. There's something for everyone, whether you're keen on a quick flutter or chasing a big win.
The site offers Instant Play, so you can get stuck in right away. No need to faff about with downloads – just head to the website and you're good to go.
Mr. Green caters to all tastes with a mix of classic pokies and modern video slots. You can give the Jumanji video slot a spin for free here on BETO.com.
With licenses from multiple gaming authorities, Mr. Green Casino is a trustworthy choice for Kiwi players.
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Free game
FireJoker: A Kiwi Spin on Classic Pokies
When it comes to online pokies, you've got heaps of options. But it pays to be a bit choosy. Have a squiz at some reviews and recommendations before you dive in. Check out our top picks here at BETO for a good starting point.
Casumo Gaming's a solid bet for classic pokies with a bit of oomph. Give Fire Joker a whirl - it's one of their best retro pokies, and you can try it for free right here on BETO.com.
You'll find reels packed with old-school symbols and some choice bonus features. If you're after a laid-back sesh on some vintage-style pokies, Casumo Casino is hard to beat.
Casumo only picks retro pokies from top-notch developers, so you know you're getting a fair go every time you play.
Plus, they've got some sweet sign-up bonuses and loyalty perks. Why not give Casumo Gaming's retro pokies a crack today?
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Many punters reckon retro pokies are just basic fruit machines with limited winning combos. That's not the case at all. There's a stack of old-school titles out there based on popular entertainment icons and films. Pokies inspired by music legends like Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley are pretty common in most online casinos.
These character-focused games are heavily themed, with graphics built around the main personalities. In a Michael Jackson pokie, you'll see him in the game's logo, on the reels, in animations, and during bonus rounds.
These pokies are ideal for players who enjoy classic games but are also big fans of certain celebrities or entertainment classics like movies or TV shows.
Take IGT's Elvis Multi-Strike, for example. It's a ripper retro pokie variant centred on the legendary Elvis Presley. The action unfolds on the classic 5-reel setup, typical of retro pokies. Elvis' images and clips feature heavily in the graphics, creating an immersive themed experience. There's also a unique gamble feature that can instantly double your winnings.
Retro pokies don't have flashy movie clips, video intros, or complex bonus elements. Instead, you get straightforward and smooth modifiers like free spins, scatter symbols, and wilds. Some old-school titles might chuck in a fun bonus game, but it's not common, as designers aim to keep gameplay simple.
So, expect focused and straightforward gameplay in retro pokies without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
We reckon you'll be surprised by how much fun retro pokies can be. They've already got a solid following that's growing steadily. Retro online pokies have heaps of potential and plenty to offer.
We've linked the demo versions of loads of retro pokies here at BETO.com. Give these old-school games a whirl for free and see what they're all about.
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Got some burning questions about old-school pokies and their classic gameplay? We've got you covered with these handy answers.
Retro pokies are online games designed with a classic, old-school vibe. These titles bring back memories of pulling the lever on mechanical machines, offering a unique experience compared to flashy modern video pokies. They're a hit with punters who fancy a bit of nostalgia with their online gambling.
Retro pokies offer a laid-back gaming experience for Kiwi punters. The designers keep things simple, ditching fancy extras for straightforward gameplay that won't do your head in.
While today's flashy pokies pack a punch with their high-octane gameplay and fancy features, retro pokies take a different tack. These old-school gems offer punters a laid-back, nostalgic spin with their straightforward themes and pared-back boosters. It's all about that classic vibe that takes you back to the days of the local pub or betting shop.
When it comes to retro pokies, fruit themes are a classic choice. The original mechanical machines often featured symbols like lemons, cherries, bars, and lucky 7s on their reels. But old-school pokies aren't just about fruit - you'll also find themes based on film stars, telly icons, and music legends. These vintage-style games offer a nostalgic spin for Kiwi punters looking for a bit of a throwback.
Keen on playing some classic pokies? Just pop over to your go-to online casino and check out their retro section. You'll find heaps of old-school options there to give a spin.
Retro pokies are basically regular online pokies, but they've got that classic vibe with simple features. Whether you're spinning retro or modern pokies, if you're playing on the internet, they're all online pokies. It's pretty straightforward - any pokie game you play on your device counts as an online pokie.
Typically, you won't come across bonus rounds in retro pokies. They tend to complicate things, which goes against the straightforward nature of these games. That said, some developers are now crafting bonus features that don't overwhelm the classic vibe, keeping things simple for punters who enjoy a bit of nostalgia with their spins.
When you're gearing up for a session on a retro pokie, it's crucial to stick to some basic gambling principles. Make sure you've sorted your bankroll, decided on your win goals and loss limits, and sorted out how you'll handle deposits and withdrawals from your gambling account. These steps will help keep your gaming in check.
When you're keen on playing retro pokies, stick to trusted online casinos. Look for a seal from a recognised gambling authority - that's your assurance everything's above board. No need to fret about dodgy sites when you've got that sorted.
For Kiwi punters keen on retro pokies, we at BETO.com reckon Casumo Gaming, Mr. Green Casino, and KingBilly are top-notch online casinos. These sites offer a cracking selection of classic-style pokies that'll take you back in time.
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