Look, here’s the thing — if you’re a Kiwi who loves pokie sessions, the Book-of-style games come up all the time, and it’s easy to get confused about which one to spin. This quick guide cuts through the waffle and gives you practical, NZ-focused advice on Book of Dead vs Book of Ra, plus what winning means for your wallet here in Aotearoa. Read on and you’ll know which one suits your style — and whether those wins are actually tax-free in New Zealand.
To start: Book of Dead (Play’n GO) and Book of Ra (Novomatic/various clones) share an Egyptian theme and a “free spins + expanding symbol” mechanic, but they differ in volatility, RTP, and how punters usually play them in NZ. I’ll show simple numbers in NZ$ you can relate to (NZ$0.20 spins up to NZ$5 and beyond), explain the tax situation for Kiwi players, and give bank-and-payment tips that actually matter locally. That preview helps set expectations for the rest of the article, where I dig into RTP, best bet sizes, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Book of Dead vs Book of Ra — Quick Comparison for NZ Players
Not gonna lie — on paper they look nearly identical, but punters across New Zealand have strong preferences, especially when chasing that big hit on the pokies. Below is an at-a-glance table aimed at Kiwi punters, followed by practical commentary you can use straight away.
| Feature | Book of Dead (Play’n GO) | Book of Ra (Classic / Novomatic) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Play’n GO | Novomatic / many clones |
| Typical RTP | ~96.2% (varies by version) | Often lower — ~92–95% depending on version |
| Volatility | High — streaky, big payouts less often | Medium–High — classic feel, sometimes tighter |
| Free Spins Mechanic | 3+ scatter → 10 free spins, expanding special symbol | 3+ scatter → 10 free spins, similar expanding symbol concept |
| Why Kiwis like it | Higher RTP + punchy bonus rounds — favoured by online punters | Old-school land-based vibe — popular among players who remember casinos |
| Typical bet size (common in NZ) | NZ$0.20 – NZ$5 per spin | NZ$0.20 – NZ$5 per spin |
Alright, check this out — Book of Dead tends to give better theoretical returns than classic Book of Ra, which is why it’s become choice for many online Kiwi punters; but that means it’s also a bit more volatile, so you need to manage bets properly. The next section explains volatility and RTP in plain NZ terms so you know how to size your punt.
Understanding RTP & Volatility — What It Means for Your NZ$ Bankroll
Honestly? RTP and volatility are the only two numbers that really matter when choosing between these pokies if you care about long-term value. RTP (Return to Player) is a long-run theoretical figure: a 96.2% RTP on Book of Dead means, on average, NZ$96.20 returned for every NZ$100 spun across huge samples — but short-term swings are massive. That means if you bankroll NZ$100, you should plan for variance and not assume short-term miracles. The following simple examples show how this looks in practice and preview betting tactics in the next part.
Example mini-cases (simple, real-feel): 1) Small-session approach — if you’re staking NZ$0.50 per spin with NZ$50 bank, expect long sessions but low chance of a single massive hit; 2) Medium chase — NZ$1 spins with NZ$200 bank gives more shot at bonus rounds; 3) High-risk attempt — NZ$5 spins from NZ$500 bank are “go big or go home” and will feel munted if the bonus doesn’t land. These examples lead straight into how Kiwi punters actually pick a game and bet size, which I cover next.
Which Game Fits Your Kiwi Playstyle?
I’m not 100% sure you’ll like the same thing I do, but here’s a practical split: if you like longer sessions and “sweeter” RTP, try Book of Dead; if you prefer that land-based pokies flavour with hill-and-valley pay patterns, Book of Ra (or its many versions) might be your jam. Most Kiwi punters treat Book of Dead like a heavier online staple and Book of Ra like a nostalgic dairy (corner store) find — both are sweet as for different reasons. Next I’ll give a short checklist to pick your preferred version and where to try both safely.
Where to Try Both Safely (Banking & Local Convenience)
Look, choosing a casino matters as much as choosing the pokie. For Kiwi players it’s handy to use sites that accept POLi (fast bank linking), Apple Pay for mobile convenience, Paysafecard for anonymity, and standard Bank Transfer or Visa/Mastercard. E‑wallets like Skrill or Neteller still work well too for fast withdrawals, and if you prefer crypto some offshore sites accept that. For example, a site that supports POLi means you can deposit directly from Kiwibank, ASB or ANZ without fuss, and that matters if you want NZ$ deposits and prompt payouts. Below I mention a reliable option where you can compare versions and practise on demo mode before spending real cash.
If you want to try both titles with NZD support and Kiwi-friendly payment options such as POLi and Apple Pay, twin-casino is one place many Kiwis check because it lists game RTPs and supports NZ$ accounts — which makes testing different versions and managing bankrolls easier. Try demos first, and then use small NZ$ bets to get a feel before scaling up.
Are Gambling Winnings Taxed in New Zealand?
Real talk: for most recreational Kiwi punters, gambling winnings are tax-free. That’s the law as it stands — if you play for fun (a hobby), you don’t declare spins or pokie jackpots as income. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) administers the Gambling Act 2003 and the tax treatment is a separate matter handled under NZ tax rules, which generally only target professional gambling or business-like operations. This matters if you’re considering a career as a pro punter — otherwise, tu meke, enjoy your winnings. Next I explain a few edge cases where tax could apply.
Could be controversial, but here’s the edge cases: if Inland Revenue determines you’re running a systematic gambling operation (regular, organised, profit-seeking), they may tax your earnings; likewise, operator-side taxes and duties (offshore operator levies) don’t affect you personally. So for 99% of players across NZ from Auckland to Christchurch, wins are not taxed — but keep evidence of play if you ever need to prove hobby status to the taxman. I’ll now cover common mistakes Kiwi punters make and how to dodge them.
Common Mistakes Kiwi Punters Make (and How to Avoid Them)
- Chasing losses with bigger NZ$ bets — not gonna sugarcoat it: that’s how you burn NZ$200 fast; set a limit first and stick to it.
- Ignoring RTP & game versions — many Book of Ra clones have lower RTPs; always check the info panel before you play.
- Depositing with slow methods when you want quick cashouts — if you prize speed, use e‑wallets or POLi-backed NZD sites.
- Not verifying ID early — KYC delays can hold your NZ$1,000+ withdrawal; upload documents proactively.
- Playing on a flaky mobile connection — test games on Spark, One NZ or 2degrees beforehand to avoid freezes in live sessions.
These mistakes are common and avoidable — next up is a quick checklist you can screenshot and use before your next pokie sesh.
Quick Checklist for Kiwi Players Before You Spin
- Check RTP in the game info (Book of Dead ~96.2%, Book of Ra versions often lower).
- Decide bet size as a % of bankroll (recommend ≤1–2% per spin for longer sessions).
- Pick a Kiwi-friendly payment method: POLi for deposits, e‑wallets for fast withdrawals.
- Do demo rounds first on Spark/One NZ/2degrees mobile to test latency.
- Set deposit & session limits in the casino account; use self-exclusion if needed.
- Remember: for most NZ players, winnings are tax-free — keep records if you gamble frequently.
That checklist keeps things tidy and feeds into the mini-FAQ that follows for quick answers on legality and play mechanics.
Mini-FAQ for Kiwi Players
Is it legal for me in New Zealand to play Book of Dead or Book of Ra on offshore sites?
Yes — New Zealanders can play at offshore online casinos. The Gambling Act 2003 restricts remote operators from being based here, but it doesn’t criminalise players using overseas sites. Always check the operator’s terms and prefer platforms that support NZ$ and familiar payment methods.
Which is better for long sessions: Book of Dead or Book of Ra?
Book of Dead generally has a higher RTP and is favoured for online long-session play, while Book of Ra (classic) gives a nostalgic land‑based vibe but may be tighter. Try demo modes first to see which feels “choice” to you.
Are my winnings taxable in NZ?
For most recreational players, no — gambling winnings are tax-free in New Zealand. If gambling is run as a business or professionally, Inland Revenue could take a different view, so keep records if you gamble heavily.
How should I size bets on these pokies if I have NZ$200?
Conservative approach: NZ$0.50–NZ$1 spins to stretch your session. Riskier: NZ$2–NZ$5 spins if you chase bigger bonuses, but be ready to lose that faster. Always set a stop-loss.
Not gonna lie, choosing a site that lists clear RTPs, supports NZ$ and local payment methods, and has transparent bonus T&Cs makes all the difference — and if you prefer a place that shows NZD payouts, quick POLi deposits and demo access so you can compare Book of Dead vs Book of Ra head-to-head, twin-casino is commonly used by Kiwi players for that kind of comparison. Try both demos, then stake small NZ$ amounts to feel the variance before committing larger sums.
18+ only. Play responsibly — set deposit and time limits. If gambling stops being fun, get help: Gambling Helpline NZ 0800 654 655 or gamblinghelpline.co.nz. This article is informational and not financial advice.
Sources
- Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) — Gambling Act 2003 (overview of NZ rules and regulator role).
- Provider game info pages (Play’n GO, Novomatic) — RTP and feature descriptions (check the game info panel in your casino lobby).
- Gambling Helpline NZ — local support and responsible gaming resources.
About the Author
I’m a Kiwi reviewer who’s spent years testing pokies across NZ-friendly sites and local networks (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees). I play for recreation, I set limits, and I prefer to try demos before staking real NZ$. This guide shares what I’ve learned so you can make choices that fit your budget and style — just my two cents, but hopefully useful.
