Pokies · Evolution group
Big Time Gaming games for NZ players
Creator of the Megaways mechanic; part of the Evolution group.
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
- Catalogue
- 50+ original titles; Megaways mechanic licensed to 100+ studios
- Certified by
- GLI, BMM Testlabs
Popular Big Time Gaming titles at NZ casinos
- ▶Bonanza Megaways
- ▶Extra Chilli
- ▶White Rabbit
- ▶Millionaire
- ▶Holy Diver
NZ note: BTG invented the Megaways mechanic and licenses it to many other studios including Pragmatic Play and Red Tiger. When playing a 'Megaways' game, check which studio actually made it, as the base RTP and volatility vary. BTG's own Bonanza is widely available at NZ casinos.
RTP: check the setting, not the headline
Many studios, including Big Time Gaming, supply games at more than one RTP setting — the operator chooses which to apply. On NZ$1,000 of spins, the gap between a 96% and a 92% setting is roughly NZ$40 in expected losses. Always open the game's information panel on the specific casino you are using to see which RTP setting is actually in play.
Maximum win potential: Up to 50,000x on Bonanza Megaways. High max-win games achieve these returns rarely and with high variance — they are not typical session outcomes.
Volatility and your bankroll
Two games with identical RTP can behave very differently. Low-volatility games pay small amounts often — suited to longer sessions with a limited budget. High-volatility games can run cold for extended periods before a large win. Set a session budget and stick to it before you start, whichever studio you play.
Expected hourly cost is the house edge multiplied by total amount wagered. Speed matters: a fast pokie at NZ$1 per spin (around 400 spins/hour) wagers NZ$400/hour — with a 4% house edge that is NZ$16 expected loss per hour. A live blackjack hand at NZ$10 with basic strategy has a house edge near 0.5%, costing about NZ$3/hour at 60 hands. See our RTP and volatility guide for full examples.
What an hour of play costs
| Scenario | Wagered/hour | House edge | Expected loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokie NZ$1/spin · ~400 spins/hr | NZ$400 | 4% (96% RTP) | ~NZ$16 |
| Pokie NZ$1/spin · 8% edge (92% RTP) | NZ$400 | 8% (92% RTP) | ~NZ$32 |
| Pokie NZ$0.20/spin · ~400 spins/hr | NZ$80 | 4% | ~NZ$3.20 |
| Live blackjack NZ$10/hand · ~60 hands/hr | NZ$600 | ~0.5% basic strategy | ~NZ$3 |
Figures are illustrative. For bonus play: what wagering requirements really cost.
Playing responsibly
Understanding the studio behind a game helps you make informed choices — but no amount of studio knowledge changes the house edge. All casino games are designed so the operator keeps a percentage over time. Set deposit and session limits before playing; NZ casinos reviewed on this site all offer these tools. The Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) is free and available 24/7.
Big Time Gaming FAQ for NZ players
Not always. Big Time Gaming publishes an RTP range of 96–97% on most titles. Some studios supply the same game at multiple RTP settings and each operator chooses which to offer. The only reliable place to confirm the exact setting is the game's own information panel on the specific casino you are playing at.
Big Time Gaming games are certified by GLI, BMM Testlabs. Independent testing confirms results are random and match the published maths — it does not mean the game favours the player, as every game has a house edge.
Big Time Gaming is best known for pokies. Its most popular titles among NZ players include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli, White Rabbit. BTG invented the Megaways mechanic and licenses it to many other studios including Pragmatic Play and Red Tiger. When playing a 'Megaways' game, check which studio actually made it, as the base RTP and volatility vary. BTG's own Bonanza is widely available at NZ casinos.
Very high — Megaways games have up to 117,649 ways to win but long dry spells between large pays