Pokies and progressive jackpots · Games Global group
Microgaming games for NZ players
One of the earliest online casino studios; its portfolio is now distributed by Games Global.
- Founded
- 1994
- Headquarters
- Isle of Man
- Catalogue
- 800+ titles (historical catalogue); now distributed by Games Global
- Certified by
- eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI
Popular Microgaming titles at NZ casinos
- ▶Mega Moolah
- ▶Immortal Romance
- ▶Thunderstruck II
- ▶Avalon
- ▶Game of Thrones
NZ note: Mega Moolah, Microgaming's flagship progressive jackpot, holds the record for several of the world's largest online casino jackpot payouts. The base game RTP is around 88–92% because a portion of every spin funds the jackpot pool. Games Global now handles distribution of the Microgaming catalogue to NZ-facing operators.
RTP: check the setting, not the headline
Many studios, including Microgaming, 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: Mega Moolah has paid jackpots exceeding NZ$30 million (pooled progressive). 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.
Microgaming FAQ for NZ players
Not always. Microgaming publishes an RTP range of 95–97% on most base games; progressive jackpot games are lower due to jackpot contribution. 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.
Microgaming games are certified by eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI. 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.
Microgaming is best known for pokies and progressive jackpots. Its most popular titles among NZ players include Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II. Mega Moolah, Microgaming's flagship progressive jackpot, holds the record for several of the world's largest online casino jackpot payouts. The base game RTP is around 88–92% because a portion of every spin funds the jackpot pool. Games Global now handles distribution of the Microgaming catalogue to NZ-facing operators.
Low to high — Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II are medium-high; Mega Moolah is low volatility with rare very large progressive wins