Pokies
Yggdrasil games for NZ players
Pokies studio with a partner programme for smaller developers.
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Malta
- Catalogue
- 100+ original titles; 200+ via YG Masters partner programme
- Certified by
- eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs
Popular Yggdrasil titles at NZ casinos
- ▶Vikings Go Wild
- ▶Wolf Hunters
- ▶Joker Millions
- ▶Golden Fish Tank
- ▶Cazino Zeppelin
NZ note: Yggdrasil's YG Masters programme lets smaller studios publish games under the Yggdrasil distribution umbrella. When you see a game tagged 'Yggdrasil' in a casino lobby it may be an original Yggdrasil title or a YG Masters partner game — check the in-game panel for the actual developer and RTP.
RTP: check the setting, not the headline
Many studios, including Yggdrasil, 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 5,000x on Vikings Go Berzerk. 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.
Yggdrasil FAQ for NZ players
Not always. Yggdrasil publishes an RTP range of 96–96.5% on most original 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.
Yggdrasil games are certified by eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs. 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.
Yggdrasil is best known for pokies. Its most popular titles among NZ players include Vikings Go Wild, Wolf Hunters, Joker Millions. Yggdrasil's YG Masters programme lets smaller studios publish games under the Yggdrasil distribution umbrella. When you see a game tagged 'Yggdrasil' in a casino lobby it may be an original Yggdrasil title or a YG Masters partner game — check the in-game panel for the actual developer and RTP.
Medium to high — Vikings Go Wild series is high volatility with sticky wilds; Joker Millions is a progressive jackpot